The internet is chock full to bursting with life hacks – easy tips that neatly solve an everyday problem. You know the sort: tie a piece of bright fabric to your suitcase handle before checking it in at an airport, so you can easily spot it on the luggage carousel; or use the sticky part of old Post-it notes to clean between your keyboard’s keys. Life hacks are great, but we’re much more interested in beauty hacks: quick, efficient fixes for cosmetic challenges, or time – and money – saving speedy tips for lazy lads and ladies.
1. Baby powder is a beauty fan’s best friend. Not only can you apply it to your hairline for emergency dry shampoo, you can gently and carefully add a brushed-on layer to your just-mascaraed eyelashes for thicker, fuller lashes. Add a final layer of your favourite mascara over the top, and you’ll be amazed at the difference.
2. Having trouble with your roots, but no time or dosh to get to the hairdressers? An eyeshadow in your hair’s shade will work just as well as expensive hair root powders: simply brush it into your parting to conceal regrowth and give the appearance of thicker hair.
3. Love glittery nail varnish, but can’t bear the tiresome removal process? Add a base coat of PVA glue before your layers of sparkles, and when the time comes to change your look, your polish will peel right off. Just like being at primary school, but more fabulous.
4. A heat-free trick for curling hair: while getting ready, separate your barnet into two sections, then twist each up into two low buns on either side of your head, below your ears. Spray generously with hairspray and carry on getting ready, then release after about 20 minutes or so for relaxed, wavy curls. Twist the buns in matching directions, away from your face, for even waves, and add extra buns for tighter twists.
5. Hanging your head over a bowl of hot water and gently steaming your face won’t just give you a sauna glow, it’ll help remove eyelash extensions without a trip to the salon.
6.Got an unwanted electrified look? If you suffer from static hair, simply take a tumble dryer sheet, and run it over your hair to calm and flatten those flyaways.
7. Vaseline isn’t just a fantastic lip balm: add a thin layer to your eyelids for a polished, glossy look that makes you look more made up in seconds. You can also sweep it gently over your teeth (don’t laugh) for a dazzling smile and to help protect against lipstick marks. And a cotton bud dipped in the stuff can help correct wonky-winged eyeliner, and remove foundation from your lips for a natural pout.
8. If you’re stranded without eyeliner but you have access to mascara, good news! Grab a brush or other bluntly pointed object and run through a loaded mascara wand, then apply as you would gel eyeliner.
9. Have a glittered eyeshadow that you rarely wear? Mix it with clear nail varnish for a unique polish and a more subtle sparkle.
10. Manicures look beautiful but can grow out quickly. If you’re faced with a gap between your nail bed and your colour, add a layer of glitter at the base of your nail for an ombré effect – it’ll keep you going until you’re able to get back to the nail spa. 11. Credit cards: not just useful for splurging. Hold one above your eyelid, pressed to the base of your lashes, and you’ll be able to apply a thick coat of mascara without worrying about marking your eyeshadow. You can also hold one to the outer edge of your eye and use it as a template for liquid or gel eyeliner – just remember to keep a cotton bud on hand for mistakes!
12. Hold onto your expensive mascara brushes: most of the time you’re forking out for the brush technology, not the paste itself. Wash and dry them, then use them with cheaper mascaras for a budget-friendly flutter.
13. Woken up with a wonky fringe, and no straighteners in sight? Head back to bed with an eye mask holding your bangs to your forehead: another cosy forty winks, and your fringe will be right as rain. We’ve fallen head over heels for the Bucky brand of eye mask. The Rolls-Royce of sleeping aids, you can often grab them at a discount from TK Maxx. Keep your (tired) eyes peeled.
14. Stuck for a scrub? Head to the kitchen. Brown sugar, mixed with olive oil and a little lemon juice, makes the perfect body scrub for sloughing off dead skin or maintaining a tan. Brown sugar’s also useful as a treat for your hands: mix a teaspoon with a squirt of your favourite hand moisturiser, then rub the two together all over your hands before rinsing with warm water. It’ll leave your hands feeling absolutely glorious.
15. Add a few drops of peppermint oil to your favourite lip gloss or balm for a plumping, tingling effect that tastes delightfully delicious.
16. Bags under your eyes that Hermès would be proud of? Use a bright red lipstick as a base coat for your under-eye concealer: the red balances out the blue tones and leaves you with neutral skin – plus you get to take a crazy selfie halfway through the process. Remember with this one that less is more, and blend, blend, blend!
17. Fake tan hands are a telltale sign that you’ve not been sunning yourself in the South of France: you’ve been at the bottom of a bottle of St Tropez. Fix them by crumbling a dishwasher tablet with a little lemon juice, then rubbing your hands together until the colour lifts. Wash your hands thoroughly after and remember to moisturise again.
