How to Create Emergency Cosmetics Substitutions

They say that necessity is the mother of invention, but at no time is that more important than when a woman is experiencing a cosmetic “emergency.” There is nothing worse than finding you are without an important staple, or generally in need of a component to better organize your beauty routine.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Brushes
   Oh, boy, there is nothing that will throw a woman more into panic when she is readying her appearance than suddenly breaking a tool—and an eyebrow brush is likely to be that tool. Usually made of slender stems with minimal bristles, the typical eyebrow brush also has a tiny comb opposite the bristle side to rake away mascara clumps for luxurious lashes.
   
   Many of these brushes, however, are made with acrylic materials that are not conducive to long-term use, or normal hand angles. Because they are aerodynamically designed oddly, most such brushes break within weeks of purchase.
   
   What to do?
   
   Have a new toothbrush, preferably medium bristled, on hand. Not only are these designed for scrubbing use and durability, but they also can easily be cleaned (warm water and mild liquid soap) and will make eyebrow hair blend faster and more evenly while removing makeup residues.
   
   You’ll never go back to those wimpy eyebrow brushes again.
   
   Watch for good deals on very soft paintbrushes, too. Some of these are excellent for powder or blush brushes, and won’t shed as quickly as the looser-crimped commercial makeup brushes.
2. Pencil/Brush Storage
   You have the expensive brush set, and even scored a travel pack to slide them into. But, in those rush moments to get out the door, who has the luxury of playing with line-up-all-the-brushes-in-a-row?
   
   Enter the glass or ceramic vase—sometimes as cheap as a dollar at craft or dollar stores! With its wide base, it won’t tip over as you scurry to finish your beauty regimen, yet the tapered neck will keep the brush heads and pencils readily visible for easy selection. It’s even visibly attractive, lined up on the dressing table or bureau.
3. Sudden Eruption
   You’re washing your face before bed when you lean into the mirror to survey it—and there it is: the unwelcome zit! Of course, NO zit is welcome, but given the chance to sleep on it, there is a possibility to minimize damage before morning.
   
   First rule: DO not poke at it! Second Rule: Don’t mask it or use any type of drawing salve; this merely will bring the eruption closer to the surface.
   
   Do you have any acne control products on hand to wipe or dot on and help manage the eruption? These would have Salicylic Acid or Benzoyl Peroxide in them. If not, consider using a dab of toothpaste on the culprit, making sure to rinse it off in the morning before carefully applying a concealer. Don’t rub the concealer in—blend only at the edges.
   
   And, make sure you cleanse morning and night; don’t sleep in makeup. Change pillowcases often, and clean your phones.
4. Rough Skin
   Ack. You just slid your gloves on, and the resulting sound resembled an emery board moving against a fingernail. Changes in temperatures have left your hands feeling, and sounding rough, which means you are accumulating dead skin cells. Moisturizing won’t do squat until you get rid of those rough patches, but you don’t have an exfoliant.
   
   What to do?
   
   Grab your sugar bowl. Create a paste with warm water and the granules, sliding them against the backs, knuckles and around the nails. You can add a squirt of mild liquid soap or cleansing gel, then rinse.
   
   While the skin is still damp, warm and pores are open, apply a thicker moisturizer—one that will stand up to water or a few hours of wear. Make exfoliating part of your general routine, especially in colder or dryer months. Nothing ages a woman more than crepey skin, and hands are harsh at revealing our age!

Tips & Warnings

• There are various goods in the kitchen or bathroom that can be used in unexpected situations. Keep a good eye out, and be cautious when mixing chemicals for substances together.