Is your budget on overload?

Do you have more beauty wishes than beauty dollars? Don't worry. Your bathroom just may already have that beauty item that you're wanting. Here's how to get that sophisticated look on a slim budget.

Makeup does double duty:

One of the best ways to get a new makeup item is to go through the stuff you already have. Just what are you looking for? Items that can live double lives...

* Need a new foundation? Look at your loose powders instead. Just apply in sheer layers with a damp sponge, or a sponge lightly layered in your favorite facial moisturizer. Lightly layer on and blend for a custom made foundation.

* Used to spritzing you makeup with a final spray of Evian water? Make your own. Find a mini plant mister bottle, or travel size spray water and fill with water. Chill in the refrigerator overnight for a cooling effect.

* Need a new bronzer? Use that foundation that's 2-3 shades darker than you are instead. Just touch apply where you would use your bronzer. In a pinch? Dig out that warm brown eye shadow.

* Dying to get that latest eyeshadow base? Use your concealer and loose powder. Because that's exactly what eyeshadow base is.. use your foundation to evenly apply over your eyelids and set with a touch of loose powder pressed on with a makeup sponge. Then apply your colored eye shadow.

* Need to buy a new lipstick pencil to match that new lipstick? Don't. Just look for a beige or nude eyebrow pencil.

* Need to match your favorite blush with a new lipstick? You already have it in your blush. Just apply your blush on your lips with a eyeshadow sponge applicator, and then use your favorite clear lip gloss or lip balm over it.

* Don't spend $$$ on that expensive eye makeup remover. Just find a pretty glass bottle and fill with virgin olive oil, or in a pinch, baby shampoo. There's a reason they say 'no tears'.

* Makeup kits can range in the hundreds of dollars, so instead, simplify. Looking to store your lipsticks? Try the drugstore to find pill boxes. Available in 7 or as much as 30 slots, just fill with your favorite lipsticks by cracking in your lip colors with a popsicle stick.

Is your favorite makeup item just not working anymore? Don't go out and buy a new one. Just customize the one you already have like the pros do.

Foundation:

Too thick? Thin with a few drops of mineral water or toner. Too oily? De-grease with a few drops of witch hazel. Too dark? Lighten up with a few scrapes of light pressed powder. Too dull? Lighten with a few scrapes of a pearly peach or pink blush. Need a glow? Scrape in a pearly powder highlighter, or a few drops of liquid highlighter. Want to turn your favorite foundation into a tinted foundation? In a separate plastic bottle, mix your foundation 1/2 and 1/2 with bronzer, or self-tanner. Or, mix a darker shade 1/2 and 1/2 with your sunscreen. Shake, and instant tinted foundation.

Concealer:

Too thick or dry? Revitalize with a drop of foundation or eye cream. Mix into the container, or apply first one, then the other.

Blush:

Too dark? Tap your blush brush into your pressed powder or baby powder first, then your color. Apply for shades lighter blush. Too light? Tap into your bronzer shade first. Too muddy? Use instead as eye shadow.

Eye Shadow:

Cream shadow dry out? Put a few drops of water or olive or mineral oil.

Lipstick:

Need a lip stain? Rescue that old wine colored blush from years gone by and apply with a Q-top on dry lips. Apply your favorite Chapstick on top. Need a whole new color? Have 2 lipsticks down to the end of the tubes? Don't worry. Just dig out the remaining 1/2" of lipstick in the bottom of the tubes and mix into a metal or plastic container. A brand new shade. Hint: Mix two shades together in the same color family for a painless mix.

CREDIT BYLINE: Article written by E. Von Freudenberg, Editor of The Beauty Newsletter: http://www.beautynewsletter.gq.nu. For a free subscription, email BeautyNewsletter-subscribe@yahoogroups.com. Ms. Von Freudenberg is also a top celebrity makeup artist whose work has been seen in Allure, W, Rolling Stone, Paper, Detour and many more. Von Freudenberg Ent. © All Rights Reserved.