Can’t afford to stock up? Here are nine clever tricks to help your make-up go further
If you're feeling the pinch this January, these hacks will certainly come in handy
IF you're feeling the pinch after Christmas, the last thing your bank balance needs is for your make-up stocks to run dry.
But if you're anything like us, the endless December parties and celebrations have almost finished off our best mascara and favourite perfume.
Luckily we've got some clever tricks for making your favourite products go that little bit further.
Here are nine cheap and cheerful ways of helping your make-up last until payday.
Foundation
If your make-up base or primer comes in a tube, which you've already folded up and squeezed to within an inch of its life, there is a way of eking out that last little drop.
Grab a pair of scissors and cut it in half.
You'd be amazing how much further it can go - this handy hack also works with sun cream in the summer.
Mascara
If your current one is a bit on the dry side, there's an easy way to rescue it.
Simply fill a cup with boiling water and pop it inside (with the lid firmly closed) for five minutes.
This revives the mascara and makes it less clumpy and much smoother than before.
Perfume
If you've only got a dribble left, don't splash out on a new bottle just yet.
Beauty expert recommends nipping to Boots or Superdrug and pick up a a small bottle (100ml-150ml) of fragrance-free moisturiser or body oil, take off the lid and spray the last of your perfume into the bottle (ideally about 20 squirts), then give it a shake.
Apply the cream to the parts of your body where you would normally put perfume, and there you go - your skin will not only smell good, but it'll be moisturised as well.
Snapped lippy
If you've had a shocker and managed to snap your lipstick after twisting it too high, don't throw it out just yet.
You can save your pennies by taking a lighter and using the flame to melt the underside of the snapped off piece, then sticking it back on.
Pop it in the fridge for half an hour to set, then there you go - good as new (and don't twist it so far next time).
Nail varnish
After a while, varnish can become gloopy and hard to apply - especially if it's down to the dregs.
But there is a way of reviving it - though it does require some investment.
Ostrom suggests picking up some thinner for nail varnish () which breaks it down and restores it to its former liquid glory without ruining it.
When mixing it in, roll it in your hand rather than shaking it, as the latter creates unwanted air bubbles.
You can pick up a bottle for £7.15 - worth it if you're resurrecting more than one pot of varnish.
Roots
If your dark roots are driving you nuts but you don't have the dosh to get a new set of highlights, never fear.
This clever trick will help tide you over until payday.
Have a rummage through your drawers for a matt eye-shadow shade that roughly matches your hair.
Taupe is good for lighter hair, while chocolate works well for brunettes.
Then lightly dust the shadow down your parting using a blending brush to even out your regrowth.
We also find that coloured dry shampoo works a treat...
Broken blusher
A cracked palette doesn't necessary warrant a place in the bin, according to Bridget O'Keeffe, beauty blogger, make-up artist and founder of salon.
Rather than throwing away a crumbled blusher or bronzer, pop a few drops of pure alcohol into the powder, then let it dry.
This will bind the product back together.
Fake lashes
These don't have to be a one trick pony.
Bridget recommends reusing falsies by allowing them to sit in eye make-up remover and wiping them with lint free wipes - they'll come up good as new!
Brow gel
If you’ve used up your favourite brow gel that holds those pesky fly away hairs in place, semi-permanent make-up expert recommends using your favourite hair spray instead.
Hair sprays have impressive staying power to keep your brows looking tidy and neat. Simply spritz your usual brow wand with hair spray and brush through for an instant DIY brow tamer!
MOST READ IN FABULOUS
Aim for a fragrance-free hairspray - Ostrom recommends L'Oreal's Elnett Unfragrances Extra Strength.
Last year we brought you the cheap home beauty hacks you NEED to know – from a potato pedicure to using baby powder as dry shampoo.
Want the learn the tricks of stunning old school stars? Here's how you can do them today at home.