10 Smart Tips To Save A Lot on Toiletries

🔎 Disclosure: Heads up, babe: some links here are affiliate links, which means you might throw a tiny commission my way if you buy (zero extra cost to you). Only things you’d actually use and love get shared on this site.

1. Switch To The Store Brand For Your Shampoo And Body Wash

Okay babe, real talk, that fancy bottle is not doing anything magical.

Store brands often use similar ingredients and leave your hair and skin just as clean without the extra cost.

Here’s what this simple swap does for you:

  • Lower Price Tag: Grab the store brand version to spend less per bottle.
  • Same Clean Result: Wash your hair and body without noticing a difference.
  • Monthly Savings Boost: Keep more cash in your wallet every time you restock.

👉 Here’s How You’ll Do It: Next time you run out of shampoo, stand in the aisle, compare the store brand to your usual one, and put the cheaper option in your cart.

How I Made It Easy: Consider using the Target Circle app to quickly spot store-brand discounts while you shop.


2. Check The Price Per Ounce On The Shelf Tag Before Buying

Ever notice that bigger bottles are not always the better deal?

That tiny “price per ounce” number on the shelf tag tells you the real winner every single time.

Here’s how you win the aisle game:

  • Unit Price Focus: Look at the cost per ounce before choosing any shampoo or lotion.
  • Smarter Comparison: Pick the lower number even if the bottle looks smaller.
  • Instant Savings Habit: Save money without changing what you buy.

👉 Here’s How You’ll Do It: When you reach for a product, pause for 5 seconds, read the price per ounce on the tag, and choose the lowest one.

How I Made It Easy: Consider using a calculator app on your phone if shelf tags are unclear.


3. Buy Your Toothpaste And Deodorant During Big Sales

Girl, toothpaste goes on sale all the time, and paying full price hurts my soul.

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Stocking up during sales keeps you from doing those last-minute full-price runs.

Here’s your simple stock-up plan:

  • Sale Timing: Buy toothpaste and deodorant when stores run buy-one-get-one deals.
  • Backup Drawer: Keep 2 extras at home to avoid emergency purchases.
  • Predictable Restock: Replace items only when your backup is opened.

👉 Here’s How You’ll Do It: When you see a sale, grab 2 of each essential and store them in a small bathroom drawer labeled “backup.”

How I Made It Easy: Consider setting a reminder in your phone before holiday sale weekends.


4. Use A Smaller Amount Of Shampoo Each Time You Wash

Confession time, most of us squeeze way too much shampoo into our hand.

Using a smaller amount still cleans your hair and makes each bottle last longer.

Here’s how you stretch it out:

  • Half Squeeze Rule: Use half of what you normally pour into your palm.
  • Add Water First: Wet your hair fully to help shampoo spread easier.
  • Longer Bottle Life: Make one bottle last weeks longer.

👉 Here’s How You’ll Do It: Next shower, pour half your usual amount into your palm, lather slowly, and see how far it actually goes.

How I Made It Easy: Consider a shampoo bottle pump that controls how much product comes out each time.


5. Cut Open Lotion Bottles To Use The Last Bit

Okay bestie, there is always lotion hiding in that “empty” bottle.

Cutting it open lets you use every last drop instead of tossing money in the trash.

Here’s the smart move:

  • Bottle Split Trick: Use scissors to carefully cut the bottle in half.
  • Extra Week Use: Scoop out leftover lotion for several more days.
  • Zero Waste Win: Get full value from what you paid for.

👉 Here’s How You’ll Do It: When your lotion feels empty, cut it open carefully and use a small spatula to scoop out what’s left for the week.

How I Made It Easy: Consider a small silicone spatula set to reach inside bottles easily.

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6. Sign Up For The Store Rewards Program For Extra Discounts

Why leave easy discounts on the table, right?

Store reward programs give you points, coupons, and special offers on basics you already buy.

Here’s how it helps you:

  • Points Add Up: Earn rewards every time you buy toiletries.
  • Exclusive Coupons: Unlock member-only discounts on shampoo and razors.
  • Faster Savings: Stack deals during big sales for better value.

👉 Here’s How You’ll Do It: Download your favorite store’s app today, create a free account, and scan it at checkout every time you shop.

How I Made It Easy: Consider linking your rewards account to your phone wallet for quicker checkout scans.


7. Share A Bulk Pack Of Razors With A Friend

Bulk razor packs look tempting until you realize you do not need 20 of them.

Splitting a big pack with a friend cuts the price in half without overstocking your bathroom.

Here’s the simple math:

  • Cost Split Trick: Buy one bulk pack and divide it evenly.
  • Less Clutter: Avoid storing extras you will not use soon.
  • Better Price Per Razor: Pay less per piece instantly.

👉 Here’s How You’ll Do It: Text your bestie before your next warehouse run, agree to split a bulk razor pack, and divide it right after checkout.

How I Made It Easy: Consider using a shared notes app list with your friend to plan bulk buys together.


8. Skip Trendy Limited Edition Scents You Do Not Need

Those “limited edition” labels are cute, but they are not life changing.

Sticking to your regular basics keeps your budget steady instead of chasing every new scent.

Here’s your stay-focused plan:

  • Ignore Flashy Packaging: Walk past new releases unless you truly need a refill.
  • Stick To Essentials: Buy your usual shampoo and body wash only.
  • Impulse Control Win: Keep your cart simple and predictable.

👉 Here’s How You’ll Do It: When you see a new scent, pause for 10 seconds, ask yourself if your current bottle is empty, and keep walking if it is not.

How I Made It Easy: Consider using a simple shopping list app to stay focused in the aisle.

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9. Refill Your Hand Soap Bottles Instead Of Buying New Pumps

Those pretty pump bottles cost more than the soap inside, babe.

Buying refill packs and reusing the same pump saves money every time.

Here’s how you stretch it:

  • Refill Packs Only: Purchase large refill bags instead of new bottles.
  • Reuse Pumps: Keep your existing dispenser and top it off.
  • Lower Cost Per Fill: Spend less per wash over time.

👉 Here’s How You’ll Do It: When your hand soap runs low, buy a refill pouch, pour it into your current pump bottle, and skip the fancy new one.

How I Made It Easy: Consider a clear refillable soap dispenser set that you can reuse for years.


10. Make A Toiletry List Before You Go To The Store

Walking into Target without a plan is dangerous, girl.

A simple list keeps you from tossing extra “just in case” items into your cart.

Here’s your checkout control trick:

  • Quick Inventory Check: Look under your sink before shopping.
  • Write Exact Items: List only what you truly need to replace.
  • No Extra Toss Ins: Stick to your list at checkout.

👉 Here’s How You’ll Do It: Before you leave home, check your bathroom cabinet, write down only what is empty or almost gone, and bring that list into the store.

How I Made It Easy: Consider using a small magnetic fridge notepad to track toiletries that run low during the week.


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Lily Thompson

Hey, I'm Lily! I'm a mom who's really good at two things: making life easier and sharing what works. I created ''Like Mom Said'' after one too many moments of realizing: "My mom was right about this." Turns out, a lot of that old-school wisdom still holds up... it just needs a modern spin. Think of me as your friend who's always got a tip (and coffee in hand.)