1. Avoid Waste and Save Money
The cost of all the cosmetic jars and tubes needed to create the perfect look can quickly increase. Here are some simple ways to make the most of your last drop. If you’re a savvy shopper, these ideas will not only avoid waste but also save you money.
- Choose a planter with straight edges. A beautiful jar with intricate details may look good, but when you get to the end of the product, it’s really hard to get into all the corners. If you buy moisturizers and cleansers that come in plain wide-mouth jars, you can easily extract all the creams with a mat or cotton swab. Glass and metal cans are widely recycled. For plastic pots, check with your local recycling center first to see if they accept them.
- Cut off the end of the tube. Many cosmetics, such as foundation and hand creams, moisturizers, are sold in the form of plastic tubes. For a final push, cut off the ends and use a tube extruder. This is hardcore and saves money! Amazingly, more can be extracted from seemingly empty tubes.
2. Remember That Your Cosmetics Are Perishable
I used to (wrongly) think that my makeup would last forever. I learned a hard lesson when I got an eye infection because I used old mascara that wasn’t kept clean strictly.
- Do not use cosmetics to cover up sores or other infections. When you apply the product with your fingers, bacteria on the skin multiply on top of makeup brushes and tubes and jars. It is best to use a disposable applicator or make sure to wash the reusable pad frequently to prevent infection.
- Store beauty products in a cool, dark environment. Bacteria love hot and humid places, so if your bathroom is like this, then you need to store your cosmetics elsewhere. A closed bathroom cabinet is better than putting cosmetics on a hot shelf with plenty of sun. Imagine your cosmetics like fresh fruits and vegetables. You’ll naturally keep fresh food in a cool place to prevent them from spoiling, so so will your beauty kit.
3. Check the Shelf Life
The shelf life can be found on printed paper labels, printed on the neck of glass jars or punched on the end seals of plastic tubes. Many products are suitable for storage in the refrigerator, but oil-based items should be stored at room temperature.
- Please use cosmetics before the best before date. Just like pharmaceuticals and food, cosmetics have a limited shelf life, which is indicated by the best before date. This is only suggestive, but it is a good idea to comply with it. If you are unfortunate enough to experience a skin reaction after using a cosmetic product, the manufacturer will try to avoid being blamed for the product exceeding its shelf life.
- Be extra careful with active substances. An active ingredient is a chemical or molecule that is specifically designed to treat a certain condition. For example, hyaluronic acid can replenish moisture in dry skin, salicylic acid can treat acne, and vitamins A, C, and E can reduce signs of aging. These should be stored in a cool and dark place; Light and heat break down active molecules, reducing their efficiency. Be sure to follow the storage instructions on the package.
- Once opened, the service life of the product is limited. Storing the product correctly is just the beginning of the process. Generally, once opened, the shelf life is 12 months for cleansers, 3 to 6 months for cosmetics containing active ingredients, and no more than 3 months for mascara. Use common sense to judge whether a product is usable or not. If it smells weird or changes in color or texture, don’t risk it; Throw it away.
4. Practice Good Hygiene
Bacteria and mold grow and multiply in warm, moist conditions. Some of them can cause rashes, allergic reactions, or infections in open wounds. So don’t just focus on extending the lifespan of your cosmetics; Also pay attention to extending the life of cosmetics. Also remember to practice good hygiene. Always wash your hands before applying makeup and avoid sharing products with others.
- Wash and dry brushes and applicators regularly. Use a microwave disinfectant bag to clean the makeup brush. It is designed for use with baby bottles, but is also an ideal tool for brushes.
- Use disposable cotton swabs and cleaning pads. Try to buy products that do not contain plastic. I use these vegan bamboo swabs because I like to do my part to protect the environment while also saving money.
5. Use in Moderation
Do you know the best way to apply creams and concealers? What is the correct dosage? Dermatologist Dr. Alex Granite recommends that you start with a small amount of application; You can always add more if necessary.
- Avoid waste and use in moderation. Dr. Granite recommends using pea-sized spots when applying active ingredients and eye creams. For cleansers and moisturizers, she recommends using spots about 1/2 inch in size at a time. If you use sunscreen or moisturizer that contains SPF, apply more thoroughly for full sun protection.
- Apply directly to your skin. Do not transfer creams and liquids from the bottle to the skin with your fingers. It is more hygienic to dot cosmetics on the skin or use a dropper to drip essential oils and serums. For liquids like toners, you can use a cosmetic spray pump.
6. Make Do with and Tinker
Here are some flexible ideas to help you get the most out of your cosmetics line.
- Mix a few drops of moisturizer with foundation. This provides shallower, full-color coverage of your face, neck, and arms. I find it to look more natural and modern than foundation alone.
- Use a small spatula to dig out the last bit of lipstick. You can then apply it to lips using a brush or mix it with a body lotion to make a handy blush. Depending on the color, you can also reuse it as eyeshadow.
- Spray water on eyeshadow and draw eyeliner. Mix powdered eyeshadow with water spray and you have a unique, inexpensive and colourful new eyeshadow or makeup.
- Mix blush with petroleum jelly to make a tinted lip balm. This is a handy tip for the colder months, as lipstick can sometimes feel a little dry. Vaseline or coconut oil can be used to moisturize dry lips, and adding a little color can make your winter days brighter.
