When it comes to makeup, I am a minimalist.  Part of the reason I am a minimalist is that I really don’t care or have the time to learn how to apply makeup in a way that will make me look 10 pounds smaller, 10 years younger or like I have been sunkissed.

In the 80’s when I was learning to apply makeup, Momma took me over to see Rhelda at Merle Norman.  I remember three things from our little 30-minute makeover.  First, once you start using eyeliner, you can never go back. (It’s the makeup world’s version of crack, I think or at least she made it sound like that.) Second, lipgloss should be used every day even if you don’t wear lipstick.  Last and most importantly, wash your face every night before bed.

So when I need beauty tips I go straight to the experts, my daughters.  They have watched the videos, tried it all out and then wiped it all off so they can work on their skin care regiment.  Heck, the little one stood in front of the face wash for 32 minutes in Target last night while I checked out all the clearance aisles and still couldn’t decide which one to get.  What is wrong with the $6.99 bottle of Cetaphil?

But I learned a neat trick tonight from her.

You know when you drop your $5.49 palette of Loreal eyeshadow on the floor and it breaks into about a thousand little pieces? Yes, me too. Let’s just say 1000 piece puzzles have nothing on Loreal #56 cashmere and #58 caramel that have been dropped from 48 inches.

All is not lost though, my friends.  Here is her tip:

1.  Grab all of the little pieces and put them back in their rightful place.
2.  Take a spoon and break them up into a fine powder.
3.  Pour a half of teaspoon of rubbing alcohol over the powder.
4.  Pat down the powder/alcohol with the back of the spoon.
5.  Let sit and dry.
6.  Use as normal

Woo hoo!!  She saved me $6 dollars tonight.  It works too!