Pretend Play: Faux Makeup

I was looking for some kind of "play makeup" that didn't require "actual" makeup...something that I wouldn't find LATER plastered to the couch or carpet. I stumbled upon this awesome website:
http://notsoidlehands.blogspot.com/2009/08/freecycle-friday-faux-makeup-for-your.html

Not only does she teach how to make "play makeup", but it is NEARLY FREE and uses recycled materials! WOW! I LOVE these kinds of projects!

The project is SIMPLE: you need some old nail polish, empty and CLEAN makeup cases (eye shadow or blush), and TIME!

I chose one case (originally eye shadows) to be used as a "lip gloss" case because that is what my daughter is fascinated with! I cleaned and dried it well so that the nail polish would adhere to the little trays.

I then selected several old nail polishes based on "lip gloss" colors, and then arranged them going from the darkest shade to the lightest shade. I even used a "clear" color on one tray to give it a clear gloss look. I slowly poured the polish into each tray, being careful not to overflow. (You will find that you have to go back later and add more polish on some of the trays because the polish tends to shrink as it dries.)

You will get some tiny bubbles on the surface of the paint. Some can be popped with a toothpick, but you will likely still have some bubbles left over.

This obviously STINKS TO HEAVEN when you finish! I highly recommend finding a level, protected surface somewhere outside where you can leave these trays for a week or so until they fully cure.

My daughter LOVES playing with hers, and I don't have to worry about stains, breakage, or "running out"!

UPDATE 11/2010:  Finished more play makeup for Christmas presents....

***I am NOT LIABLE for any plans featured here. Please take every precaution and use your own discretion to make sure these toys are safe for children to play with them.