What if we told you that you don’t need to buy all the beauty products that are apparently “essentials”? What if we told you that a lot of beauty products can be used for multiple purposes? Sounds hard to believe, right? But it’s true. You can create a stunning smokey eye with only one product. And no, eyeshadow is not it. You can use a men’s product to replace your primer. And your red lipstick has more purpose than just being on your lips. These beauty hacks may sound weird, but they work.

Here are seven beauty hacks which we swear by.

1. Use aftershave as primer

Living with a man who shaves can have its advantages. And this advantage might just be enough for you to forgive the forever-clogged sink. If you’ve run out of toner and primer, and your skin doesn’t feel ready for makeup, use his aftershave. It does the same thing your primer does – moisturises your skin to give it a smooth surface which is ready for some makeup art.

2. Conceal dark circles with red lipstick or pink blush

Depending on your skin tone, you can use red lipstick or pink blush as a concealer. This technique – and we speak through personal experience- is more effective than using conventional concealer for dark circles. Dab the lipstick or blush under your eyes and spread it out evenly. Obviously, it won’t blend in with your skin. Apply a dab of concealer on top of the red or pink, and finish it off with foundation. Make sure you check for the red or pink tinge in different kinds of lighting before stepping out.

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3. Create the perfect smokey eye with only one product

Most smokey eye tutorials look really complicated. Also, no one has the time to buy a range of different eyeshadows for one look. But to get that sultry, smouldering look is no big deal, folks. All you need is your trusty kajal. Make a cross on the outer edge of your eyelid and start blending. Make sure your eyelid is darker on the outer edge and lightens as you move inward. You can also use the kajal as eyeliner. Since the blending would have made it lighter, you can draw a line on your lid with the same kajal. Use the kajal on the lower part of your lid as you normally would. Use a thin brush to blend it slightly to create the smokey look.

If you want to add some sheen, dab some highlighter on your lid. And you’re done.

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4. You can create your own metallic lipstick

Metallic lipsticks are the new rage in the beauty industry. But you don’t have to go shopping for them. You can create one on your own. All you need is highlighter and a lipstick of your choice. After you apply your lipstick, dab highlighter on your lips. It creates an instant metallic shine. If you don’t want to go completely metallic but still want a bit of that sheen, dab highlighter only on the centre of your lower lip and blend. This technique also makes your lips look fuller.

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5. Add highlighter to moisturiser for a nude, luminescent look

This hack is especially useful when you want a nude look on your face but still want the glow that comes with good foundation. All you need is your trusted moisturiser and highlighter. You can use a creamy highlighter or a powder-based one. Mix a tiny amount of highlighter with your moisturiser and apply it on your face. Instant luminescence!

6. Use Vaseline for the same effect as a creamy highlighter

If you don’t have highlighter, you can use good old Vaseline on the same spots that you would use a highlighter. Dab a dot of Vaseline under the arch of your eyebrows and on the curve of your cheekbones. You can also use Vaseline on your eyelids for a nude shine. However, if you have oily skin, this hack can cause breakouts. So be careful.

7. Want bouncy hair? Use beer

Don’t think we’ve forgotten about your hair troubles. Before you get into the shower to prep for a night out, open a beer and let it sit out for a few hours. You can also leave it overnight, if you want to plan ahead. Once the beer goes flat, it’s perfect to use as a conditioner. Wash your hair as you normally would. When it’s time to condition, pour the flat beer slowly over your hair so that you cover it from roots to tip. Rinse it out after approximately 15 minutes.

Stop spending so much money on unnecessary products. Instead, use these hacks and make the most of what’s lying around the house.