In today’s economy, I am all about products with multiple uses. You are probably familiar with some of them, like using baby oil for an eye makeup remover, but here are some other uses for products you probably already have in your beauty bag o’tricks.

Baby Oil – in addition to removing eye makeup, using baby oil as a moisturizer can keep you warm in the winter. It closes your pores and helps insulate you. I can’t personally vouch for this use, but it’s something I’ll try in January. Hand Lotion – you’re getting ready for a job interview when you realize your good black pumps are a little scuffed. Problem is, you noticed after you left the house. Take a small amount of hand lotion and rub it on your shoes, and buff with a few tissues. Got static in your clothes? Rub lotion on your hands, then rub on the underside of the clinging clothing.

Makeup Primer – if you wear foundation it will last longer if you apply over a makeup primer. The problem is some primers are pretty pricey. However, primers are primarily dimethicone, which is the main ingredient in Monistat’s Chafing Relief Powder-Gel. No, this isn’t the yeast infection product, but rather for keeping clothing from rubbing on your sensitive bikini area. I have used this as my primer for the past year with my mineral makeup, and love the results. Spending $6 instead of $36 is an added bonus.

Hair conditioner – did you buy a conditioner that you just don’t love but can’t throw away? Slather it on your legs for a smooth shave. Or if your sweetie accidentally shrunk your favorite sweater, just dissolve a tablespoon of hair conditioner into a sink of warm water. Place the sweater into the sink and let it soak for thirty minutes. Remove and reshape it to the original size. The conditioner oils work to soften the fibers and make it more pliable. Lay it flat to dry and you should be good to go in the morning.

Hair spray – is there an annoying fly or gnat zipping around your house? Zap it with a squirt of hairspray (just make sure it’s water soluble in case you spray the wall). Or did you get an ink mark on your crisp white shirt? Use aerosol hair spray and blot the stain away.

Chapstick – got a paper cut or shaving nick?  Rub a little Chapstick over the cut to alleviate the pain and stop the bleeding.  Is your zipper sticking?  Use Chapstick to lubricate the teeth and restore the zip to your zipper.

Got any multi-tasking tips? Share them in the comments.