3 simple ways to save on beauty products

Don't spend money unnecessarily on expensive makeup when a cheaper version will often do just as good a job or you can invest in a good quality, multi-purpose product. Here's what you need to know about saving money on beauty products without sacrificing quality.

It is in the cosmetics manufacturers' interests to sell you a separate product for each makeup stage. However, it makes economic sense to use cosmetics with a double or triple life.

• An eye pencil pays its way: A good-quality, soft light-brown eyeliner pencil costing about $15 can be used for outlining lips, defining brows, shaping round the eye socket and putting a soft line under the lower lid. Eyeshadow and lip, brow and eye pencils could total $60.
• Brush basics: By changing your makeup brush, your brown eyeshadow can be used as an eyebrow filler or soft eyeliner.
• Cost-cutting colour: A blusher can act as eyeshadow and be used for cheeks and lips. Or you can pay about $16 for a high-quality lipstick that can also be used as a blush and brow highlighter (total cost for separate products is around $40).
• Dual-use bases: Buy a foundation or moisturizer that also acts as a sun block. A good-quality foundation with UV protection costs about $30.
• Budget compacts: Look out for a combination foundation and powder compact for the price of a powder alone.

You can make further savings by buying some products from non-cosmetic counters.

• Low-cost powder: Baby powder at about $4 for 600 grams (20 ounces) costs less than translucent powder; apply finely with a large makeup brush.
• All-round sheen: Petroleum jelly is a multi-purpose bargain at about $3 for 100 grams (3.5 ounces). It conditions lips, adds a subtle glow to cheek bones and defines eyelashes.
• Coconut oil: This amazing stuff is great for moisturizing, removing makeup, and even conditioning hair. A jar of it is much less expensive than buying products that do the same jobs individually.

Don't waste money by throwing away expensive cosmetics before you've used them up. Use every ounce of the product to make your budget stretch.

• Lipstick first aid: If a lipstick breaks in half, salvage it by softening the ends over a flame, joining them together and leaving it to set in the fridge.
• Longer life lipstick: A lip brush is invaluable for rescuing the last of a lipstick and for creating a clean, professional outline. Also, lipstick will last longer if you pat face powder over your lips, apply the lipstick, blot and powder again and reapply a final layer of lipstick.
• Revive old pencils: Dried-up eye and lip pencils can be softened overnight by putting them point down in a jar containing two centimetres (one inch) of baby oil.
• Nail polish: Make your nail polish last longer by keeping it in the fridge. Bring it back to room temperature before applying to nails.

The easiest way to save on cosmetics is to get the most out of your makeup, whether by purchasing inexpensive alternatives or reusing your products. Follow the above tips and you'll look great while you save!