1. Use a primer before applying your makeup to help your makeup last all day.
Smooth a thin, even layer over your face before applying foundation. Your primer will stick to your skin, and your makeup will stick to the primer, making it last longer.
Get it here ($8.27). Or, for a top-rated, more expensive version, try Smashbox’s Photo Finish ($36).
2. You can also try a pressed setting powder if you really want your makeup to stay.
Use a fluffy brush and dust the powder over your T-zone and any liquid or cream makeup you’ve applied to your face to absorb any oils that may cause your makeup to slide off.
Get Rimmel Matte Pressed Powder here ($5).
3. Once you’re finished, a good setting spray will secure your makeup so you won’t have to worry about touch-ups later.
A popular setting spray is the Urban Decay De-slick, which does wonders for oily skin. It prevents runny makeup and doesn’t make your skin shiny!
Get it here ($30).
For normal or combination skin types, try Mist & Fix ($30).
For a cheaper option, try NYX Setting Spray ($8).
4. For eyes, definitely use a primer to make eyeliner and eyeshadow last.
For options, try Urban Decay’s primer potion ($10) or e.l.f’s eyelid primer ($2).
5. For sparkly and shimmery eyeshadows, Pixie Epoxy, a glitter adhesive, will lock down your colors.
Your eyeshadows will last forever and you don’t need to use much.
Get it here ($6.50).
6. Gently tap translucent powder over the top of your lipstick to make it matte and make it last.
See more detailed instructions here.
For translucent powder, try NYX’s Finishing Powder ($10).
7. Use only the amount you need, which is probably a lot less than you think you need.
As told by food, a language we can all get behind. See more here.
8. Add some eye drops to mascara to remove any clumps and to loosen the sides when it’s on its last stretch.
Only do this if your mascara is newer than three months old. Otherwise, it’s best to toss the expired tube.
Any type of eye drop solution should be fine, but most beauty bloggers use Visine($5).
9. Add some moisturizer to your foundation if it’s getting low.
Only pump a small amount of foundation and add moisturizer to it on the back of your hand. The coverage will be more sheer, but you’ll get more use out of the foundation. Plus, it makes a great tinted moisturizer.
10. Or add a little water to loosen the sides.
Shake it a few times and let it sit for 24 hours upside down to let it mix properly. This could change the formulation of the foundation, but it could work for the very last drop. Don’t try this when you’ve still got half a bottle of foundation left.
11. Repair broken palettes with rubbing alcohol and plastic wrap.
The fun in this is destroying it before fixing and it’ll be as good as new.
12. To soften overworked, stiff brushes, massage some oil into the brush before washing it with soap.
You can use any oil including olive oil, coconut oil, etc. Read more here.
13. Store your makeup in a place where it won’t get damaged easily.
Keep your makeup out of the sun and store certain products in air-tight containers. Plus, if you can see your makeup more easily using transparent organizers, you won’t be as tempted to buy new products before finishing the ones you already own.
For an organizer that has both holders and drawers, get this one.
14. Keep your makeup tools clean, because any contamination of your products may cause your skin to break out.
You can use a professional cleaning spray or make a DIY cleaning solution with baby shampoo.
16. Mix primer with your last bits of lipstick or lipgloss to make a cream blush.
Watch the how-to video here.
18. Use tweezers to remove the stopper from your lip gloss and get the most product out of the tube.
See the full video here.
19. Store certain makeup products in the fridge to extend their shelf life.
Safe products to store in the fridge include eye creams, nail polish, and natural beauty products. Some that are potentially problematic in the fridge include lipstick (storing for too long will cause it to lose moisture) and eyeshadow (the introduction of humidity could cause mold growth).
20. If you have way too much, keep track of your products in a spreadsheet.
Yep, this is how first grade math becomes useful in real life. With a spreadsheet, you won’t forget to use certain products and you’ll keep all your makeup in steady rotation. You can download a free makeup spread sheet here from this video.
21. And of course, don’t forget to throw out your makeup once it expires.
Knowing how long they last will hopefully motivate you to use them thoroughly before their last days.
