Women spend over $300 a month on their appearance - which includes makeup, according to industry studies.

But how much of that is wasted? With prices up 5-10%, News 12's consumer reporter Janice Lieberman finds out The Real Deal on how to make our makeup last.

Stephanie Vazquez, owner of Beauty Schooled, has some tips:

Brushes need to be washed once a week to keep their shape.

We probably toss mascara more than any other product, because it gets dry and clumpy. If you feel like your mascara is dry and it's getting a little clumpy, just pour a couple of drops of saline solution into it.

Don't pump your mascara wand, it pushes air inside, which dries it out faster. Instead twist it.

Want to revive your dried up eyeliner? Use a lighter to heat it up just a little and revive it.

If you ever had your makeup crack into pieces - it can be put back together again. Saturate a cotton pad with rubbing alcohol, and press all the powder back into one piece. You want to use alcohol because it will evaporate and won't stay wet for long.

If something smells bad, or tastes weird, it's time to go. If your matte lipstick dries up before its expiration date - add a couple drops of essential oil, mix it around and then it's as wet as it was.

The extreme temperatures and humidity of the bathroom wreak havoc with your cosmetics.

Keep the film on the powders. This keeps oils away, keeping the powder cleaner and usable.

How do you know when it's time to toss your makeup? All cosmetics have a PAO - period after opening - symbol.