Looking glamorous needn’t mean robbing a bank. Beauty on a budget is possible, we say.
The ultimate tips and tricks to keeping your purse (and your face) happy. By
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.
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.