More bang for your buck

Repurposing make-up can add variety without breaking the bank

Let's face it - beauty trends change very rapidly, especially under the influence of social media. And if you're none too enthusiastic to spurge on new products each time the tide turns, beauty bloggers have you covered. Recent viral hacks have focused on how you can convert powder products to cream with the help of a little setting spray, or how your trusty ol' tube of lipstick can also double up as blush or even eye shadow. However, their thrifty appeal notwithstanding, are any of these hacks practical and effective?

"Using a hydrating agent with powder products, such as eye shadow, isn't a new practice. However, if the agent you use is setting spray, bear in mind that the powder product will dry down much faster, leaving little time for blending. Also, spraying the entire product with a liquid can promote microbial growth. Instead, scrape off a little product into a pan before mixing with the setting spray. You could also use distilled water," advises make-up artist Natasha Nyss.

Natasha Nyss wearing liquid lipstick as ombre eyeliner

Depending on the formulation and shade, lipstick can be used as a colour corrector, blush, graphic eyeliner, eyebrow filler or eye shadow, says Nyss. "I use the same lipstick as eye shadow and blush to achieve a monochromatic look, especially for clients who have dry skin. For the cheeks and eyes, a cream-based, sheer lipstick that's not too matte works best. Focus on blending the lipstick thoroughly with either your fingers or a makeup sponge. Avoid this hack if you have oily skin," she advises. In terms of colours, opt for warm nudes and muted pinks. Use brown lip liners to fill your eyebrows. Bright liquid lipsticks can double up as graphic eyeliner.

With shiny lips back in vogue, if you don't want to invest in glosses, Nyss advises topping up your lipstick with a layer of metallic eye shadow instead. She also recommends using lash glue under glitter eye shadows - this helps the glitter to last longer and ensures a neater application without the use of an eyelid primer. "A social media hack that I find questionable is using lip balm all over your eyelids, either by itself or over eye shadow. Lip balms are oily and greasy. Within minutes, you'll find your lips looking creased and pasty," she concludes.