It’s always risky buying foundation, as you never know if you’re going to like the formula, or if the shade is going to match you.
What if you buy a foundation, and you find out you don’t like it?
Well, you might be thinking, what to do with foundation you don’t use? I’m going to share some recommendations on ways in which you can repurpose your foundation, so it’s not going to waste.
How Long Does Foundation Last For, Before Expiring?
Foundation is one of the most important products in your makeup bag – but how long does it last for before expiring? The answer may surprise you.
Most foundations have a shelf life of around two years, but if you don’t use it often, it can start to dry out and become less effective.
If you’re not sure when you bought your foundation, or if it’s been sitting in your makeup bag for a while, here are a few simple tips to tell if it’s time to toss it:
- The texture has changed: If your foundation has become clumpy or separated, it’s time to say goodbye.
- It doesn’t blend well: If your foundation isn’t blending evenly, or if it’s not giving you the coverage you’re used to, it might be time for a new one.
- It smells different: Foundation that has gone bad will often have a sour or off smell. If you notice this, it’s time to get rid of the old stuff and start fresh.
What Can You Do If You Don’t Like A Foundation?
There are a few options available if you don’t like the formula of a foundation.
One option is to mix the foundation with a moisturizer. This will help to thin out the foundation and make it more sheer.
Another option is to add a setting powder to the foundation. This will help to absorb any excess oil and give the foundation a matte finish. If these options don’t work, you may need to try a different foundation altogether.
What To Do With Foundation You Don’t Use?
If you’ve ever gone through a drastic change in your skin tone, you know the frustration of dealing with foundation that’s too light or too dark.
But instead of trashing it, there are actually a few ways you can repurpose that foundation to work for you.
For example, if you have a foundation that’s too light, you can use it as a highlighter by applying it to the places you want to accentuate, like your cheekbones or brow bones.
Or, if you have a foundation that’s too dark, you can mix it with your moisturizer to create a tinted moisturizer that’s closer to your skin tone.
So before you toss out your old foundation, think about how you can put it to good use.
Repurpose Foundation By Using It As Concealer
When it comes to makeup, one of the most versatile products is foundation. It can be used for a full face of makeup or just to even out skin tone.
However, sometimes you may find yourself not loving a foundation as much as you thought you would.
Rather than letting it go to waste, repurpose it as concealer instead.
Concealer is one of the best ways to use up leftover foundation. It can be used to cover blemishes, dark circles, and other imperfections.
Plus, it provides extra coverage when you need it most. If you have a light-coverage foundation that you don’t love, use it as a concealer under your eyes or on any problem areas.
Use Foundation You Don’t Love As Body Foundation
If you have a foundation you don’t enjoy on your face, considering using it as a body foundation to cover up imperfections on your legs or arms.
It’s a great way to use up old makeup and get more mileage out of your foundation.
To use your foundation as a body makeup, start by applying it to your legs or arms with a brush or sponge.
Blend the foundation outwards from the center of your body towards your extremities. Be sure to evenly apply the makeup so that it does not look patchy.
You can also use your foundation to cover up any blemishes or scars on your body.
Simply apply the makeup directly to the affected area and blend it in with the rest of your skin.
This will help to camouflage any imperfections and give you a more even-looking complexion.
Mix Moisturizer With Your Unloved Foundations To Make Tinted Moisturizers
If you have an old foundation that you don’t use anymore, or one that just isn’t your shade, don’t throw it out!
You can mix it with your moisturizer to create a tinted moisturizer. This is a great way to get more use out of your products and save money.
To make a tinted moisturizer, start by mixing equal parts foundation and moisturizer.
If you want a lighter coverage, add more moisturizer. For a heavier coverage, add more foundation.
Once you’ve mixed the two products together, apply it to your face like you would any other moisturizer.
Tinted moisturizers are a great alternative to heavy foundations, especially in the summer months. They provide just enough coverage to even out your skin tone and give you a healthy glow.
Use Foundation Which Is Too Dark For You As Liquid Bronzer or Liquid Contour
If you have foundation that is too dark for you, don’t toss it out! You can use it as a liquid bronzer or liquid contour.
Simply apply it where you would like to create more definition, and blend it out.
This is a great way to get more use out of your foundation, and it can give you a beautiful, sun-kissed look.
Reuse Unloved Foundations As Eyeshadow Primer
Unloved foundation can have a second life as an eyeshadow primer. Just apply a small amount to your lids and blend it in with your finger.
The foundation will help to smooth out any imperfections on your lids and create a nice, even canvas for eyeshadow.
As you chose the foundation as a match for your skintone, it means it’ll work perfectly on your lids, and can be the ultimate eyeshadow base for any eyeshadow colors.
Use Foundation Mixer To Change The Color If The Shade Is Off
If you’ve ever found yourself in the predicament of having purchased the wrong shade of foundation, you know how frustrating it can be.
But don’t worry, there’s an easy fix. All you need is a foundation mixer.
This will allow you to change the color of your foundation, so it better matches your skin tone.
They tend to be a pale white or off-cream color, and you can mix a tiny amount of the foundation mixer with your foundation, and it’ll lighten the foundation.
You can even buy deep mixers, if you need to darken your favorite foundation shade, for example, when you’re using fake tan, or you have a natural tan, and need a deeper shade of foundation.
Consider Donating Unloved Makeup To A Women’s Shelter
There are plenty of reasons to donate your unloved makeup to a women’s shelter.
If you don’t love your foundation, consider donating it to a women’s shelter. Here are a few reasons why:
- Women’s shelters can really use the help. Makeup is expensive, and many women in shelters can’t afford to buy their own.
- It’s a great way to declutter your makeup collection. If you have makeup that you never use, why not give it to someone who will appreciate it?
- It will stop the foundation from expiring within your makeup collection. There’s no point having tonnes of foundations just lying around, if you don’t love them.
Summary
Foundation you don’t use can serve many other purposes. You can mix it with your moisturizer to create a tinted moisturizer, use it as a liquid bronzer or contour, and even as an eyeshadow primer.
If the shade is off, try using a foundation mixer and adjust the color accordingly.
Finally, consider donating it to a women’s shelter – it’s a great way to declutter your makeup collection and help those in need.
The bottom line is, don’t just throw away unloved foundation – there are many creative ways you can use them up, or even donate to those who need it most.
Hi, my name is Gemma, and I’m the owner of MakeupMuddle.com. I’m a true beauty obsessive, and love writing about anything to do with beauty – I have been a beauty writer since 2012.
As well as owning Makeup Muddle, I also own GemmaEtc.com, and love sharing my thoughts and feelings about the greatest (and not so great) beauty products!