Makeup Talk: Tips For Getting The Most Out Of Your Beauty Products

If you are a beauty lover, you know how much it can bum you out when you run out of your favorite product, or the feeling you get when you "hit pan". Today, I wanted to share a few tips with you for extending the life of your products, getting the most out of what you have, and when you should throw out makeup! I also want to share two of my favorite tips from Lara, from the HSN blog! You can find her post here.

1) Broken pressed powder product? Add a couple drops of rubbing alcohol, press the pieces back together, and wait for it to completely dry. In no time you'll have it back to its [almost] new condition.

2) Don't like your conditioner? You don't have to toss it! Use it as a shaving cream-it should moisturize while giving you a smooth base for shaving!

3) Dig! If you are running low on one of your lipsticks and can no longer use it directly on your lips, use a q-tip to dig a little out and then apply to your lips! Even better? Use it as a 2-in-1 product to get the most for your money; take a little and dab it on your cheekbones as a cream blush! The result will be a really natural glow!

4. A tip from Lara:

-I think this is key in making the most out of your products! I myself have bought the same shade of lipgloss or eyeshadow, even though I know I already have something similar. Instead of letting it go to waste in the future, really think about what you are buying before you get it.If you know that it can be duplicated (or almost duplicated) by something in your collection already, hold off! Reward yourself with that new item when the similar one is gone!

5. Does your eyeliner break off too easily? If it is too soft and falling off (or losing its shape!), you may find yourself constantly sharpening it, which consequently means you are using it up faster than you need to. Store your pencil liners in a ziplock baggy in your fridge-the cool temperatures will help it keep the shape! You could also just pop it in the freezer for a bit before applying it!

6. If you find yourself going through facial cleansing wipes too fast, cut them in half! You'll be surprised that half a wipe actually can take a fair amount of makeup off! Fold it up and use different sides; that way, you are getting the most out of the wipe!
7. A tip from Lara:

-Please keep this tip in mind! What good will your brushes be if they become frayed, caked up, or germ infested? Lara makes a great point when she says that you are also extending the life of your products doing this! Case in point-your favorite pressed powder gets a slightly darker "film" over it, and it seems like no matter how many times you try, you just can't pick up very much product from that area. That "film" is likely face oils that have been deposited by your makeup brush (or sponge!)

8. Don't pump! When you pump your mascara wand up and down in the tube, it puts more air into the tube-drying out the product and leaving more room for bacteria to grow inside.

9. Running low on your favorite liquid foundation? Mix a liquid concealer that is the same shade as your skintone in with your favorite moisturizer. The extra pigment from your concealer can mimic the coverage your foundation could give you. Apply it as you would your foundation and save the last of your real foundation for a special occasion!

10. When to throw it out:
-Mascara: After 2-3 months, especially when you notice it is becoming clumpy or has a weird smell.
-Liquid foundation & concealer: After 6-12 months; when you notice the color is becoming lighter and separation has occured in the product.
-Lipstick: After 2 years; when it becomes noticeably dry.
-Lipgloss: After 1 year; when it becomes extra sticky.
-Nailpolish: After 1-2 years; when separation occurs that doesn't blend after shaking, or when it becomes extra "goopy".
 -Powder, eyeshadow, blush: After 2 years; when it becomes extra dry or flaky.


I hope these tips were helpful! What is your makeup saving tip?
Want more of Lara's tips? Find her post here.

Thanks for reading!
XO, Kelsey 

*This post is based on my own opinions and tips from experience. The tips from Lara were used with permission, as a way to do a shared post. No commission was made from this. This post is solely for the benefit of anyone that wants to read these tips! :)