Instead of spending money you don't have on ineffective beauty products, make use of supplies you probably have at home. If you don't already have them, buying these inexpensive, multipurpose items can save you money in the end.

Petroleum jelly

Chapped lips? Rub petroleum jelly on your puckers to make them soft and shiny. In need of an eyebrow tamer? Swipe a little petroleum jelly on each brow to define arches. It can also soften cracked heels and dry skin, and provides cheeks and eyelids with a subtle sheen. And if this long list of uses isn't enough, petroleum jelly acts as a makeup remover and is gentle enough to use around the eye area.

Price: $2.99 for a 13-ounce container of CVS petroleum jelly

A toothbrush

One tool you should definitely already have. It can exfoliate lips, bring out their natural redness and lengthen the wear of lip gloss. To scrub flaky skin away from your lips, brush them with a wet toothbrush and top them off with a smudge of petroleum jelly.

Price: 99 cents for a CVS adult toothbrush

Isopropyl rubbing alcohol

The deep cleanser. This liquid can do more than sterilize cuts and bruises — it also can keep future pimples at bay. Instead of buying an alcohol-based toner to rid your face of pore-clogging dirt particles, use plain rubbing alcohol. For best results, apply with a cotton ball after washing and drying your face.

Price: $1.79 for a 16-fluid ounce bottle of CVS isopropyl rubbing alcohol

Toothpaste

When stubborn blemishes make their way to the skin's surface, dab toothpaste on top of them to dry the little suckers out. Use regular paste instead of gel toothpaste, as it is more effective. Reapply a few times throughout the day.

Price: $2.49 for a 6.4-ounce tube of Crest cavity protection regular paste