5 Simple Ways to Conserve Your Makeup

For those of us who use it, makeup can add up to be a substantial part of our budgets. Here are five tips to conserve your cosmetics and save a few bucks.

A Frugal Foundation Trick

Natalie DeStefano, makeup artist at the Rita Hazan Salon in NYC, recommends wetting your makeup sponge slightly before you dip it into your foundation. The dampness will cause the sponge to absorb less product, thus leaving more in the bottle.

Squeeze More Swipes

Get a few more uses out of an almost-gone mascara by standing it in a glass of warm water or heating it up with a hair dryer.

Save Your Mascara Wand
Wash it thoroughly and use it to tame unruly eyebrow hairs or to separate and de-clump lashes. Oftentimes, great mascara application comes from the brush. If you aren't too keen on a newly purchased formula, use the wand from your tried-and-true to see if it makes a difference.

Use a Lip Brush
Slathering on your lipstick may cause you to overapply, which you'll only blot off onto a napkin. Use a lip brush and you'll save product, plus get a more even, precise color. Check out this one from e.l.f. (only $1 at eyeslipsface.com).

Line and Shadow-at the Same Time
In a pinch, you can use any eye shadow as an eyeliner. Pick up an eyeliner brush with short, stiff, angled bristles like one from e.l.f. (only $3 at eyeslipsface.com). Your best bet is to mist the tip of the brush rather than soaking it, which can ruin both the brush and the makeup. For a smudgy, nighttime look, try applying with a damp Q-tip. Try Essence Colour & Shine Eyeshadow, $2.99; ulta.com

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