Creative Panning to use up products

If you like to keep your make-up routine simple, prefer to have a few items in your bag that you can multi-task with or are trying to “project pan” and use up make-up and cosmetic items that you have before purchasing new ones, then Creative Panning might help to use up some of these products even faster!

Versatile, mix-‘n-match, multi-tasking products that can do two or even three different things not only save space in your bag, but also end up being a little more “budget-friendly” as you’ll use them all the time!

But what happens when you’ve bought or are given products that you don’t like but feel guilty just throwing them away? Try using them in creative ways, the same way as a multi-tasking product would work. If you’re stuck for ideas, here are a few that I’ve picked up over the years:

• Use lipstick or a lip stain as a blush, just be sure to start of with a little blend it well and add more colour slowly.
• Brown eyeshadow can double up as a cheek contour or eyebrow powder.
• Eyebrow powder can be used as an eyeshadow.
• Light coloured eyeliner can be used as an eyeshadow base (apply it to the eyelid and blend well before applying powder eyeshadow on top). Gel eyeliner pencils or soft eyeliners work best.
• Cream eyeshadow can be used as an eyeshadow base (apply it to the eyelid before applying powder eyeshadow on top).
• Depending on the colour, blush can be used as an eyeshadow and vice versa.
• If you have a foundation that is the wrong colour mix a little with moisturiser to make a tinted moisturiser.
• A face scrub that is too harsh for your face can be used as a body scrub.
• Body Wash can be used as bubble bath (pour it slowly under running water).
• Shower Gel can be used as hand wash, or mix it with salt or sugar for a homemade body scrub.
• Shampoo can be used as hand wash.
• Conditioner can be used instead of shaving cream on legs and underarms.
• Hand lotion can be used as body lotion or foot balm (do not use hand lotion on your face).
• Facial moisturiser can be used as hand lotion.

Use products that you’re trying to pan (finish) on a daily basis and don’t keep items to use on special occasions only. If you’re trying to save money (or space in your make-up bag), these multi-purpose products can be a lifesaver:

• Buy an eyeshadow that is one shade darker than your natural eyebrow colour. You can use it as a brow powder (to fill in your brows) and as an eyeshadow.
• Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Sparkle. These cream eyeshadows be used as eyeshadow or eyeliner.
• Model Co. Cheek & Lip Tint. Use as a blush and lip stain.
• Revlon Just Bitten Lip Balm Stain. Use as lip stain and as a blush.

The easiest way to use up products you want to finish, is to try use them everyday. If you have two or three of the same type of product open (moisturisers, blush, etc), select the one that is the least full and aim to finish it first before moving onto the next one.

Happy Panning!