Multi-use Beauty Products for Primping in a Pinch

Credit: Flickr / Tarnishedrose

You can look great without spending a fortune on makeup and skincare

These multi-tasking products can stand in for a full makeup kit when you run out of your favourite product, or if you’re trying to save money, save space or just travel light

Who hasn’t run out of their favourite beauty product as they’re rushing to get out the door? No need to go out au naturel if you have a few basic items around the house.

Try one of these everyday products to primp in a pinch.

Vaseline

Everyone’s got a tub of Vaseline lying around for dry-skin emergencies. But it can also stand in for makeup in a pinch.

Run out of mascara? Rub some Vaseline between your thumb and forefinger and gently coat your top lashes. Brush through with a lash comb for a natural, flirty look.

If you’ve reached the bottom of your much-loved lipstick, scrape out the what’s left and add it to a small amount of Vaseline for a lightly colored lip gloss.

Vaseline is also great when used as a highlighter for your face, though if you have oily skin, you may want to give this a pass. You can also tame unruly brows, remove waterproof makeup and soften cuticles. And all this for just under $3!

Cream Blush

If you’re completely out of lipstick, use a bit of blush instead. Mix it with Vaseline and use it as a lipgloss. Or you can use it with an eyeshadow brush to highlight your eyes as well.

Conditioner

Sure, conditioner keeps your hair shiny and manageable, but if you’ve run out of shaving cream, you can use any kind of conditioner to shave your legs and pits. You’ll find it does the job just perfectly and your skin will be soft and smooth.

Hand Lotion

Out of your favourite hair styling product? Use a touch of hand lotion to tame frizzy hair. Just apply a pea-sized amount to the ends of your hair and comb through.

Baking Soda

A cup of baking soda in your bath will soften skin and if you make a paste with it in a small bowl, it can be an excellent face scrub and can be applied to zits overnight, too.

Baking soda is also great for itchy scalps. Just pour a mug of warm water with some baking soda through your hair and then shampoo as usual; you’ll find your hair will look and feel thicker.

And for a dazzling white smile, use a mixture of baking soda and a drop of hydrogen peroxide once a week to brush away surface stains on your teeth.

Mascara

Out of hair styling product? Tame unruly brows and flyaway strands of hair with clear mascara. It’s great for keeping your bangs in place too. 

If you need to cover up a few strands of grey hair, brown or black mascara will work just great until you can get to your hairstylist.

Loose Powder

After you use it on your face, try it on your hair instead of dry shampoo. Just sprinkle some at the roots and then brush out properly and it will remove excess oil from your hair.

Baby Wipes

Use these as gentle face wipes when you need a moisturizing hand tissue, and pack them in your beach bag to freshen up in hot weather.

More Multi-tasking Beauty Tips

• A moisturizing shampoo can be used to clean your makeup brushes.
• Clear nail polish can help hold together a run in your stocking.
• Try one of the new BB creams on the market – these wonder products moisturize, firm up skin, brighten your skin tone and also have anti-aging properties. Look for one with SPF and you’ll be all set.
• A dab of toothpaste can help calm an inflamed zit.
• Dry shampoo can be used to give clean hair some texture when you want that perfect, messy up-do.
• Sea salt is not only great in your bath but if you add some olive oil to it, makes for a great body exfoliator.