Crazy beauty tips that work - Beauty Shoutout Wednesdays
This is such a fun post to write today, inspired by what I've read in Cosmopolitan magazine lately. I have compiled some wacky but fun beauty tips that are surprisingly outrageous but very spot-on. These kinda crazy beauty tips is what we'll coin it "word-of-mouth beauty" Some of these tips seem far-fetched but try it and be your own judge. Interbrackets are some of my comments/reviews about them. Anyhow, here goes the list:
Hair
1) Powder your roots - If your hairline starts to look greasy, use a big fluffy brush and dust loose powder into your roots. Remember to tap it once at the back of your hand to remove access powder. It soaks up excessive oil and blends into your strands so you don't look like you haven't shampooed.
[Been there done that. It really works. Only tiff with it, I used way too much powder at that time and my hair turned powdery white! Just had to dust out the powder and I'm good to go. Oh yeah, I used baby powder then instead of loose powder *wink* Besides that, it works like a charm.]
2) Brush on hair-spray - Stiff and heavily sprayed hair is so 80s. To avoid that plastered hair look, spray hair spray onto your brush, and run it through strands from roots to tips. Voila, you get natural looking hair with added volume and shine
[I for one detest the horrible 'helmet' hair. I used to apply tons of gel to keep hair in place and now thinking back makes my skin creep. Uuurgh. Anyway, this is a very common trick that even hair stylists use. My hairstylist does this and I'm very happy with my free-flowing mane, but with extra volume and shine. Definitely no fly-aways]
3) Maximize shine with vinegar - Mix one part vinegar with four parts carbonated water, and soak dry hair. Leave on for 15 minutes before you shampoo to lock in shine and combat dullness.
[This trick is done by most Europeans anyway. There are 2 ways going at it. Some rinse with vinegar as a last step after shampooing. However, don't really like this as the smell of vinegar really stays on. I should try using the vinegar before shampooing instead. Oh, by the way, the vinegar really, really adds shine to your locks, almost cornea-searing brilliance]
4) Scent your strands with perfume - Spray some perfume onto your hair brush bristles and comb through hair from root to ends. It'll keep your hair sweet smelling the whole day tru. You can always touch up for more with your already sweet-smelling hair brush
[This is one of my old and favourite tricks to keep my hair smelling great. But, I usually just spray the perfume underneath the hair(nearer to the neck base). I've tried spraying perfume straight at the top of my hair and I end up looking like I have matted hair. I should try out this hair brush trick instead. Good idea]
5) Steamroll flyaways - After spraying your hair, roll the can over your hair. It helps to flatten fly-aways and the bottle's round shape fits the curve of the head.
[Hmm...Never tried this before and it sounds dubious. For me, I'll opt for a rounded paddle brush and blow dry it while following the curve of the head. This adds volume to the back of the hair and it doesn't look too flat. Then, blast strands with cold hair and you get shiny locks and no flyaways. Which do you prefer?]
Face
1) Use toothpaste on a zit - Just dab a small amount of toothpaste on your zit and let sit for 15 mins. Immediately wash off. It helps to dry up the zit quicker
[I've swore by this rule since years and years ago. I've made major boo boo before where I burnt my skin wiht toothpaste. I've left it on my skin overnight and in the morning I woke up to a red angry burnt spot. It's horrid. But for 15 mins or lesser, it works perfectly. Remember to wash it off!]
2) Fix a flushed face - If you turn red AND stay red for hours after a gym workout, you can opt to pop an antihistamine like Benadryl when leaving the gym to reduce redness. Make sure you're flushed not because you're severly dehydrated nor unhealthy. If you're unnaturally flushed get professional help to be on the safe side
[I've never heard of this tip before neither have I heard of anybody staying flushed for hours after a workout. Geez, I'll probably stay flushed for hours if I have a non-stop marathon on the treadmill, maybe. However, for those who experience this, maybe you can try this tip out. But with caution please!]
3) Skin pick-me-up with egg white mask - If you have no time for a facial and your skin's looking dull and tired, whip out an egg white mask for instant rejuvenation. The protein in the egg white helps to heal, tighten and tone your skin.
[Egg is the next best ingredient for beautiful skin. You can try out this skin clearing egg white mask. Don't waste the yolk, you can use it moisturize your skin with this face brightener mask]
4) Tea bag to quell inflammation - Steep a bag of green tea let it cool down and dab it over your face. The antioxidants in green tea helps to calm inflamed and irritated skin. The duretics in tea also helps to drain face off any puffiness or swelling
[Green tea, one of the best antioxidants that I swear by. Green tea is good for reducing dark eye circles too. Just place the bag over your eyes. I've tried placing the bags over my inflammed acne spots and my, they work much better than icing the blemishes. Icing sometimes aggravates my skin further. Green tea is more subtle and mild, perfect for already irritated skin]
Body
1) Buff with baking soda - If you're spotting the Oompa Loompa look after applying your self tanner, banish those streaks by applying baking soda to your loofah and exfoliate
[I know that baking soda is perfect for exfoliating, but I have to 'fess up; I've not used it before. I rather opt for my coffee scrub. It doubles as a face scrub and a body scrub too. Anything goes to buff those dry skin away and say hello to new, glowing skin]
2) Get shiny legs minus the grease - Add a drop of baby oil into your normal body lotion and voila you get shiny legs that aren't greasy at all
[I've tried this method just to test it out. The baby oil does add more lustre and shine to my legs but wouldn't it be easier if I were to just use a glowing lotion instead?]
3) Moisturize and stay tanned - If you don't have time to get a tan (faux, please!) try adding a few dollops of body bronzer to your body moisturizer for that just-off-vacation look.
[We all know that this method works but again, why not just buy a gradual tanning body lotion instead? It does a fantastic multitasking job by itself minus the hassle]
4) Get soft skin with avocado - Mash a ripe avocado (sans pit and skin, of course) and add 2 tablespoons of honey and rub it all over your body. Let it sit for 20 mins and rinse off. Now, experience uber soft skin and your skin really glows
[Avocadoes!! My favourite all time natural beauty fruit. I really love avocado for just about anything, for my face, hair and body too. You can't go wrong with avocadoes. Try out my avocado face mask which can double as an instant body moisturizer too. If not, you can also try out this heavenly body smoothie
5) Shave with conditioner - If you've run out of shaving cream, just substitute with conditioner. Conditioner helps to moisturize your skin and at the same time soften skin for a smoother shave
[Tried and tested way. It's one of the next best alternative to shaving cream. My legs feel gorgeously smooth and silky. Try it. Only caution, it could be slippery in the shower!]
6) Exfoliate your pits - Ahem...sometimes those pits get dry and flaky and definitely not worth for some sleeveless action. Simply use a face scrub to exfoliate and you're good to go.
[These pits need some TLC too. As long as you exfoliate it, it'll look fine. Plus, it helps to prevent ingrown hair. It's really horrible at the pits. Try it and see the difference]
7) Cure calluses with Vaseline - Slather on vaseline to your calluses and then put on your socks before you hit the sack. you'll wake up to softer feet and calluses are definitely tamed
[It works perfectly and Vaseline could do no wrong, for me at least as opposed to the common beauty myth. Otherwise, you can try out The Body Shop's Hemp foot protecting cream
Makeup
1) Clean smudges with q-tips - Dip the q-tip in eye makeup remover and trace it along your lids to erase any slip-ups or goofs when you have no time to redo your entire look
[Hmm...I think everybody already knows by now how versatile q-tips are for makeup application. Anyhow, I also use another way to clean up eye shadow that's fallen on my face. I dust some loose powder under my eyes to catch these stray eyeshadow. When I'm done with my eye makeup I just simply clean up the loose powder and no traces of eyeshadow!]
2) Use eye&lip makeup remover on stubborn lipstick - Especially stubborn red lipstick, don't try to rub it off. You'll end up looking like a vampire after a meal. Not sexy (or maybe for some). Use eye&lip makeup remover instead and the dark stain be gone
[I think it's no brainer unless you've had too much drinks for the night and hit bed immediately after without *gasp* washing off your makeup. I'll say, a better trick would be to store makeup remover towelletes by your bedside for convenient removal of makeup before you hit the sack. Always wash off makeup no matter how many glasses of champagne you have had]
3) Heat up your eyelash curler - For stick straight lashes, blast your metal eyelash curler with a hair dryer to heat it up so your lashes bend better. Remember, not hot but just warm so you don't singe your eyelashes off
[This works way better than just using the eyelash curler straight up. I do it all the time and it's almost a habit for me. My trick is to use a waterproof mascara after curling the eyelashes. Waterproof mascara dries faster than normal mascara and it helps to keep the nicely curled lashes in place more effectively]
4) Freeze your eyeliner - If your eyeliner is crumbling or smearing on your lid, simply put it in the freezer for 15 mins before use so the tip is firm and goes across your lids without tugging
[I've yet to use this trick but it does makes some sense. Usually if my eyeliner crumbles, it means time to toss it away. I may just try this tip out. Also, common sense tells me, if I were to forget and leave my eyeliner in the freezer too long, it'll end up an eyeliner popsicle instead]
5) Lubricate your lashes - An easy way to draw attention to eyes without piling on too much makeup is by coating the lashes with some Vaseline for some sexy, subtle sparkle
[This sounds terribly foreign to me. I've heard of castor oil on lashes for thicker lashes but never Vaseline on lashes for a subtle sparkle. Sounds cool and I'll try it. I guess it may create the effects like those tear drops on lashes which was quite an interesting concept]
Nails
1) Super-glue your nail - When you've been keeping your nails nice and long and it breaks, you no longer need to cut your nail. Simply dab some super glue to the split and paint a generous layer of your favourite nail polish over it.
[I've never added super glue to my nails before. I've only covered up the crack with layering nail polish over it. Opt for opague colors to camouflage the crak. As for the superglue tip, I guess, you have to dab the superglue really precisely over the crack to prevent any excess glue to the nail. Don't want anything stuck to my nails. This tip intrigues me but at the same time, I guess I'll pass. Anyone up for this tip?]
2) Nourish hangnails with essential oil - If you have brittle cuticles, simply dab on apricot oil and you'll have healthy shiny nails. Gone are the days of raggedy and rough nails and cuticles
[Or invest in a great hand lotion]
I hope you guys like my selection. What are your comments on some of these tips? Too crazy or you might give some of them a try?
1) Powder your roots - If your hairline starts to look greasy, use a big fluffy brush and dust loose powder into your roots. Remember to tap it once at the back of your hand to remove access powder. It soaks up excessive oil and blends into your strands so you don't look like you haven't shampooed.
[Been there done that. It really works. Only tiff with it, I used way too much powder at that time and my hair turned powdery white! Just had to dust out the powder and I'm good to go. Oh yeah, I used baby powder then instead of loose powder *wink* Besides that, it works like a charm.]
2) Brush on hair-spray - Stiff and heavily sprayed hair is so 80s. To avoid that plastered hair look, spray hair spray onto your brush, and run it through strands from roots to tips. Voila, you get natural looking hair with added volume and shine
[I for one detest the horrible 'helmet' hair. I used to apply tons of gel to keep hair in place and now thinking back makes my skin creep. Uuurgh. Anyway, this is a very common trick that even hair stylists use. My hairstylist does this and I'm very happy with my free-flowing mane, but with extra volume and shine. Definitely no fly-aways]
3) Maximize shine with vinegar - Mix one part vinegar with four parts carbonated water, and soak dry hair. Leave on for 15 minutes before you shampoo to lock in shine and combat dullness.
[This trick is done by most Europeans anyway. There are 2 ways going at it. Some rinse with vinegar as a last step after shampooing. However, don't really like this as the smell of vinegar really stays on. I should try using the vinegar before shampooing instead. Oh, by the way, the vinegar really, really adds shine to your locks, almost cornea-searing brilliance]
4) Scent your strands with perfume - Spray some perfume onto your hair brush bristles and comb through hair from root to ends. It'll keep your hair sweet smelling the whole day tru. You can always touch up for more with your already sweet-smelling hair brush
[This is one of my old and favourite tricks to keep my hair smelling great. But, I usually just spray the perfume underneath the hair(nearer to the neck base). I've tried spraying perfume straight at the top of my hair and I end up looking like I have matted hair. I should try out this hair brush trick instead. Good idea]
5) Steamroll flyaways - After spraying your hair, roll the can over your hair. It helps to flatten fly-aways and the bottle's round shape fits the curve of the head.
[Hmm...Never tried this before and it sounds dubious. For me, I'll opt for a rounded paddle brush and blow dry it while following the curve of the head. This adds volume to the back of the hair and it doesn't look too flat. Then, blast strands with cold hair and you get shiny locks and no flyaways. Which do you prefer?]
Face
1) Use toothpaste on a zit - Just dab a small amount of toothpaste on your zit and let sit for 15 mins. Immediately wash off. It helps to dry up the zit quicker
[I've swore by this rule since years and years ago. I've made major boo boo before where I burnt my skin wiht toothpaste. I've left it on my skin overnight and in the morning I woke up to a red angry burnt spot. It's horrid. But for 15 mins or lesser, it works perfectly. Remember to wash it off!]
2) Fix a flushed face - If you turn red AND stay red for hours after a gym workout, you can opt to pop an antihistamine like Benadryl when leaving the gym to reduce redness. Make sure you're flushed not because you're severly dehydrated nor unhealthy. If you're unnaturally flushed get professional help to be on the safe side
[I've never heard of this tip before neither have I heard of anybody staying flushed for hours after a workout. Geez, I'll probably stay flushed for hours if I have a non-stop marathon on the treadmill, maybe. However, for those who experience this, maybe you can try this tip out. But with caution please!]
3) Skin pick-me-up with egg white mask - If you have no time for a facial and your skin's looking dull and tired, whip out an egg white mask for instant rejuvenation. The protein in the egg white helps to heal, tighten and tone your skin.
[Egg is the next best ingredient for beautiful skin. You can try out this skin clearing egg white mask. Don't waste the yolk, you can use it moisturize your skin with this face brightener mask]
4) Tea bag to quell inflammation - Steep a bag of green tea let it cool down and dab it over your face. The antioxidants in green tea helps to calm inflamed and irritated skin. The duretics in tea also helps to drain face off any puffiness or swelling
[Green tea, one of the best antioxidants that I swear by. Green tea is good for reducing dark eye circles too. Just place the bag over your eyes. I've tried placing the bags over my inflammed acne spots and my, they work much better than icing the blemishes. Icing sometimes aggravates my skin further. Green tea is more subtle and mild, perfect for already irritated skin]
Body
1) Buff with baking soda - If you're spotting the Oompa Loompa look after applying your self tanner, banish those streaks by applying baking soda to your loofah and exfoliate
[I know that baking soda is perfect for exfoliating, but I have to 'fess up; I've not used it before. I rather opt for my coffee scrub. It doubles as a face scrub and a body scrub too. Anything goes to buff those dry skin away and say hello to new, glowing skin]
2) Get shiny legs minus the grease - Add a drop of baby oil into your normal body lotion and voila you get shiny legs that aren't greasy at all
[I've tried this method just to test it out. The baby oil does add more lustre and shine to my legs but wouldn't it be easier if I were to just use a glowing lotion instead?]
3) Moisturize and stay tanned - If you don't have time to get a tan (faux, please!) try adding a few dollops of body bronzer to your body moisturizer for that just-off-vacation look.
[We all know that this method works but again, why not just buy a gradual tanning body lotion instead? It does a fantastic multitasking job by itself minus the hassle]
4) Get soft skin with avocado - Mash a ripe avocado (sans pit and skin, of course) and add 2 tablespoons of honey and rub it all over your body. Let it sit for 20 mins and rinse off. Now, experience uber soft skin and your skin really glows
[Avocadoes!! My favourite all time natural beauty fruit. I really love avocado for just about anything, for my face, hair and body too. You can't go wrong with avocadoes. Try out my avocado face mask which can double as an instant body moisturizer too. If not, you can also try out this heavenly body smoothie
5) Shave with conditioner - If you've run out of shaving cream, just substitute with conditioner. Conditioner helps to moisturize your skin and at the same time soften skin for a smoother shave
[Tried and tested way. It's one of the next best alternative to shaving cream. My legs feel gorgeously smooth and silky. Try it. Only caution, it could be slippery in the shower!]
6) Exfoliate your pits - Ahem...sometimes those pits get dry and flaky and definitely not worth for some sleeveless action. Simply use a face scrub to exfoliate and you're good to go.
[These pits need some TLC too. As long as you exfoliate it, it'll look fine. Plus, it helps to prevent ingrown hair. It's really horrible at the pits. Try it and see the difference]
7) Cure calluses with Vaseline - Slather on vaseline to your calluses and then put on your socks before you hit the sack. you'll wake up to softer feet and calluses are definitely tamed
[It works perfectly and Vaseline could do no wrong, for me at least as opposed to the common beauty myth. Otherwise, you can try out The Body Shop's Hemp foot protecting cream
Makeup
1) Clean smudges with q-tips - Dip the q-tip in eye makeup remover and trace it along your lids to erase any slip-ups or goofs when you have no time to redo your entire look
[Hmm...I think everybody already knows by now how versatile q-tips are for makeup application. Anyhow, I also use another way to clean up eye shadow that's fallen on my face. I dust some loose powder under my eyes to catch these stray eyeshadow. When I'm done with my eye makeup I just simply clean up the loose powder and no traces of eyeshadow!]
2) Use eye&lip makeup remover on stubborn lipstick - Especially stubborn red lipstick, don't try to rub it off. You'll end up looking like a vampire after a meal. Not sexy (or maybe for some). Use eye&lip makeup remover instead and the dark stain be gone
[I think it's no brainer unless you've had too much drinks for the night and hit bed immediately after without *gasp* washing off your makeup. I'll say, a better trick would be to store makeup remover towelletes by your bedside for convenient removal of makeup before you hit the sack. Always wash off makeup no matter how many glasses of champagne you have had]
3) Heat up your eyelash curler - For stick straight lashes, blast your metal eyelash curler with a hair dryer to heat it up so your lashes bend better. Remember, not hot but just warm so you don't singe your eyelashes off
[This works way better than just using the eyelash curler straight up. I do it all the time and it's almost a habit for me. My trick is to use a waterproof mascara after curling the eyelashes. Waterproof mascara dries faster than normal mascara and it helps to keep the nicely curled lashes in place more effectively]
4) Freeze your eyeliner - If your eyeliner is crumbling or smearing on your lid, simply put it in the freezer for 15 mins before use so the tip is firm and goes across your lids without tugging
[I've yet to use this trick but it does makes some sense. Usually if my eyeliner crumbles, it means time to toss it away. I may just try this tip out. Also, common sense tells me, if I were to forget and leave my eyeliner in the freezer too long, it'll end up an eyeliner popsicle instead]
5) Lubricate your lashes - An easy way to draw attention to eyes without piling on too much makeup is by coating the lashes with some Vaseline for some sexy, subtle sparkle
[This sounds terribly foreign to me. I've heard of castor oil on lashes for thicker lashes but never Vaseline on lashes for a subtle sparkle. Sounds cool and I'll try it. I guess it may create the effects like those tear drops on lashes which was quite an interesting concept]
Nails
1) Super-glue your nail - When you've been keeping your nails nice and long and it breaks, you no longer need to cut your nail. Simply dab some super glue to the split and paint a generous layer of your favourite nail polish over it.
[I've never added super glue to my nails before. I've only covered up the crack with layering nail polish over it. Opt for opague colors to camouflage the crak. As for the superglue tip, I guess, you have to dab the superglue really precisely over the crack to prevent any excess glue to the nail. Don't want anything stuck to my nails. This tip intrigues me but at the same time, I guess I'll pass. Anyone up for this tip?]
2) Nourish hangnails with essential oil - If you have brittle cuticles, simply dab on apricot oil and you'll have healthy shiny nails. Gone are the days of raggedy and rough nails and cuticles
[Or invest in a great hand lotion]
I hope you guys like my selection. What are your comments on some of these tips? Too crazy or you might give some of them a try?
Labels: Avocado, Beauty Tips, Caffeine, Egg, Green Tea, Hair Tips, Hands n Nails, Makeup Tips, Skincare Tips
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