12 Essential Beauty Products You Aren’t Using…But Should
It’s been a crazy week of traveling and moving and I’m so relieved that it’s almost over! I’ll be returning to my regularly scheduled programing next week, but to tie you over, Chelsea from Chelsea Shoots People is guest posting today and sharing some great tips on beauty products
Meet Chelsea Hutson
Chelsea is a blogger and shutterbug with a passion for all things beauty. She shares easy-to-follow tips on makeup and believes anyone can take a beautiful picture with the right help. You can find her most days blogging over at Chelsea Shoot People as well as connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.
One of the biggest questions I am asked as a (self-proclaimed) beauty guru is “Which essential products should I be using? It seems like you have every product ever made!” I have to admit I am a makeup junkie, but you do not have to amass a huge collection to benefit from these 12 crucial beauty essentials that you aren’t using, but should. (psst, you may have over half of them in your kitchen!)
This list will have you looking beautiful without breaking the bank. As a bonus, I am sprinkling in a recipe or two so that you can make your OWN beauty products because looking good and feeling good go hand-in-hand. Keep score of how many you are already using a brag about it in the comments below!
Makeup is Self-Confidence Applied Directly to the Face ♥ [Click to Tweet]
Cosmetics aka Makeup
1. Hand Sanitizer
Cleanliness is KEY when applying makeup. Not only does it extend the life of the makeup (thus saving you tons of money!), but using sanitizer ensures you are starting with a beautifully clean canvas before applying.
Best Uses:
- Cleans hands before applying makeup.
- Restores eye shadow, blush or powder into original solid form after broken.
- Makeup brush cleanser.
- Removes makeup stains from clothing.
- Helps heals pimples.
- Use as an emergency deodorant (Because we have ALL been there.)
2. Primer (Eyes)
Think of eye primer as insurance for your eye makeup. Apply eye primer to the eye lids (all the way to the brow.) If you are not using concealer, you can also apply it under the eyes.
Best Uses:
- Hides discoloration of the skin around the eyes.
- Helps eye shadow to stay longer and makes it crease-proof.
- Makes eye shadow POP!
3.Primer (Face)
Have you ever had a day where it literally felt like your face was melting off? If so, you should have used a face primer. If eye primer is insurance for your eye makeup, then face primer is insurance for your face makeup. Face primer does not clog pores or irritate even the most sensitive skin and is super easy to purchase as there are no shades to choose from. Apply face primer before you apply foundation, concealer and contour/powders.
Best Uses:
- Seals pores.
- Provides a flawless and smooth makeup finish.
- Gives you youthful-looking skin by blurring imperfections.
- Easy to apply. (It literally disappears on the skin.)
- Evens out skin tone.
- Makes skin soft.
4.Spirit Gum
Spirit gum is my ultimate go-to product for when I want to take my makeup to the next level.
Best Uses:
- Add decoration (like jewels) to your makeup for that “WOW!” factor.
- Cover eyebrows easily.
- Helps adhere bald caps for wearing wigs.
- Basic special effects are so much easier to apply and adhere.
5.Eyebrow Gel
Even if you are not the type of gal who likes to draw on/fill in your eyebrows, everyone who uses makeup should be using brow gel. It typically comes in a wand form (like mascara) and applies in just a few seconds.
Best Uses:
- Keeps eyebrows in place.
- Helps define eyebrow shape.
- Tints brows ever-so-slightly for perfect, even color.
FOOD aka Natural and Cheap
6-9. Aloe Vera, Honey, Sesame Oil & Apple Cider Vinegar
We are tackling hair with these 4 ingredients (which can also be used on other parts of the body.) In this 3-step recipe, I will show you how to restore moisture and shine back into the hair that may be damaged by heat or chemicals.
Step 1: Take an aloe leaf (either purchased from a grocery store in the produce section or clipped from the garden) and cut off the thorns on each side. Carefully cut into sections about 4-5 inches long and trim 1 side of the “skin” off exposing the aloe Vera gel, while allowing you to easily grip the piece. Rub the gel directly onto your scalp, in sections, until your entire head is covered. This will help disinfect the scalp and remove dead skin cells. Apply a plastic cap and rinse after 30 minutes.
Step 2: Make a mixture of 3-5 tablespoons of honey and 10-13 tablespoons of sesame oil, depending on hair length/thickness. Pour the mixture into a plastic hair dye applicator and apply directly to the roots of your hair. Gently massage your scalp for 10 mins. You can also massage the scalp with your head upside-down for maximum blood circulation improvement. Place a plastic cap over your hair for 30 minutes.
Step 3: In a large cup, mix together 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar with 3/4 cup water. Pour entire mixture over your hair to rinse the honey/oil mixture. You can do this when you first get in the shower and rinse right before you get out of the shower with cool water.
10. Coconut Oil
Okay, this is one that many, many people are already using. But I am still shocked when I talk about coconut oil and find out that many people still do not know how amazing it is to use in your beauty regimen! You can find it at just about any grocery store or health store and is available as a liquid or solid.
Best Uses:
- Shave with coconut oil for zero razor burn or irritation.
- Apply to dry cuticles for instant moisture.
- As an emergency or natural deodorant.
- Can help fight skin conditions like eczema.
- Wonderful and natural lip moisturizer.
11. Lemons
Lemons are highly acidic and that means great things in the world of beauty! Pour yourself a refreshing glass of lemonade and get ready for beautiful skin.
Best Uses:
- Reverses elbow discoloration.
- Can be used to add highlights to your hair.
- Brightens skin tone and lightens dark spots.
12. Brown Sugar
You may know that a HUGE part of having flawless skin is moisture and exfoliation. Brown sugar is one of the best natural ways to exfoliate your skin using only a few simple, affordable ingredients.
Lavender Brown Sugar Scrub for Exfoliation:
- 1 Cup Brown Sugar (Preferably organic)
- 1/2 Cup Oil (Coconut/Olive/Jojoba)
- 10-15 Drops Lavender
Mix all ingredients and store in a glass jar with an air-tight lid (a mason jar works beautifully.)
Use 1-2 tablespoons as-needed in the shower by gently rubbing the skin in circular motions, then rinse.
I really hope you enjoyed learning about these 12 essential beauty items that I think everyone should be using! Feel like I missed one? Please let me know in the comment section below!
