We all know the frustration of running out of a makeup product and not being able to restock immediately. When I was in college it was even worse. I’d need to wait for my next paycheck before I could shop for new makeup. My college friend was a makeup artist and she said that a true artist can manipulate different mediums to create art. She always encouraged me to get creative with what we had.
Six creative ways to use makeup you already own:
- Use Lipstick As Blush
- Use Concealer As Eyeshadow Primer
- Use Eyeliner As An Eyeshadow Base
- Use Lipstick As Contour
- Use Eyeshadow As Eyeliner
- Use Liquid Highlighter As Primer
Let’s look at these unique ways to use makeup you already own so that you don’t get caught short again.
Use Lipstick As Blush
As the world begins to evolve away from needing to wear masks just about 24/7 blush is making a fashion comeback.
One clever way to try out different shades and textures of blush is to use some of your favorite lipsticks for your cheeks as well. Using the same shade on your lips and cheeks can make for a gorgeous, cohesive look. It is also perfect for an on-the-go beauty routine where you don’t have the space for multiple products.
Try it out for yourself today. Apply some matte lipstick straight from the tube to your cheeks and blend up and out with a damp makeup sponge.
You can even take the monochromatic makeup trend to the extreme by making your lipstick more multifunctional and apply it to your eyelids as well.
Use Concealer As Eyeshadow Primer
As you begin to wear eyeshadow more regularly, you will learn that eyeshadows perform best when applied on top of an eyeshadow primer.
Eyeshadow primers come in a variety of different textures and shades depending on the shade of eyeshadow you will be pairing them with. Some eyeshadow primers are even translucent.
You use eyeshadow primer to ensure that your eyeshadows apply smoothly, appear more vibrant, and last all day.
If you forget to stock up with your dedicated eyeshadow primer or you’re looking to cut down on products in your makeup routine, you can also use your concealer as an eyeshadow primer. This is also a superb travel hack when there are liquid/gel/paste restrictions for your hand luggage.
Using concealer also makes your makeup look more cohesive as your concealer should ideally match your skin tone and the other areas of your face.
Use Eyeliner As An Eyeshadow Base
This is a hack that makes your eyeshadow look vibrant. Use a creamy pencil eyeliner of a similar shade as a base layer for the shadow.
Using eyeliner will make the shadow stay in place and it will also make the color of the shadow really pop.
By way of example, when you are creating a blue eyeshadow look that you want to be bolder, apply waterproof pencil eyeliner in cobalt blue to your eyelids and blend out. Then, apply your blue eyeshadow on top of the base for a gorgeous, intense look.
Alternatively, you can make a more rich and sultry black smokey eye or any dark eyeshadow look by applying black eyeliner to your eyelids as a base layer for your dark eyeshadows.
Use Lipstick As Contour
Faking sculpted, ultra-feminine cheekbones are achieved through contouring. This tip that I learned in university will help you get extra creative. Especially so if you are on a tight makeup budget and/or don’t have a contouring product with you.
Those popular 90’s inspired nude lipstick shades are constantly coming in and out of style. My guess is that you more than likely have a slightly cool-toned brown lipstick for autumn that will perfectly double as a contour color.
The great thing about nude lipstick shades is that the ones that look best on us tend to be about two shades darker than our normal skin tone – so ideal for a contouring product.
Again, matte shades will be a better alternative. Swipe the color right below your cheekbones and blend upwards with a brush for a beautiful chiseled look.
If you don’t have the right shade of lipstick to contour with, another option is to use a darker concealer to sculpt your cheekbones. Choose a concealer that’s two shades darker than your skin tone and apply it the same way you would with the lipstick or a contour product.
Use Eyeshadow As Eyeliner
I know that the classic winged eyeliner will always be a staple go-to look. However, sometimes softer eyeliner is a nice way to change it up. This is also a great option if you are still learning to do eyeliner and haven’t yet perfected your wings.
The way to use your eyeshadow as eyeliner, grab a mid to deep eyeshadow and apply it to your lash line with an eyeliner brush. You create a softer, more diffused eyeliner look. The bonus is it also gives you so many more color and texture options to get creative with eyeliner.
Use Liquid Highlighter As Primer
Having glowing skin is a very popular beauty look. There are many ways to achieve the look of glowing skin, but a very simple way to do it is by applying a liquid as a base underneath your foundation.
If you want an all-over glow, apply the highlighter generously all over your face using your fingers or a damp sponge. Some of you may prefer to glow in just the high points of your skin, apply the highlighter to your cheekbones, bridge of your nose, and cupid’s bow.
If you want even more glow, apply the highlighter on top of your foundation as well.
Why not expand your knowledge even further by reading another makeup/beauty article here on Pink Femme. You can find them either via the menu at the top of the page or by clicking this link that will take you to the list of all the beauty articles.
When it comes to my choices for makeup and beauty products, I only use L’Oréal Paris (Available on Amazon). I have really sensitive skin and never once have I had any negative reaction to any L’Oréal product.