Most women spend a fortune on their beauty must-haves without even knowing that cheaper and convenient alternatives are lying right in front of them- in their kitchen cabinets and stationery drawers. Here I reveal secrets of a few tools we often underestimate!
TEASPOON FOR DRAMATIC LASHES: To curl your lashes to perfection, get a teaspoon from your kitchen and warm it slightly with the help of a hair dryer. Simply hold the bowl of the tea spoon behind your upper lashes and work your way along your lash line with your thumb — pressing the hairs up and holding them for a few seconds along the edge of the spoon until they have a noticeable bend in them. Apply mascara immediately after curling to hold the shape.
MATCHBOX TO FILE NAILS: A split nail can be infuriating and will catch on everything until it’s filed down. If you don’t have an emery board or clippers to hand, try the fast fix and search for a box of matches. Simply buy a matchbox from a nearby chemist or superstore and run the striked rough strip along your nail (the area where you run the matches) to shape the nail instantly.
COFFEE FILTERS TO KEEP SKIN DRY: Does your skin tend to look shiny within hours of applying make-up? Facial blotting papers, which come in a book or pouch, are a great way to soak up oil but can cost a lot if you use them every day. Coffee filters, cut into strips, will soak up oil as well as any blotter, for a long-lasting matte effect.
SCOTCH TAPE FOR PERFECT EYELINER: Mastering the technique of applying liquid eyeliner is difficult. Here’s the trick. Take an inch-long piece of Scotch tape and press it to your hand a few times to dull its adhesive power. Place the tape under your bottom lashes at the outer corner of your eye, and angle it towards your temple. With a felt tip pen liner, begin sketching from the middle of your upper lash line to the outer corner of your eye, using short, dash-like strokes. Finish the line by going back to the middle of your eye and sketch short thin strokes till the tear duct.
TOOTHBRUSH TO SCRUB LIPS AND GROOM EYEBROWS: Get baby soft lips by using a toothbrush as an exfoliating agent. Apply some petroleum jelly or creamy cleanser to your lips and rub gently with a toothbrush in a circular motion. You can also use a toothbrush to groom your power brows.
SCOTCH TAPE OR BANDAID FOR A PERFECT FRENCH TIP: Scotch tape can be used to make straight French tips whereas band aid can be used for curved French tips. All you need to do is stick the tape/band aid just below the white nail growth and apply white nail polish above it. Let it dry and remove the tape/band aid!
CLING FILM FOR A YOUTHFUL SKIN: Cling film can be used to keep your skin well-nourished and hydrated! Apply a good amount of moisturiser on your face and massage it into your skin. Apply another layer and wrap your face in cling film. Don’t forget to create a breathing hole. Leave it for 20 minutes. The same process also works for neck and decolletage areas that are often prone to aging and sun damage. How does it work? The heat from the body encourages pores to open and the cream to get absorbed, instead of just sitting on the skin’s surface, thus boosting collagen.
Use these everyday tools in your beauty regime without spending much on them as they are readily and quickly available!