Beauty products that have amazing uses you never knew about

There’s nothing better than versatility: A hairstyle. An outfit. How about your beauty products? Even better. If ever there was a great way to save money and reduce clutter in your beauty cupboard, it’s finding other uses for your skincare products and make-up.

Like using your lipstick as a blush.

Check out alternative ways to use what you’ve got.

Blush 

Full-time gig: Cheek flusher
Side hustle: Eyeshadow 

Blush has that great way of instantly perking up a sullen face, making it look flushed and healthy. But using your blush on your lids is so hot right now.

This is a signature look by Sir John (the make-up artist responsible for queen Beyoncé looking so flawless): when eye, cheek and lip make-up shades are kept in same colour family.

Try Revlon Powder Blush, R80, available at Dis-Chem. 

Revlon powder blush

READ MORE: 7 budget must-have lipstick shades you can get for under R120 

Hairspray 

Full-time gig: Style locker
Side hustle: Brow perfecter 

Instead of using a traditional gel, you can use hairspray to set your brows.

All you have to do is grab a disposable mascara wand or use the spoolie on the end of a brow pencil (the bit that looks like a mascara wand) and give it a quick hit with an aerosol spray, then gently brush up the hairs.

The polymers in the spray will keep that shape – and keep you looking more awake until the end of the day.

Try L’Oreal Elnett Hair Spray Supreme Hold, R95, available at Dis-Chem. 

L'oreal Elnett Hair Spray Supreme Hold

Vaseline 

Full-time gig: Lip moisturiser
Side hustle: Lash manipulator

Ah, the humble tub of vaseline. Let’s be honest – there are many ways to use this product: It heals minor skin scrapes and burns, can reduce the look of split ends, you can make a body scrub with it… the list goes on. Our fave use? Lashes.

Applying a small dab to both lashes can act as a mini mascara. Smooth it on to control and define your lashes, making them darker and glossy.

Get Vaseline Petroleum Jelly Baby, R45, at Dis-Chem. 

Vaseline petroleum jelly

READ MORE: 3 signs of dry, thirsty skin you need to look out for 

Body Oil 

Full-time gig: Seriously hydrating body oil
Side hustle: Frizz fighter

Many lock-taming products are formulated with an oil to smooth the cuticle, so it makes sense that a slick of body oil can step in too. Choose one that’s as natural as possible and only use the tiniest amount – about half the size of your pinkie nail.

Rub it into your palms, then lightly skim your hands over your hair in light, sweeping motions. Job well done.

Try Palmer’s Coconut Oil Body Oil, R56, available at Dis-Chem. 

Palmer’s Coconut Oil

Brown Eyeshadow 

Full-time gig: Lid definer 
Side hustle: Root cover-up 

Did you know that a good eyeshadow can cover roots? Rub a sponge applicator (it absorbs more pigment than a brush) along a matte powder and blend into your roots. The only caveat?

This move is best for brunettes, since brown and black shadows have a heavier pigment load than, say, flaxen or red ones. (Blonde or redhead? Try a bronze shadow – not perfect, but it’ll get you by for a day or two.)

Try Almay Eyeshadow Quad, R150, available at Dis-Chem. 

Almay Eyeshadow Quad

Concealer 

Full-time gig: Blemish hider
Side hustle: Cover up

Out of foundation? Fret not. You can use your trusty concealer as a stand-in. Mix concealer with some moisturiser, then use a sponge or brush to apply the concealer mixture like a foundation.

Taaadaaaa – you’re covered. Try L.A. Girl Pro Concealer Espresso, R62, available at Dis-Chem. 

La Girl Pro Concealer

This article was originally published in Women's Health SA.