There are so many cosmetic brands and products out there, it’s hard to know sometimes what to buy, what certain things do and how to use them properly. But many products that we spend decades of minutes deciding on can actually be created with a few household items!

EYE MAKEUP REMOVER

Did your favorite eye makeup remover just run out? No need to run to the store! A mixture of (less than ½ cup) extra-virgin olive oil and (2 cups) Aloe Vera water creates the perfect combination to remove all makeup – including waterproof products. Regular water may be substituted, but Aloe Vera water contains many vitamins and it naturally cools your skin.

LIP PLUMPER

Don’t run out and purchase various colors of lip plumpers! Simply rub moistened cinnamon or cinnamon oil over your lips before applying lip color. This will “wake up” your lips and give you that same tingly feeling that plumpers create.

HAIR MASK

Hair masks can get quite pricey, and while I can name off a few that work wonders for all hair types, college students are typically tight on money. A much more inexpensive way of drenching damaged hair is with a yogurt and egg hair mask. It may sound gross, but it works!

Beat one egg until it is foamy. Add ¼ cup plain yogurt and ¼ cup mayonnaise and mix well. Apply to your hair, cover with a plastic cap or saran wrap, and leave it alone for one hour. Wash it out using a mild shampoo.

YOGURT FACE MASK

Yogurt can be used to moisturize your face as well! Simply mix 2 tablespoons plain yogurt, 1 tablespoon honey, and 1-2 tablespoons of oatmeal, cooked and cooled. Apply to your face and leave it on for 10-15 minutes before rinsing it off with a warm, wet washcloth.

BLUEBERRY FACE MASK

Another facial mask that you can create at home is made with ¼ cup fresh blueberries, 1 tablespoon of raw honey, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Mix the ingredients in a blender, apply to your face and leave it on for five minutes. Remove it with a damp washcloth.

DRY SHAMPOO

We all have those mornings that we don’t have time to get completely ready, and skipping the full hair treatment can definitely get us out the door more quickly. Dry shampoo has become very popular for such mornings, but it can be so expensive! Something that all of those hair companies don’t want the consumers to know is that there is a home remedy to greasy hair that works almost as well – baby powder. It’s inexpensive, and running a small amount through your hair absorbs all of that nasty oil.

HAND SOFTENER

Hand lotion doesn’t always do the trick when it comes to softening dry, ashy hands. So go to your kitchen and pull out a mixing bowl. Blend ¼ cup vodka, one teaspoon lemon juice, and ½ cup water. After these are completely mixed, add one tablespoon of sea salt and one tablespoon of crunched up dried flower petals. Spread the concoction over your hands and let it set for two minutes. Rinse it off, and enjoy your silky smooth hands and fingernails!