Problem: I've never gotten to the bottom of a nail polish bottle, so my nail polish collection just keeps growing over the years. The only time I throw a bottle away is when it becomes clumpy and coagulated, making it impossible to smoothly lacquer over my nails.

Solution: Nail Polish Thinner/Remover

The next time your favorite nail polish goes all cottage cheese on you, try adding nail polish thinner. You can pick it up at Sally Beauty Supply for $4.29.

The quick fix? Add in a little nail polish remover. Keep in mind that the high water content of the remover will cause polish to separate over a long period of time, but if you're planning on tossing it soon anyway, it's a good temporary solution.

Problem: On a hot summer day, your makeup tends to slide right off your face. The same thing can happen to makeup that's been left sitting out in the sun.

Solution: A New Container

If your lipstick has been rendered un-wearable by the elements, scoop it out of its container and transfer it to a small pot, like this or this from The Container Store. This also applies if you, like me, like to get every last drop out of that $34 lipstick, but the product is too far down in the tube. Use a toothpick or q-tip to scoop it out.

Problem: My editor handed me two broken hairspray bottles she's been holding onto, even though their pump sprayers haven't worked in years, with the assignment, "Fix them." Some editorial assistants fetch coffee. I fix hairspray.

Solution: Hot Water

I removed the nozzle, ran it under hot water, and voila! She now has access to all that hairspray the clogged nozzle had been holding prisoner.

Problem: Without a nozzle, an aerosol can is like a heavily guarded fortress. If yours is lost or broken, you don't need to puncture it to get the product waiting inside.

Solution: Play Musical Caps with Your Hairspray

The good news: Pretty much all aerosol can nozzles are created equal -- as in, they're the same universal size. I tested this on three of my aerosol cans -- all of the caps worked on every can. So all you have to do is pluck one from one can to replace the broken one.

Problem: A pump is supposed to make using your beauty products easier. So when you can't get to them because of a faulty one, it's extra frustrating. But you don't have to blame your dry skin on your broken lotion pump any longer, because we've got a fix for you.

Solution: Take It Apart or Return It

Sometimes, just taking apart the pump is the answer. I tried this with a new foaming oil cleanser I've been trying to incorporate into my skin care routine, but haven't been able to due to the pump's faulty nature. I rinsed the pump with water, took apart what I could, twisted the top portion of the pump around several times, and when I tested it, it squirted out what I'm sure is going to be the answer to all of my skin care woes -- now that I can finally get to it!

If your pump is truly broken, don't give up yet. I called the company who manufactured my product (Ulta), and they told me that as long as the product is three-quarters full, they'll replace it. I also contacted Sephora, who will replace the product (no matter how much is left) as long as you have the receipt (or they can look it up on your credit card or Sephora card).