From The Straits Times    |

If there is one thing you should know about makeup, it’s that there is (almost) always more than one way to use a product. While there are lots of brands that are offering multi-tasking beauty products, chances are you already own some makeup with several uses.

If you don’t, here are some of the best multitasking products you can get from Guardian that are under $50. In addition to being really affordable, some of these products were also editors’ favourites at this year’s Guardian Health and Beauty awards.

 

CNP Tone up Protection Sun (SPF 42/PA+++) ($47.20)


Multiple ways to use:

1) Besides offering UV protection, the liquid formula helps to control excess sebum throughout the day, which is perfect for those with oily skin

2) This sunblock has a pinkish tint that helps to cancel out unwanted olive tone and even out minor blemishes.

 

Spending a long day out especially in our hot and humid climate poses one major beauty conundrum – how do we protect our skin from harmful UV rays without compromising on the longevity of our makeup?

Sunscreens that offer you high protection have the bad rep of being uncomfortable to wear and tend to feel very oily and heavy on the skin. But we’ve come a long way since the days of slathering on thick sunscreens that leave a white cast on our faces. These days, sunscreens like the CNP Tone Up Protection Sun feel weightless on the skin and even double up as a colour corrective base to the complexion, cutting down steps in your makeup routine.

 

Derma E Radiant Glow Facial Oil ($36.90)

Multiple ways to use:

1) Nourish and hydrate your skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles with this face oil that is formulated with organic, jojoba and argan oil

2) Highlight and add a subtle sheen to your face without adding another product to your routine

 

No highlighter on hand? No problem! You can actually use your favourite face oil as a highlighter. The key is not to overdo it or you’ll look like a grease ball. Apply a small drop of oil to the back of your hand and pick some product up with a makeup sponge. Gently tap the sponge on the highest points of your cheeks, cupid’s bow, brow bone, nose bridge and chin (basically anywhere you would use a powder or cream highlighter on).

 

Revlon Matte Balm ($20.90)

Multiple ways to use:

1) Thanks to the trio of shea, mango and coconut butter, this lippy wouldn’t dry out your lips even though it is a matte formula. You can get an eye-catching shade in a matte finish without having to worry about a cracking lip

2)  Here’s a “cheeky” tip to put life into a tired or makeup-less face in a pinch: grab your tinted lippy and apply directly to the apples of your cheeks

 

When you use your lipstick as a blush, you are not only creating a monochromatic makeup look that is super flattering, you are also saving and maximising space in your makeup pouch. Simply apply the colour low on the cheeks or on the apples of cheeks and smudge the colour with your fingertips.

 

Maybelline The City Mini Palette ($24.90)

Multiple ways to use:

1) Your go-to palette can play the part of an eyeliner. Dip a fine, pointed brush (you can wet your brush beforehand for added precision) into the darkest shade of your palette and apply it as close to the lash line as possible

2) With that same deep brown shade and a small dense brush, use your eyeshadow to contour and add definition to the hollow of your cheeks, hairline, jawline and sides of your nose

3) With the shimmery beige shade, highlight the high points of your face, including cheekbones, brow bones, and the bridge of your nose

4) You can even use the deep brown shade to fill in your brows if you’re in a rush

 

This versatile palette has everything you need to create long-lasting sheer or intense looks with satin, matte and glitter finishes . If you’ve mastered all kinds of smoky and neutral eye looks, tackle your whole face with this palette (brows, cheekbones and hairline included).

 

L’Oreal Hydra Perfecte Loose Powder ($23.90)

Multiple ways to use:

1) Sweep away excess shine on areas of your face like your t-zone and cheeks

2) Tone down bronzer, blush and even eye shadow if you’ve applied too much

3) Create the illusion of fuller lasher by dusting some loose powder on your lashes between two coats of mascara

4)You can even change the finish of your favourite glossy/satiny lipstick by dusting some powder over your lips to make your lips matte

5) Loose powder also doubles as a dry shampoo in a pinch

 

If your budget calls for multi-purpose beauty products, rest easy with loose powder. This makeup staples can do everything from controlling shine to adding some freshness back to your hair. The best part? It usually comes in a big container that takes forever to finish.

 

ALSO READ: 7 SUPPLEMENTS THAT AIM TO TACKLE JUST ABOUT ANY BEAUTY CONCERN OUT THERE