Help: I Don't Like What I Just Bought!

I'm sure we've all had the experience of buying something, trying it out, and realizing we're not crazy about it.  You then feel guilty that you spent money on it.  If you can't return it, what do you do?  You could always give it to a friend whom you think might get more use out of it than you, or you could think outside the box and try to find a way to make it work for you. 

Problem:
Your foundation shade is off.

Solution:
 If you don't already have one, buy another shade to mix it with (it's ok if it's not the same product).  Mixing a shade that's too light with a shade that's too dark will combine to form a color that's right for you.  You can also mix foundations with different textures and coverage levels.  For example, you could combine a dewy finish with a matte finish foundation so it's neither too dry nor too glowy.  Combine them in 50/50 ratios, or use slightly more of one foundation than the other--whatever you need to make it right for you!

Problem:
Your foundation or under-eye concealer is too thick or dry.

Solution:
Dilute the foundation with moisturizer and the concealer with eye cream.  If your skin looks cakey or feels dry, this can help.

Problem:
Your bronzer is too light, too dark, or just too... something

Solution:
Use it with a dome-shaped brush as a crease shade for your eyes.  You'll be surprised at how well this works.

Problem:
Your blush is too light or frosty.

Solution:
Use it as a highlight on top of your cheekbones.

Problem:
Your mascara just doesn't do enough for you,

Solution:
Go back to a mascara you do like for your upper lashes, and use the bad mascara on your lower lashes since they don't need as much definition (that way, you don't waste the product)

Problem:
Your lipstick or eyeshadow shade just isn't right

Solution:
Layer it with another.  There are endless possibilities here!

Have fun!