Out of the Box Beauty Tools

It can be confusing (not to mention, expensive) to walk through the beauty aisles of a discount store or to browse at a department-store cosmetics counter. But did you know that you have a treasure trove of beauty enhancers in your home right now? Here are eight clever ways to make yourself stunning with everyday items. Imagine that!

Baking Soda. Remove product buildup from hair. If daily use of mousse or gel is weighing down your locks, add a pinch or two of baking soda to your shampoo once a week. Getting squeaky-clean strands is a piece of cake.

Combine baking soda with water to make a paste and dab it onto a pimple. As it dries and hardens, it sucks dirt and oil out of your pores.

Pencil grip. Steal one of these from your kid’s book bag and put it on your eyeliner pencil. It supplies extra grip and control, so you’ll be able to draw nice, fluid lines.

Toothbrush. Upgraded to an electric toothbrush? Use that free toothbrush you get from your dental visit as a brow shaper. For brows that are wiry or long and unruly, spritz a little hair spray on the toothbrush and brush your brows up and outward, away from the center of your face.

Spoons. Out late last night? To get rid of puffiness, chill a bunch of teaspoons in the fridge for 10 minutes, then gently press the curved sides onto your closed eyes. If your husband asks what you’re doing, say you’re spooning because he no longer likes to.

Olive oil. There are lots of ways to use this. It works great as a moisturizer directly on the skin or when added to a bath. Some women also use it as a hot-oil hair treatment. Just zap it for a few seconds in the microwave, use cotton balls to apply it to the scalp, then shampoo and style as usual.

Kool-Aid. For a tasty do-it-yourself lip gloss, mix a package of your favorite fruity flavor (strawberry-kiwi is nice) with 3 tablespoons of Vaseline and ¼ teaspoon of sugar. Microwave until the Kool-Aid dissolves, let cool, and put in a small jar in your purse. It’s a great activity for little girls’ parties, too.

Lemon juice. Dab some on twice a day with a cotton swab to fade sun spots. The citric acid will safely peel away the skin’s uppermost layer. Be patient. The little devils should disappear in a few weeks. Then don’t forget the sunscreen.

Beer. You’ve probably heard about shampooing with beer, but did you know that it also makes a great setting solution? It gives hair a crisp, shiny, healthful look. The secret, though, is spraying it on with a pump bottle after you’ve shampooed and towel-dried but before you’ve blow-dried or styled. Don’t worry about smelling like a barroom because the odor quickly disappears. Nice head!

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Comment by Brisa Boyer on February 4, 2011 at 7:27pm: Kool-Aid idea is great!! Thanks!

Comment by Elyse C on July 5, 2010 at 8:05pm: Totally going to use the kool aid lip gloss idea what a really fun thing to do with the kids.

Comment by Dede on April 20, 2010 at 11:03pm: Hi Susan!! Sounds great. I cannot use scrubs.... my face is so sensitive and it breaks my blood vessels. So, I will take out the sugar and oatmeal. Why don't you take a pic of yourself with the mask and post it here:) Let us know how you liked it. I need to do a "Me Day" too:)

Comment by Sheryll S on April 4, 2010 at 12:48pm: Oh gosh, I forgot to thank you also Susan!!!!!

You are one heck of a wonderful Diva!

Comment by Sheryll S on April 4, 2010 at 12:45pm: Thank you Dede for these tips. I know for a fact that they are all wonderful. Especially the warmed olive oil for your hair...... a pharmacist told my mom and me that many years ago.... I grew up here in Florida and was constantly in the hot sun and always, always sunburned.... and ya think my hair was not constantly fried frizz? LOL.

And I recommend that any younger woman with PMS to just eat healthy FIRST and maybe add some decent multi vitamins with Calcium and time released IRON. And for your eyes, nothing beats some fresh cucumber. Place a slice on each eye and rest for a few and also eat some..... grin... it really works.

Comment by Kathleen Silvia on February 3, 2010 at 10:15pm: Nice Tips!!! Never would have thought of them before but they make sense. Gloss sounds Divalicious!