We've all had those situations - you buy a product that just doesn't end up working for you. How disappointing is that? Well don't pitch them just yet, because today we're talking about some of my tried and true ways of putting "bad" products" to new uses!

Any powder products for the face (bronzer, blush, highlighter, foundation) can easily transition into natural eyeshadows, but my favourite ways to use face powders that didn't work well with the rest of my skin is to grab a dense brush, like the Nars Diffusing Brush or this dupe, and use a skin tone powder to clean up the edges of overblended or dark shadows. It's literally like a magic eraser for your makeup!

 

Have you ever bought an eyeshadow primer that just didn't hold up on your eyelids? Try using it as a mascara primer instead to help give a little more thickness to your eyelashes! You can also try it out as an under-eye concealer primer if you tend to have problems with your concealer lasting thoughout the day.

 

Skincare products can be tricky, so every so often you're bound to come across a dud of a face wash. Since they are designed to break down oil and dirt, and are gentle enough for sensitive areas of your face, use it to give you brushes a deep clean and get rid off all the bacteria and makeup in a breeze!

Find you don't get much use out of your waterproof mascaras? Instead of letting them dry out, grab an angled liner brush and put it to use as a matte liquid liner. It will set to a smudge resistant finish and last you all day.

And finally, turn all those loose shadows and glitters that you love the colour of but don't ever wear into beautiful custom nail colours by mixing them together with that extra bottle clear polish you have hanging around in your collection!

Have you tried any of these? Do you have your own tips for giving life to products you don't like for their intended purpose? I'd love to know!

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I read an article in university about how my generation suffers from "Web Induced ADD", and I feel like I could have been a prime example used in the study. I interrupted a DIY project of mine to bring you this blog post, and guaranteed I'll have to come back to it later in a couple of hours (make that weeks) before finishing. That being said, I have a couple of tips for those of you who lack time, patience and/or focus hen it comes to your beauty routine.

1. Put a hair mask in before you work out. Heat opens up the cuticles of the hair, so body heat counts right? Regardless of whether or not the science makes sense, you'll be hopping in the shower after your workout either way, so why not pull double duty and kill two birds with one stone.

2. Dry Shampoo is my hair's saving grace. Not only does it cut down on your morning routine, it lets the natural oils nourish your hair for that little bit longer - win, win.

3. Wash your face first thing when you wake up, so while you are going about the rest of your regular morning routine your skin care products have a chance to sink in.

4. Not a morning person? Invest in a couple of multitasking products that will not only get you more bang for your buck, but also in less time! Pop on a bright lip colour and look instantly put together.

5. Run your new manicure under cold water so it sets up faster and you can go about your business. I also highly recommend investing in a fast drying top coat to make the process even less painful.

6. Use an oil on your hair before drying to cut down dry time and protect your luscious locks!

7. Whiten your teeth in the shower. Strips may be fine for going about your everyday activities, but if you use a tray system, pop it in before you get in the shower and let them do their work without worrying about the mess.

How do you cut down time in your beauty routine?


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Being a former girl guide and all, I am a little OCD about being prepared. I don’t enjoy being caught off guard and so I have set up a little kit at the office to ensure I am ready for almost anything. You may laugh, but let me tell you, I have been in a situation where I needed every single one of these things, and being the person in the office people can rely on to have everything does have its perks!

1. Lozenges, because being that girl who can offer a co-worker a little comfort has its benefits. 
2. Mini Deodorant for freshening up before a big meeting, or those times you are late for work and forgot to put some one before you left the house. Just me? 
3. New Skin Liquid Bandages for breaking in those killer (literally) new shoes.
4. A Nail File because hang nails are THE worst. 
5. Tylenol/Midol, enough said I think. 
6. Hand Cream to save your dry little paws from those communal soap dispensers. 
7. Caught in the rain? Having a bad hair day? A tiny bit of Argan Oil can help hide a multitude of hair sins.  
8. And Dry Shampoo will take care of the rest. 
9. Bobby Pins/Hair Ties/Claws for when you really need to get down to business and want your hair out of your face.  
10. Tinted Lip Balm does double duty by moisturizing and providing a little life back into your face circa 2 pm.  
11. A Mirror keeps everything in check.
12. And a Pashmina/Scarf helps with climate control in frigid office settings.

Did I miss anything?

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I don't know about you, but when I'm feeling under the weather it's difficult enough to get out of bed everyday, let alone try to make myself look presentable. Alas, unless you are bedridden, life must go on. Here are a couple of tips that I have been using lately to stop myself from looking like a hot mess on those dreaded mornings.

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Wash up.
Even if you are not generally a wash-in-the-morning type of person, just do it. I like using a simple, gentle cleanser for my face that isn't full of acne fighting products. It not only helps me wake up, it helps to start the day feeling a little less..gross. Don’t forget to moisturize that parched skin of yours and really let it sink in before jumping into the beauty routine.

Keep it light.
Opt for a tinted moisturizer/BB cream or mix a bit of moisturizer in with your regular foundation to lighten it up. There's nothing worse than feeling strangled by your makeup. Keep the rest of the look simple: a little blush to keep you from looking completely dead, curled lashes and lots of mascara. If you need some colour in your life, gloss/balm is your girl. Stay away from the lipstick and your dehydrated lips will thank you.

There’s nothing like a bun on a miserable day.
Am I right? A little dry shampoo, a little sock in your hair and you’re good to go. It’s out of your face and keeps you looking clean and not as disheveled as you may feel on the inside.

Accessorize strategically.
Keep outfits simple and comfortable and add a couple of fun accessories to keep it interesting. Scarves are like a little security blanket that you can carry around with you without judgement. They also happen to make a nice little pillow for if you need a snooze on the go. If you feel more like yourself with a little bling, go for a non-heavy stud earring since your ears are already on show.

Get up.
If your job is anything like mine, you’ll be on your tush for most of the day. It’s easy to sit down and get lost in the blahs of every day business. I usually start to wear out by lunchtime. If the weather isn’t bad, get outside. Nothing like a bit of fresh air to perk you back up. If not, maybe walk the stairs of your building or go for a little stroll to the lunch room/cafeteria for a cup of tea. Taking breaks always makes me feel less lethargic.

Here's hoping that Punxsutawney Phil and Wiarton Willie predict an early exit from the Polar Vortex (could they have picked a more ominous name for a weather pattern?) and we can start nudging our way out of the deep freeze and flu season. Feel better sickies!