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Monday, January 24, 2011

Weird or Frugal?

We all do weird things, right?

One of my weird habits involves my make-up. One day a long, long time ago (probably early college) I ran out of foundation. I had been squeezing out the last bit for days, and I finally squeezed it dry. Or so I thought.

I couldn't get to the store to buy any more (I think I was mid application, actually), so I decided to cut off the top of the foundation tube to see if there was a little bit left inside. Guess what I found? TONS of foundation. Like, enough to last me a couple months. I was shocked. So now, I cut up my foundation tube until I actually use all the foundation inside. As you can see in the photo below, I have learned to cut my foundation tube in increments. I cut close to the top, use the foundation stuck to the sides of the top, and then cut a little further down, etc.
Yes, this is weird. And yes, I look like a pauper when I whip out my sandwich bag that holds the cut up tube (can't let it dry out!). But I save so much money by using all the foundation. I only go through about 2-3 tubes a year, as opposed to the 5-6 I went through previously.

Look at how much foundation is still in the bottom! I have been cutting this tube for about two months now. Granted, I don't use this foundation every day (I have a heavier foundation I use when my face needs some extra coverage and some days I don't use any foundation), but I use it probably 20 days a month.

Does anyone else do this? Please tell me I'm not alone here.

23 comments:

  1. My foundation comes in a glass bottle so I can't cut it to get to it. Instead, when it's really low, I take the lid off and use the straw part of the pump to scrape the inside and then dab it on my face! Haha. I also do the bendy trick with my mascara when it's low. I bend the wand 90 degrees so it can easily scrape up what's left around the edges. I'm probably being super cheap too, but make-up is expensive and I fully intend on getting my money's worth!

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  2. Totally not frugal at all, I do the same thing, I mean, my mother DID raise me on the philosophy of "waste not, want not!"

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  3. I wear the exact same tinted moisturizer and I do the exact same thing! Cut it up and throw it in a baggie so I can get every last drop!

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  4. I have never even thought to do this! And, I'm kicking myself now since I just threw out a tube of makeup a couple of days ago. I think it's a great idea.

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  5. I just started using foundation again for the first time in ages and I am TOTALLY trying this. I also have a glass bottle, so I'll use q-tips and sponges in lieu of cutting the bottle. No matter what, frugal or not, this is a great idea!

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  6. I think that's a great idea! I've never thought about it but am totally doing to do it. Thanks for the tip!

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  7. That is a smart idea! i have never tried that but it makes perfect sense, totally not weird! Thanks for the tip!

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  8. Weirdly frugal? Haha! I totally am so lazy that I wait until the absolute last second to replace cosmetics and such. So I could have done this once just to get me through the day/to the store. Haha! Genius!

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  9. I have a cut-up tube of hand lotion sitting on my desk as I type this. I totally get it :)

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  10. Um, I totally do this. I posted once on my blog about cutting the top off a tube of concealer or mascara. GENIUS!

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  11. I do this!!! If it is a product I love, I make it last!!! If it is my prescription acne med that I am pretty sure I am going to be on until I am 90, I am scraping that jar even when just the essence of it remains!

    (PS, I am so happy you are back blogging! I smile when one of your posts pops up in my reader!)

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  12. Never thought of doing this, but it's a great idea. I normally use Clinique too so I will definitely try this! Thanks for the tip!

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  13. My Grandma used to do this with everything that came in a tube...even toothpaste! She wasted NOTHING! I think she was wise :O)

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  14. Wow! That's crazy how much is left. It sounds like a good idea to me!

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  15. Ha, this is fabulous! I have NEVER thought of this, but I should!

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  16. I have the same foundation! I'm just about done with it and I'm definitely going to try that out so I don't waste it. Thanks!

    http://preppyminimalisthousewife.blogspot.com/

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  17. my mom always taught me to do the same , i remember watching her doing that with every tube ! My husband laugh of me but my coin purse is happy!

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  18. I think I read about this in a magazine a while ago and tried it and was shocked to see how much of my tinted moisturizer was left. It's a great way to get the last drop of makeup out!

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  19. I've done that with a few things before too! I am really surprised at how much was still left in yours.

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  20. Can I tell you how much I Love you? My Laura Mercier Foundation in a tube is About $40.. I will sooo use this. I can only imagine your "surprise" when you saw how much was in there after you cut it.. I totally will do this.. and then walk to your house to show you my plastic bag filled with foundation. xo

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  21. i always cut up lotion bottles. i think it is crazy how much product you are cheated out of if you don't cut the bottle!

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  22. The easy tones are super comfy and feel like you are walking on pillows, I broke them in easily. I would recommend them especially now knowing their customer service!

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