Easy-to-do tips and tricks for hair, skin and nails

A while ago I wrote about things you can do at home to make your own lipstick, extend your make-up’s lifespan, and so on.  In this week’s blog post, I am delving into some more “do-it-yourself” tips, which I found in an old magazine (links to blogs will be added).

Hair hacks

Want to intensify your dark hair’s colour?  Simply mix some ground coffee into your conditioner and apply it to your hair like a mask.  Leave it in for as long as you like; the longer you let it soak in, the darker and richer your brunette colour would be

(www.Bestoftips.com);

Would you like some curls?  Braid small sections of damp / wet hair, run a straightener over it, let it set for a while, then simply remove and voilà!  (@kouturekiss);

Is your hair limping and/or fine?  Try using beer as a hair mask.  The yeast in the beer will plump each individual strand, therefore thickening it and boosting volume.  Let a ½ cup of beer sit for a few hours until it has de-carbonated.  Mix it with 1 cup of water and use it as a shampoo.  Leave it on your hair for at least 5 minutes before rinsing it off.  Heads-up!  Use a non-alcoholic beer (Tohairwithlove.com).

Skin secrets

Struggling with blocked pores?  Why not use a soft cloth that has been warmed up by placing it over a clothing steamer?  Or you can brew some green tea, pour it into a bowl, then hold your face over it for a few minutes?  Green tea is high in anti-oxidants, which is wonderful for both external and internal use (Harpersbazaar.com.au);

When you apply blusher and bronzer, always keep the letters E and C in mind.  Using a brush, draw the letter E on each side of your face.  Start at the forehead, curving around towards your cheekbones, then back out towards your jawline.  Now apply the bronzer (illuminator) by drawing the letter C on each side of your face.  Stay close to your temples and, once this is done, blend everything in (Shesintheglow.com).

Tips for your eyes

Want to freshen up your mascara but are worried that it may clump if you put another layer on top?  No fear:  simply apply a small amount of Vaseline to your lashes, using your finger or a cotton bud.  The Vaseline will break up any clumps, soften your lashes, and make it easier for you to reapply the mascara (YouTube Elle Fowler);

The jury is still out on this one, but it is said that, applying white eyeliner as a base coat over your entire eyelids, will brighten your eyeshadow and bring out the colour (Politicsofpretty.com);

Wish you had thicker eyelashes?  Using a curler is one of the easiest ways.  However, you can also use baby powder!  Put a layer of mascara on (you can first curl your lashes or you don’t have to).  Then, by using a cotton bud, coat your lashes with a small amount of powder, then again mascara.  This will add length and volume to your lashes (according to Dogstagsdiapersanddiy.blogspot.com).

Lip-talk

Using an exfoliator sponge like Bug-Puffs, cut it into a small piece and put Vaseline on.  Gently rub over your lips.  Your lips will be exfoliated and moisturized at the same time (Cultofpretty.com).  You can also use a toothbrush that you won’t use to brush your teeth with; just make sure to be gentle as the lips are very sensitive (bitesofwellness.blog.com);

Ran out of lipstick?  Mix blusher with any lip balm / lip ice and apply (Harpersbazaar.com.au).

Nails

Have a cracked nail that is ruining your manicure?  Try using a tea bag!  Tear off a section of the tea bag and place it over the crack in your nail.  File down excess material from the bag, apply a strong base coat over the nail and there you go!  The crack won’t turn into a break (Instagram @xovain).

An added tip

We all love a white, bright smile, but to have it professionally done not only cost a lot of money, but can damage your teeth permanently (as it interferes with the enamel on your teeth).  Instead, why not use a banana peel?  Simply rub the inside of the banana peel across your teeth, let the paste, which forms, sit for about 10 minutes, then brush your teeth.  A banana peel contains magnesium, potassium and manganese.  This will brighten and whiten your teeth in an easy way, without damaging your teeth’s enamel.

There are many ready-made products on the markets that promises instant beauty.  Before you use any of it, do research and check reviews of the products.  If in doubt, then rather leave it or try one of the abovementioned tips.  It might take a bit longer to get results, but as the saying goes; rather be safe than sorry!