We all know the basics of beauty (find a foundation that matches, eyebrows shoulder be sisters not twins, coconut oil is good for pretty much everything, etc.), but how about some new tips and tricks to stow away for your hot girl summer?
Here is a list of tips and tricks compiled from the wonderful contributors on Reddit (they will be credited in each entry). Let's get started!
1. "If you use a face wash like Clearasil or some other acne-fighter, use it to wash your armpits. It kills the smelly bacteria and won't be a huge deal if you forget deoderant [sic] afterwards." - u/earthworms.
Image by chezbeate from PIxabay
The summer heat (and getting back to social gatherings) might increase your body sweat, so this tip seems super helpful! Putting deodorant on afterwards will likely help you double up on protection. Fun story (ish), I once tried using hand sanitizer on my armpits when I forgot deodorant, believing the alcohol would kill the bacteria. It didn't really work.
2. "Heat your eyelash curler with a low dryer -- you will have fabulous lashes" - u/candleelit
I confess that I don't use eyelash curlers even though I know I am missing out on having a coveted doe-eyed look. I imagine the heat helps to 'set' your eyelash curl. Another tip I would say is to replace your eyelash curler pad frequently to avoid lash damage and the spreading of bacteria. You can buy a pack of 80 here.
3. "Use plain chapstick under your eyeshadow and eyeliner... it hold [s] it in place, bonus if you get some with sunscreen. Avoid the "pepermint" [sic] or other flavored chapsticks" - u/Thatssometal
Image by Dennis Von Dutch from Pixabay
For the longest time I didn't use makeup primer, and during that time, I wish I knew this tip. While eyeshadow and makeup primer is often available widely and fairly cheap (see E.L.F), this tip will help you in a pinch!
4. "Monistat Anti-Chafing Gel Powder is almost the exact same as the expensive makeup primers for way less..." - u/rusty_panda
On the topic of primers, this makeup tip is perfect if you don't want to break the bank on a high-quality brand. I actually know several people who swear by this hack, and I have tried it several times when I wear a full face of foundation. I imagine it has something to do with the anti-friction, seal in moisture kind of deal that comes with this gel. Why not give it a try?
5. "I use silica gel beads (the little DO NOT EAT packets of desiccant you find in packages) in my makeup storage to keep things dry and mold-free..." - u/AerinHawk
Not only can you avoid excess moisture with this tip, you can also help to conserve packaging by reusing these little silica gel packets! I imagine this tip would be most helpful in more humid climates, but surrounding makeup sponges with this item would likely help to prevent bacteria and moisture lingering there.
6. "This is probably well known already But when applying foundation I always use downward motions with my fingers (or brushes/sponges whatever you use!) That way the light facial hair we have lies flat down!" - u/MuffinGypsy
Ahh foundation. When it matches and gives you the coverage you need, it's magic. If it's anything else... I find it to be an absolute pain! Tips like u/MuffinGypsy's help make it much easier to apply foundation, especially when otherwise you would be lost (I'm talking about me).
7. "Flossing during wait times between products [skincare] . Forces me to actually wait a decent amount of time and keeps me occupied." - u/charlotte095
Image by Nika Akin from Pixabay
This user is talking about the layering of different skincare products in their nightly routine (and FYI, your night routine should have a facewash, retinol, and moisturizer at the minimum). Apparently, each product needs a moment to 'sink' into your skin before you layer on the next product. A "duh" hack, but a hack nonetheless.
8. "*Don't use tap water [to wash] . Try using pure/distilled/bottled water to wash with" - u/Darker-Day
Image by Sebastian Ganso from Pixabay
This tip sounds a lot more high maintenance than the others (and a bit wasteful when it comes to packaging), but it could point to the problem of your city water causing you skincare issues. Perhaps an installed filter could help you keep some of the water impurities out of your skincare routine.
9. "Whatever treatment you put on your face (lotion, scrub, whatever), also do to your chest. It is just as sensitive and exposed. It is no good to have a soft smooth face and a dry wrinkly chest!" - u/amberb
Our whole body ages, not just our face. It makes so much sense to take care of other parts of our body that are often exposed to the sun. I am mostly talking about sunscreen when it comes to this tip, but other products (like moisturizer, chemical acids, etc.) apply.
10. "Wash your pillowcase frequently. You smush your face and/or hair on it every night, so it's got oil and skin cells all over it." u/CatrionaShadowleaf
While this user doesn't mention exactly how often to wash your pillowcase, we can assume that it's more frequent than once a week (which is the generally recommended frequency of washing your sheets). If you want to get really on top of it, buy a few pillowcases to use and wash one whenever you load up some laundry.
Thanks for reading! What are some beauty hacks that you know?