After decades in the beauty industry, many experts end up trimming down their make-up bags to just a few hard-working, multipurpose staples. And when essentials are missing, a little creativity can go a long way. Forgot body moisturiser before an event? A dab of lip gloss can do the trick in a pinch, instantly adding hydration and sheen.
Multi-use beauty products are ideal for everyday ease, but even the basics can be repurposed in clever ways. Here’s how to get more out of what’s already in the kit.
Balm
Clear salves made with beeswax or petroleum jelly are more versatile than they look. Their smooth texture makes them easy to blend into other products—turning into a makeshift blush, bronzer, lip balm, or highlighter depending on what they’re paired with. A smear mixed with bronzer creates a glowing effect on the décolletage. When blended with a powder blush, it delivers a creamy flush on the cheeks. Tapped onto the cheekbones, it adds a dewy, natural-looking highlight.
A quality balm with nourishing oils hydrates and protects the skin, making it a beauty essential that does much more than moisturise.
Eye Pencil
A classic brown eyeliner is a surprisingly versatile tool that earns its spot in any pared-back beauty kit. In the absence of eyeshadow, a few quick strokes smudged across the lids and blended with a finger can create an effortless smoky look. For those with dark hair, the same pencil can fill in sparse brow areas for a natural finish. On deeper skin tones, a soft liner along the lips topped with clear gloss can enhance the pout in a subtle, polished way.
Eyeshadow
Powder eyeshadow isn’t just for sweeping across lids—it also doubles as eyeliner when applied with a damp brush for added intensity. For a stronger colour payoff, mixing a little water into the brush before dipping into the shadow creates a smooth, creamy texture.
Beyond make-up, dark shades work brilliantly to cover greys at the roots between salon visits. They also help absorb excess oil between wash days, making them a handy alternative to dry shampoo.
Lip Gloss
Gloss isn’t limited to lips—pink or coral tones can be tapped onto the cheeks for a soft, dewy flush. A dab of clear or light gloss on the cheekbones mimics the effect of a highlighter, catching the light in all the right places. Just make sure to use gloss, not tint, to avoid unwanted stains. The result is a fresh, radiant finish with minimal effort.
Newsletter
