Cheap but chic beauty tricks

Dec 05, 2008 7:00 AM by Kari Molvar

Posted in Beauty & Style / Makeup & Skin Care / Skincare

Rework Your Basics

You don't need a ton of new products to look your absolute hottest. In fact, some of your best beauty tricks may be in your makeup drawer right now, just waiting to be used in a new way.

Feeling like it's time to switch up your style a little? Good news: Your makeup bag is basically all set. You can use a lot of what you already have on hand (powder, your favorite gloss) in new ways to create sexy, updated looks. The trick is to make your products work harder for you -- who knew bronzer could double as blush? -- and follow the tricks of makeup artists. Below, they share cool tips for getting extra mileage out of what you own for a very sexy effect.

Hotter Lips

Turn old into new!

Instead of buying all new lipsticks, layer your existing shades to create fun new options. Combine brown and pink to make a sultry rose, red and purple for plum, and coral and red for fuchsia.

Make your red lipstick racier.

Apply pressed powder in between coats to intensify your everyday red lipstick. "The powder pulls out the oil from the lipstick, so you're left with a deep, matte stain -- exactly the kind of effect you want right now," says Chancel Miller, MAC senior makeup artist.

Outline your pucker with a brow pencil.

"Rim your mouth with a flesh-colored brow pencil. Its waxy formula is great at preventing smudging," says Matin, Neutrogena cosmetic-science expert.

Pat foundation over your lips.

You don't even need any lipstick to pull the nude, mod look off. "Just dip a makeup sponge in foundation, press it to your lips, and let it dry for a few seconds," says Shane Paish, Dior global makeup adviser. "Finish it off with a clear lip gloss to add some shine, and you're good to go."

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