There’s no denying that our passion for beauty products can end up costing more than we bargain for. In fact, a recent survey by Money Magazine revealed that the average woman spends $15,000 (that’s Dh55,000) on beauty products in her lifetime. Bet that got your attention…
But here’s the good news – just a few simple swaps and tips can save you time, money, and a whole lot of stress. From how to save broken beauty buys to must-have makeup dupes and the best ways to get the most out of your products, Friday has found a few nifty ways to make your beauty routine more purse friendly. You, and your bank account, can thank us later.
Also read: Skincare routine for teenagers
Whether it’s dried-out mascara, snapped-off lippie, or broken powders, there’s always an easy way to save your favourite makeup products. These top product-fixing tips will save the day (and your dirhams) come any snap or smash.
Quick-fixes
Smashed powders
Discovering that your blusher has smashed into bits can be distressing. But before you throw it away, there is a way to fix it and make your powder perfect again. Simply piece it together and pour a tiny amount of rubbing alcohol over it before smoothing it out with your finger and pressing a clean paper towel onto it to absorb the excess liquid. Leave it to dry, and it will be good as new in no time.
Broken lipsticks
If your lipstick has broken off the bullet, don’t bin it! Hold a match or lighter over the top of the base, where there will be a bit of product left, and heat it so the lipstick in the base melts slightly. Next, take the main tube of lipstick that has fallen off and place it onto the melted base, pressing down gently to secure it into place. You can then take your lighter or match to melt where the pieces join, making it look smoother. Refrigerate for about 30 minutes so it can cool and set, et, voilà – as good as new.
Dried-out mascara
Technically it’s not a ‘broken’ product, but it does mean you can’t use it, so it still counts. Dried-out mascara is a beauty disaster, especially when you haven’t used it for very long (thanks UAE heat). But you can save yours even when it has dried out simply by soaking the tube in hot water for an hour. This dissolves the clumps and slightly “melts” your mascara, helping you get some more wear out of it.
Filmy layer on powders
Again, not technically a broken product, but a beauty dilemma nonetheless. If your powder product – be it an eyeshadow or a blush – has a hard, shiny film on the surface, that’s down to oil build-up. And, although it can be seriously annoying and stops you from using your powder, it’s super easy to remove. All you need to do is get a piece of strong sticky tape, press it firmly onto your powder, and peel it off. Watch that pesky layer of film disappear and restore your powder to its full makeup glory.
Magical multitaskers
Many beauty products make for amazing multitaskers, and there are a few that also have some rather unexpected uses. Here are some surprising ways to get the most out of your beauty products so you can save on your beauty shopping.
Coconut Oil as Skin (and hair) Hero
Other than being your cooking go-to and kitchen staple, coconut oil boasts a whole array of beauty benefits. Just one jar can act as a body moisturiser, hair treatment, skin lotion, cuticle softener, and body scrub (simply mix with brown sugar) – and all you need to do is scoop it up and slather it on. An all-round amazing multitasker.
Foundation as Cream Blusher
If you want the effect of a cream blusher but only have a powder one, your foundation can make for one wondrous transformation. Simply put some of your powder blusher onto the back of your hand and mix with a little foundation to turn it into a cream.
Highlighter as Lip Plumper
Don’t splash out on expensive lip-plumping products when you can create the same illusion with your highlighter. All you need to do is apply your lipstick, and then draw a small cross through the middle part of your lips and Cupid’s bow with your highlighter. Blend in, and your lips will instantly look fuller!
Lemon Juice as whitener and Brightener
When life gives you lemons, use them on your skin. And on your hair. And on your nails. In fact, use them just about anywhere, because this humble yellow fruit can do so much more than just snazz up your salad dressing. Lemon juice can lighten hair, brighten skin, whiten nails, remove fake tan, and bust blemishes all simply by squeezing the citrusy juice onto where you need it most.
Concealer as Eyeshadow Primer
If you find that your eyeshadow clumps into the creases of your eyelids, then simply dab concealer on them before applying your shadow – it acts as a base to keep it in place.
Petroleum Jelly to Make Perfume Last Longer
If your perfume fades far too quickly, then a pot of petroleum jelly can save the day. Applying it to your pulse points before you spritz your fragrance will make it last longer as the ointment is airtight and watertight, so it will seal in your scent meaning you spray less.
Eyeshadow as Highlighter and Liner
If you thought your eyeshadow was reserved solely to perfect your peepers, think again – because those subtle, shimmery shades work wonders as a highlighter on your face and body. Not to mention that you can turn your favourite shadow into a liquid liner, simply by wetting your eyeshadow brush, sweeping it across your shadow, and using it to line your eyes.
Steal: Colour Pop Ultra Matte Liquid Lipstick Dh79 Splurge: Kylie Cosmetics Lip Kit Dh125
According to insider sources, Kylie Jenner’s Lip Kits are made in the same factory as Colour Pop – who also make matte-finish lip colours that do the job just as well as Jenner’s. So well, in fact, that when her inner circle runs out of Lip Kits they just purchase Colour Pop’s products instead.
Steal: Catrice Re-Touch Light-Reflecting Concealer Dh19 Splurge: YSL Touche Éclat Dh215
With six perfecting pens being sold around the world every minute, it’s safe to say that YSL’s Touche Éclat is a firm face-fixing favourite. However, at Dh215 – it doesn’t come cheap. So swap gold for silver and try this dupe from Catrice. It also contains moisturising ingredients and light-reflecting pigments to boost and brighten the under-eye area.
Steal: NYX HD Studio Finishing Powder Dh48.32 Splurge: Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Translucent Loose Powder Dh175
Make Up For Ever’s HD powder is the must-have for makeup artists, as it was created specifically to look invisible on 4K cameras and to the naked eye off screen. But if the price tag puts you off, NYX’s finishing powder also offers a high-definition, matte finish and blurs imperfections at just a fraction of the cost.
Steal: L’Oréal Paris True Match Lumi Healthy Luminous Makeup Dh39 Splurge: Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation Dh245
Another makeup artist go-to is this multi award-winning foundation from Giorgio Armani. Light and weightless, it gives skin a gorgeous glowing and dewy finish without looking like any make-up has been applied. So does this offering from L’Oréal, which is made of 40% water to lock in hydration and keep skin looking luminous without breaking the bank.
Steal: Maybelline The Nudes Palette Dh64.37 Splurge: Urban Decay Naked Palette Dh262
Urban Decay’s Naked Palette remains one of the brand’s bestsellers, and with good reason too. It contains 12 stunning neutral shades, ranging from shimmery gold to deep bronze, to suit all skin colours and tones. Although it doesn’t boast as much pigment power, Maybelline’s The Nudes palette has 12 almost identical shade
Steal: Wow by Wojooh Master Blender Classic Dh45 Splurge: The Original Beautyblender Dh84
It’s safe to say that since its launch in 2002, the beautyblender has become one of the most – if not the most – coveted makeup tools in the beauty industry, changing the face of makeup application forever. But this super sponge has a contender in the form of Wojooh’s own brand dupe, which does exactly what its splurge sister does at nearly half the price.
Recycle = Rewards
Did you know that keeping some of those empty products means you can actually bag yourself a free one? It may sound too good to be true, but we promise it’s that simple. With the ‘Back to MAC’ programme, return six empty containers (glass or plastic) to any MAC counter for recycling, and you can pick a free lipstick of your choice.
Also read: Eco-friendly products for your skin
At Lush, you can exchange five empty containers for a free facemask, and at Kiehl’s 10 empty bottles gets you a free travel-sized goody!
Serving Size Matters
We’re all guilty of getting carried away when it comes to slathering on the skin cream or lathering our shampoo, but this bad habit is literally washing our products and dirhams down the drain. A little really does go a long way, so it’s time to exercise some portion control! If in doubt, use this nifty size chart to see how much of your product you should be using, and you’ll soon see how much longer they last.
Cleanser – 1 hazelnut
Serum – 1 coffee bean
Eye cream - 2 peas
Face cream – 1 cherry tomato
Sunscreen – 1 egg cup per body part
Body wash – 1 strawberry
Body lotion – 1-2 teabags
Shampoo – 1-2 One dirham coins
Conditioner – 2 One dirham coins
Hair styling products – 1-2 One dirham coins
