Too many half-used products are cluttering my bathroom – stuff it seems wasteful to chuck away but that I never finish, and things that don’t quite suit me or my skin type.
But in these lean times, a little thriftiness is called for. So I’ve been looking for ways to give those old products a new life – and make space in my bathroom cabinet for some new treats once I’ve got the cash to splurge!
Favourite mascara all dried up? Get rid of the tube but hold on to the wand. Give it a thorough clean in some hot soapy water, then a good rinse and store it with your makeup brushes. It will be ideal to use for separating your lashes and combing your brows.
Facial scrub too grainy? Instead of putting it on your face, use it on rough elbows, knees and feet where the skin is less sensitive.
Fragrance doesn’t suit you? If it smells great in the bottle but not on your skin, it will be perfect as a room deoderiser for your house.
Lipstick doesn’t look right? Invest in a lip brush. Then you can start custom-blending your own lipstick shades from all those half-used colours. Blend on the lips rather than in the tube or a separate container – makeup artists do this all the time.
Foundation too light? Use it beneath your eyes to lighten dark circles. Mr keep it until winter when your skin will be paler and blend it with a darker shade to get the right tone for you.
Powder eyeshadow too bright or too dark? Instead of putting it all over your lid, use it as an eyeliner. Just wet a fine brush, dip into the shadow and then draw a line close to your top lashes.
Powder bronzer too dark for your cheeks? Have you tried using it as an eyeshadow? Bronzer on the eyelids is an old makeup artists’ trick for a natural, well-rested look that works well at this time of year. Blend it with a bit of shimmer or highlighting powder if it’s too matte.
Wrinkle cream not working? Don’t give up too quickly. Skin cells regenerate every four weeks so it will take at least that long to notice any change. of course, if any product brings you out in a rash, you should stop using it!
ooisturiser too heavy for your face? Use it on your body, especially hands and feet which will drink up any amount of rich cream you put on. Feet are also a great place to use products that have too much alpha hydroxy acid for sensitive facial skin. These products will make removing dead skin easier.
Eye cream makes eyes look puffy in the morning? Try using it as a neck cream or on the décolletage instead.
Toner too strong for your face? The skin on your legs, arms and buttocks can benefit from a little toning too. Just splash it on after your shower and then moisturise as usual.
Shampoo and conditioner not working for you? Try using them to handwash and soften delicate woollen garments this winter.
**Did you know?
**The latest research from oINTEL finds the value of the British cosmetics market blossoming and set to reach the £1 billion (1.5 billion Euros) mark this year.
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