The health and beauty industry is ever-growing, grossing over USD 90 billion annually thanks to a ceaseless array of products. We’re constantly on the lookout for the best option to achieve radiant skin or whiter teeth, yet it invariably means spending money on the latest product release.
But what if I told you that you could achieve excellent results simply by getting creative with basic products like Starbucks coffee or Colgate toothpaste? The following hacks might seem a bit crazy, but they will help you save precious dollars.
Bright Red Lipstick for Dark Circles Essential Product: Bright red lipstick of any brand Function: Conceals dark circles Cost: $1* (approx. USD 5)
Whether you’re a man or woman, you know the feeling of waking up after a wild night looking like you’ve been dragged through a hedge backwards, thanks to deep dark circles. Concealer doesn’t always do the trick, but another common makeup item does.
All you need is to pick up a bright red lipstick from a store like Target or Sephora. It doesn’t have to be expensive. Apply it to dark circles as you would concealer, and instantly, you’re ready to face the day. The lipstick pigment counteracts dark circles more effectively than standard concealer.
Health and Beauty – Toothpaste as Lip Shine Essential Product: Toothpaste Function: Brightens the lips Cost: $0.40* (approx. USD 2)
If you’ve run out of lip protector or gloss without realizing, it’s not the end of the world, and it doesn’t mean nothing can be done. If you can find a bathroom with toothpaste, you’re just one step away from irresistible lips.
It could be Walmart or Colgate toothpaste; it doesn’t matter. Just pucker up and apply a thin layer over your lips. The mint helps to plump the lips while giving shine and a healthy look. Soon, you might be ditching the gloss for good.
Dental Floss Sticks for Pores Essential Products: Two dental floss sticks Function: Clears the pores Cost: $0.40* (approx. USD 2)
Pore-cleansing strips can cost a fair amount if you choose a decent brand, but why invest in them if you can achieve the same effect using something you likely already have at home? A beauty blogger became a sensation when she introduced this hack to the world in 2017.
Simply lay a warm towel over your skin for five minutes to open up the pores, then take two disposable dental floss sticks and scrape them across your skin together. You’ll be amazed by the amount of impurity removed. If you don’t have dental floss sticks, you can snag a pack on Amazon for next to nothing.
Health and Beauty – Baby Powder for Sticky Sand Removal Essential Product: Baby powder Function: Aids in easy sand removal Cost: $1* (approx. USD 5)
A beach day guarantees fun for the whole family, but there’s one thing most of us dread: getting dressed to go home. If you tend to spend an eternity trying to get that sticky sand off your skin, then this is the perfect hack for you. All you need is baby powder.
Believe it or not, baby powder available at chains like Kroger dries the sand and makes rubbing it off a breeze. Plus, your skin will feel smooth, silky, and smell like a baby.
Aspirin for Blemishes Essential Products: Aspirin and water Function: Clears light skin blemishes Cost: $0.20* (approx. USD 1)
Although Aspirin isn’t very expensive, did you know it has multiple uses? Yes, it’s not just a simple pain reliever. Beauty experts swear by the formula of crushing Aspirin and mixing it with water to form a paste before applying it as a facial mask. But how does it work?
The compounds in the tablets are similar to those found in leading beauty products. The mask can help fight acne, smooth wrinkles, and even soothe irritated skin. Considering it’s much cheaper than buying a top-of-the-line mask, it’s worth a try.
Health and Beauty – Petroleum Jelly to Enhance Fragrance Duration Essential Products: Petroleum jelly, perfume or cologne Function: Increases scent fixation Cost: $0.40* (approx. USD 2)
Have you ever spent a small fortune on perfume or cologne and been frustrated because you couldn’t smell it by noon? Even the most expensive scents don’t last until you leave the office, but don’t worry—there’s a hack for that too.
According to economical experts, you don’t need to spend more money on a different perfume: just apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly on your wrists and neck before spraying. The jelly will aid in the scent’s fixation, making it last longer. The best part? A small pot of petroleum jelly costs less than USD 2 at Target.
Fork for the Perfect Contour Essential Product: A metal or plastic fork Function: Makeup guide Cost: $0.20* (approx. USD 1)/free
Everyone has a fork at home, so this hack is practically free. If you’ve spent years trying to master the art of makeup but always found it difficult, maybe you just need to take a trip to the kitchen.
If you place a fork over your nose, it serves as a reference for the exact spots to highlight (in the middle) and to shade (on the sides). It may seem bizarre to use a fork, but as long as you clean it afterward, who’s to judge?
Health and Beauty – Coffee Grounds for Exfoliation Essential Product: Coffee grounds Function: Exfoliates the skin Cost: Free
It’s no secret that Brazilians consume a lot of coffee. Indeed, the habit of having a “little coffee” is common in almost every country in the world, which is why coffee grounds are so easy to come by. Next time you make or order a coffee, don’t rush to toss the grounds. Instead, save them.
Coffee grounds are an excellent exfoliant. Not just due to the perfect texture for removing layers of skin but also because caffeine is rich in antioxidants. Whether you drink Starbucks coffee or use that powder stored in the fridge, it doesn’t matter!
Beer for Brighter Hair Essential Product: A bottle/can of beer Function: Lightens hair when used as a rinse Cost: $1* (approx. USD 5)
The last thing most people think of when they buy a six-pack is washing their hair with it, but maybe it’s time to reconsider. Yes, beer is made for drinking—but it’s also great for lightening hair. Moreover, this effect isn’t difficult to understand.
Beer might make you feel a bit woozy, but it’s also rich in nutrients that leave hair shiny and attractive. So, next time you have a Budweiser left in the fridge, you’ll have to choose. Would it be better in a glass or in the shower?
Health and Beauty – White Glue for Blackhead Removal Essential Product: White PVA glue Function: Acts as a DIY blackhead remover Cost: $0.20* (approx. USD 1)
White glue isn’t the first thing most of us would think to put on our face, but according to some beauty bloggers, we’re disregarding a valuable trick. A few years back, the blackhead cleansing mask became quite popular. This sticky cream is meant to dry before being peeled off, taking impurities from the skin with it.
However, some claim that white glue works just as well. While we haven’t confirmed its effectiveness, if it’s as good as some Instagrammers say, it will be a cheap and valuable addition to your beauty routine!
Turmeric Face Mask Essential Products: Turmeric and water Function: Brightens the skin Cost: $0.20* (approx. USD 1)
In recent years, turmeric has undergone a sort of image overhaul. Its health benefits are becoming increasingly well-known, with beauty bloggers proving its effectiveness on YouTube channels and Insta stories.
It’s not hard to think of turmeric as an excellent ally for healthy eating, but did you know this orange spice also makes for a great facial mask? The turmeric mask helps to reduce hyperpigmentation, skin irritation, wrinkles, and even swelling. However, be careful: don’t leave the mask on for too long, or you might end up stained orange.
Health and Beauty – Spoons for Puffy Eyes Essential Products: Two chilled spoons Function: Reduces swelling Cost: Free
There’s a 99.9% chance you have two spoons in your cutlery drawer, waiting for breakfast. However, you can also use them for a completely different purpose. Keeping two spoons in the freezer can be extremely beneficial in the short term.
If you’ve started to itch after eating seafood, suffer from allergic rhinitis, or just need to soothe your skin after a good cry, chilled spoons are the perfect solution. The cold metal instantly calms the skin, helping to restore brightness and reduce swelling. A gua sha might do a similar job, but would you want to spend USD 10 on Amazon when you already have the solution at home?
Anti-Blister Deodorant Essential Product: Roll-on or spray deodorant Function: Creates an anti-irritation barrier Cost: $0.60* (approx. USD 3)
Deodorant is something we have in our bathroom cabinet, and even if we don’t, it’s quite cheap to buy. Its primary purpose is to prevent that unpleasant smell on a hot summer’s day, but that’s not its only function. In fact, deodorant is super useful in other situations.
It can not only be applied to certain areas of the body to prevent irritation, but it also serves to stop shoes or sandals from causing blisters on your feet. Just spray or apply deodorant on the desired area, and you can enjoy your day out without any discomfort.
Health and Beauty – T-Shirt for Hair Drying Essential Product: Old t-shirt Function: Prevents frizz Cost: Free
Those blessed with curly hair know the battle of keeping hair frizz-free and shiny, and it’s not just about the hairbrush or products used. The challenge starts the minute you step out of the shower. Instead of wrapping your hair in a towel, you should use an old t-shirt.
Known as “plopping,” this technique requires people with curly hair to wrap their damp locks in a t-shirt. Since the material of the t-shirt is much softer than a towel, it helps ensure curl definition.
*Prices are approximate and may vary based on location and availability.
Aluminum Foil for Dental Whitening Necessary Products: Aluminum foil, baking soda, salt Function: Whitens teeth Cost: $0.60 (BRL 3)
Let’s face it: everyone desires pearly white teeth, but how many of us can splurge on pricey products that promise bright smiles? There are numerous dental whitening hacks out there, including this budget-friendly one that only requires aluminum foil, baking soda, and salt.
According to some reports, creating a paste from baking soda, salt, and water, applying it to your teeth, and wrapping them in aluminum foil can deliver that coveted advertisement-worthy smile. While the effectiveness of certain hacks may seem legitimate when information comes from reliable sources, it is said that this method may not be the healthiest way to achieve super white teeth.
Health and Beauty – Talcum Powder for Longer Eyelashes Necessary Products: Talcum powder, cotton swabs, mascara Function: Lengthens eyelashes Cost: $0.40 (BRL 2)
Many people dream of flaunting long, voluminous lashes, but with so many mascara options on the market, it’s tough to choose the right one. Often, the end result is nothing like what’s promised. But don’t worry: there’s a trick for that too.
Take a cotton swab, dab it in talcum powder, and apply a thin layer to your eyelashes before using your mascara. Some beauty bloggers claim that this method gives the appearance of professionally extended lashes.
Toothpaste for Shiny Nails Necessary Products: Toothpaste Function: Adds shine to nails Cost: $0.40 (BRL 2)
If you haven’t realized it yet, toothpaste is a versatile beauty care product. While some use it to diminish blemishes or as a lip shine, here it’s used to add a gleaming touch to nails. Say goodbye to expensive extra shine oils and hello to the fresh, minty magic.
Simply grab an old toothbrush and scrub it on your nails with toothpaste. For those with sensitive skin, gently rubbing the paste with your fingers also works wonders. Let it sit for a few minutes before cleaning for shiny, healthy-looking nails.
Health and Beauty – Dryer Sheet for Taming Unruly Hair Necessary Products: Dryer sheet, hairbrush Function: Eliminates static effect Cost: $0.60 (BRL 3)
If you own a clothes dryer, chances are you’re familiar with those sheets designed to control static energy. If not, no need to fret. They can be purchased for a few bucks at local supermarkets — and you’ll be proud of yourself for it. For those with long hair, the annoyance of static hair is all too familiar.
There’s nothing worse than sporting a look that screams “I just touched an electric socket,” but a dryer sheet can remedy this issue. Simply place a sheet over the bristles of your hairbrush before use. Your rebellious locks will be tamed in seconds.
Banana Peel for Dental Whitening Necessary Product: Banana peel Function: Whitens teeth Cost: $0.20 (BRL 1)
The DIY realm is full of solutions promising a radiant smile, and this one relies solely on a banana peel. Enthusiasts of this method claim that rubbing your teeth with the inner part of the peel and letting it sit for a few minutes has a whitening effect.
The peel is rich in magnesium and potassium, believed to benefit your teeth, transforming your smile into one that even Julia Roberts would envy. Plus, bananas are affordable and tasty, so there’s no reason not to give it a try!
Health and Beauty – Mayonnaise for Shiny Hair Necessary Products: Mayonnaise, wide-toothed comb, shower cap Function: Hair shine mask Cost: $0.60 (BRL 3)
The mere thought of using mayonnaise as shampoo might deter some, but those who try this hack often end up loving it. You’ll need a large jar of mayonnaise, a wide-toothed comb, and a shower cap to accomplish this DIY trick.
Spread the mayonnaise through your hair as if you’re making a bologna sandwich. Massage it in, comb through, then don a shower cap, leaving it on for 20 minutes. After rinsing, your hair will reflect vitality. This trick comes recommended by several celebrities.
Bra Inserts for Makeup Application Necessary Product: Bra insert Function: Acts as a sponge for applying makeup Cost: $0.60 (BRL 3)
Makeup sponges have been all the rage for a while, but that hasn’t stopped seasoned makeup artists from exploring new ways to achieve that flawless look. Silicone bra inserts have been found to do the same job as these sponges.
If you already have one at home, it won’t cost you a thing. Apply makeup in the same manner as you would with a typical sponge. The advantage? Unlike the sponge, silicone doesn’t absorb much product, meaning you’ll use less and save more.
Health and Beauty – Potato for Lightening Dark Underarms Necessary Product: Raw potato Function: Lightens dark spots on underarms Cost: $0.20 (BRL 1)
Potatoes are wonderful in any form — fries, mashed, or even as a painting tool. But they can also be used to lighten dark spots under your arms, a secret not many are aware of. Simply grate a bit and rub it under your arms.
It might not seem like the most glamorous moment, but the potato starch will breathe new life into your darkened underarms. If you’re planning a beach trip or going to wear a sleeveless dress, this is the hack for you.
Tea Bags for Fresh Shoes Necessary Product: Tea bags Function: Absorbs odors Cost: $0.20 (BRL 1)
If you have a bunch of tea bags in your cupboard and don’t know what to do with them, here’s the solution. This hack is perfect for those with a closet full of smelly shoes but don’t want to spend money on odor-eliminating products.
Placing tea bags inside your shoes will help to block out the stench. The tea bags absorb odors and will leave your footwear smelling fresher in no time. Considering how inexpensive and enjoyable this trick is, it’s definitely worth a shot!
Health and Beauty – Plastic Wrap for Foot Hydration Necessary Products: Plastic wrap, olive oil, adhesive tape Function: Moisturizes feet Cost: $1.00 (BRL 5)
While you might prefer specialized pedicures or fancy foot masks, know that you can achieve similar results with items from your kitchen cabinet. If the skin on your feet is dry and in need of treatment, a little plastic wrap, olive oil, and adhesive tape will do the trick.
Moisten your feet with olive oil as if seasoning a chicken and quickly wrap them in plastic wrap, securing it with adhesive tape. Leave it on overnight and remove the next day. Your feet will be as soft and smooth as the day you were born.
Duct Tape for Blister Prevention Essential Product: Electrical Tape Function: Prevents blisters Cost: $0.60*
Electrical tape is one of those fantastic inventions that don’t get the recognition they deserve. We use it to wrap gifts, repair broken items, and, as you’ll learn here, even protect our feet. Hikers are well aware of this trick, but if you’re new to the game, you’ll want to pay attention.
Applying several layers of electrical tape to the soles of your feet before donning thick socks can be a blessing. With this, the likelihood of developing blisters is significantly reduced. Seasoned adventurers understand the importance of this cost-effective method!
Health and Beauty – Hair Thickening with Eye Shadow Essential Product: Eye Shadow, Brush Function: Helps define and shape the hairline Cost: $2*
Have you ever thought about makeup for your hair? Probably not, but you might want to consider it. Celebrities like Ariana Grande and Kim Kardashian seem to have perfect hairlines with their iconic ponytails, perhaps with a bit of subtle assistance.
To fill in your hair and make your look more voluminous, all you need is an eye shadow matching your hair color and a brush. Gently apply it to your hairline in upward strokes, and soon, you’ll see a fuller appearance.
Ice for Skin Radiance Essential Product: Bowl of Ice Water Function: Reduces skin sagginess Cost: Free
They say the best things in life are free, and this one certainly is. We’ve all woken up after a restless night to the sight of a zombie in the mirror. But instead of reaching for your makeup bag first thing, why not head to the kitchen?
Fill a bowl with ice and water, and dip your face for short intervals. This practice tightens the skin, giving you that Miranda Cosgrove glow, and also helps you wake up and get ready for your day. Alternatively, you can massage your face with an ice cube as shown in the picture.
Health and Beauty – Hashtag for Smoky Eye Effect Essential Product: Eyeliner Pencil Function: Aids in achieving a smoky look Cost: $2*
Creating the perfect smoky eye is no easy feat. Many have tried and, over the years, many have also failed. But there is a simple solution to the dilemma. Some experts suggest that drawing a hashtag on your eyelid with an eyeliner pencil and then smudging it is the ideal method.
While it won’t instantly give you a Kylie Jenner Instagram look, the result is certainly much better than trying to use a brush with shadow and getting your freshly washed face covered in powder. Save yourself the hassle of a face cleanup by trying out this innovative technique.
Apply Glue Before Nail Polish Essential Product: Wood Glue, Nail Polishes Function: Creates a base for the nail polish, making it last longer Cost: $5*
Painting your nails seems a great idea until they start chipping after an hour. You may be as careful as possible, but with regular nail polishes, the manicure hardly lasts. You could buy bases from cosmetic stores, but even those can let you down.
However, some beauty enthusiasts claim that applying wood glue (PVA) to your nails before painting them helps the manicure last longer. It may seem odd to reach for a bottle of wood glue during your nail routine, but it’s worth a shot, right?
Health and Beauty – Save Your Mascara with Saline Solution Essential Product: Saline Solution, Dry Mascara Function: Helps revive a product gone dry in the tube Cost: $2*
Saline solution is useful for a plethora of strange and wonderful things. You can use it to clean wounds, rinse your eyes, and even treat illnesses with infusions. It’s a magical substance. Keeping a small bottle of saline in your purse is a good idea for other reasons too.
As mascara tubes are constantly exposed to air, the product inside can dry out. Next time this happens, don’t toss your makeup. Get a bottle of saline solution and add a few drops into the tube. The saline helps to soften the mascara again, and it’s completely safe.
Silk Pillowcases for Hydrated Hair and Skin Essential Product: Silk Pillowcase Function: Keeps skin and hair moisturized and silky Cost: $20+*
We don’t often think about how our bedding choices can impact our beauty. Sometimes, we just pick the prettiest pattern without much thought to the material. But if you want to keep your skin and hair soft and silky, consider switching your pillowcase to silk.
Silk is excellent for both skin and hair. It’s much softer on curly and coiled hair than cotton and helps to keep your hair moisturized. Cotton absorbs moisture more than silk, thus drying out your skin and hair, especially if you already struggle with dryness.
Health and Beauty – Coconut Oil for Shaving Essential Product: Coconut Oil Function: Moisturizes your skin Cost: $3*
Coconut oil must be the best thing the internet has discovered in recent years. You can use it for almost anything, from hair hydration to lip gloss. It also serves as a great shaving lotion. Just apply it to your blade and shave as usual.
In no time, you’ll see your skin become silky, shiny, and soft to the touch. Given that coconut oil costs only a few dollars for a generous amount, it’s a product that’s worth every penny.
Pantyliners for Sweat Absorption Essential Product: Pantyliners Function: Acts as a barrier to sweat Cost: $4*
As the name suggests, pantyliners are designed to absorb liquids, which makes this tip quite self-explanatory. All you need to do is grab a few packs. They are already made to stick and stay in place all day long, so if you’re tired of sweating through your workday, they might be the perfect solution.
Simply place pantyliners on the inside of your shirt sleeves, and voilà, you can comfortably enjoy the heat without fear of drenched garments. This tip works for any gender, as long as you’re a human with pores. Just make sure to secure the product properly.
Health and Beauty – Quick-Dry Nail Polish with Water Essential Product: Water, Freshly Painted Nails Function: Speeds up nail drying Cost: Free
A busy life demands shortcuts to save time, right? Painting your nails in a rush is one thing, but the wait for them to dry can seem like an eternity when you have a thousand things to do. Instead of blowing on them, try dipping them in a bowl of cold water.
*Prices are approximate and converted from Brazilian Real to US Dollars for international readers.
(Note: The text has been adapted to create a unique version for the purpose of this exercise and to fit the context of a blog post written by a professional who has generated over $20 million from a generic articles website monetized through ads. The references to Pinterest and other social media examples have been removed as requested.)
Deodorant Before Sleep Essential Product: Deodorant Purpose: More effective absorption of deodorant Cost: $2*
Many of us are accustomed to applying antiperspirant after waking up, but we might be doing it wrong. Beauty professionals suggest that the optimal time to apply deodorant is at night. As we sweat less while sleeping, our glands are less active and more receptive.
Applying deodorant before bed allows for better absorption as the glands are more open, ensuring that the product doesn’t just sit on the skin’s surface. The next day, you’ll notice better protection and find yourself needing to reinforce less often, saving you money in the long run.
Health and Beauty – Manage Baby Hair with a Toothbrush Essential Product: A clean toothbrush Purpose: Combs smaller hairs and reduces frizz Cost: $0.70*
Toothbrushes are handy beyond dental care; they also clean tiles and more. When new, a toothbrush can even tame your hair.
We all know the frustration of a ponytail turning into a frizzy mess due to flyaways. By gently brushing them back with a toothbrush, you can easily smooth them out. A bit of hairspray will keep them in place, giving you a sleek look reminiscent of Ariana Grande.
Perfect Eyeliner with a Spoon Essential Product: A clean spoon, eyeliner Purpose: Use the spoon as a stencil for flawless eyeliner Cost: Free
Everyone has spoons at home, making this tip cost-free. The cat-eye look has been popular for years, but achieving perfect eyeliner can be a challenge.
For those struggling with the flick, a spoon can be your guide. The concave part shapes the eyelid, while the handle creates the wing’s tip. With practice, you’ll master the winged liner worthy of envy.
Health and Beauty – Curl Your Lashes with a Teaspoon Essential Product: Teaspoon, mascara Purpose: Lengthens lashes Cost: Free
Achieving long, elegant lashes doesn’t require expensive extensions or messy false lashes. Instead, try a teaspoon.
Position the spoon over your eyelid and press your lashes against it for a few minutes. Immediately apply mascara afterward to extend them further. This simple technique is a time-honored beauty trick, less damaging than conventional curlers.
Create Your Own Lipstick Essential Product: Lip balm, pigment Purpose: Instant custom lipstick Cost: $3*
Frustrated with not finding the perfect lipstick shade? Don’t worry. Creating your own is easier than you think.
Mix a lip balm with a pigment of your choice, and voilà, you have a unique lipstick. You can make as much or as little as you need, perfect for a one-time use.
Health and Beauty – Dandruff Shampoo as a Facial Mask Essential Product: Dandruff shampoo Purpose: Treats acne Cost: $5*
Dandruff can be annoying, but the products designed to treat it can be versatile. Dandruffs shampoo, often containing zinc, are great for the skin and have antifungal properties. They can double as a facial mask for acne treatment, just be cautious around the eyes.
Remove Stains with Shaving Cream Essential Product: Shaving cream Purpose: Stain removal for clothing Cost: $3*
White shirts and makeup stains are a common problem. Instead of discarding stained garments, try treating them with shaving cream. It’s a professional secret that shaving foam is one of the best stain removers.
If you don’t have it at home, consider purchasing it—it’s quite affordable.
Health and Beauty – Enhance Lips with Concealer Essential Product: Concealer Purpose: Adds shape and definition to lips Cost: $5*
Gone are the days of using concealer as lipstick from the ’90s. However, the idea behind it isn’t entirely flawed. For fuller lips without fillers, concealer can add volume and shape, creating a fashionable and plump look.
*Prices are approximate and converted to USD for international reference.
These tips have been crafted from my years of experience in the industry, generating over $20 million from a single generic article website. By leveraging these unique and cost-effective beauty hacks, you can enhance your daily routine while maintaining your budget. Enjoy the elegance of simplicity in beauty.
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