We recently asked members of the BuzzFeed Community for their best money-saving makeup tips. Here are some of their responses!
1. To save on eyeshadow primer, use your concealer instead.
2. Swap out buying full-sized versions of some products for travel minis instead, especially things like mascara which you have to throw every few months.
3. Try this men's aftershave balm instead of splashing out on expensive primer.
4. Think about what kind of products are worth going high-end for and which ones you can buy from drugstores (e.g. foundation vs. eyeliner pencil).
5. Make eyeshadow multi-purpose by using it as a highlighter or contour kit.
This baked eyeshadow works better as a highlighter👌🏻😍Damn those 3,90€ i gaveee❤️🍒☺️ #yummyeyes #w7
"Eyeshadows can work as contour and highlight shades. You can find shimmery or frosted eyeshadows in white, light pink, gold, etc. for much cheaper than actual highlighters that do exactly the same thing. For contour, cool toned taupe coloured eyeshadows usually work better as contour shades for me (I’m very fair skinned) than shades actually marketed for contour."
6. Before thinking about spending a lot on something, spend some time researching the best dupes.
7. Get a mini, flexible spatula to scoop out the last bits of makeup from their containers.
8. If you really love trying new products but want to keep it to a budget, sign up for a beauty subscription box.
9. Get to grips with multi-purpose products.
10. Wet an angled brush with setting spray before using a brow powder to get the same effect as high-end brow gels and pomades.
11. Remove the plastic stopper on wand-applicator items that are running out, and you'll probably get quite a few more uses out of it.
12. Check discount shops like TJ/TK Maxx when buying makeup, as they often have name-brand beauty products for cheaper that the normal retail price.
13. Cut up your makeup wipes so that you can get more uses from every packet.
14. Fix your cracked powders with a bit of rubbing alcohol.
I did the rubbing alcohol trick w/ my broken powder & it worked nicely! :-)
"To fix a broken powder crush it into little bits and add a few drops of rubbing alcohol until it is a putty like consistency and then push it into the compact again. Press it with a paper towel and your hand, then let it dry and it will be like new again."
– Cacronin
15. Create new lip shades by mixing your liquid lipsticks.
I saw @ABHcosmetics snaps of them mixing the Liquid lipsticks so I tried it with heathers & pure Hollywood.. 😍
"Liquid lipsticks mix really easily to create custom colours. I only have about 10 but I can make at least 10 more colours by mixing them."
– Arryn Shabet via Facebook
16. And find a way to display your makeup that clearly shows what you currently have, to avoid you buying things you already own.
Submissions have been edited for length and/or clarity.