In addition to all the traditional facial, skin, makeup and hair products, I also stock these nine non-beauty products in my bathroom.
And by stock, I mean I purchase a separate bottle, box, or tube that is exclusively for my bathroom so that I always have it on hand. (Don’t leave them in the kitchen because who wants to mix-match their beauty products with their baking products.)
Why?
- Because they are cheap.
- Because they work better than their expensive counterparts.
- Because they have multiple uses.
Household Items That Can Be Used For Beauty Products
1. Neosporin. I have a tendency to pick at my face when I have one of those harder-than-steel pimples. (I know, BIG NO-NO.) And that picking, coupled with a well-manicured hand means a face which can be a bloody mess. Hello, Neosporin. I’ve found that slathering Neosporin on the offending area helps heal the spot 10x faster than just moisturizer alone. Plus, it usually means no scars. Double bonus.
2. Dawn Dishwashing Detergent. Dawn in the ‘mutha of cutting the grease out of dishes. But it is also the ‘mutha at cleaning your bathroom. First, I use it to clean my makeup brushes. Fill a sink full of warm water with 1-2 drops of Dawn and let brushes soak. After a light wash, light rinse, and air dry, they are super clean and ready again. Second, those “white dots” that can appear on your bathroom walls, more than likely, it’s hairspray overspray. Use a little Dawn and water and just do a quick scrub on your walls and watch the dots disappear.
3. Baking soda, Part 1. The best exfoliator ever. A teaspoon of baking soda mixed with Cetaphil (or other gentle cleanser) creates an exfoliator for sensitive skin that I can use a couple of times a week without my face becoming irritated.
4. Baking Soda, Part 2. Does your hair feel like it has some serious product buildup? Mix a paste of 1 tablespoon baking soda and one-teaspoon olive oil (see below) and apply to your hair. Let sit for 15 minutes and shampoo/condition/rinse as usual.
5. Preparation-H. It’s traditional use is a little gross, but essentially it stops swelling. If you stayed up too late the night before or haven’t gotten a good night’s sleep in a month, use a dab under the eye, and watch under eye baggage disappear.
6. Olive oil, Part 1. Worried about stretch marks or have super dry skin in the winter? Keep a small bottle of olive oil in the shower to use as a moisturizer. Shower and cleanse as usual, slather a small amount of olive oil on your skin, and rinse. Baby soft skin with important nutrients makes for an inexpensive moisturizer.
7. Olive Oil, Part 2. Do you have brittle nails or your cuticles are out of control? Soak you nails for 15 minutes in small bowl of olive oil. You’ll be amazed at the difference.
8. Rubbing Alcohol. You know all the “goo” that can get on your flat-iron or curling iron? The best way to get rid of it is to soak a cotton ball in rubbing alcohol and swab until the residue is gone. A clean iron makes better curls and keeps hair healthier.
9. Monistat Chafing Relief Powder Gel. Love Smashbox Photofinish Primer (or any primer). Here is what you can use instead because it works just as well and it is dirt cheap. It’s a little sticky, so plan accordingly, but you will love the results. (PS: This is a makeup artist favorite.)
