Water Down Expensive PerfumeNice perfume can be very expensive, so most of us don't tend to buy it, but I found if you go to freebie websites like hunt4freebies and freestufftimes.com you can get free samples of expensive perfumes in the trail size bottles.
A&D Ointment As Night CreamA wonderful night moisturizing cream, possibly in your medicine cabinet! I stumbled across a wonderful, cheap nightcream. A & D Ointment.
Trash Bag as Cape for Cutting HairBeing homebound with the Covid-19 virus for over 2 months and needing haircuts before the virus, I think our hair grew faster than ever. My husband was getting desperate for a haircut and it will be another two weeks before his hair appointment. He decided he would let me cut his hair.
Use Super Glue to Stop Nail SplittingI have a fingernail that always splits in the same place. There seems to be a ridge in the nail. If I get busy and don't keep the nail filed and buffed, the nail splits all the way to the quick.
Mixing Disappointing Hair ProductsHave you ever used a hair product like mousse, gel, cream, spray, etc. that for whatever reason was a disappointment? Maybe you didn't like the scent or its performance on your hair. Instead of tossing it in the garbage, I have a frugal solution that has worked well for me.
Nail Clipper HackThis nail clipper used to have a plastic shield to prevent nail clippings from flying. Unfortunately the plastic shield broke and I tried to find a replacement nail clipper (no luck).
Travel Toothbrush Holder for Makeup BrushesI never used this toothbrush holder for toothbrushes but really needed a case for my new makeup brushes. The toothbrush holder works very well for storing and protecting them.
Cheaper In - Shower CreamI found this cream in the back of my closet. Upon using it, I found it too greasy for my taste. However, we are sheltering in place and I didn't want to make any unnecessary trips to the store to get my usual brand. I discovered that if I apply it right after my shower to wet or damp skin, there is no greasy residue at all.
Coconut Oil for Dry HandsI think I have washed my hands more in the last two weeks than in the past two months. To keep them from getting so dry, I use lotion. In addition to the lotion, I have been using coconut oil to keep my hands soft. It's an easy application with the use of X-large disposable latex gloves.
Combining Dollar Tree HeadbandsI went to the local dollar tree and get 4 nice wide headbands. But, they were just a bit too tight. In fact, they hurt my ears. So today I fixed them by cutting them on the seam and tying them together. I have a nice comfortable one, that is multi-colored!
Vaseline for Preventing Hair Dye StainsOkay guys, I have been using black dye for 5+ years now and I always get covered in it, but NO MORE! Before applying, clip hairline back, and cover your face and neck entirely in Vaseline. Put on hands and arms before wearing gloves. Even hours after, a warm soapy cloth washed over stained areas, and VOILA! Gone from anywhere that's human skin.
Lemon Juice For Clean Nails and FingersBefore giving yourself a manicure, dip your fingers in undiluted lemon juice bought at the dollar store. Let the whole top of your finger soak to get rid of dark marks. Then, just wash your hands as usual. No chemicals needed or used. This works wonders for those doing heavy soiling work. My father did way back when he worked on cars.
How To Make Your Manicure LastI'm very conscious of how I treat my nails because I love them to stay as nicely polished as day one, for the sake of the look and the cost. This begins with making sure they are treated well before I even put the paint on, and extends to dealing with them for the coming weeks. Here are some tips to keep your manicure lasting as long as possible.
Dry Hair Fast Without a Blow DryerAlthough it may save you some time, you don't actually need a blow dryer to dry your hair quickly. My favourite method of a quick dry uses a big soft t-shirt. This isn't only great for saving on electricity, it also saves your hair by not allowing it any heat damage. It also leaves your hair quite shiny.
3-Step DIY Hair Treatment TipThis at-home hair treatment works like a charm on all hair types; even the frizziest of locks. It helps your hair retain moisture and keeps your mane looking super shiny. All it takes is a liquid, an oil, and a cream. The great thing about this method is that you can even use some of the cheapest products around your house.
Vinegar Soak Before ManicureSoak your fingernails in a solution of 1/2 cup warm water mixed with 2 teaspoons of white vinegar for a couple minutes. Dry thoroughly, then apply your nail polish. This will get rid of all the oils on and around your nails to help your polish stay on a lot longer.
Vaseline for Softer SkinIf you are like me, you have used every cream and lotion available. After a visit to my dermatologist, I was told to go back to Vaseline. Yes, it is a little messy, but the real question is, how much do you want soft skin?
Saving Money on Dental VisitsMedical is some of our most costly expenses and since dental visits aren't always covered by many insurances (nor by Medicare), folks sometimes don't go to their dentist every 6 months. I am not encouraging this. It's just a FACT.
A Little Gob Will Do YaI've noticed that my hair lately doesn't have the same shine and bounce to it that my curly mop used to have. It seems to be rather dry even with the use of a good shampoo, conditioner and periodic olive oil and/or other homemade moisturizing treatment.
Keeping Hair Dye Off Polished NailsOne thing that really irritates me is when I have a nice manicure and a bit of hair dye gets on my nails and they get ruined. I love to wear regular and glitter polishes, but they suck up hair dyes like a sponge.
Sharpening Makeup PencilsI use makeup pencils for eyebrows, eye liner, and lip liner. I started putting the pencils and the sharpeners in the freezer for an hour or two before sharpening, and they will harden just enough to make it easy to do without breaking.
Nail Art to Extend a ManicureSometimes my manicures stay nice and intact all over, but new nail growth will really take away from its "polished" look. To keep my nails looking fresh, I grab some baby jewels from my local Japanese dollar shop and affix them on top of the new nail growth with a bit of strong, clear polish. Fun and cheap!
Mix Sunless Tanning Lotion with Regular LotionI use half and half. If you do this, you avoid streaks, it reduces the odor of the sunless tanning product, and you save money, since the sunless product is typically more expensive than the lotion you dilute it with
Keep Mascara WandsIf you find a mascara that really works well for you, save the brush. That's the part that's doing all the work to get the style you want on your lashes, not the actual mascara. All mascaras are the same, just divided by waterproof or regular, so you can dip your favourite wand into any mascara and you will still love your look.
Paint Glue Under Glitter PolishI love the occasional glitter manicure, but when it's time to change to something more subtle, I seem to use up so much nail polish remover trying to get all the little bits off. A good way to avoid that is by painting a coat of white glue (like Elmer's) on the nails as a base coat.
Use Contact Lens Case For VaselineMy granddaughter had scarlet fever a few months ago and her lips were super dry, being so sick. Her doctor recommended Vaseline only on them. She was staying with us but when she went home to be with her mom, she didn't have any Vaseline. I was trying to figure out what to put some in and I remembered I had a full case of unused contact lens cases. I put some in it and it's been the perfect solution.
Whey for Healthy Skin and NailsThis is something I learned from my late great-aunt Azizi. Besides using whey in your cooking, you can use whey as a face toner or on your hands to balance your pH and rejuvenate your skin. I like to dip towelettes in a cup of whey and rest it on my face, then rinse it off.
Cheap Natural Hand ScrubI tend to have a hard time with my hands being rough and not feeling soft. Recently I purchased a box of Raw Sugar at the Dollar Tree to decorate the top of cookies. Because of the coarseness of the sugar, I had a great idea. I took an old parmesan cheese container with the green shaker top, and filled it up with the Raw Sugar. I placed it on the sink next to my liquid hand soap.
Storing a Toothbrush for Daily UseWe have all tried several different ways to deal with drippy toothbrushes in the bathroom. Those old icky containers with holes in the top, where the water drips down and forms a scum. Then the ones in the medicine cabinet that cause rust on the metal. Well listen and learn from an old lady who has done them all.
Butt Paste for Cracked HandsMy hands start to crack every winter from our dry air. Hand lotion does not seem to help. I remembered how well Boudreaux's Butt Paste Diaper Rash Ointment worked for my babies so I thought I'd try it. It really works well to help my skin heal and prevent more cracking.
Strong FingernailsFor stronger and healthier nails, soak for 3 minutes a day in a solution of 1/2 cider vinegar and 1/2 alcohol.
Honey Hair TreatmentI have coarse naturally curly hair. The only thing that really makes it feel soft and look healthy is honey. We go to Popeye's Chicken and always get extra packets of honey for the biscuits and they eventually accumulate in my pantry. I decided to put the packets in a container and put it in the bathroom where I need it for my hair.
Mixing Foundation and Contour For LessEven when they are not the correct shade for my skin tone, I buy foundations and makeup liquids when I see them on big sales. I then mix them together to make my perfect base makeup colour. I use the darker tones for shading around the edges of my face and under my cheekbones, and the lighter ones for highlighting my brow, cheeks and nose.
Getting the Most Out of Contact LensesContact lenses do not come cheap. It can be easy to mishandle them and let them go to waste. Here are some tips from my optometrist and myself on how to get the most out of your lenses.
Inexpensive Nail DateAre you on a budget? You and your best friend, sister, mom, friend or cousin can do each other nails and catch up for only $1.99.
Using Sunless Tanning LotionMix your sunless tanning lotion with an equal amount of regular lotion. Your lotion will go on more smoothly, avoiding streaks.
Use a Wide Toothed Comb Instead of a BrushI switched over from a paddle brush to a wide tooth/detangling comb several years ago. I can see a big difference, because when I used a paddle brush, I would see tons of hairs stuck between the bristles.
Use Expired Suntan Lotion as Hand CreamIf your suntan lotion has expired, you can still use it as hand lotion or hand cream. Just keep in mind that it is not suitable for sun protection anymore. I use mine before bedtime or after washing my hands.
All-Day Curled LashesHere is my trick to keeping your lashes looking super long and curled all day. You will need a hairdryer, an eyelash curler, and waterproof mascara.
Store Nail Polish Inside FridgeDo you want your nail polish to last long inside the bottle in it? The right place for storing nail polish is in the fridge. When you expose nail polish to warm weather, your nail polish can get thick and goopy. But if you keep it in the fridge, it will keep for a long time.
Masking Tape for Eyebrow ShapingI needed to trim my eyebrows, and I dislike tweezers. I tried some of this extra wide masking tape from the Dollar General, because it is stickier than the thin size, and it worked really well for me.
Leftover Lemons for Nail BrighteningAfter using lemons in drinks and recipes, I store them in a container in the fridge to use when my nails need a bit of a pick-me-up. Using nail polishes can leave stains on your fingernails, even with a light base coat. With clean fingers and nails, dip your fingertips into the lemons and twist.
Big Voluminous Waves With a Flat IronI originally started doing this trick because I wanted to save space in my luggage on trips by not packing both my flat iron and my curling iron. But now I love this look so much that I do it instead of using my curling iron. I get a much more natural curl rather than tight spiral curls from my curling iron.
Prevent Bubbles in Nail PolishPrevent bubbles in your nail polish. First do not shake your nail polish. This helps to avoid bubbles. Second do not hit the nail polish bottle on your hands because this too also can create bubbles.
Thrifty Nail BrightenerI am now 54 so my nails are not as bright as they were when I was younger. After many years of wearing nail varnish and false nails, they have yellowed a bit. I came up with a little idea when I bought a new illuminator powder.
Jamsu Makeup Priming TechniqueJamsu is a Korean makeup technique that is all the rage right now. You can get beautiful matte looking skin without any use of primers or setting powders. All you need is a baby powder and a big bowl of ice water.
Oil for Dye-Free BathtubI dye my hair with bright, off-the-wall colours very often. I use (literally) a drop of super cheap oil that I get from the 99 cent store and rub it into the cracks and crevices in the bathtub as a preventative measure. I dye my hair, wash it, and none of the colours sink into the cracks.
Natural NailsIf you ever want to make your nails look way nicer without having to go to the nail salon and spend a outrageous amount of money on your nails, then just add a single coat of a pearl pink polish to your nails.
Using a Binder Clip for ToothpasteUse those binder clips from your office for toothpaste. Fold the bottom of the toothpaste tube and clip it with the binder.
Dental Floss Pick As an Eyeliner GuideThe majority of my girlfriends have trouble applying wing-tipped eyeliner. I always give them this tip. Paint some liquid eyeliner onto the string of a dental floss pick then hold it against your eyelid to get the perfect line. Let it dry then fill in the triangular portion under it. Perfection!
Coca Cola for Removing Bubble Gum in HairI have a 5 year old girl who keeps on chewing bubble gum, and getting it stuck in her hair. So here is what I did; Simply take a Coca Cola soft drink and pour it on the portion hair with the bubble gum. Let it soak for 2 minutes. This removed the gum easily.
Beautiful Hair with an Updo WrapIf you want an effortless and beautiful hair updo that literally takes you less than a minute to do, I would recommend purchasing one of the hair updo wraps. It is very easy to use, just tie your hair in a bun, clip your hair and put the hair updo around the bun in your hair. That's it!
Oil Pulling for Dental HealthThis is a very old Ayurvedic tradition that is very helpful. What you basically do is take a tablespoonful or two of oil, swish it around in your mouth for 10 minutes, then spit it out and then rinse your mouth with warm water afterwards.
A Pillow Case SolutionI've been prone to spots in my middle age, which is no fun at all. I get them along my jawline. Doing some research on the internet, I came across a tip. It was to change your pillowcase nightly to stop any build up of dirt on the skin from sleeping on it night after night.
Product Review: Press-On NailsDo you want pretty nails for a date night or for a special occasion? You do not have to spend a fortune to have pretty nails, no need to waste time driving to, from the salon and waiting plus you will avoid all the harmful chemical smells!
Dry Shave with Body LotionIf you want to shave but don't have any shaving cream handy, you can just slather on any available hand lotion or body lotion and then shave. The added benefit is you don't really need water. Just put on the lotion, shave, then wipe the area with a tissue.
Ketchup to Remove Green Tones From HairYou can indeed remove green tones from your hair by squirting ketchup onto your clean and dry strands. Leave it in for about 20 minutes then wash out. The tomatoes and vinegar in ketchup contain acids that even out the green colour in hair. If your hair is ultra green, do this process twice. It works!
My First Attempt at Acrylic NailsI purchased an acrylic nail kit for about $7 at Food City. I had an overall positive experience, except I didn't put enough of the mixture on my nails, and I trimmed the nails before putting them on.
Mouthwash and Vinegar Foot BathI have a bad habit of walking around the house barefoot, which cause my feet to have thick and rough skin. I've found that soaking them in a mixture of 1 cup of mouthwash (I used a 79 cent version), 1 cup of white vinegar, and warm/hot water in a basin for 20 minutes, then scrubbing them makes them super soft.
Lightening a Dark LipSince I am Asian, I have always had a problem with my lips, especially on the borders. One thing that I have found to be effective is petroleum jelly.
Evaporated Milk for Younger Looking SkinFor younger looking skin, just grab evaporated milk from your fridge or pantry. Put in a small bowl, and just use your fingertip to apply to your face. Leave it for 5 minutes. Then wash your face with lukewarm water. This will help you to achieve the younger look you want if you apply at least 3 times week.
Complimentary MakeoverA nice thrifty tip if you are not makeup savvy like myself, or need a makeover for a special occasion, event, date night, or just because. Some beauty shops offer some sort of complimentary makeover with your purchase.
Wear Leggings to Protect Your LegsLeggings or stockings are very useful, not just as ordinary comfortable clothes that fit to our thighs and legs, but it also protect our skin. It is also a prevention for developing varicose veins.
Used Tea Bags to Relieve Tired EyesNot only can you drink your green tea but, if you have puffy eyes, dark circles, or tired eyes, the tea bags can help reduce them.
Brush Hair Daily to Help it GrowOne of the easiest way to make your hair grow fast is by brushing 100 times a day. Yes, I say 100 times a day; from the scalp to the tip of your hair.
Egg White Mask for WrinklesOne of the common problem for us women is wrinkles! I want to share this tip to you mommies, because I have applied this many times. My mom and my sister also do this.
Grab one egg, separate the egg white from the yolk, and apply the egg white to your face.
Gargle with Salt Water to Minimize GingivitisDo this first thing in the morning before brushing your teeth and in the evening after brushing your teeth. Use this as a gargle: a half glass of lukewarm water and 1 teaspoon of rock salt. Mix together until the rock salt dissolves. Gargle it three times. It is a safe home aid for everyone in the family.
Banana Peel Tooth WhitenerDon't throw away your banana peels. Use the fleshy part on the inside of the peel to gently rub away dinginess on your teeth. The potassium, magnesium, and natural acid help break down stains on teeth. The grittiness of its fiber also helps polish your enamel.
Egg White for Hair GelWhen we buy gel, we never know what chemicals they put on, whether it's safe or friendly to your hair. You can make hair gel at your home without spending a penny on it. A thrifty way to get a safe gel to put on your hair is by using egg whites.
Honey for Healthy Shiny HairDo you want healthier, shinier looking hair, without spending too much money in an expensive products or going to a salon? Actually you can do it in your home! And it's very affordable and friendly to your hair.
Make Your Own Styling GelI had trouble with the title of this post. It could have been 'Make your own setting lotion, volumizer, bodifier, or mousse'. I realize a lot of people don't set their hair as they did, 'back when'. Still, what I'm going to tell you about is a great bodifier without setting.
Switch to Xylitol Gum For Dental HealthIf you like to chew gum but dislike the idea of killing your teeth, switch to xylitol gum! Studies indicate that, by allowing neutral pH levels to remain in the mouth, it helps maintain dental health. As well, xylitol helps prevent bacteria from sticking to teeth.
Perfect Glitter NailsGlitter nail polish always looks so gorgeous in the bottle but when you swipe it on, it doesn't look anything like what's in the bottle! The trick is to use a cheap little makeup sponge. Just drop some onto the sponge, then dab the sponge onto your nails. Heavy glitter, light clear polish. Perfect!
Rock Salt for Whitening TeethSalt has natural preservatives for marinating foods. It is also good for removing stains and grease. The salt also can be a teeth whitening and can prevent of bad breath.
Garlic For NailsGet a clove of garlic, smash it and wipe over your finger nails or toe nails. Let it stay for 5 minutes before you wash hands and feet. I can guarantee that this is so effective especially to all women who want their nails to grow long.
Vaseline for Cuticle Care in WinterI have found that Vaseline works better than anything on my cuticles. My cuticles get all dried out in the heat of our house and I keep the house very warm. I put it on my cuticles at night and rub in very well.
Roller for Stretching Facial Treatment OilI recently started using Argan oil on my face. I bought a roller bottle and fill it with my Argan oil. Now, I just run the roller on clean face and then massage in with my fingers. The oil goes much further, and there is little chance of spilling.
Homemade ToothpasteI've just made another batch of toothpaste for myself. It's very simple to make and the ingredients are natural and thrifty - the perfect combination!
Coconut Oil for Hair LighteningRubbing your hair and scalp with a bit of coconut oil will do wonders for you before you lighten your hair. Just dab some on before your usual lightening routine and proceed like usual. The result is the same gorgeous lightened hair but with silk soft, smooth, damage-free hair.
Saving on Makeup and Skin CareFrench women are known for taking great care of their skin by drinking plenty of water, eating their vegetables, and incorporating healthy movement into their daily life, not by wearing gobs of makeup. Cultivate an inner glow by taking care of your health.
How to Properly Use Dry ShampooInstead of spraying it directly on your hair, spray it on one hand, rub your hands together, then work into the roots. This will distribute it more evenly, absorb more oil, and use less of it.
Rejuvenating Orange Salt BathThis is a very easy way to make a homemade equivalent of orange bath salts. All you need are the cleaned peels from 2 large oranges, half a cup of epsom salt, and a laundry bag. Throw them in your bath and you're set. The yummy orange scent is a stress zapper and also targets aches in your body.
Post Shave Balm as Makeup PrimerNivea Post Shave Balm works perfectly as a makeup primer. Use it as you would a regular primer. Pour a pea-sized amount in your hand and evenly pat onto your face. Let dry and apply your makeup normally. Your makeup will last all day long!
Teflon Tape as Dental FlossI was sitting at my computer desk when I sensed a tiny particle of food between two molars. Fearing losing my train of thought, I didn't get up and go to the bathroom for floss. Instead, I inventoried the items on the desk before me. What caught my eye was a roll of Teflon tape I had been using to wrap some electrical contacts.
Natural Rosemary Breath FreshenersAfter stripping rosemary leaves off their branches (which is actually part of the mint family) cut small branch pieces to use as free and easy breath fresheners!
Save Thickened Nail PolishWhen your nail polish begins to thicken either just dip your nail polish brush into non-acetone nail polish remover and replace the brush back into the bottle and roll it in your hands. Never shake a bottle of nail polish or you get bubbles in it!
Safety Razor for a Cheap ShaveShaving with a multiblade "cheese grater" is expensive. The frugal shaver uses an old fashioned double edge safety razor.
Take Chapstick EverywhereMost of the time, you would carry around chap-stick in your purse, pocket, etc, for your lips. But it is also good to have for other purposes.
Dry or Clumped Mascara TipHas your tube of mascara dried out prematurely or would you like to extend it? Add a few drops of Visine to the bottle! It's safe for eyes and adds moisture, but doesn't mess with the formula!
Shave For $10 Per YearRemember the old style razors you may have used or seen your dad or Grandfather using way back? The '"double edge safety razor"' is what I'm talking about. Guess what? You can still buy and use them!
Dry Nails Quickly with Ice WaterI was always frustrated after polishing my nails and waiting and waiting for it to dry but a friend told me this tip that works.
Make Your Face Glow in MinutesFirst, exfoliate your face gently after scrubbing. Use a cleaner and rub it in circular motions and then wash your face.
Coconut Oil Hair MaskI know it sounds a little unusual. At first when I heard of it I thought,''Gross, I don't want to put oil in my hair and then have greasy hair.'' Eventually though after hearing how great it was, I finally tried it. And it's awesome!
Removing Too Tight RingsThe best thing I have found to loosen or remove rings from swollen fingers due to salt or altitude is creamy hair conditioner. It works better than soap or lotion. Just squirt a bit around the ring area and twist a bit to get underneath and around your knuckles, and it will usually slide right off.
Eyebrow Pencil for Perfect SeamsIf you are one of those style conscious girls who still enjoys wearing full fashioned hosiery, this tip is for you. The tip could be for most ladies, as older styles do have a tendency to return periodically.
Use Creams Right After ShoweringI bought a tube of cream, but didn't like it because it was too greasy. I remember reading that if you apply any greasy cream right after you shower or take a bath, it won't feel greasy or leave any greasy residue.
Removing Under Eye Bags in the MorningGetting rid of bags under your eyes in the morning is really simple. This tip has helped me when I look like a monster in the morning.
Preventing Denture PainTo help prevent sores, make sure you brush the inside of your dentures. The more food built up onto them, the more sores you'll get in your mouth.
Stress-free Dental AppointmentsAny time I go to the dentist, I always bring my iPod so I can listen to my favorite music while I'm being worked on. I turn it up loud enough so I don't hear the drill and it helps me relax.
Coconut Oil for Removing Sharpie from SkinGently rub coconut oil on skin with cloth and Sharpie comes off instantly!
Efferdent Tablets Ready to UseMy hubby uses Efferdent tablets. Instead of him having to tear off one each time he needs it, I cut all the sheets of tablets so there's only one in each section.
Hydrogen Peroxide and Baking Soda DeodorantI have been keeping a bowl and mixing hydrogen peroxide and baking soda and using it as deodorant. I have never been fresher. Mix a small amount into a paste. I buy the value size on both at Sam's Club. I am at seven months and might get a year out if it. I used to use a deodorant costing 5.99 every two weeks.
