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12 Great Uses for Old Makeup

Many of us like to keep a supply of makeup and cosmetic products that enhance our appearance, such as eyeshadows, blushes, and creams. However, we often overlook the fact that these products have an expiration date and can potentially harm our skin if used past their validity period. To prevent any damage to our skin, several companies now indicate the duration for which their products remain effective once opened. This information is usually displayed on the packaging in the form of a box with a number indicating the recommended usage timeframe (e.g., "18m" for 18 months). 
 
Unfortunately, accidents can happen even with valid products. For instance, you may drop and break your blush or find yourself stuck with a product that doesn't meet your needs but cannot be returned. We understand how disheartening it can be when makeup becomes unusable or wasted - especially if it was expensive.

To compensate for this feeling of loss, we've collected a list of helpful uses you can put your expired or unsuitable makeup items, so below you'll find 12 creative and unexpected ideas:
makeup tools

1.  Use mascara to hide gray roots

Are you in possession of an unnecessary mascara that is taking up space in your makeup collection and will never be used? Well, here's a brilliant solution to put it to good use: temporarily dye your gray roots with it. This can come in handy, especially before an important event where you want to look your absolute best. However, keep in mind that if there's a chance of your hair getting wet, such as on a rainy day, this method should be avoided.

2. Surprising uses for an old mascara brush

The brush that comes with mascara has surprising cosmetic uses. It can be used to groom and shape eyebrows by taming unruly hairs and giving them a well-groomed appearance. Furthermore, the mascara brush can also double as a cleaning tool for removing bacteria and dirt that tends to accumulate under the nails. Before using it for these purposes, though, make sure to thoroughly disinfect the brush with alcohol to remove any bacteria or dirt that may have accumulated from its original use.
makeup tools mascara

3. מברשות איפור ככלי לניקוי מקלדות

In another unexpected twist, makeup brushes can also serve as handy tools for cleaning keyboards. The bristles are perfect for reaching between keys and removing dust particles or debris that may have settled there over time.
Cleaning computer keyboards can be a challenge, especially when dirt accumulates in hard-to-reach places. However, there is a simple solution that can make this task easier. Instead of throwing away old brushes from your makeup box, you can repurpose them for keyboard cleaning.
 
For instance, large blush brushes are effective at removing dust from keyboards and similar items. On the other hand, smaller eyeshadow brushes work well for tackling tougher dirt. Before using these brushes, it's important to disinfect them to remove any colored material residues that could contribute to more dirt accumulation instead of cleaning it.

4. Using moisturizers to free a stuck zipper

Many of us encounter the challenge of dealing with a stuck zipper at least once in their lifetime. It often happens during moments when they urgently need to unzip something. Typically, people attempt to free the stuck zipper by prodding it with a crayon, unaware that there is actually a much simpler and more accessible solution - moisturizing lipstick! If you happen to have one on hand, or even some Vaseline, applying it onto the stubborn zipper will make it easier to open. To discover more unexpected uses for these cosmetic products, simply click on the link provided.
stuck zipper

5.  Salvaging your blush

I don't know how YOU react when a blush is damaged - I personally feel quite upset about it. Losing a trusted and loyal tool like that is disheartening, especially knowing that they may not be able to serve me as effectively in the future. If you can relate to this feeling, there is a solution to restore the integrity of this essential makeup item. By combining a small amount of leftover powder with a moisturizing lipstick, you can create a cream blush that will provide an even layer of color. This hack will save you time before considering purchasing a new product.

6. From powder to liquid color

Are you looking for an engaging craft activity for your child but find yourself lacking gouache paints? There's actually an easy solution! You can mix old eyeshadow or blush powders with some liquid white glue to create a uniform cream consistency. Not only does this help declutter your makeup collection by repurposing old items, but it also allows your child to explore their creativity using vibrant colors and unique shades during their free time without having to rush off to the toy store.
glue

7. Using makeup pencils

It is not uncommon for women to have eye pencils or lip pencils that they no longer use because they were forgotten and ended up at the bottom of their makeup box, becoming dirty over time. Surprisingly, these seemingly harmless makeup tools can actually accumulate bacteria that can be harmful to our health. As a result, they may expire before their designated expiration dates. The lifespan of these makeup tools varies depending on their type: those that can be sharpened typically last between one and two years due to the removal of dirty layers during sharpening. On the other hand, pencil-like makeup tools that cannot be sharpened (such as those with a round opening) are recommended to only be used for 3-6 months.

8. Using Old Eye Shadow to Create Nail Polish Colors

If you happen to have a favorite eye shadow that has gone out of style, don't despair. You can repurpose it as a unique and unconventional nail polish color. This way, you'll have a shade that is unlikely to be found in stores. To achieve this transformation, follow these steps: Take a piece of paper and create a makeshift funnel to help transfer the makeup powder into an empty nail polish bottle. Then, using a toothpick, thoroughly mix the eye shadow powder with the clear polish until you achieve a consistent mixture. Once ready, apply this custom-made nail polish onto your nails and await the compliments and inquiries about where you acquired such an exquisite shade.
nail polish colors

9. Smart Ways to Utilize Old Nail Polish

Are you in possession of aged nail polishes that you hesitate to apply on your nails due to their lumpy texture and unpleasant odor? Instead, utilize them for coloring similar keys in order to differentiate them or make your keychain more vibrant. Furthermore, if you possess a piece of jewelry that no longer appeals to you, consider rejuvenating it by painting it with old nail polish. For instance, an old silver ring can be transformed into a shiny blue accessory.

10. Reviving Old Lip Gloss

To restore the moisture and pleasant scent of a dried-out lip gloss that is otherwise still usable, try soaking it in boiling water for several minutes. This simple technique will soften the product and return its consistency back to liquid form. By doing so, not only will you be able to continue using the lip gloss multiple times but also alleviate any concerns about replenishing your makeup supply.
eye liners

11. Using eyeliner to fix scratched shoes

In our closets, many of us have beloved and comfortable shoes that have become worn out over time, leaving us with no choice but to bid them farewell and discard them. However, there is a way to salvage these shoes by using an old eyeliner in a similar shade to the shoe's color. By carefully applying gel or liquid eyeliner on the worn-out areas, you can give your shoes a fresh and new appearance. Alternatively, you can also use a marker-type makeup item for this task, although it may take longer due to its thin tip.

12. Using face wash as a cleaner

Another household item that often goes unused is face wash, which is commonly received as gifts or included in cosmetic sets. If you find yourself accumulating numerous vials of face water that are unlikely to be used for their intended purpose, check if they contain alcohol. If they do contain alcohol, these vials can serve as effective cleaning and disinfecting agents for glass mirrors and tables, saving you some money.
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