Tip #1
Makeup
To avoid air bubbles, roll nail polish between hands to mix instead of shaking the bottle
Beauty
A cheap exfoliator/pore minimiser can be made by mixing lemon juice with sugar or salt granules. Just don't rub too hard and moisturise afterwards for baby soft skin!
Tip #2
Makeup
Avoid using makeup sponges to apply your foundation as this wastes a lot of your makeup. Use a foundation brush instead, or, if your foundation tends to streak, use your fingers or a stippling brush for the perfect application.
Beauty
A natural and cheap way of getting rid of pimples is to rub a thin slice of potato on the affected areas. This will reduce redness and try out the pimple as potato skin has very good anti-bacterial properties.
Tip #3
Makeup
Did you know unclean makeup brushes can cause your brushes to deteriorate as well as breed harmful bacteria? Always spray your brushes with a makeup brush cleaner after each application and try to thoroughly wash your brushes with baby shampoo (and olive oil for oily products such as lipsticks and eyeliners) once every week-fortnight. This will keep your face clean and keep your brushes in a good condition.
Beauty
Use a dry body brush morning and night to improve circulation and keep your skin glowing. You can also wet the brush and use it to exfoliate rough and dry patches such as your elbow and knees. Try the Body Shop Cactus Brush $22.95.
Tip #4
Makeup
Need a quick cheap solution to unsightly eyebrows and lashes? Vaseline works wonders to shape those brows and thicken lashes while adding shine to make your look complete without the hassle of makeup application!
Beauty
To make sure that your lips are always smooth and supple, exfoliate them by using a soft bristled toothbrush. Remember to use a circular motion and don't press too hard. Also, to keep them soft, apply a good lip moisturiser afterwards. I always use Lucas Pawpaw Ointment (7.95)which can be purchased at any pharmacy.
Tip #4
Makeup
Investing in a good eyeshadow primer is well worth the money. It will stop your eyeshadow from creasing and make it last all day long. The best eyeshadow primers on the market at the moment are Two Faced Shadow Insurance and Urban Decay Primer Potion. Available online rrp US$17 and US$18 plus shipping respectively.
Beauty
Don't forget to give your skin a breather once in while and forgo makeup. Choose a beauty routine suitable to your skin type and stick to it every week or if you're lazy at least every fortnight. One beauty routine that is great for all skin types is facial steaming. It opens the pores and detoxifies your skin gently. Don't worry about buying an expensive facial steamer though; you can make one out of a large mixing bowl and towel. Simply boil some water, fill the bowl half full and with you head over the bowl, place the towel so that it completely encloses your head and bowl, trapping the steam.
Tip #5
Makeup
You can use flat makeup brush to apply mascara to your bottom lashes. This helps to accurately define your lashes without any smudges!
Beauty
Yellow nails from wearing nail polish is a common occurrence and most likely caused by formaldehyde in your nail polish. To make them beautiful and white again, just mix some lemon juice, water and teeth whitening toothpaste in a bowl, soak your nails for 5-10 minutes and then use a toothbrush to scrub your nails. The mixture acts as a bleaching agent. Bleach can be substituted for toothpaste however this can be quite damaging to your cuticles and surrounding skin. The most important thing to remember is to heavily moisturise your hands after so it doesn't dry out.
Tip #6
Makeup
You can use concealer to hide blemishes, skin discolouration, lighten dark areas including around the nose, lips and eye, as well as "cheating" a perfect cupid's bow and brow line.
Beauty
If your hair is dry and brittle, apply conditioner first on dry hair so that the conditioner has more of a chance to work its magic. Wet hair means that the hair is already saturated with water and thus reducing the amount of conditioner your hair can absorb. Try Tresemme Moisture Rich Conditioner or Tresemme Anti-Breakage Conditioner for $10 each
