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?