To make your foundation last longer, buy one shade darker than usual and mix it with your moisturiser — roughly, onethird moisturiser, two-thirds foundation. This works especially well in summer, when you want lighter coverage. You can mix foundation with sunscreen for extra protection.

When you get to the bottom of your perfume and it won’t spray, mix the remainder with an unscented moisturiser, and use as body cream. Alternatively, put two or three drops into a warm bath and relax in the scent.

Use a lip brush to apply lipstick and it will last longer. A lip brush applies a thinner layer than using lipstick directly from the tube and you can also scrape every last scrap of lipstick out of the bottom.

Vaseline is a fabulous alternative to expensive lipglosses. Put it on top of lipstick to colour and keep your lips moisturised.

To prevent eye or lip pencils becoming blunt too quickly, pop them in the freezer for ten minutes. They will sharpen more easily.

Don’t buy without trying. Most counters will give samples of skin creams or offer free makeovers. Ask at cosmetic counters for recycling incentives. Many have refillable versions of compact foundations and pressed powder.

Text: www.bauersyndication.com