The vast world of beauty has come far enough for us to know little bits about most applications and beauty hacks. However, with so much information out there, it’s always good to be reminded of new and forgotten ways to improve your skincare, hair and make-up routines
There is so much content out there – we know – we write some of it. From the hacks we love, to the ones we are yet to try, we hope this beauty-packed list will act as a reference of sorts. Whether you earmark the page, tuck it into your beauty stash or fold it into the back of your diary, your tech-free, global mini-compilation is here and ready to serve.
Apply bronzer evenly
Before applying bronzer or self-tan lotion, mix a drop or two of the solution with a moisturising cream and then layer your product on your prepped skin.
Apply your cream and gel cleaners to dry skin
Work product into dry skin and only add water to loosen and rinse it off. It will leave you with much cleaner skin while using less product.
Apply your sunscreen correctly
Mineral sunscreens should be applied under your make-up while physical sunscreens (which are the far superior option) should be applied on top of your finished and set face.
Clarify your hair
Using clarifying shampoo and rinsing your hair with vinegar, apple-cider vinegar or beer will clear build-up and reduce your washes by keeping your scalp and roots clean.
Clean your make-up brushes and tools
Clean brushes guarantee a super smooth make-up application every time and avoids gunky build-up, prolonging the life of your brushes and reducing the chance of breakouts and infection.
Consult a doctor before popping pills
Mixing certain vitamins and minerals can have the opposite effect or lose its effect when active ingredients react to each other. Give your doctor a call and make sure you’re using the correct supplements at the right times.
Don’t pump your mascara
The experts say that you should never pump your mascara (in other words moving the wand up and down in the tube really quickly). This will only allow air into the tube, which will cause your mascara to dry out.
Do the inside-out finger blot after you apply lippie
A clean finger pulled slowly outwards while pouting will reduce the amount of lippie transfer on to your teeth.
Dot it, don’t pop it
This is a big no-no! Don’t pop your zits. Ever. Instead of popping your zits, let a dot of toothpaste dry on your spots. Alternatively, opt for a pure tea tree oil to dry and keep the zit free of bacteria.
Drop some essential oil on the shower floor
The gentle aromas and steam can change your mood and support your wellness long-term, so treat yourself.
Exfoliate often
For your face, follow the instructions on your product to avoid exfoliating your skin too much, but don’t neglect it. And don’t forget your lips! Exfoliating your body regularly will smooth your skin, combat ingrown hairs, ensure smoother shaves or waxes, and improve your circulation.
Heat your lotion
For a spa moment, especially in winter, pop your lotion into the microwave for 10 seconds. Make sure it’s not too hot before applying it to your skin.
Shave with conditioner
If you’re out of shaving cream, use conditioner instead of soap. It will soften the hairs, provide glide and leave your skin less dry.
Love your lash curler
Take it slow and find the best way to grip your lashes gently and comfortably. If you skipped our tutorial on page 22, head on over and practise your lash-curling skills.
Moisturise your whole body at least once a day
We often skip the bits that don’t show, but overall supple and healthy skin requires just a little more proactivity and commitment.
No make-up remover?
If you’re out of make-up remover, use body lotion to get rid of make-up. It works especially well on tough mascara.
Pat your palms to your face
Press the palms of your hands against your cheeks after you’ve moisturised them, it adds a nice natural glow to your face when you’re out and about.
Soak messily painted cuticles while you shower
Painting your nails in a pinch can be a little less precise than when you have enough time to paint and dry them. Let them dry
and then run your nails over your cuticles after you’ve showered to easily scrape off the messy excess.
Towel-dry gently
Don’t rub or wring your hair dry with your towel; it will cause your hair to frizz. Instead, before getting out of the shower, gently squeeze excess water from your hair without tugging. Then, wrap your hair in a towel to slowly absorb any remaining moisture.
Tweeze gently, with less pain
Before you tweeze, soften your skin by dabbing it with a cotton ball soaked in warm water or cream. When you start tweezing,
do so in the direction of your hair’s growth.
Use oil-based formulas for oily skin
This will feel counterintuitive but using an oil-based product to remove make-up or excess dirt from your skin can actually improve the epidermis’ condition. Over-cleaning to strip sebum actually stimulates your sebaceous glands. Using oil-based products will trigger the production of sebum significantly less. However, find an oil-based product that’s right for you.
Work your brow gel spoolie in both directions
Downwards to coat and upwards to shape it – you will achieve an overall fuller, more natural boy-brow effect.
Words by Stefanie Titus-Petersen
Photography: Pexels
