Collegiettes are pros at multitasking. Who else can be found at the gym reading propped-up textbooks while on the elliptical? Who else can masterfully mix studying flash cards with listening to music, or even more impressive, with watching Netflix? And if we're that good at going double-duty, shouldn't our products be too?
Say hello to a multitude of money-saving masterminds. Sourced straight from the beauty-hacking pages of Pinterest, these products promise to multitask just as well as you do. So next time a dwindling beauty supply puts you in a pinch, fear not—these items will have your back, and something else!
1. Use Lipstick As...
Blush
Run out of blush and want to skip running to the store? Simply select one of your subtle (and non-oily—matte formulas work wonders here) lip shades and swipe it on your cheeks as you would a cream blush. Blend it in and you're all set!
Eyeshadow
If you dare to wear a bold shadow, why not skip the pricey palette and pop on some lipstick? Muted shades and shimmers can add the perfect tint to your lids, while vibrant oranges and reds allow you to finally attempt that chic new under-eye shadow style. Better yet, the dense formulas will stick way better than slippery powders, meaning a neutral shade can even triple as an eyelid primer!
2. Use Eyeshadow As...
Nail Polish
Individual polishes are so freakin' expensive! So why splurge when you've got an entire rainbow resting in your shadow palette? That's right—in one easy step, any hue you crave can be yours. Just snag some of that powder (or combine a few for something even more unique) and mix it up with some clear nail polish. Once the potion is properly blended, paint those nails like a pro.
Volumizer
For those of us who struggle with thin hair and thinning parts, achieving volume can be near impossible. Fake the look by dabbing on hair-colored shadow—with less scalp visible and a deeper strand shade up top, your locks will instantly appear thicker. We love a good optical illusion!
3. Use Mascara As...
Eyeliner
Realize your liner's empty and have just minutes before you need to book it to class? Grab a thin brush and dab the end onto a coated mascara wand. Then, draw those lines on like you would with a liquid or cream liner. Piece of cake!
4. Use Eyeliner As...
Eyeshadow
This tip speaks for itself—if you're without shadow (or crave a deeper pigment!), just pencil some liner across your lid (experts draw lid-sized hashtags for full coverage) and then blend the lines together for a seamless shadow-like look.
5. Use Lip Balm As...
Brow Wax
Dealing with unruly brows, but aren't down for embarking on another Sephora splurge? Take that lip balm we know you always carry, rub some on your finger, and smooth down that brow line. That's it!
6. Use Lotion As...
Frizz Relief
Hate the texture of hairspray, but are so done with hair frizz? Apply some body or hand lotion as you normally would, and once the globs are gone and you're left with that sticky gel feeling on your fingertips, run them through your hair or smooth an open palm down your strands. The leftover lotion will be just enough to fight frizz without leaving any greasy residue.
7. Use Setting Powder As...
Dry Shampoo
So you're running late to a huge meeting and don't have time to jump in the shower, but your hair is way too oily to be seen—what's a girl to do? Sprint to that makeup drawer and locate some translucent powder. Sprinkle a bit onto your roots, massage it in, and go on your way. The setting powder will instantly soak up grease and even add some volume!
Lipstick Setter
Setting powder works wonders for our foundation and shadow, but why should you stop there? We all hate a smudged or faded lip, but luckily, there's an easy way to secure that color. Once you've applied your shade, place a thin tissue over your lips. Then, lightly dust translucent powder on top of the portion covering your mouth. But why the tissue, you ask? It'll stop any white residue from dimming down that popping pout!
With so many products out there, we often forget that we don't necessarily need something different for each and every beauty step. In fact, with these must-have multitaskers, you may just find that less is more! Just be sure to click on each image for extended instructions for each trick—happy hacking, collegiettes!
