4.10.2012

Cheap Treats: Cotton Swab Makeup Applicators


I love to share Cheap Treats--things I'm crazy about (usually beauty-related) that are fewer than $10
See past Cheap Treats here.

Put down the Q-tips. I've got something better--something you might've seen but not really considered. I know I didn't--it's no secret I'm frugal about many a beauty product. In fact, I originally bought these on a whim. And I'm so glad I did! I'm talking about cotton swabs specifically for makeup. Yes, they are completely different! They're around $2-5, come in different brands/sizes, and can be found online or in drugstores/beauty supply stores.

Whereas regular Q-tips easily come apart, these are harder to unravel. The ones I use are pointy on one end, and flat on the other, but the swabs can be purchased in different shapes. Here are many ways I use them:
  • Smudger--I keep these in my bag for when I want to create a smokey eye look for night. Add a thicker line of eyeliner and smudge it out. Easy smokey eye!
  • Sanitary & Non-Messy Application--I can't stand touching certain makeup with my fingers, as in, putting my fingers into a tin of lip balm, for example. It grosses me out. I use the cotton swab applicators instead. No germs, no mess!
  • Scent Keeper--I traditionally do this with cotton balls when traveling, but have found these cotton swabs work too. I spritz perfume on them and keep in my suitcase/purse/dresser/car to scent it. Or I put them in a Ziploc and rub on my wrists later for a pick-me-up of scent. I've even held them under my nose during stinky cab/subway rides to calm my nerves. Is that weird?
  • Fly Away Tamer--Spritz with hairspray to tame flyaways/baby hairs or unruly brows.
  • Eraser--I love these for traveling! I pour a little eye makeup remover (or olive oil) into a Ziploc bag. I can throw in the swabs or dip them to make those eye makeup mistakes disappear. And it's cheaper than store-bought ones.
  • Eye Shadow Application--Before I started using brushes, I used these. The swabs can apply and blend shadow. They're great for touching up shadow too.
  • Zit Zapper--This is gross, and I don't advise popping zits, but if you must, use two clean swabs to pop the zit from both sides. Definitely more sanitary than your fingers.
  • Zit Shrinker--Once the zit is popped, drop some Visine onto the swab and gently dab it onto the zit. The redness and zit will shrink. Note: I'm not a dermatologist, but this tip has never caused me scarring/damage. Check with Dr. first.
  • Spot Hider--Use the makeup applicator to apply the tiniest amount of foundation (never concealer...we don't want to highlight zits!) to cover zits or small imperfections. I use the same technique with spot acne cream.
  • Mani Helper--I use the pointed end to help remove polish from a rushed mani (and my lack of steady left hand!). Unlike a Q-tip, the cotton fibers won't come apart and stick to your wet nails.
  • Nail Cleaner--Run the pointed end under nails to clean them instantly.
  • Nail Design--Use the pointed end to make dot designs on nails.

 What Cheap Treats are you loving lately?

29 comments:

  1. Aw I love those!!!!! I recently bought the cheap rite aid brand. Bad, awful decision...

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  2. Great ideas! I love the eye makeup remover while traveling one.

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  3. Very great tips...you came up with so many uses! Using them for scent is something I would have never thought of in a million years!

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  4. You are so resourceful! What great ideas. :)

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  5. Love the scent keeper trick. I'm gonna start doing this now!

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  6. THIS is awesome, Elle. I love the tips on this one. Off to hunt for them today.

    KB
    http://redcarpetcloset.tv/

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  7. Visine for zits? Hmmmm...I'm trying that next time!

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  8. Wow, I've got to try these - they're so versatile!

    Courtney ~ http://sartorialsidelines.com

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  9. I didn't know you could use these for so many reasons. These are great.

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  10. Ah, q-tips are a forever lifesaver! So many uses. :)

    -Ashley
    http://lerougestylo.blog.com

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  11. I never thought to get these, but it totally makes sense especially if they are less linty than cotton swabs!

    xoxo,
    Chic 'n Cheap Living

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  12. Great find! Cheap and useful are always pluses in my book.

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  13. I always see them but guess I never put much time into the fact of thinking they were any different from regular q-tips. Now I need to get me some! I love the variety of tips you gave especially the scent keeper one! Genius!

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  14. Another set of quick tips. I expect nothing less from you :)

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  15. I love your ideas and uses for them!! Especially for perfume! Xox <3 hautepinkpretty.com

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  16. I love those too! And you just take everything to the next level! Brilliant ideas! :) xoxo

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  17. I heart your tips! Thanks for sharing, as always, Elle! I'm definitely going to use this for the fly away situation :)

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  18. I love these suckers, especially when I'm doing a show–they're the best!

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  19. I have always liked them better : ) What a great post!

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  20. So many uses for this little thing!!

    Jayme @ Her Late Night Cravings

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  21. What a great list! Definitely pinning this. I've been cleaning my sink with those cotton pads you're supposed to wash your face with. I have about a bajillion of them and they really do take a ton of grime off.

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  22. huh, I haven't seen these- good to know!

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  23. What would we do without these! Thanks for giving me even more ways to use them!

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  24. ohmygosh, i totally didn't know we can use visine as a zit shrinker! wowow, thanks for that tip! :)

    <3, Mimi
    http://whatmimiwrites.blogspot.com/
    Fashion To Figure Giveaway: Win any item $30 or less
    Poshlocket Giveaway: Win a Shelly Fabric Choker

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  25. I'm definitely going to have to check these out! Thanks for all the great tips too--I especially love the traveling tips!

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  26. Good things to know. Thanks! xoxo
    http://www.hellohellofriday.com/

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