In Pakistan, even though we have not officially gone from fashionistas to recessionistas, there is no denying that giving the odd penny a good pinch is no bad thing. All across the world the mid-range product is the only one making more money than before. Plus, there are a whole slew of intelligent products aimed at killing two birds with one stone. Whether it’s household cleaners or a jacket you can dress up or down, mid-range multi-taskers are now the name of the game.

Skin care and make-up companies can capitalise on these kinds of ideas best. In my spare time I love coming up with unusual product combinations for my imaginary make-up line that would enable you to touch up your face without cluttering up your bag. Until those future plans come to fruition, though, here are some of my favourite multi-tasking, or mid-range finds:

1. The Body Shop brow and liner kit:

There is lots you can do with the ingenious little brush in this compact. Photo: Bina Khan

With this ingenious multi-tasking brush, use the bristly side to fill in your brows, flip it round, add some water and you have a lovely, supple liner brush. (Keep the brush for use long after the cakes run out). Take this one step further by keeping a small eye shadow applicator with you and it becomes a brow, liner and two eye-shadows kit. That’s four in one!

2. Stila Convertible Colour:
This super-moist, super-strong cream is so rich that with varying degrees of density it can look like a trillion shades of colour, instead of just the one. For example, after applying on the cheek, blot under the bone to create dense non-reflective colour, but on the cusp and above the bone, let it shine, let it shine, let it shine! Add a dash to your lips, and even a light amount to your lid for an easy-to-achieve polished, sleek look.

3. Rimmel lipsticks:

Rimmel lipsticks are London cool. Photo: Bina Khan

These are some of my favourite lipsticks; I use them all the time. The colour is true, the texture is rich and they have a lovely sheen. And with Kate Moss as the face of the brand it’s no surprise that loads of their colours are London cool. With the very reasonable price tag of Rs. 650 you can afford to be experimental. And remember, even a wrong purchase can be mixed with an old favourite to create a fab new version.

4. Liquid body shimmers (by anyone!):
Merchandising tricks like these often fool us, but I say what’s sauce for the body is sauce for the face. Maybe avoiding the eye area is a good precaution, but add any of your body shimmers to your liquid foundation, mix away and voilà! You have a new beautiful shimmery foundation!

5. Maybelline eye shadows:

These little quads have the ability to take water very well. Photo: Bina Khan

These little quads have the ability to take water very well, so apply them wet for a dramatic evening look. The aqua set is super complimentary to our skin tones and the olive set can be used day or night. You might find their embossed instructions (a cute idea) fun to try, though I don’t agree 100% with their placements. Have a bash, though, and see if you like the effect.

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