Every makeup-wearing individual knows that cosmetics can get very pricey, very quickly. Lipstick, eyeliner, mascara, blush, foundation — it’ll cost you an arm before you have the chance to paint a fingernail. As a result, many beauty lovers have started to create their own makeup products to avoid the haute heartache.

But with limited access to the artificial products big cosmetic companies use in their formulas, some have resorted to more alternative ingredients. Here are a few times edible items have been repurposed into beauty products because desperate times can call for delicious measures.

Oreo Mascara

Earlier this year, YouTube makeup guru Katharine Ward showed her subscribers how to create “mascara” by mixing mashed up Oreo cookies with a bit of water and primer. Ward’s also responsible for creating eyeliner out of M&Ms, lipstick from Starburst, and lip balms made with Sour Patch Kids and Nutella. That’s the price of beauty, I suppose: candy and cookie casualties. But, hey, your makeup will look bomb!

Blueberry Eye Shadow

Blueberry flesh has a deep, purple color that’s bold enough to be a shade of eyeshadow, so why not take advantage for the sake of beauty? Mash up some BBs in a container, apply a bit to your lids, and you’re good to go. Don’t mind if the color’s a little dark; you can always claim you were going for that Violet Beauregard look.

Cacao Powder Bronzer/Makeup

With the power of rubbing alcohol, an empty compact, and 100 percent raw cacao powder, this D.I.Y. facial powder will literally leave you as sweet as chocolate. You can even add cinnamon to create a warmer hue with a pleasant tingly sensation.

Potato Finishing Powder

Apparently, taking a slice of raw potato and dabbing it to the entirety of the face—post-makeup routine—will create a matte finish that lasts for hours. Don’t tell Mrs. Potato Head…  

Kool-Aid Hair Dye, Lip, and Cheek Stain

Photo Credit: theimpulsivebuy

Kool Aid has an infamous reputation for changing the color of tongues, so it’s only natural it’d be used to change the color of other body parts. If you’re seeking a change but don’t want to commitment you can actually mix the powder with conditioner and water; it’s an easy and convenient alternative to permanent dye. Kool-Aid powder can also be mixed with water to create a lip stain (for that sweet strawberry pout), or with Vaseline (for a cherry-tinted cheek stain).  

Beer Hair Care

Who knew there were other uses for beer beyond consumption? And for cosmetic purposes, to boot. Apparently, the hops and malt within your suds contain proteins that can actually strengthen hair. You can either: combine beer with apple cider vinegar and lemon juice (to clarify oily hair); mix with egg (for extra strengthening); use with honey or avocado (to deep condition); or just rinse with beer alone.  People with oilier hair can get away with using beer straight out of the bottle, but cooking out the alcohol in a saucepan will prevent the hair from drying out.