14 Best Places In Melbourne To Get Budget and Discount Beauty Treatments

Melbourne College of Hair and Beauty

MCOHB operates as a beauty college primarily, but it also has a salon attached which is open to the public. They offer both beauty services and extensive hair services at majorly discounted prices compared to typical salons. Facials, body treatments (massage, scrubs, hot stones), spray tanning and eyelash extensions or eyebrow tints are all on the menu.

National Academy of Hair & Beauty

The National Academy of Hair & Beauty in the inner suburb of Richmond runs regular courses as well as operating a salon where students apply their newly mastered techniques to clients who like a budget beauty service. From eyelash extensions to manicures, pedicures and facials – for a spare $5 you can indulge in a treatment (or two). The catch is that it may take much longer than a highly experienced beauty professional, so factor in an additional hour in some cases.

Sephora In-Store Beauty

You go in for a browse and end up with a basket load of lipstick, blush, bronzer and glitter. What happened? We’ve all been there. You get dazzled by the lights and colours and next thing you know, your entire budget and more has been blown. Fortunately, you can make a buzzline directly for the brow bar or a Sephora makeup artist for budget-friendly makeup application (listen to the expert tips: priceless) and brow taming and grooming. You can book online.

MAC

The MAC Express service is super affordable and doesn't require a major time commitment either. The sessions are 30 minutes long, with a focus on a particular facial feature you want to learn how to accentuate or mastering a look (like  a cat's eye or fuller lips). The session costs $70 which is fully redeemable on product so that once you've been recommended products, and experienced how they work on your face, you go home wiser with a bag full of MAC goodies. Book ahead or in store.

Endota Spa Wellness College Spa Night

As part of their beauty and wellness courses, endota Wellness College runs “spa nights” in which students provide discounted services like manicures, pedicures, facials and massage. Massively discounted, you’ll be in the hands of students who are under supervision and have undergone extensive training to deliver endota quality service. For more information on the spa nights, enquire with the college or join the Facebook group. Located at The District Docklands Shopping Centre in Docklands.

Victoria University Beauty

Conveniently located on King Street in the CBD, the student salon at Victoria University offers all the beauty services you could want at a fraction of typical salon prices.  Whether it's waxing, facial and body treatments, manicures and pedicures, eyelash and eyebrow tinting or massage, you can book in online. There's also a Dermal Clinic and Osteopathy Clinic within the campus so you could make several consecutive bookings.

Brazilian Butterfly

Brazilian Butterfly has salons all over Melbourne, but their offers are organised centrally so you can be sure that whichever salon is closest to you is running the same discounts and specials as all salons. Their expertise is in waxing and tanning, and they also offer IPL Hair Removal and Lash Lifts and Tints.

Results Laser Clinic

With clinics around Melbourne, Results Laser Clinic will have a salon convenient to you. They run promotions throughout the year, sometimes with 60% off laser treatments and half priced microdermabrasion or other facial treatments.  They have specific treatments for acne as well as skin needling and non-surgical facelifts and eye treatments.

Box Hill Institute

Fully supervised by senior trained staff, the services at Box Hill's Beauty Salon are offered at a huge discount because they're provided by students. Manicures, waxing, facials, spray tans, massage and brow tints are all on the menu for around $10 to $20. Open Monday to Friday.

Elly Lukas Beauty

Elly Lukas runs beauty and spa courses year round, so you can attend the Student Clinic located on site in Flinders Lane, central Melbourne for a range of services. Each treatment is $20 and each treatment is assessed so you can sure students are providing the best quality of treatment. Facials, massage, waxing, eyelash extensions, spray tans and body treatments are all on offer.

Australasian Academy of Cosmetic Dermal Science

The Student Clinic at AACDS provides advanced dermal treatments for a fraction of the typical cost. Opt for the AHA peel for around $30 or IPL (Intensive Pulsed Light) photo rejuvenation, IPL hair reduction, skin needling or microdermabrasion. Each treatment takes between an hour and a couple of hours so ensure you plan enough time to get there and stay the full length required.

Casey College of Beauty Therapy

Casey College of Beauty Therapy is located in Berwick. Running Thursday evenings from 6pm to 9:30pm and Friday mornings 9:30am to 2:30pm, the treatments are all performed by students that have qualified the course unit.

On the menu are eyelash extensions, shellac manicures and pedicures, acrylic nails, waxing and massage.

 Kangan Institute

https://info.kangan.edu.au/richmond-salon

The Student Clinic at Kangan Institute offers both beauty and hair services so you could organise a full makeover at a huge discount to what you'd usually pay. The training salon in Richmond runs from Monday through to Wednesday until 4pm, though the hair and barbering salon is open until 8:30pm on Mondays and Wednesdays for those who need an after-work appointment.

Biba Academy

Ok, so technically this is all about hair not beauty, but if you’re seeking affordable cuts, colours, styling and you can spare a little longer than a typical hairdressing appointment, get to Biba Academy in either Melbourne CBD or Fitzroy.

Fresh Fit Food: Which Meal Delivery Services I Recommend

I know how to cook, prepare and serve delicious, nutritious meals.
I can also talk macronutrients, energy, allergies, vitamins and minerals.
In short, I'm not in the dark when it comes to food and how to look after myself. There are other reasons for using a meal delivery service.

Good Reasons To Use Meal Delivery:

• Being caught up in a hectic, unpredictable time where shopping, planning meals and feeding yourself and your family or housemates just isn't possible (ie. new job, illness in the family)
• Experiencing injury or illness that can sap you of energy and the physical ability to get out and about to shop and then to do the preparations also.
• Feeling caught in a rut and eating the same meals over and over again
• Struggling to find inspiration for new ideas at meal times and wanting a kick in the butt
• Curiosity

Why I Use Meal Delivery

I am guilty of being caught in eating the same meals all the time because it's easy. I know exactly what I need to buy in advance, I know how long it takes me to prepare and I know I like it. Only, I get so bored and if I'm bored, so is my body! Variety - just as in the classes you do, the friends you have, the places you go - is fuel for the soul. The body also benefits in every way from a variety of flavours, nutrients and just the mental effect of discovering something different and inspiring.

Which Meal Delivery Service To Use

There's already some really great services that deliver around Australia, and there are new ones popping up every week. This is both fabulous and also overwhelming if you're not sure where to start or you've had a bad experience. 

I've used the following and I highly recommend them. None of them require contracts or an ongoing relationship. You can order a one-time-only delivery and never do so again if you want!

This is for the person too busy to shop but not completely inept in the kitchen. This is for people who enjoy the preparation factor, but don't want to walk through supermarket aisles for the sake of a few meals. The box arrived for me on Tuesday morning (delivered silently in the very early hours of morning!) and had each meal packaged in a separate large paper bag.

In the box, recipe cards that described the preparation of each meal including cooking and prep time. I was provided herbs, flavourings, raw ingredients and ultimately, I had to cook and prepare. The great thing about this is that I felt like I had control over the level of flavouring I could add, and I could be a little creative as far as presentation and making any little adjustments like changing the choice of herbs or adding different vegetables.

I heartily recommend the chicken and fish meals as well as the superb Superfoods Veggie Bowl. I did add extra protein to this one but if you didn't, it's ideal for vegans and vegetarians.

Marley Spoon

Kate Save is a clinical dietitian with a true passion for food and it shows in the delicious menu options she offers. She designs meals with a real focus on balanced amounts of protein, carbs, vitamins and micronutrients to ensure hormonal balance, weight control and VERY importantly, flavour. From frittata to curries, chunky soups, chia pods, protein ball snacks through to vegetarian friendly tofu dinners, there is no skimping on quality and yumminess.

Kate has worked with eating disorders, obesity, diabetes, juveniles and adults in her clinical role of dietitian and it was this, combined with her genuine love for preparing healthful, flavourful foods, that acted as the catalyst to start her own business. She has raised her children on these same meals and it is imperative to her that they are well fed, nourished and loved. This comes across in the food that arrives on my doorstep. It is full of flavour, perfectly balanced for a fit and weight-conscious individual, and also full of love and soul. There is nothing dry and boring about Kate's meals and even though they are perfectly measured as far as macronutrients (safe for anyone looking to lose or maintain weight), there is nothing boring about Kate's menu.

You can put in an order as late as Sunday evening and be assured of delivery the following Tuesday - everything is prepared and delivered fresh and clearly labelled.

I totally recommend the chia puddings - in fact, I'd put in an order for these alone! - and the frittata with kale and chickpeas. Delicious. Definitely don't skip the Berry Bliss Chia Pudding and the Blueberry with Chia Seeds.
I also loved the South American Chilli Beef And Beans for lunch on the go.

Be Fit Food

My Muscle Chef was the very first meal delivery service I tried and it is not at all what I feared it might be: tiny portions of NASA-grade food for body sculptors who subsist on a couple of almonds and a lettuce leaf. THANKFULLY these are divinely tasty and the fact they are energy-controlled and designed with the ideal ratio of protein to carbs is an afterthought once you dig the fork in. The meals range from vegetarian through to kangaroo, fish, chicken and beef.
I'm a big fan of the kangaroo with brown rice. It's so easy to overcook and dry out kangaroo meat but this is perfectly prepared and delivered for maximum flavour and texture. I admit, the meals are not nearly as big as I need for dinner. As a lunch option, perfectly portioned. I add nuts, extra rice and loads of vegetables to the dinner portion and occasionally, extra protein depending on my appetite. They deliver weekly to Melbourne and Sydney.

My Muscle Chef

Other delivery services I recommend trying include Aussie Farmers Direct, Woolworths Online and Nourished Life for supplements and healthy meal preparation tools.

Basic Health Hacks

No matter how healthy, well, fit or fully spiritually evolved you are. there can always be little tips and ideas you haven't considered or that you ONCE practiced and forgot about. Without further ado, some basic health hacks you may already be aware of (applause for you!) and some extra ideas you can keep in your arsenal for Living 101.

Keep frozen veggies stocked up

This one is so simple. Mixed vegetables, diced up and ready for cooking. They bulk up any meal from simple steak and veggies to a hearty soup or stew. It's not always convenient to go shopping for fresh veggies and fruit when you're under time pressures. Fail safe!

Flavour with organic herbs and spices instead of chemical laden, sugar and MSG rich stuff

It can be easy to reach for those cheap bottles of "Thai" "Indian" "Moroccan" flavourings in the supermarket, but if you read the ingredients list, chances are they are full of sugar and random ingredients like "chicken flavour" (what IS that?!).

My favourite find is Australian made, ALL NATURAL, gluten free, no additives and preservatives Pinch Spices. The Hunter Valley Rub is delicious on meat dishes and the Spicy Caribbean Rub is amazing with eggs and veggies, pulses and rice based meals. And fish. And pretty much anything really. Yum.

Look for free gym trials and yoga/pilates/dance studio special offers

Try a Google search for local gyms and studios and if they don't list trial offers, don't be afraid to ask. Many studios and gyms understand that you don't want to sign up for a membership or even a month of visits unless you get a good feel for their offerings on the initial visit. 

Keep teabags in your handbag

Found yourself stuck in a meeting or the office for a deadline-based issue and stomach rumbling? Is your colleague offering you Instant Coffee as the only option? You will thank me for this! I take them on flights too. It's like a little bit of home you can indulge in anywhere. 

Stock up on long-life milk and  basics like tinned tuna and salmon, brown rice and quinoa

The best way to avoid indulging in the 2-minute noodles your flatmate has conveniently stocked up on in case of armageddon or even eating Cornflakes for dinner (guilty - but Special K, surely that's a TAD better?) is to ensure you have some basic staples that are adaptable. Since you've already got a cupboard full of Pinch Spices now, any rice and fish, or chickpea and quinoa meal is going to taste delish.

Coles does a range of 2-serve rice, quinoa options. These are genius for the pantry at home and at work. I swear by brown rice/quinoa combo. Zap it in the microwave (or don't, if you're me) and combine it with whatever pulses, veggies, proteins you love and voila! 

Use Facebook groups to buy, sell and swap fitness gear 

There's plenty of location and product/services based Facebook groups where you can buy, swap and sell. This is a convenient and affordable way to pick up new fitness gear, from DVDs and sneakers to leggings and fitness trackers, while also being able to swap or sell what you no longer use.

Learn how to create some basic, healthy meals so that you're confident to cook for yourself

This may be watching YouTube or it may be asking a friend or family member to share recipes and cooking tips with you. For some of us, boiling an egg is a complete mystery. If you're feeling a bit braver and want to make your cooking lesson a bit more of a social affair, see if your local market runs cooking courses. Some councils, food stores and natural health stores run classes too. As per any major life decision, Google is your friend. I love these zucchini fritters with smoked salmon and poached eggs.

Use a meal delivery service for a week to introduce new flavours and recipes to your palate

I can wholeheartedly attest to the quality and reliability of My Muscle Chef. I became addicted to the kangaroo-based meals but the basa fish fillets and chicken were also fabulous. They come in different sizes but all labelled and securely packaged in separate trays ready for the fridge. Pick your meals for a week or longer, and you can take some to work, keep some for home and know that you don't have to worry about shopping or preparing food if you're under enough pressure with work, family or personal issues. Also fabulous if you're injured or post surgery or just unwell. Everything is done for you! These are also ideal if you can't manage to get beyond the same old ritualistic meals - egg and lettuce roll from the cafeteria every day? Steak and potatoes every night? Change it up!

A new player is Marley Spoon. I'm about to give this a whirl as they are releasing a whole new super healthy range of meal options. Their current options look fab too though so go check it out. Never hurts to try something new.

Classic Brand, Modern Skincare and Beauty on a Budget

I grew up with a nan totally dedicated to makeup and grooming (weekly cut and "set" with rollers and enough hairspray to freeze the whole of Seaford). She had a drawer full of Estee Lauder and Revlon lipsticks in various shades of pink and coral.

My mum would insist she's not fussed about makeup but a dressing table loaded with 20 shades of beige lipstick and every possible eyeshadow palette combination known to human kind would attest otherwise! 

So a love for makeup was in the genes. Skincare is the natural partner to makeup though. While I began using concealer and foundation to disguise pimples and redness as a teenager, it was only in my early 20s that I realised makeup is much more joyful as a form of expression and to highlight and emphasise great skin, bright eyes, and an angular face. 

With the advice of a very strict dermatologist (who insisted on Roaccutane to cure my teenage acne and she was right), I became used to washing, moisturising and duly applying Vaseline to avoid my lips cracking clear off my face.

I also learnt that "non comedogenic" means no blackheads and pore-clogging. This is good. I chose cleansers and moisturisers with the simplest of ingredients - no fancy scents and waxes or minerals. So it is with glee that I embrace the most budget friendly of skincare. Super glam and expensive products are a luxury and sometimes, entirely worth the expenditure for the amount of science and surveys they conduct. But nothing says "I WORK" like longetivity. So, forthwith, two brands that have been around for a looooong time and have been introduced by grandmothers to mothers to daughters and so on, and will be for decades to come.

Best of all, you don't need to hunt them out online or call a salon in advance to check on stock. They are two aisles down from the vegetables and laundry powder. For the price of a few coffees, you can have a daily skin ritual sorted for weeks or months.

Nivea and Vaseline have both had a modern makeover as far as packaging and digital presence, but their formulas have remained reassuringly simple and dependable. 

I swear by Vaseline petroleum jelly as a lip protector. It has so many uses though! A tattoo artist recommended using it to protect colour and clarity of my work for the two weeks after having work done. It can be blended with blush, eyeshadow, lip pigments to turn matte shades into gloss or to blend colours. It's a makeup artist staple! If you're dyeing your hair, it makes an excellent scalp protector. It's a couple of dollars. Go on.

As for Nivea - the packaging has had a major overhaul and the product range has expanded over the past few decades. My mother and sister are fanatical about the Q10 range. I like it, but my personal preference is the Pure & Natural range and also the Daily Essentials. I like that they're titled exactly as what they are. From scrubs to foams, milks to serums to sprays, pick what your preference is. Considering that they're a fraction of the cost of most skincare these days, you can afford to experiment!

Nivea originated in 1882 in Germany - not many brands can claim such a long life and many are too quick to jump onto novelty at the expense of sticking to the basics and doing them well. That said, the packaging design, product innovations and partnerships with celebrities and ambassadors who are relevant and iconic means Nivea has hardly been quiet on the marketing and modernity front. It was a total pleasure to indulge in a major Nivea haul this week. Here's what's taken pride of place in my bathroom cabinet and handbag:

Pure & Natural Soothing Day Cream: Formulated for dry and sensitive skin, this is ideal for those who are prone to spots and yet don't have an oily complexion. It's gentle and has a really subtle, calming scent. Must be the chamomile! 95% natural ingredients. No parabens and minerals.
In Shower Rich Body Lotion: Lazy girls rejoice! No need to shower AND moisturise. This is truly efficient. After washing as usual, apply this almond oil enriched lotion, quickly rinse and towel dry. Designed for very dry skin. Excellent remedy for winter scaliness.
Invisible Anti-Perspirant: For those of us who don't wish to raise our arms and display powdery marks all over our chic black gym gear. Or work wear - apparently there are people who don't wear sports gear all day too.
Soothing Cleaning Mousse: Again, dry and sensitive skin is catered for with a gentle formula designed not to leave you with alligator skin and redness. Ideal for multiple daily uses and should be followed with moisturiser.

Lip balm in Soft Rose and Vitamin Shake: Double duty lip balm! Gives a gentle rosy tint that says, I've just been skipping through the snowy alps after a facial and the Vitamin Shake because it sounds like a delicious smoothie but you can carry it around in your pocket or handbag day and night. No more crackly kissers for us.

If you're in Australia and you want to be the first to try new products, enter giveaways and receive free samples, you can sign up to be a MyNivea member free.

The Good Oil on 3 Budget Buys for Banishing Blemishes, Laundry, Stress Free Sleep and Cleaning

It amazes me that not everyone has cottoned on to the wonders of this cheap, versatile supermarket buy. Eucalyptus, tea tree and lavender oil are all super cheap, potent, easily available, NATURAL and multi-use.

If you only choose one oil - eucalyptus is your friend. I have a bottle that has lasted 6 months. I use eucalytus oil:

• to dab into my nostrils to prevent inflammation from dust pollens and cold/flu symptoms
• added to saline solution for a nasal spray
• dabbed on blemishes to reduce inflammation and blitz spots
• added to floor cleaner
• to wipe down bathroom surfaces
• to wash gym clothing - out, out damn germs!
• diluted as a spray for the yoga mat. Trust me.
• 

Then there are two more that will go the distance. They have multiple uses and because they are so potent, you'll use only a tiny amount at a time. This is going to be magic for your budget and your health. I use lavender oil:

• rubbed gently on my temples to relax
• spritzed on my pillow and bedding before sleep to de-stres
• added to boiling water for a facial steam (just hold a towel over your head!)
• added to fragrance-free, basic moisturisers for scent and anti-inflammatory properties
• massage oil for the muscles

Finally, though the smell takes me back to my teenage years, teatree oil dabbed on spots will blitz them. It's also great for cuts, abrasions and also for cleaning duties.

It's worth buying 3 at a time and saving around 15% - I order online at Bosisto's but these are also easily available at chemists, pharmacies and supermarkets.

Do It Yourself Beauty At Home (Beauty On A Budget!)

Closer to counting your coins than your diamonds? I hear you. You don't need to make half your beauty and wellbeing appointments beyond your bathroom. Here's what you can and should be mastering at home!

Hair Colour. Ok - NOT if you have super blonde hair unnaturally or complex highlights happening. Put down the bleach immediately. However, if you are touching up the roots on a colour within 4 shades of your natural colour (I dye my hair 2 shades darker brown than natural) then save yourself an expensive salon visit and do it at home. I swear by no-mess, fast L'Oreal Sublime Mousse or Colour Preference in Brasilia. It is so easy to apply in mousse form and way less messy than the typical liquid formulas.

Facial. Sure, this is such an appealing luxury BUT you can apply a skin-specific masque at home and spend the waiting time dancing to lame 90s hits in your loungeroom. Can't do THAT at a salon can you? I love Elemis, Kiehl's, Sanctum and Nut'rir skincare ranges for their masque offerings. What you choose is dependent on what you want to target (acne, uneven skin tone, dryness, sensititivity and redness etc) so look at what the masque says it does. Not all products do the same thing!
I've also just discovered indeed labs exfoliator. It is awesome. A fine powder that works into a foam - you can use it alone or add it to your current cream cleanser for some added oomph. Cleansing before a masque is mandatory.

Sea Siren Buccaneer

OPI Chiffon My Mind

Mani/Pedi. Yes you can. It's practice. Make sure you paint the WHOLE nail and try to stay inside the lines. My favourites are OPI Chiffon My Mind for subtle, Orly Push The Limits for full-on fuschia, and Sea Siren Buccaneer or Pirate's Blood for dramatic bold shades. All are 5-free and cruelty free.



Contouring. Yes you can. Thanks to Into The Gloss for the insider guide to contouring by Kim Kardashian's makeup artist du jour, Mario Dedivanovic. Note that he FILLS THE BROWS to "frame the face". Such a quality tip! I dye my brows dark, dark brown. Skip the salon and use 1000 Hour Eyelash & Brow Kit (saves you $$$ and time).
Watch, learn, do.

Fashionably Fit on a Super Budget @ MRP

I discovered MRP through Instagram and I am addicted now. It has a great activewear range and it is AMAZINGLY budget friendly. Ain't no $99 yoga pants here.

I've got racerback tanks, capris, leggings (gold pineapple print, anyone?) and socks/undies for the price of a couple of coffees. You must check this out if you're into your workoutwear but you don't want to mortgage the house to keep your wardrobe full!

The Drop It Like A Squat tank and similar singlets are $9.60, capri pants $12.40, print leggings $17.80 and cheeky shorts either $5.60 or $6.80.

I've done two orders now and both have arrived fast and fuss free - wrapped up and in perfect condition! Totally recommend you get shopping. You can see me rocking my MRP gear on my Instagram @cat13gram and follow MRP on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest