Learning how to use a product correctly, whether its skin cream, cleanser or makeup, can make a world of difference to your skin and hip pocket.

Apply too much of a product and you run the risk of breakouts and irritation.

On the flipside, if you're too stingy with your loot, there's a good chance you may not see results at all.

Here are a few serving-size suggestions to help you dot, dab, blend and blow-dry, like a pro.

Ace the base
Slathering on too much foundation can exaggerate fine lines and leave the skin looking flat.

For a natural-looking finish, makeup artist Napoleon Perdis suggests limiting the product to the areas where the skin needs the coverage the most, such as the chin, cheeks and forehead.

Then, leave the foundation to settle for a minute or two before going back over any trouble spots, like blemishes or dark circles using concealer.

Unlike a stick product that can be tricky to blend, liquid concealer glides on like a dream so dot the size of an M&M should do the trick.

Sun-day best
When it comes to sunscreen lotion, the more generous you are with the product, the better.

As a general guide, you want to apply at least 35-40mL of product - think one shot-glass-full, to clean dry skin at least 20 minutes before heading outdoors.

For even protection, divide the body into three sections and aim to apply a grape-size amount of product to each, starting with the face, neck and arms, followed by the back and torso, before finishing with the legs and feet.

A clean slate
If you want more beauty for your buck, skincare expert Melisa Giraldo from Fifty-four Park St Day Spa, suggests you stick with an inexpensive cleanser that you can afford to use liberally.

For a thorough cleanse, a ten-cent-coin-sized amount of product will provide enough lather to tackle the face and neck.

The eyes have it
Overloading the eye area with too much product can cause puffiness and irritation.

Dabbing a pea-sized amount will cover off both peepers, so start by patting the product just below the lash line, working it from the outer corner in, before taking any excess up toward the brow bone.

Moisturise like you mean it
Keeping the skin soft and hydrated is half the battle when it comes to staving off fine lines.

For maximum moisture, try using two-peanut-sized amounts - one for the face, the second for the neck, morning and night.

According to Giraldo, the key to getting the most out of any face cream is to apply the product straight after cleansing when the skin is still damp.

Super styling
Just like foundation, most women tend to be heavy handed when applying hair styling product.

If you've got fine or short hair, a five-cent-coin amount of protective serum or mousse is more than ample, and if you've got longer hair, you can afford to double it.

Just remember, the roots produce enough oil as it is so it's best to concentrate the product on the ends and lengths, where the hair needs the shine and control the most.

- Daily Life

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