Using up toiletries and cosmetics

[julliff]

Hi all,

I originally posted this in Health and Beauty, but as I got no relies, I thought maybe is would be more appropriate here (sorry for cross posting)

Anyway:

I have loads and loads of toiletries, so I am trying to put a freeze on spending on any more, unless absolutely necessary.

Trying to be inventive, do you think it is OK to use bubble bath as shower gel, or body wash?

Can mix two foundations - for example - I have one too dark which is quite sheer, and another which is too light but quite heavy. Has anyone done this with success?

If anyone has any other tips along these lines, I would be really grateful to hear them!

thanks!

[outrageous_monkey]

I think shower gel has slightly more water (aqua) than bubble bath, so you might need to water it down a tad to make shower gel.

Not sure about the foundation, but I've seen make-up artistes mixing foundations to get a correct colour, so I cant see why it wouldnt work.

I ended up with loads of shower gel (boots glitch) once, I use it as hand wash or bubble bath.

[wmf]

Hi there - I'm sure others will come in with more replies. I use up bath stuff in dispenser for liquid soap for hands. Same with any shampoo that gives me at itchy scalp. Wonder if bath foam would be too strong to use neat for shower - maybe dilute it?? I'd certainly mix foundations. I use up old bits of face cream etc as body lotion, handcream etc. I'm using up EVERYTHING just now as we plan to move later this year and I don't plan to cart along a load of half used stuff.
w

ed cross posted with above!!

[tinkerbell84]

Not sure about the foundation, but I've seen make-up artistes mixing foundations to get a correct colour, so I cant see why it wouldnt work.


If you have 1 water based foundation and 1 oil based it won't work

Can't hurt to try it with a little bit though ;)

[Bronnie]

I have been doing the same thing since Christmas. Not only using my own supply of gifts sets etc , but trying to use up DD's half empty bottles as she flits from brand to brand and try to persuade her to STOP BUYING, and to use up all the free sample sachets lying around. Occasionally remove some of DD's new bottles from shower, she doesn't always notice until she's in shower and then she has to use up the previous half empty one. (Can't get away with this too often though!)

Any bubble baths etc, I have been using in the shower, better to decant it into shower type bottles and possibly water it down a bit. Also use it to refill handwash bottles and for handwashing undies, tights etc.

Biggest glut is of body lotion/ hand lotions etc which I don't always use every day, although have been using it when I shave my legs instead of shave gel and it works well.

Definitely mix foundations, also lipstick shades and gloss to get better effect.

[jessicamb]

Bubble bath, shower gel and hand wash are very similar formulations with different amounts of water added so you can use them to do the same things to use them up.

[LittleMissAspie]

Yep you can use stuff for lots of other purposes. You can use:
shower gel as shampoo/bubble bath/scrub (add sugar or ground coffee beans)
shampoo as shower gel/scrub/bubble bath
bubble bath as shower gel/scrub but might be too harsh for shampoo
conditioner as hair serum/leave in conditioner (add water in a spray bottle)/shaving gel
face or body moisturiser as hair serum
body moisturiser as face moisturiser

If the situation is really out of hand, you can even use shower gel or shampoo in the washing machine (don't add too much) and hair conditioner as fabric conditioner.

[Mrs Boo Boo]

Just browsing and Bronnie said it all. Why do people never finish things up? My husband is exactly the same and yes I put stuff away to encourage him to use things up!!! I even cut things open to get the rest out like toothpaste tubes and suncream you will be surprised at what is left in.
Yes I use whatever is to hand and even clean the bath with odd bits of shower gel.Makes the bathroom smell nice. I have the same problem with gifts of body lotion but have been making the effort to use it up.
Glad I'm not the only one.

[julliff]

Occasionally remove some of DD's new bottles from shower, she doesn't always notice until she's in shower and then she has to use up the previous half empty one. (Can't get away with this too often though!)



thats a great idea! Thanks! I have two teenage daughters, who always want to try the new stuff!

[starflower]

I always mix foundation, I can never get the right colour so will buy 2 or 3 different kinds and mix together to get the right colour. Obviously a bigger outlay but last 3 times as long.

You can use shower gel as bubble bath vice versa etc.
I can't use anything other than shampoo on my hair as I have very dry hair, but i suppose this will depend on what tyoe of hair you have.

[nellsbells]

I use not quite finished body sprays as air freshners (saves having loads of
not quite used up sprays in sports bags )

[Penelope Penguin]

Hi all,

I originally posted this in Health and Beauty, but as I got no relies, I thought maybe is would be more appropriate here (sorry for cross posting)

No, this is definitley a H&B topic :D Now that it's fallen from the front of OS and you have several replies, I'll move it to H&B ;)

[horsechestnut]

In addition to all the above suggestions, I use samples or left over shampoo/body wash etc. to wash tights or socks.

For make up, mix the two on your hand as a trial run to see if it works, before you commit to the whole bottle.

[princess loki]

i hate body lotion and always seem to end up getting it in gift sets!

what i do is use a small amount as make-up remover when i am in the shower. wet your face then gently massage body lotion over it, wash straight off and then use your normal soap or face wash. it works great and does not dry your skin out! even removes mascara :D

loki x

[Bronnie]

Yep you can use stuff for lots of other purposes. You can use:
shower gel as shampoo/bubble bath/scrub (add sugar or ground coffee beans)
shampoo as shower gel/scrub/bubble bath
bubble bath as shower gel/scrub but might be too harsh for shampoo
conditioner as hair serum/leave in conditioner (add water in a spray bottle)/shaving gel
face or body moisturiser as hair serum
body moisturiser as face moisturiser

If the situation is really out of hand, you can even use shower gel or shampoo in the washing machine (don't add too much) and hair conditioner as fabric conditioner.

You got me thinking about my glut of body lotion / handcremes, which TBH I could never envisage using up.

But now........Have got a Bayliss and Harding pump action body lotion (smells lovely). Have also put a pot of table salt in the bathroom and will combine the two in the shower as a salt scrub. Also, have just had my nightly shower and used shower gel for the important bits, then used the body lotion and showered down body, arms and legs. Think part of the reason I accumulate so much body lotion is that I like to come out of the shower feeling nice and clean, then don't like to slather on greasy stuff! Will refill the pump action bottle with other stuff, adding a bit of water if necessary.

[AMG2B]

I too suffered from the body lotion lake problem! What I did was put one bottle on my bedside table and tried to remember to moisturise arms/legs/hands before bed each night - that way it has plenty of time to sink in, and I used it much more regularly. OH liked the silky legts too!

[AMG2B]

Also if you have full bottles of things, how about giving them away as part of a bday present or something - I have been known to do this with body lotions and nail varnishes.