Learn how to get the most out of your cosmetics

Of course every product is different, and there is no overall guideline for extending shelf life. Here are some tips to make your cosmetics go a long way:

• To keep nail polish from gumming up, store it in the refrigerator where it will stay smooth and ready to apply.
• To make gummed-up polish smooth again, just uncap it and put it in a pan of simmering hot water for a few seconds. Be sure to remove the pan from the burner before putting the nail polish in the pan.

• Use a lipstick brush to get those last bits of lipstick out of the tube.
• To clean the brush, apply a small amount of mineral oil or petroleum jelly and wipe clean with a tissue.

• If you decide you don't like the shade of foundation you bought, don't throw it out.
• Keep it to mix with other shades. It will come in handy when your skin changes colour over the different seasons of the year.

• Virtually all of your cosmetic products will last longer if you remember that a little dab will do just fine.
• For example, remember to "dot your eyes" when you apply an eye-care cream in the morning after cleansing: a small dot on the fingertip will be more than enough for each eye.

• Baby your skin for an inexpensive, effective way to quickly remove makeup.
• Next time you're at the supermarket, head for the diaper aisle and pick up a package of baby wipes.
• They have just the right combination of moisture, cleanser and soothing ingredients to get the job done quickly and gently.

Here are some long-range money-stretching ideas to consider when buying cosmetics:

• Buying each item individually is a costly proposition so look for products that do double or even triple duty. In other words, some cleansers have toning properties and some treatments also serve as moisturizers. To achieve the desired anti-aging effects, a moisturizer should also include a full-spectrum sunscreen.

• Products labeled "dermatologist tested" or "dermatologist approved" are not necessarily better than ones that do not carry such claims. There are no standards and these words may mean only that one or two dermatologists tested a product at the request of a manufacturer.

• You don't need to buy expensive, high-end brands. Many low-cost brands are just as effective. In fact, many are produced by the same parent companies as the expensive brands. Often the main difference is in the packaging.