Beauty hacks that actually work (Photo: Amazon)
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As the cost of living crisis worsens, we’re all looking to shop a little smarter and spend a little less.
But for some reason, beauty products always seem expensive, from skin care to makeup, and honestly, it’s hard to save money. Ha.
There are some budget-friendly beauty products out there, but if you have a Holy Grail product, you may (understandably) be hesitant to switch.
So if you don’t want to upgrade to a cheaper brand but want to cut costs and save money, it’s worth knowing how to make your product last longer.
Fancy an idea to extend the shelf life of your favorite beauty products? We did a little digging and compiled all of the best hacks to take your go-to formula a little further.
Amazon
use up your favorite lipstick
Do you have lipsticks that you can’t use? Use one of these little spatulas to scrape off any last bits, place the formula in a microwave-safe jug and let it melt gently before pouring it into one of these convenient lidded pots to set. . Use your fingertips or a lipstick brush for easy application.
Get 15 from Amazon for £6.99
Amazon
Quickly revive dry eye makeup with saline solution
Have you noticed that your mascara is dry and sticky? Or does your gel liner or cream eyeshadow look pretty flaky? All it does is refresh and revive them. These individual saline pods are perfect for this task.
Get 25 from Amazon for £8.49
Amazon
loosen sticky manicure
Why can’t I apply thick nail polish? Ha. A few drops of nail polish thinner are all you need to revive a thick manicure and make it last longer. This solution comes with a convenient pipette to make the process as quick and easy as possible.
Get it from Amazon for £6.99
Amazon
Rejuvenate the crushed powder with rubbing alcohol
Rubbing alcohol is a great way to fix crushed eyeshadow pots to broken pressed powder or damaged blush. Add a few drops of rubbing alcohol to the broken product and work the pieces back together (a kitchen towel and the back of a spoon work best for this). (For reference, I’ve used this hack many times and it works like a dream.)
Get it from Amazon for £6.29
Amazon
Add a few drops of highlighter to your foundation
To make your foundation (or skin base of choice) even more effective and long-lasting, add a drop or two of low-cost highlighting liquid before applying to skin. This is one of my personal ways to save money, make my products last longer (without compromising on quality), and give my skin the most gorgeous glow.
Available from Amazon for £3.40 (previously £7.99)
Amazon
Use a tube squeezer to extract every last bit of product
Stop wasting your favorite beauty products by using the squeezer key to extract the last bit. Whether it’s hand cream, facial scrub or foundation, this handy little tool leaves nothing to waste.
Available from Amazon for £2.97 (previously £3.49)
Amazon
Prevent product loss with silicon sponge
Makeup sponges and brushes actually absorb a small amount of product. If you use a non-absorbent silicone makeup sponge instead (which allows your makeup to blend in more effectively), your product will last a little longer and last a little longer.
Buy 2 from Amazon for £1.99
Amazon
Replacement with solid products (longer life)
Depending on the products you use, you may find that your hair products last longer if you use solids. This vegan, cruelty-free coconut and shea shampoo bar should (with proper care) outlast its liquid counterparts through a fair number of washes.
Available from Amazon for £5.25 (previously £7)
Amazon
Prevents solid products from becoming soggy
If you don’t drain all the water, you run the risk of your bar going crazy and not lasting long. That’s why these silicone soap savers are lifesavers. Ensures that every last drop of water is expelled quickly so that solid beauty products don’t become soft or sticky.
Buy 3 from Amazon for £5.99
Amazon
Reduce waste by decanting product into pump bottles
It’s so easy to squirt a little more product. That’s where these BPA-free amber pump bottles can help. Top them up with your go-to shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, or hand cream and use less each time.
You can get two from Amazon for £21 (previously £22)
Amazon
Use storage drawers to store products in the refrigerator
From foundation and night creams to nail polish and SPF, products tend to last longer when kept out of direct sunlight and in a cool, dark place. Pop your favorite product into one of these trays and store it in the refrigerator to extend its life.
Available from Amazon for £10.27 (previously £11.58)
Amazon
Use a beauty spatula to scrape off the last bits of product
Stop wasting the last few drops of your favorite facial scrub, foundation or moisturizer. Instead, use one of these small spatulas to scoop out the last bits.
Get 2 from Amazon for £3.99
This article originally appeared on HuffPost UK and has been updated.
