Sunday, March 1, 2009

Money Saving Make Up Tips

You spend hundreds of dollars on cosmetic products and when you least expect it, you open your makeup case to discover broken eyeshadow, dried out foundation, or clumpy mascara. Certified Image Consultant Kelly Machbitz provides some quick fixes to salvage your precious (and expensive) makeup:

1. Broken Eyeshadow
Eyeshadow, blush or powder that comes pressed in a compact can be fixed by adding a little rubbing alcohol and smoothed back in place with a butter knife. Let dry completely before using. Another alternative is to transfer powder to a small sifter jar you can find at your local beauty supply store.

2. Dried Out Foundation
Liquid or cream foundation that has dried out can be re-hydrated with a dab of your favorite moisturizer...or olive oil. Be sure to stir or shake well before using.

3. Clumpy Mascara
To get the most out of mascara that has started to clump, take a tip from the pros and use a small fan brush to apply product to lashes instead of the traditional wand. Mascara will also go on smoother if you coat lashes with a small amount of Vaseline before applying.

4. Dull Eye Pencil
If you don't have a sharpener on hand and your eye pencil is too dull to get a nice clean line, use a small, blunt eye lining brush to apply. Simply run brush over end of pencil to pick up product, then run brush along lash line to apply. If your pencil has dried out (has a white-ish or flaky appearance), try soaking the end in a little olive oil for 30 minutes. It will soften and rehydrate for a smooth application.

5. Broken Lipstick
One of the messiest of makeup mishaps, broken lipstick can be salvaged. If it is a clean break, heat one end with a lighter and press broken halves together firmly. Place in refrigerator for 10 to 15 minutes to set. If it is too mangled or misshapen to go back in the tube smoothly, use a small knife to transfer lipstick to a palette you can find at your local beauty supply store for just a couple of bucks. Don't waste your money replacing damaged cosmetics. Get a little creative and save yourself a lot of dough.

For more beauty and fashion tips, go to Kelly's website at http://www.totalfashionmakeover.com/.

2 comments:

Imogen Lamport, AICI CIP said...

Some great tips - never knew that about the eyeshadow! That tip on lipstick is great too.

Though I have to say - if your mascara is getting clumpy it's probably full of bacteria too and time to throw it out! My solution is to only buy cheaper mascaras (and there are so many great ones out there) so I don't feel back about turfing them when they are 6 months old.

I've had the eye infections and don't want to go back there.

My Days with Daisy said...

Hi,
I bought your Key West book this weekend from Cathy. I love it!!! Great idea. She is doing a great job for you. I am now following you on my blog. Very Impressed!
Kim