Cosmetics can be a significant investment, and extending the life of your beauty products can save you both money and frequent trips to the store.
By adopting a few smart practices, you can ensure your makeup and skincare products last longer while maintaining their quality and effectiveness. Here are some thrifty tips to help you make the most of your cosmetics:
Store products properly
Proper storage is key to extending the life of your cosmetics. Keep your makeup and skincare products in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. High temperatures can cause products to melt, separate, or degrade faster. Storing them in a drawer or a dedicated makeup organiser can help maintain their quality. Additionally, tightly sealing bottles and containers after each use prevents air and bacteria from contaminating the products.
Use clean tools
Using clean brushes, sponges, and applicators is essential for maintaining the longevity of your cosmetics. Dirty tools can transfer oils, bacteria, and product residues back into your makeup, causing it to spoil faster. Wash your brushes and sponges regularly with a gentle cleanser or brush cleaner, and allow them to dry completely before use. For liquid products, use clean fingers or a spatula to avoid introducing bacteria into the container.
Minimise contamination
To prevent contamination and extend the life of your products, avoid dipping fingers directly into jars and pots. Instead, use a clean spatula or cotton swab to scoop out the product. For liquid products like foundation or serums, use a dropper or pump to dispense the needed amount. This minimises the risk of introducing bacteria and helps maintain the product’s integrity.
Use multi-functional products
Investing in multi-functional cosmetics can help you reduce the number of products you need, thereby making each one last longer. For example, a tinted moisturiser can serve as both a foundation and a moisturiser, while a lip and cheek tint can be used for both blush and lip colour. By using versatile products, you can streamline your beauty routine and make each product work harder for you.
Dilute and revive products
Certain products can be revived or diluted to extend their use. For example, if your mascara is drying out, you can add a few drops of saline solution to make it usable again. For liquid foundations or concealers, mixing them with a small amount of moisturiser can help thin them out and extend their life. Be cautious with this tip, as diluting products too much can affect their performance and coverage.
Use every last drop
To get the most out of your products, use tools like beauty spatulas to scrape out every last bit from containers. For products in tubes, cut the tube open to access the remaining product inside. Store the remnants in small containers to ensure nothing goes to waste. This is especially useful for expensive products like high-end skincare and foundations.
