We've all been there: you're at work, just made a last-minute appointment or date, and you either left your real makeup supply at home or just ran out of your favorite product. Instead of running to the pharmacy to grab a beauty substitute that you'll only use once, get inventive with what you already have! Here are 4 non-traditional ways to use classic beauty products for primping in a pinch.
THE TOOL: Eyelash curler
THE SUB: Eyebrow brush

If you're walking around every day with a bulky eyelash curler in your bag, you've won the Most Equipped Chick of the Month award. An eyebrow brush, however, is slender, compact, and has a little comb on the other side of the brush that is really for your unruly brows, but also makes a fantastic spiderlash separator and lash curler. Starting at the top of your lashes, pull the comb through and upward. The fine teeth from the comb will separate hairs, remove gunk, and make lashes appear more voluminous. Try Sephora Collection Professional Platinum Lash & Eyebrow Comb #21, $10, sephora.com.

THE TOOL: Eyeshadow
THE SUB: Bronzer

Bronzer is one of those great multi-purpose products that can sit in your desk strictly for times you need a facial pick-me-up. The golden/bronzy undertones highlight any skin color or texture and, when applied with a heavier touch (like your finger vs. a brush), make for a great, glowing natural eye shadow or brush. Spread along the brow bone to make eyes look wider and brighter, or sweep around the edges of your lids and undereye for a sultry glow. Try Physician's Formula Bronze Booster Glow-Boosting Sun Stones, $14.95, physiciansformula.com.

THE TOOL: Lipstick
THE SUB: Cream blush

Cream blush is a great alternative to powder because it's much easier to control the density of the color. When spread onto cheeks it can give your face a light rouge flush, but when dabbed onto lips, it can give your mouth a rich, sexy color. Cream blush can be drying on your pucker, so don't make this a daily habit, but it really comes in handy when you're in a bind. Moisturize your lips with balm, then dab on blush and finish with a swipe of gloss, or just leave it as-is. Hot! It can also work as an eyeshadow. Try NARS Cream Blush in Cactus Flower, $26, narscosmetics.com.

THE TOOL: Hair dye
THE SUB: Eyebrow pencil

Warning: this is NOT for a full-on mane change! But if you've got some greys poking out and don't have time to hit the salon or buy a root-dyeing kit, an eyebrow pencil can really be clutch. Pull your hair in a ponytail, swipe the pencil across errant greys, and brush/rub in. It works like a charm. Swear. Try Rimmel Professional Eyebrow Pencil, $3.59, walgreens.com.

How do you recycle your products?