As much as I love breathing in the particular brand of Gucci-perfume-meets-nail-polish smell that wafts through my local Sephora, I don’t have the cash to purchase new beauty tools and products on the regular. Luckily, throughout my many travels (read: many hours spent on Pinterest) I’ve found some great beauty tips and tricks that you can do using only stuff that you probably have around your house already. Save yourself some well-earned cash by using these products as tools in a quest to beautify your life.
Apple Cider Vinegar
I stumbled across the amazing properties of ACV when I read that Dr. Oz recommended it as part of his Swimsuit Slim Down Plan, but you don’t have to drink it in order to take advantage of all of its gifts. Apply one part apple cider with three parts water and pour the mixture over wet hair, leaving it on for a few minutes. You’ll notice your hair is much softer afterwards and easier to comb through, and unlike many other conditioners, is chemical-free. As for the smell, don’t worry — it will dissipate after your hair dries.
Cooking Spray
You could purchase a nail enamel dryer spray, or you could spray your nails with a light coating of non-stick cooking spray, like Pam, for the same effect. The spray will protect your top layer of polish from smudging, so you can go about your daily activities without having to worry about leaving a trail of nail polish anywhere.
Clear Tape
If you find yourself struggling with uneven, crooked lines when you attempt the wing eyeliner look or a smoky cat eye with shadow, then fear not — clear tape has you covered. Simply place two pieces of tape along your eyes where you want your wings to come out (blot the tape on your hand a few times so it’s not too sticky that it pulls at your eyelids) and use the tape as a stencil guideline. If you go over, no worries — the tape will catch any of your excesses. Gently pull off the tape and reveal a beauty-blogger-worthy eye look.
Toothbrush
Lipstick lasts longer on smooth, flake-free lips, but who wants to spend money on pricy exfoliants used solely for your lips? An unused toothbrush is perfect for buffing lips into a lipstick-ready shape. Simply massage the toothbrush gently along your lips until they are dead-skin-free (not, and I repeat, not until your lips start bleeding).
Business Cards
You may think you’re putting on mascara in the most efficient way, but you’re wrong because you’re not using a business card as your own personal eyelid shield. Simply place a business card over your eyelid as you use your mascara — you’ll be able to coat every lash while the card catches any excess goop that would have ended up all over your lid.
Coconut Oil
Coconuts: perfect in Mounds bars, and now perfect for your legs! Use coconut oil in place of shaving cream for a close shave. You’ll step out of the shower with beautifully smooth legs and smell like a pina colada.
Honey
Why spring for a facial or face mask with a ton of added ingredients when already have all the things you need to make an all-natural skin brightener? There are approximately a million recipes for honey-based skin masks, but my favorite is this three-ingredient exfoliating face mask — it’s so easy! Mix together honey, the juice of a lemon, and sugar. Gently massage the mixture onto your skin and leave it on for 10-15 minutes. Rinse the mixture off with warm water to reveal bright, smooth skin.