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Hair and Beauty Hacks - The Clothes Maiden

 It’s a devastating time when you reach the end of your favourite product or accidentally buy the wrong shade – but this doesn’t necessarily mean you have to go out and spend even more money. Online hair and beauty retailer Hairtrade.com has put together a guide on expert ways to save money if you’re a make-up lover.

Store Make-Up in the Fridge

Oil-based products such as lipstick, liquid liners and foundations can eventually become old and stale if left unused for a while. As well as this, if your home is kept at different temperatures throughout the year, it can damage your make-up. By storing your favourite items in a cool and dry place like the fridge, it will keep them fresh as long as possible.

Layer Unwanted Lipsticks

The colour you tested in the shop is never the same when you get it home and properly coat your lips, and you can end up regretting your choice of shade. This doesn’t have to mean a waste of money though, just trying layering that product onto another lipstick to create a new (and hopefully better) colour.

Soak Dried Mascara in Hot Water

It can be heartbreaking when you notice your trusty mascara turning dry and clumpy, but fear not – by soaking the tube in hot water for around an hour, the clumps will dissolve and the mascara will slightly melt. This will help you get the last bits out of the product.

Mix Perfume and Unscented Lotion

To get the most out of the last drops of your expensive perfume, just pour the final drops into a bottle of unscented body lotion and shake well. This will create a luxury scented lotion that will keep you smelling gorgeous all day. Just make sure the lotion is unscented first.

Free Samples

If you’re on the hunt for a new product it’s always better to try before you buy. Most stores will offer a sample for you to take home and test out. By making sure you do this before purchasing, you could save a lot of pennies making sure you have the right item for you.

Your Own Gel Nails Kit

Splurging on a manicure and pedicure every fortnight really stacks up in cost but it couldn’t be easier to create your own gel nails at home. Stores such as Hairtrade.com sell gel nail curating UV lamps and gel varnishes, which offer exactly the same treatment as you would get in a salon. By doing it at home, you will save a lot of money.

Cut Open Bottles

When it comes to plastic bottles for both hair and beauty products, always remember to cut off the end to get the final dredges. There’s normally quite a lot of product hiding within the corners.

Fix Broken Powders

There’s nothing worse than realising your favourite blusher, bronzer or eyeshadow has smashed in your handbag. This doesn’t have to mean the end though – just gently pour a tiny amount of rubbing alcohol, or an ethanol based liquid, onto the powder and smooth together with your finger.

Discount Codes

There are always discount codes flying around the Internet for both store and online purchases. If you know which brand you want to shop, keep an eye on their social media platforms including Facebook and Twitter. Beauty bloggers also tend to offer occasional vouchers on their favourite brands. It’s worth doing the research before buying.

Use Less

It sounds simple but by just trying to use less product, you won’t need to buy and replace your make-up as often. Try cutting the amount of foundation you use in half – it’s easy to apply too much to your brush or sponge and end up wasting a portion. This also applies to shampoo and conditioner, perfume, and body lotion.

Danielle Mead

Beauty