Get The Most From Your Makeup

Have you ever been on a trip and realized that all of your makeup is packed, but you've forgotten your brushes? This has happened to me one too many times, so now as a precaution, I always keep a few cream-based options on hand. But if you ever find yourself alone with a bag full of powder products, here are a few makeup application survival techniques that require nothing but your fingers and some toilet tissue.

• If you have a red or rosy colored lipstick, use that on your cheeks as well as your lips. Dab three dots on the apples of your cheeks. Using your index and middle fingers, blend the color upwards and outwards in small circular motions.
• Your eyes, however are a little bit trickier since they require more precise application. Place a square of toilet tissue on top of your pinky finger and secure it with a hair elastic or rubber band. Dampen your pinky and then dip it into your dark powder shadow. Next, rest the side of your hand on your cheek (for more stability) and begin to tap the shadow onto your upper and lower lashes with the side of your pinky (if you have a pinky nail that's even better). Repeat the process each time you approach a new lash line (so you will need to change the TP a total of four times).

For one more makeshift way to apply makeup without brushes, read more

Here's a great little trick for when you are traveling and you forget to bring your favorite shampoo with you. Have no fear, body wash is here to save the day! Just take a little bit of body wash/shower gel, lather it into your hair and rinse. If you can get your hands on a moisturizing body wash, that's even better because it will act as a subtle conditioner as well. While this is not ideal for very dry or color-treated hair, one or two washes shouldn't do any damage.

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Okay, this isn't technically makeup, but since it's still in the beauty genre I thought it was relevant. Hair conditioner and hair masks can also be used as shaving cream. I realize that it doesn't foam or even lather really, but it does create a smooth, slippery surface that helps prevent nicks and scrapes from razor blades.

However, something to keep in mind is that conditioner is a lot heavier than shaving cream — so you've really got to clean out the blades of your razor well to ensure that no oily residue remains for your next shave. For more ideas to get the most from your makeup, click here.

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Planning on taking a tropical vacation this winter? The next time you are at the beach, collect a heaping handful of sand and seal it in a Ziploc bag. When you get home, put the sand in a bowl next to your bathroom sink, and as you are washing your face, add a pinch of sand into your cleanser to create an at-home exfoliator on the cheap.

You shouldn't scrub too hard, and I recommend only using this sand concoction once every other day since you wouldn't want to over-exfoliate and strip your skin of its natural oils. I love this simple recipe; it reminds me of the Bobbi Brown Sandbar Soap, which I still think is such a simple yet smart invention. If you try it at home, please leave a comment and let me know what you think!

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Ever been stuck in a bind when your nail polish is chipping and you need it off ASAP? Or how about when you are trying on several different nail colors in the middle of a department store but don't want to walk around with a fistful of mismatched nails for the rest of the day? Here's a little trick that always seems to work.

Simply swipe a layer of clear nail polish over the top of the colored polish (it's easier if the polish underneath is still wet) and firmly press down on your nail with a cotton pad or tissue. This will help to break down the color and wipe everything clean.

I know it seems like a lot to ask to carry around a bottle of clear nail polish with you, but if you can leave a bottle at work, in the car and lying around wherever you frequent, it sure might come in handy for all different kinds of unexpected beauty emergencies!

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I hate to be the bearer of this news, but did you know that tinted moisturizer is really just face primer mixed with a light foundation? It's easy enough to make it yourself if you own these two products already. Here's what to do:

In a small bowl, mix two parts foundation with one part primer. Apply with your fingertips and smooth out the areas around your jawline, hairline and nose with a makeup sponge. Store the rest in a cool, dry and clean container and make sure it's sealed tightly to lock out bacteria!

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Jane Richardson, a makeup artist for Nars, gave me a great insider tip about liquid eyeliner. Did you know that it could also double as mascara? Since liquid eyeliner comes in so many more shade options, you can now have endless possibilities for mascara colors too!

When you've finished with your tube of mascara, don't throw out the wand. Thoroughly wash it off with soap and water, dip it into your liquid eyeliner and apply to your lashes! It dries quickly and lasts just as long as mascara. After you're finished, wash the wand off again and store it in a Ziploc baggie.

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You may think that concealer is simply for covering up blemishes, red blotches and under-eye circles, but you're not giving it nearly enough credit. A good cream concealer can also double as so much more!

For example, it works well as an eyeshadow primer. Just dot a little bit on your lids with your fingertip, blend well and set with powder. Then apply your shadow (for best results, use powder shadows) to a flawless canvas.

Also, it can work as a base on your lips if you plan on wearing dark lipstick. If you apply it just beyond your lip line as a fantastic reverse lip liner. This is a little trick that makeup artists have kept secret for ages. Having product around your lips acts as a barrier and prevent your lipstick from running, but it keeps the color even making your lips stand out. For more ideas on how to get the most from your makeup, keep reading!

For all of you who thought that the function of baby powder was to keep your feet, underarms, backs of your knees cool and dry, I've got one more for you. You can use baby powder on the roots of your hair!

Say you are feeling a little greasy in between washings, or you overdid it on the styling products. Just put a little powder on your comb and brush from roots to ends. This will help absorb any unwanted greasiness.

It is the same concept as using a dry shampoo, only baby powder isn't going to cleanse your hair or make it smell as good as a hair fragrance would. However, it will get you through the day feeling slightly more refreshed, and your hair will definitely be softer and more manageable.

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About to throw out that old toothbrush of yours, are you? Whoa Nelly, hold your horses. Your used toothbrush can also double as an eyebrow brush! I know it sounds kind of disgusting, but if you clean it properly, it's not going to transfer any cooties—I promise!

First, disinfect it by soaking in it hot water infused with liquid anti-bacterial soap. Then, instead of spending more cash on a brow brush or a brow gel, just spritz a little bit of your favorite light hold hairspray on the bristles of your toothbrush to help hold the shape. Voila, you've got yourself a brow brush! For more ideas on how to save money and get the most from your makeup, click here.

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