Prepare Yourself For a Dual!

With the downturn of the economy everyone is looking for ways to save a few bucks. However, trying to cut costs doesn't mean you have to cut corners on your beauty regimen! If you’re on a budget, or just want to save some cash, here are a few household items that have dual uses to fight the retail cost of beauty!

Toothpaste

Toothpaste is good for more than just fighting cavities. If your nails are yellowed or stained, try scrubbing them using toothpaste. For added whitening power, add a few drops of lemon juice.

You can even use toothpaste for an emerging acne emergency! Dab a bit on your pimple and leave it on overnight to help draw out the oil and bacteria.

Dryer Sheets

Dryer sheets are useful if your hair is not cooperating. Tame fly-aways by rubbing one on your hair. Not only will it rid your hair of its static charge, but it will also leave a lingering smell of freshness.

Baking Soda

Baking Soda is great to use in lieu of purchasing clarifying shampoo and I find that it works better. Simply mix approximately one teaspoon of baking soda with your shampoo and scrub your scalp and hair. Shampoo a second time using just your shampoo, then complete the process by conditioning your hair as normal. Be warned: this agent works so well that I don’t recommend using it more than once or twice a month to avoid completely stripping your scalp of its natural and necessary oils.

Petroleum Jelly

Petroleum jelly works really well to remove nail polish from cuticles without damaging them. Just dab a very small amount on cuticles before painting your nails and then wipe away any polishing mistakes with ease!

Or, if you’re searching for a solution to dry, rough feet before sandal season, liberally rub petroleum jelly on your soles and wrap them in plastic wrap. Cover them in socks and wear overnight. After the first application you will notice a significant difference! Just be careful when you get in the shower the morning after applying - your feet will be very slippery!

Eggs

Create your own hair mask made of egg yolk and olive oil. For my shoulder-length locks I use 1 egg and 2 tablespoons of oil but this can be adjusted for your hair length. Apply this mixture to your hair as you would a conditioner. Place a shower cap on your head and let it set in for approximately 5 to 10 minutes. The egg yolks help to strengthen hair while the olive oil conditions hair from root to tip.

Toilet Paper

If splurging on oil-blotting sheets is not really your style, use a square of toilet paper instead. These work just as well to soak up excess oil from your T-zone.

Cooking Spray

Use cooking spray after giving yourself a manicure rather than using a quick-dry spray. They both work the same but cooking spray can also help remove unwanted nail polish from cuticles. Use a non-fragrant and/or flavorless option to avoid having your hands smell like, well, a cooking product.

Clear Tape

Use clear tape to test a new nail polish color by covering your nail with a piece. Or if you need to remove dead skin from your lips, press the adhesive side to them and gently remove.

Yogurt

If you burn yourself with your curling iron, cover it in yogurt! The cool temperature will help ease the swelling and the yogurt itself will speed up the healing process and reduce the redness.

Oatmeal

Have dry, itchy skin in the winter? Or perhaps irritated skin in the summer? Run yourself a warm bath and put cooking oats in it to soothe aggravated skin.

Hope these natural alternatives for skin care and beauty tips help you in your quest to cut costs and highlight your natural beauty!

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