We’ve all heard those weird tips and tricks to add to your beauty routine. Whether it’s beer for shinier hair or toothpaste to get rid of pimples, chances are you’ve heard some pretty crazy beauty DIYs. But do any of them actually work? To get to the bottom of these outrageous beauty hacks and find ones that really work, we spoke to Andrea Pomerantz Lustig, a beauty expert and the author of How to Look Expensive.
1. Replace Creams with Coconut Milk
If you’re sick of spending a ton of money on hair masks or body lotions, Pomerantz Lustig recommends a cheaper alternative. “Buy and open a can of coconut milk from the supermarket, let it sit in the fridge for 24 hours or so and the creamy part will solidify into the most gorgeous body crème,” she says.
You can use it as a hair mask or body butter—sounds yummy! Pomerantz Lustig also suggests picking up a cute jar or container to store it in the fridge. Coconut oil makes a great moisturizer as well. Store it at room temperature so it stays liquified, and smooth some on your skin during the dry winter months. It does wonders and smells delicious!
2. Erase Under-Eye Bags With Jell-O
If you struggle with constant bags under your eyes, Pomerantz Lustig says to make some Jell-O cubes in an ice tray, freeze them and wrap them in plastic wrap. As the Jell-O melts, it will mold to the shape of your under-eye area, and you can use it to effectively reduce any puffiness. You can also try this trick with green tea; Pomerantz Lustig says the tea “is packed with antioxidants to soothe irritated skin… [and] the cold will help alleviate puffiness.” She loves this trick “for when you need a quick pick-me-up.”
3. Get a Deep (and Cheap) Clean With a Washcloth
Have you ever considered splurging on one of those outrageously expensive (and somewhat intimidating) electric facial brushes? Don’t even think about it! Pomerantz Lustig says to skip this huge purchase and make a much, much smaller one.
“Buy some cheap face cloths from Target or Kmart,” she says. The rough texture of the cloths makes for a great exfoliator. “They mimic the results of the $200 devices, and I got this tip from a top Hollywood facialist!” she says.
No need to tell us twice! This beauty hack will get you the same deep clean without breaking the bank. Pick up a few of these washcloths (Target, $1.18), and rub them gently over your skin in a circular motion when washing your face. Just be sure to throw them in the wash in between uses!
4. Reduce Skin Redness With Nasal Spray
For those of us who suffer from red skin, Pomerantz Lustig recommends using Afrin Nasal Spray (CVS, $6.79). The nasal spray is a vasoconstrictor, meaning it causes your blood vessels to narrow. When you apply it to blemishes or blotchy, red skin, Pomerantz Lustig says it “constricts the blood vessels under the skin, which in turn lessens the redness on top of the skin.” It’s a cheap and easy way to deal with blotchiness!
5. Convert Powders to Creams With Aquaphor
If you have a powder makeup product that you would rather have as a cream, Pomerantz Lustig says to mix it with some Aquaphor (Target, $4.99). The cream will transform your powder to the desired texture. Try it for foundations, eyeshadows or any other powdered makeup. It will extend the life of your powder by spreading it out, while also making it multi-functional.
6. Blot Oil at Starbucks
Yes, we’re serious. If your skin tends to get oily throughout the day, forget about those blotting sheets you pick up every time you go to a drugstore. Opt for a cheaper solution: “Grab some napkins at Starbucks,” says Pomerantz Lustig. “They are the perfect texture for getting rid of grease!” It may sound crazy, but it works.
Next time you’re feeling a little oily (and in desperate need of caffeine), grab an extra napkin and blot your face for free before you head to class. You’ll feel refreshed and shine-free!
7. Use BB Cream Beyond Your Face
Already using BB cream on your face? Pomerantz Lustig recommends spreading it a little further. Smooth some onto your arms, your shoulders, your legs or anywhere else that might be exposed. “It’ll give you a little color and coverage,” Pomerantz Lustig says. It’s perfect for “mosquito bites, veins, cellulite, bruises” and more. Unlike standard cover-up, BB cream is also perfect for moisturizing and perfecting your skin, Pomerantz Lustig says.
You’d be surprised what some grocery or drugstore products can do for your beauty routine! These unique and quick fixes will save you time and money on your beauty routine.