Are you tired of spending money on expensive makeup and beauty products? What if I told you you already have some great makeup hacks in your kitchen cupboards or bathroom drawers? It’s true! With a bit of creativity, you can use everyday household items to get gorgeous looks without breaking the bank. As a professional makeup artist for over 15 years, I’m excited to share my top 20 DIY makeup tricks that work, using things you likely already have lying around the house. Let’s get started!
1. Baby powder as dry shampoo and setting powder
Baby Powder is a fantastic multitasker when it comes to makeup and hair. If your hair looks a little greasy but you don’t have time to wash it, sprinkle some baby powder on your roots. Use an old makeup brush to blend it in. The powder will soak up excess oil, leaving your hair fresh.
You can also use baby powder to set your makeup so it lasts longer. After applying foundation and concealer, lightly dust some baby powder over your face with a fluffy brush. This absorbs oil and prevents your makeup from smudging or sliding off throughout the day. If you have very oily skin, apply some baby powder before your liquid foundation to help it stay put.
I’ve been using these baby powder tricks for years, both on myself and when doing makeup for photoshoots and weddings. It works like a charm every time! Just tap off the excess so you don’t look ghostly white.
2. Elmer’s glue as a brow gel
If you want to tame unruly brows and keep every hair perfectly in place all day, all you need is a little dab of Elmer’s glue! Yes, the same white glue you probably used for crafts as a kid.
Here’s how to do it:
- Squeeze a tiny amount of glue onto a spoolie brush or clean toothbrush
- Gently brush it through your eyebrows in short, upward strokes
- Use your finger to smooth and shape your brows as the glue dries
- Once fully dry, your brows won’t budge until you wash the glue off!
This hack works amazingly well, especially if you have thick, coarse brow hairs that don’t want to lay flat. I learned it from a drag queen backstage at a show and have been using it on myself and my clients ever since. The key is only to use a minimal amount of glue. A little goes a long way!
3. Conditioner to shave legs and shape brows
Run out of shaving cream? No problem, grab your hair conditioner! The slick, creamy texture allows your razor to glide smoothly over your skin. It also moisturizes and softens your skin as you shave to prevent razor burn and irritation. Apply conditioner to damp legs, shave as usual, and rinse clean. Your legs will be silky smooth!
You can also use conditioner to shape your brows when tweezing or trimming with scissors. Coating brow hairs with conditioner makes seeing their proper length and shape easier. It also keeps hairs in place to get a precise trim or pluck. Just wipe off the conditioner completely when you’re done so it doesn’t clog pores or cause breakouts.
4. Brown sugar lip exfoliator
Dry, flaky lips don’t look so great under lipstick or gloss. To slough off dead skin and uncover a soft, smooth pout, you can whip up a simple lip scrub using brown sugar! Mix some brown sugar with enough coconut or olive oil to make a gritty paste. Then, gently massage it over your lips to buff away dry patches. Rinse with warm water and apply your favorite balm or lip color. Your lips will look plump, smooth, and kissably soft.
I like to keep a little jar of this brown sugar scrub by my bathroom sink several times a week. You can also add peppermint essential oil for a refreshing tingle and natural lip-plumping effect.
5. Honey hair mask
Want shiny, silky hair without the expense of high-end salon treatments? Open up your kitchen cupboard and grab a jar of honey! Honey is a natural humectant, meaning it attracts and retains moisture. When applied to hair, honey delivers heavy-duty hydration and nourishment to restore softness and shine.
To make a honey hair treatment:
- Mix 1/2 cup honey with 1/4 cup olive oil or coconut oil
- Apply to damp hair from roots to ends
- Cover hair with a shower cap or plastic wrap
- Let sit for 20-30 minutes
- Rinse thoroughly with warm water and shampoo as usual
After using this mask, your hair will be amazingly soft, shiny, and more manageable. It works wonders on dry, damaged, or overly processed hair to restore healthy moisture levels. Use once a week or as needed for a glossy, bouncy mane! I swear by this honey mask to keep my color-treated hair looking great.
6. Vaseline to highlight, tame brows, and remove makeup
A little tub of petroleum jelly is one of the most useful beauty multitaskers! Also known by the brand name Vaseline, you can use this on your face and body in so many ways:
- Tap a tiny dab on the high points of your face (cheekbones, browbone, Cupid’s bow) for a natural-looking glow
- Run a spoolie brush with Vaseline through the brows to keep them in place all day
- Swipe under the eyes to prevent concealer creasing and hide fine lines
- Use as a cuticle cream to soften rough, dry skin around nails
- Apply a thick layer to lips before bed to treat extreme dryness and cracking
- Remove stubborn waterproof makeup by massaging Vaseline over the skin and then wiping off
I always keep a mini jar of Vaseline in my pro makeup kit. It’s an affordable, versatile product that can solve many beauty problems in a pinch!
7. Silk pillowcase to prevent frizz and wrinkles
One of the best beauty investments you can make doesn’t cost much – switch out your cotton pillowcase for a silk or satin one! Rougher cotton fibers can tug at delicate facial skin while you sleep, contributing to creases and wrinkles over time. Cotton also absorbs moisture, leaving skin and hair feeling dry and depleted.
In contrast, silk and satin pillowcases create a smooth, frictionless surface for your face and hair to glide at night. This can help maintain your blowout and prevent frizz and tangles. Silk also won’t strip skin and hair of natural hydrating oils.
Since switching to a silk pillowcase, I’ve noticed my skin looks more supple and rested in the morning. My hair is also much easier to style after sleeping on it. If you have curly or textured hair, a silk or satin scarf or bonnet works great, too, for preserving your gorgeous coils and kinks overnight.
8. Oatmeal bath to soothe skin
An oatmeal bath can provide soothing relief if you’re dealing with itchy, irritated skin from sun exposure, bug bites, rashes, or eczema. The natural compounds in oats have anti-inflammatory properties that calm redness and itchiness on contact. Oats also soften skin and strengthen its protective barrier. To make an oatmeal bath:
- Grind 1-2 cups plain oats into a fine powder using a food processor or blender
- Sprinkle into a warm running bath and mix to dissolve
- Soak for 15-20 minutes, then rinse skin clean with fresh water
- Gently pat skin dry and apply a fragrance-free moisturizer
I recommend this oatmeal soak to my clients before significant events where they’ll show a lot of skin, like weddings or beach vacations. It leaves skin feeling baby-soft and reduces any redness or uneven skin tone. If you have sensitive skin, do a patch test first to ensure the oats don’t cause further irritation.
9. Apple cider vinegar hair rinse
Get shiny, bouncy hair and a healthy, flake-free scalp by rinsing with apple cider vinegar! The acidity of the vinegar helps balance your hair’s pH levels and deeply cleanses away product buildup without stripping moisture. It smooths the hair cuticle so strands look glossy and feel super soft.
To make an apple cider vinegar hair rinse:
- Mix 1-2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar with 1 cup water
- After shampooing, pour the mixture over the hair and scalp
- Gently massage into scalp and let sit for 1-2 minutes
- Rinse thoroughly with cool water
- Style as usual
Youfollow up with your regular conditioner if you have very dry or color-treated hair. Otherwise, this rinse provides enough softness and shine on its own. The vinegar smell rinses away, but you can add a few drops of lavender or peppermint essential oil if you prefer a scented rinse.
I love using this easy, inexpensive hair treatment once every week or two. It removes any dulling residue and makes my hair so smooth and swingy. If you have dandruff or oily roots, apple cider vinegar balances your scalp’s microbiome to reduce flaking and greasiness.
10. Teabags for depuffing
Late night? Don’t let eye bags betray you! Steep two black or green tea bags in hot water for a minute, then pop them in the fridge until chilled. Place a cold tea bag over each closed eye for 10-15 minutes. The caffeine and antioxidants help constrict blood vessels and reduce swelling and darkness. Gently tap in any extra liquid after removing the bags.
I use this trick all the time on early morning photoshoot days. The cooling sensation is so soothing, making my eyes look more awake and refreshed. If you don’t have tea, you can try chilled cucumber slices or cold spoons for a similar effect.
11. Frozen spoons to reduce puffiness
Got a big event and need to deflate a puffy face quickly? Pop two spoons in the freezer for 10-15 minutes, then gently press the rounded backs against your eyes, cheeks, and jawline using light circular motions. The icy cold temps constrict blood vessels, diminishing swelling and redness on contact.
I’ve used this hack backstage backstage at fashion shows when we need models to look sculpted and defined in minimal time. The lymphatic drainage massage pushes out excess fluid that can collect under the skin and cause puffiness. Use the frozen spoon trick in the morning or before a special occasion for an instant pick-me-up. It’s like a DIY cryofacial!
12. Witch hazel toner
Prone to midday shine and enlarged pores? Make your mattifying toner by mixing two parts witch hazel with 1 part filtered water in a small spray bottle. Mist over a clean face or bare skin whenever you need to cut oil and tighten pores. Witch hazel’s natural astringent and antibacterial properties remove excess sebum and gently exfoliate to reveal smoother, clearer skin.
I’ve turned so many of my oily-skinned clients into this simple homemade toner. It helps their makeup last longer without getting greasy or slipping around. You can also spritz it on your neck, chest, or back to banish breakouts and body acne. I recommend storing your spray bottle in the fridge during hot weather for an extra refreshing boost!
13. Coconut oil makeup remover
Waterproof mascara and long-wear lipsticks don’t stand a chance against coconut oil! This natural oil quickly dissolves stubborn makeup without irritating eyes or drying skin. Plus, it smells like a tropical vacation.
To remove makeup with coconut oil:
- Scoop a small amount of solid oil with clean fingers
- Rub between your hands to warm and liquefy the oil
- Gently massage your face in circular motions for 1-2 minutes
- Wipe away the oil and dissolved makeup with a soft, damp cloth
- Rinse face with warm water and pat dry
Unlike harsh cleansers that can strip skin, coconut oil leaves your face feeling super soft and moisturized after cleansing. It’s especially great for dry or mature skin types. Just be sure to use pure, unrefined coconut oil that is solid at room temperature for the best results.
14. Rice water toner
Rice isn’t just for eating! The milky white water left over after rinsing rice grains contains vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that can brighten and even out your skin tone. It also acts as a gentle toner to cleanse and tighten pores.
To make rice water toner:
- Rinse 1/2 cup uncooked white or brown rice
- Place rice in a bowl and cover with 2-3 cups water
- Let soak for at least 30 minutes or overnight
- Strain out the rice and store the cloudy water in a clean jar
- Apply rice water to the face and neck using a cotton ball
- Let air dry, then rinse with cool water
- Store excess rice water in the fridge for 3-4 days
I learned this Korean beauty secret from my friend’s grandmother, and I’m hooked! My skin looks bright and feels baby-soft after using this simple rice water treatment. For extra smoothing and depuffing benefits, try freezing the rice water in an ice cube tray and massaging the cubes over your face until they melt.
15. Baking soda tooth whitener
You don’t need expensive bleaching treatments to get a sparkling white smile. Baking soda is a gentle abrasive that can buff away surface stains to reveal brighter teeth in a snap. It also has antibacterial properties to freshen breath and prevent cavities.
To make a baking soda tooth scrub:
- Mix one teaspoon of baking soda with a few drops of water to form a paste
- Dip a soft toothbrush into the paste and gently brush teeth using circular motions
- Brush for 1-2 minutes, then rinse mouth thoroughly with water
- Use once or twice a week or as needed
I’ve used this baking soda trick for years to keep my teeth pearly white, especially after a teeth-staining weekend of red wine or coffee indulgences. It’s a super easy, affordable way to maintain a gleaming grin between professional cleanings. Please don’t use it too often, as the abrasiveness can damage tooth enamel over time.
16. Jojoba oil face serum
Plant oils are the ultimate multitaskers for hydrating and balancing your skin. Jojoba oil is very similar to the sebum our skin naturally produces, so it absorbs quickly without feeling greasy. It’s packed with fatty acids and antioxidants to nourish, protect and soften skin.
Here’s how to use jojoba oil as a moisturizing face serum:
- Start with freshly cleansed, slightly damp skin
- Place 2-3 drops of jojoba oil in the palm of your hand
- Rub hands together to warm the oil
- Gently press and massage the oil all over your face and neck
- Use morning and night after cleansing or anytime the skin feels dry
I love using jojoba oil instead of heavy creams, especially in the warmer months. It gives my skin a healthy glow without clogging pores or causing breakouts. You can find jojoba oil at most health food stores or online. A little goes a long way, so one small bottle lasts forever!
17. Yogurt and honey face mask
Give your skin a significant dose of moisture and glow with a simple yogurt and honey face mask. The lactic acid in yogurt gently dissolves dead skin cells, while the honey attracts and locks in hydration. Together, they leave skin looking smooth, dewy, and radiant.
To make a yogurt honey face mask:
- Mix 1 tablespoon of plain Greek yogurt with one teaspoon of raw honey
- Apply a thick layer to clean the skin using your fingers or a brush
- Let sit for 15-20 minutes
- Rinse off with warm water, and pat your face dry
- Follow with your usual serum or moisturizer
I recommend this mask to my clients before significant events where they want their skin to look super glowy and fresh. It’s very gentle, so you can use it 2-3 times weekly to maintain healthy, hydrated skin. If you have acne-prone skin, add a sprinkle of turmeric or cinnamon to the mask – both spices have antibacterial properties to help fight breakouts.
18. Olive oil cuticle treatment
Dry, cracked cuticles can be a real pain, both literally and figuratively. Keep them soft and supple by massaging olive oil into the base of each nail bed. The oil’s fatty acids and vitamin E nourish and protect the delicate skin, preventing splitting, hangnails, and peeling.
To give yourself an olive oil cuticle treatment:
- Wash hands and push back cuticles gently with a washcloth
- Place a small drop of olive oil on each nail bed
- Use your fingers to massage the oil into cuticles using small circular motions
- Let the oil soak in for 5 minutes, then wipe away excess with a tissue
- Repeat daily or as needed for soft, healthy-looking cuticles
As someone constantly washing my hands or using drying hand sanitizers, this simple olive oil trick has been a lifesaver for my ragged cuticles. It keeps them moisturized and stops painful cracks and tears from forming. If you don’t have any olive oil handy, you can substitute coconut oil, almond oil, or even a dab of lip balm in a pinch.
19. Green tea toner
Soothe and refresh your skin with a homemade green tea toner! The antioxidants in green tea have potent anti-inflammatory properties to calm redness and irritation. Steeping the tea leaves in hot water also releases their astringent tannins, which can help control excess oil and tighten pores.
To make a green tea face toner:
- Steep 1-2 green tea bags in 1 cup of boiled water for 5-10 minutes
- Remove tea bags and let the liquid cool completely
- Pour cooled tea into a clean spray bottle or jar
- Apply to the face with a cotton ball or mist over the skin after cleansing
- Store excess toner in the fridge and use within a week
I started using this simple DIY toner when my skin was freaking out from a new product I had tried. The green tea immediately helped reduce the angry red blotches and stinging sensation. Now, I use it any time my skin is feeling extra sensitive or reactive. It’s also great for giving my complexion a midday pick-me-up!
20. Avocado hair mask
Avocados aren’t just delicious – they’re a powerhouse for soft, shiny hair! Avocados’ healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals nourish dry, damaged strands to restore strength and elasticity. When mashed and applied as a hair mask, avocado can dramatically improve hair’s texture and appearance.
To make an avocado hair treatment:
- Mash 1 ripe avocado until smooth and lump-free
- Mix in 2 tablespoons of olive oil and one teaspoon of honey
- Apply mask to damp hair from roots to ends
- Cover hair with a shower cap or plastic wrap and let sit for 20-30 minutes
- Rinse mask out with warm water and shampoo hair as usual
I first tried this avocado mask when I was trying to repair my fried, bleach-damaged hair. After just one use, my brittle ends felt softer and less frazzled. I use it once a month to keep my locks looking lustrous and healthy. Leave the mask on overnight and shampoo in the morning for extra deep conditioning.
So there you have it – 20 fantastic DIY beauty hacks using ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen! You can achieve salon-worthy results without blowing your budget by getting a little creative with these everyday household items. As a makeup artist, simple tricks work,ten even better than expensive store-bought products.
These natural beauty recipes have inspired you to experiment with your at-home treatments. Remember, sometimes the most effective solutions are the ones that have been hiding in your pantry all along! Let me know which hacks you try and how they work for you. Here’s to more beautiful days ahead!
