From designer lipstick to luxury perfume, women spend a small fortune on cosmetics over their lifetime.
But a team of beauty experts have revealed you can make your products work harder – and last longer – by swatting up on their hidden uses.
Specialists at Hairtrade.com have revealed the multi-purpose beauty products that can help treat everything from blisters to greasy hair.
Repurposing shampoo as a makeup brush cleaner and red lipstick as a tattoo or blemish cover up are just some of the clever and unlikely tips allowing you to get even more for your money.
Using deodorant to prevent blisters and petroleum jelly to set perfume are just some of the weird and wonderful ways common beauty products can be re-purposed – saving you time, effort and money.
Hard-working hero: A classic tube of lip balm can also be used to set eyebrows, according to a team of beauty experts at Hairtrade.com (file photo)
Joanne Dodds from Hairtrade.com, who compiled the guide, said: ‘If you break or run out of a product when you can’t nip to the shops, it’s useful to know that you have back-ups in your makeup bag that you can use.
‘It’s also good to know there are affordable alternatives to help you save a bit of money as well, like using loose powder as dry shampoo and lip balm to set your brows.’
Here we reveal the best multi-purpose beauty products on the market.
Red lipstick to cover tattoos
Have a tattoo you want to temporarily cover up? Trace it with a red lippy as this acts as a neutraliser to the ink, which will cover the tattoo up. After this, fill it in with concealer and powder.
Shampoo to clean makeup brushes
Don’t purchase expensive makeup brush cleaner to wash your brushes in, simply use regular shampoo instead. Wash your makeup brushes weekly in a bowl of warm water and shampoo, rinse and leave to dry for sparkling brushes that look like new.
Eye shadow as highlighter
Want an ultra-blinding highlighter? Simply apply a super shimmering eye shadow to your cheekbones, Cupid’s bow and nose tip.
Deodorant to prevent blisters
Before you head on a night out with your brand-new heels on, simply apply some deodorant to the backs and sides of your feet. This will stop blisters and will leave your feet thanking you the next day.
Red lipstick can be used to cover tattoos (file photo, left), while shampoo can be used to clean your makeup brushes (file photo, right) according to a team of experts at Hairtrade.com
Highlighter to plump lips
Lip plumping products can be expensive, so instead, why not create the illusion with a highlighter? After putting on your lipstick, apply a small amount onto your cupid’s bow and across the middle part of your lips. Blend and blot to make your lips appear lusciously fuller with no cost involved.
Loose powder to lengthen lashes
Add a small touch of loose powder to your eyelashes before applying mascara. This will soak up any natural oils and will also beef up the diameter of your lashes. This allows mascara to look fuller and last longer.
Blusher for nail varnish
To get a flattering nail varnish that suits any skin tone, simply scrape a bit of your blush onto a clean surface and then mix with a clear nail polish. Shimmery blushes are also great to use, as they will add a bit of sparkle to your nails.
Petroleum jelly to set perfume
Placing a small dab of petroleum jelly onto the areas you spray perfume will make it last longer. The ointment is air and watertight so will seal in fragrance better than when you apply to dry skin.
Petroleum jelly such as Vaseline can be used to set your perfume and make it last longer, according to a team of hair and beauty experts at Hairtrade.com (file photo)
Argan oil for cuticles
Argan oil is a miracle to use on hair, and it can also be used on your nails to keep them healthy. Simply apply to dry cuticles to give them some tender loving care.
Hair conditioner as shaving cream
Conditioner isn’t just good for your hair, it can also be used as a shaving cream for your legs. Simply coat a small drop onto your leg, and shave to get accurate and smooth results.
Primer to remove mascara smears
Don’t worry about sneezing and messing up your mascara, simply rectify it with your face primer. Dot some onto a cotton bud to clear away any mistakes without smudging.
Deodorant as nail polish remover
Running low on nail polish remover? Then use your spray deodorant instead. Spray either directly onto the nail, or onto a cotton ball and wipe away the varnish from your nail.
A standard palette of eyeshadow can be used as an alternative if you’ve run out of highlighter, according to a team of hair and beauty experts at Hairtrade.com (file photo)
Translucent powder as dry shampoo
If you’re running low on dry shampoo, use translucent powder instead. A light dusting of loose powder on your roots will soak up the grease in your hair.
Lip balm to set brows
To set your brows you can use clear lip balm or coconut oil if you’ve ran out of brow gel. Simply comb through your brows with a clean (mascara free) wand for perfectly arched and groomed brows.
Coral lipstick for dark circles
Did you know that orange cancels blue? You can use coral lipstick as a colour corrector to minimise dark under eye circles. Simply dab into the under-eye area and blend with some foundation or regular concealer to balance out your bags perfectly.