1. TURN THICK MOISTURIZER INTO A HAND & CUTICLE CREAM

It happens sometimes that a body or even face moisturizer ends up way too thick to be comfortable to use. When that happens, I save it to use on my cuticles and hands, and these areas tend to dry out very fast. All the hand washing can dry out out skin and thicker creams are perfect to remedy the situation.

2. USE OILY MOISTURIZER FOR KNEES AND ELBOWS

Sometimes a rich moisturizer isn't thick but more greasy and oily. In these cases, it's perfect for using on knees and elbows. These dryer areas drink up moisture and could often use a bit more attention. Oil helps retain that moisture so perfect to help!

3. USE A DARKER FOUNDATION TO CREATE SUMMER SHADES

As a pale gal, it can happen that even the lightest shade available is still too dark for me. However when summer arrives, I find myself getting a bit of a tan and needing to purchase new foundation shades. What I do instead is either save the darker shades from before to use as is during summer. If they are still too dark, I can also mix them in with my regular foundation to help create a perfect summer shade. No waste and no money spent!

4. FOUNDATION & CONCEALER CAN BE THE BEST EYELID PRIMERS

This is also a tip I use when I'm on the go or traveling. Complexion products are usually great eyelid primers. If you find yourself with an odd shade of concealer or foundation, just pop it on your eyes and set it with powder. The colour will cancel any veins or redness. This is especially good for formulas that were too dry for you skin, as eyelids can get a bit more oily sometimes. It will keep your eyeshadows in place all day and last you ages.

5. TRANSFORM FACE POWDER INTO TINTED MOISTURIZER

I keep saying this but it's true, I have dry skin and finding a good face powder is tough. This also means that I have a good few duds around. However, these don't have to go to waste. You can scrape a little bit of the pigment and mix it in with your favourite moisturizer. And Voilà, you have a perfect homemade tinted moisturizer! This is one of my favourite ways of repurposing makeup, and will create enough product to last a LONG time.

6. TURN UNSATISFYING LIP BALM INTO BROW WAX

Some lip balms just aren't what we expected. If that ever happens to you, you can easily convert it to an eyebrow wax. All you have to do really is rub a spoolie on the lip balm and apply the product to your eyebrows. The waxy texture of the balm will keep your hair in place for the whole day as well as locking in the powder if you used one. And can I just add, this trick works WONDERS.

7. THAT SAME LIP BALM COULD HELP PREVENT BLISTERS

Years ago I had purchased a special balm stick made to prevent blisters in shoes. Well no need to buy extra products now. You can reuse a lip balm by applying it to any areas where blisters might appear. The product acts as an anti-chafing barrier and will keep your skin intact.

8. UNWORN OR LEFTOVER PERFUME AS ROOM FRESHENER

I'm incredibly picky with perfumes and fragrances, and it took me a while to find the right one. This means I have a few bottles I just don't use. If you're in the same situation, and easy thing to do is to leave a perfume bottle with the cap open somewhere in your room. It will act as an air freshener! The scent won't be too strong but will still get lightly diffused into the air and at least the perfumes won't go to waste.

9. OLD MASCARA WANDS FOR THE PERFECT MANI

I read this tip online and was slightly sceptical... but it works! Once you're done with your mascara, cut out and clean the wand. It works incredibly well to clean under the nails while still being very delicate for the skin. It's also pretty effective to just use as a scrubber to clean your nails.

10. LIQUID LIPSTICK AS A BOLD MATTE EYELINER

I think this trick is useful in two situations. #1 is when you're over the liquid matte lip trend but don't want to waste your products. #2 is when you want bold colour eyeliner but don't want to splurge on a new product you won't use that often. Matte liquid lipsticks are known for their staying power, and the same is true on your eyelids! You can use an angled brush (although I prefer to use a very tiny lip brush) to draw on a bold vibrant wing. It's super pigmented and won't budge all day (or all night).

11. LIQUID LIPSTICK AS BUDGE-PROOF LIQUID EYESHADOW

This is my FAVOURITE trick of the list. I love liquid eyeshadow in general because it's so easy and quick to put on and usually lasts very well. Well I never thought of doing this before, but liquid lipstick works super well on the lids too! It will hang on for dear life, doesn't crease and can also act as a base of powder eyeshadow. It you're worried about taking it off at night, I used an oil0based makeup remover and had no problem at all. One good tip though is to go in with a light hand, liquid lipstick is VERY pigmented.

12. WEARING LIPSTICK AS A CREAM BLUSH

If I'm being 100% honest, this is a trick I don't use. But only because I don't wear blush! It's so easy I had to include it. There are so many products labelled "Lip & cheeks" out there for a reason, lipstick just generally works very well as a cream blush. So if you're in a pinch or trying to travel light, any lipstick shade can work on your cheeks. All you have to do is get a little of lipstick on your finger and apply it using a dabbing motion. Never apply it directly to your cheeks, you risk major clown face otherwise!

That's it for this week everyone! Did you learn any new tricks?

If you prefer to avoid makeup duds altogether, you can check out my July Edition of Testing Green Beauty.

Do you have other ways to repurpose your old makeup? Let me know in the comments!