When you feel you’ve plateaued with your makeup skills, throwing money at the problem won’t always solve it. Instead of going out and spending a fortune on a whole new color palette and a bunch of new products, work with what you already have, and you’ll be surprised how much you can achieve.
Discover how to upgrade your makeup routine without new products with the right tricks. Make the most out of makeup kit with these tips that can help you expand and refine your looks without spending a single cent.
Create Your Own Lip Stain
Instead of going out and buying a lip stain, check out your collection of lip liners. All you need to complete a beautiful stain is a bit of moisturizing lip balm. You’ll need a good base, so apply the balm first, then gently blot your lips to remove the extra grease. Smile to tighten your lips and start mixing the liner with a touch of balm on the back of your hand, then press your lips against it. Mix and blot again to create the desired shade.
Use Mascara Thoughtfully
Fresh mascara, less than a month old, is always the best option, but you upgrade your makeup routine without new products by improving your application and extending the life of your mascara. You need to wiggle your wand at the base, then sweep towards the ends of your lashes. Apply the most at the root and then less towards the ends for a natural look. And if your mascara is dry, use 2-3 eye drops to freshen it up, then gently shake it. Never pump the wand, since that just dries it further.
Start using Eyeshadow and Eyeliner Interchangeably
Expand your makeup color palette by using wet eyeshadow as eyeliner and pencil eyeliner as eyeshadow. You may double your color arsenal with this simple trick. If you use pencil eyeliner on your eyelids instead of shadow, remember to smudge with a soft brush, and you can also set with translucent powder.
See also: Ditch Contouring and Start Strobing
Apply Your Highlighter Under Your Foundation
One of the best pro tips on how to upgrade your makeup routine without new products is applying highlighter before foundation. This will help you achieve a natural glow, especially if you’re using a full coverage foundation throughout the day.
Turn Lipstick Into Blush
This isn’t a new trick, and plenty of women have been using it to make their cheeks pop. Instead of buying all the shades of blush you’ll even need, look to your lipstick collection and blend it well by tapping with a circular motion.
Use Shimmery Shadow on Your Lips
If you’re tired of your lipstick selection, then don’t be afraid to use eyeshadow to create the shade you want. Upgrade your makeup routine without new products by using a bit of non-greasy lip balm first, then dabbing on the shimmery shadow, then finishing with more lip balm. However, don’t expect the color to last throughout the whole day like lipstick would.
Take Your Eyeshadow to the Next Level
When you want bold eye makeup, the easiest way to achieve it is to use a little water. Never add water to the eyeshadow. Instead, use a slightly damp fluffy brush to apply it, and create a truly vibrant look. Pick up some eyeshadow from a corner, then use the back of your hand to distribute it evenly on the brush. When you use this trick, always apply from bottom to top, from lash line to crease.
Step Up Your Liquid Liner Game
A skilled liquid liner application can help you achieve gorgeous looks. You can upgrade your makeup routine without new products if you simply have an eyeliner pencil in a neutral shade, like taupe. Start with the pencil and create even lines, then retrace with the liquid eyeliner of your choice.
Get Instant Shine
If you’re not interested in using shimmery shadow on your lips, simply add a little water to turn into an extra shiny eyeliner. Use the same brush technique explained above, don’t add water directly into the eyeshadow. You can also use it at the center of your eyelids to highlight your look.
More: 10 Smart Makeup Tricks to Use in the Car
Try Lip Liner on Your Eyelids
Upgrade your makeup routine without new products by giving lip liner a new use, on your eyelids. It won’t be enough on its own, but under eyeshadow, it can make the color more vibrant and add depth.
photos: Elle Canada
