Facial Massages
In the morning I like to do a quick facial massage in a patting motion to generate blood flow to my tired-looking face and at night I like to do a slightly more extensive one in circular motions with a serum (I personally like to use baobab oil which is break-out-friendly) which kind of works like yoga for the face. I find that facial massaging helps improve my skin texture and decreases puffiness…just make sure your hands are very clean.
New Uses for Old Creams
My skin seems to change with the weather lately. In the past few months I went from have pretty normal, easy, acne-free, combination skin to a combo of crusty dryness and all-over acne. Luckily I’ve found a system that’s been working for me but in the meantime, a lot of the products I once loved are no longer useful to me- mainly, my night creams and moisturizers. Instead of throwing them away I’ve been using them on my neck and chest before bed instead of my face but they would easily work on any problem area you may have (hands, back, legs, etc)
Disposable Eyelash Brushes
Whenever I go to buy a new beauty product I make sure to grab a few extra disposable mascara brushes to add to my collection. I love using these for mascara alternatives (I HATE mascara…it never comes off and yet it never stays put for whatever reason) like lip balm or coconut oil to darken the lashes a bit (while also nourishing them) or an altogether DIY mascara (see below). I also like to use them to tame my baby hairs/ fly aways and I always keep a few in my bag just cuz.
DIY Mascara
As mentioned, I’m not a fan of mascara so if I want to add a little definition to my lashes I like to mix a little eyelid primer or even lip balm and brown eyeshadow (and use your disposable lash brush!).
All Hail…The Vitamin E Stick
Vitamin E sticks are an all-purpose product for me. I use it for it on my lips, to heal scars, to tame baby hairs, as highlighter, to brighten up my makeup at the end of a long day and I use it on my lids and lashes to add a dewy glow and definition, respectively and also for it’s nourishing properties. My all-time favorite is this vitamin e stick and it costs around 3$. I keep one (or two, sometimes three) of these on me at all times.
Apple Cider Vinegar +The Mother
Apple cider vinegar has been a go-to product for me lately. In the morning I drink a shot of it (yes it’s disgusting but it’s good for you!) because it helps balance the body’s pH. I also keep a mixture of apple cider vinegar and water in a bottle to use as a toner which helps with my acne and as a rinse for my hair after I condition it/ before I leave the shower (the scent dissipates, promise) for shine. You can also pretty much clean your entire home with it, just make sure you get the Bragg’s variety with “The Mother.”
Coconut oil
As you know by now, I’m big on multi purpose products. Coconut oil is great as a pre-cleanser, makeup melter and I also like to oil pull in the mornings which has various health implications.
Essential Oils in the Shower
I love adding a few drops of essential oils to the bottom of my showers (or when the struggle is really real I’ll add a few drops to my chest and neck before entering the shower). In the am I’ll add eucalyptus or orange oil to wake me up and at night I use lavender and ylang ylang
Heat Your Eyelash Curler
Heat up your eyelash curler with your hair iron (just clamp it for approximately 10-15 seconds) or blowdryer so it can do its job better. Just make sure to test against your hand that it’s not too hot!
By Raquel Silver
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