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General: Ever used a cosmetic product where it wasn't intended for?

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1 to 49 of 49

  1.  
    • CommentAuthorAurelie
    • CommentTimeJul 27th 2008
     
    I love the smell of Palmer's cocoa butter ( even in my no synthetic chemical phase I'd go to Palmer's for comfort) and in England you can't get their full range I saw on the internet that you can get shampoo ans stuff from the states, but it don't know if I want to pay as much for postage as I would for the actual product) so I used their body moisturiser on my hair before washing, and I used to have very nice and conditioned hair.

    I have read on here that some people use hair conditioner instead of shaving cream, and so I was wondering if any of you had ever used a cosmetic on a part of the body it wasn't for?
  2.  

    Lipstick for blush and eyeshadow..

    Aquaphor on my cuticles

    baby oil to moisturize ME.. and i'm not a baby!  =D

    eyeshadow as nail polish (mix it with clear nail polish - voila, new color!)

    • CommentAuthorzhariel
    • CommentTimeJul 27th 2008
     
    I've used lipcream as blush.
    I've also used lip balm on my nail cuticles and around my eye area (this is good stuff though, not chapstick).
    I've used Johnson and Johnson Baby Shampoo as eye makeup remover.
    • CommentAuthorAnne
    • CommentTimeJul 27th 2008
     
    Aveeno Baby Soothing Cream wash as face wash.
    Monistat Chafing Relief Powder-Gel for makeup primer (approved by the Brains.)
    Castor Oil for cuticles.
    Coconut Oil as hair conditioner.
    • CommentAuthorDreniva
    • CommentTimeJul 28th 2008
     
    H2O2 for lightening my hair
    Coconut oil for growing my lashes
    Suave Shampoo as body wash and also as hand soap
  6.  

    I've used cream blush as lipstick. I've mixed powdered blush and eyeshadows with lip balm to make a tinted balm. I've used blush and bronzer as eye shadow. I use a blonde eye brow pencil as a lip liner when I wear red lipstick.

    Any scrub that's too harsh for my face gets used as a body scrub. Anything too harsh to use as a body scrub gets used as a foot scrub. I use an AHA serum that's intended for the face on my feet. (It's dirt cheap; I get it at Sally Beauty Supply.)

    I use Coconut oil and olive oil as a deep conditioner for my hair. I mix baking soda with Cetaphil to use as a facial scrub. I've used conditioner as a shaving creme and shampoo as a body wash in a pinch.

  7.  
    You people have inspired me to be more creative with the products I already own. Most of the things I have done have already been mentioned- baby shampoo as an eye makeup remover (doesn't work good enough for waterproof mascara though, unfortunately) and coconut and olive oil as a deep conditioner. But I've also used olive oil as a pre-cleanser for my face, as well as a facial moisturizer.

    Has anyone tried using Bragg's Apple Cider Vinegar as a facial toner (by mixing in equal or more parts water)? Or know of a good reason why this shouldn't be done? Some people on makeupalley.com swear by it, but the idea of putting something like that on my face creeps me out. I can't imagine that it wouldn't be too harsh. But if it IS as effective as people say, and it is gentle and safe on the skin, I may just have to try it out, since it would be so ridiculously cheap.
    •  
      CommentAuthorcate
    • CommentTimeJul 29th 2008
     

    I guess I'm pretty boring.  I use things as they are intended...I'm always afraid something really bad will happen.  Although I do use conditioner to shave

    •  
      CommentAuthorKaren
    • CommentTimeJul 29th 2008
     

    Yea, Cate! How do you like it? My legs are so much softer, plus it's one less product to keep in the shower.

    I still want to get my legs lasered to remove the hair. I'm tired of shaving. I also gave myself a nasty cut a few weeks ago on the upper part of my leg when I used the razor with no conditioner. Stupid!

  10.  

    So you guys prefer conditioner to shave with? I've done it but only when I'm out of shaving gel. Do you think it works better?

  11.  

    I like Shick Intuition.. the 1 with the conditioning balm right on the razor..

    BUT.. I don't have much hair.. so it works great on me.. my hair is also very soft..

    my sister with stubby thick leg hair didn't like it...

    •  
      CommentAuthorKaren
    • CommentTimeJul 29th 2008 edited
     

    PR: Yes, I do but my hair is thin so shaving gel is more than I need. With a good lubricated blade razor (I use a Fusion) and conditioner, my legs feel super soft when I'm done.

    • CommentAuthordivegirl
    • CommentTimeJul 30th 2008
     
    BrownEyedGirl,

    I've used the cider vinegar toner and like the results a lot. My skin was soft and clear. But I stopped because the distinctive vinegar smell was a little too strong on application. It always faded, so I wasn't walking around smelling like a pickle, but it did make my eyes and nose sting right as I was putting it on.

    Now that I think about it, I could just mix a lower concentration and try that. I was using a 50/50 solution.

    It's funny, because I use the DHC Deep Cleansing Oil, which has olive oil, so that combined with the vinegar toner makes me feel like a salad (:-)
    • CommentAuthorj93
    • CommentTimeJul 30th 2008
     
    I've used concealer for a lovely nude lip color. I sometimes use cheek tint on my lip too when I'm a bit desperate for color.
    •  
      CommentAuthorLeft Brain
    • CommentTimeJul 30th 2008
     

    Shampoo for body wash (or body wash for shampoo).  They are pretty much the same.

    •  
      CommentAuthorKaren
    • CommentTimeJul 30th 2008
     

    divegirl: Now you need to add Prive shampoo, conditioner, and hairspray since they are herbally scented in a way that makes them smell like salad dressing. They are GREAT products, though. I love the way they make my hair feel. Fellow Brainiac Judy was nice enough to share some of her free product with me!   Remember that funny review she did on their hair care products, everyone? If you haven't read it, put "Prive Herbal Blend Shampoo"  in the search bar on the home page of this website. What a fun and informative review! Thanks, Judy!

    • CommentAuthorAnne
    • CommentTimeJul 30th 2008
     
    I noticed someone else liked Prive shampoo. I think it might have been Gloria. I checked on line, but no one in my area sells it. I had never heard of it before. I'll have to check out Judy's review.
    •  
      CommentAuthorKaren
    • CommentTimeJul 30th 2008
     

    You're right, Anne! Gloria was the first one to mention how much she loved it. That got my attention!

    • CommentAuthorAnne
    • CommentTimeJul 30th 2008
     
    I like to use Avocado oil as a pre-wash hair conditioner, and as a winter body oil. I use Avocado oil as the base, and add other oils like Evening Primrose, Wheat germ, Rose hip and Kukui Nut. I usually add fragrance too. It soaks in pretty fast, and keeps my skin nicely moisturized.
    • CommentAuthorDreniva
    • CommentTimeJul 31st 2008
     
    I think not all body washes are suitable as a shampoo because body washes are formulated to have a pH based on skin which can be too high for the hair and can cause lifting of cuticles and tangles. And body wash too has a few conditioners like shampoo and can be nasty to the hair because some has petrolatum or vaseline in the body washes which can cause friction and tangles and also very hard to rinse.
    •  
      CommentAuthorcate
    • CommentTimeJul 31st 2008 edited
     

    Karen:   I do love using conditioner on my legs.  I usually go to Sam's Club or Costco and buy an uber large bottle of conditioner and use it for both.  I usually have to replace my shampoo at least once during the time.  Although I was in a pinch the other day and was completely out of conditioner ...so I picked up Aveeno for sensitive skin shave gel...I get tempted at times to buy the shave gels...plus Iw as no where near a costco. 

    PR I do feel like my legs are conditioned more when I use the conditioner.  I like it better than the Aveeno Ijust bought.

     

    Has anyone noticed the price of razor blades?  I was in CVS the other day and I really needed blades.  I use Venus and they honestly had the gall to ask for $22 for 8 blades.  Nothing fancy...no added shaving stuff.  I was shocked and bought some disposibles to get me through until I get to Sam's where they sell 18 for the same price.  Unfreakingbelieveable! 

    Ok so I have fibbed a bit.  I realized today in teh shower that I have been using St. Ives Apricot facial scrub as an exfoliant for my legs...love love love it btw :)

    •  
      CommentAuthorKaren
    • CommentTimeJul 31st 2008
     

    I agree, Cate: What's with the price of razor blades??? 

    • CommentAuthorAnne
    • CommentTimeJul 31st 2008
     
    They keep adding more blades so they can charge you more. It use to be one blade, then two, then three, and now they are up to 5 blades! Who really needs 5 blades? Mine is the older style Venus..I don't remember if it is two or three blades, and don't really care. No one is taking a magnifying glass to my legs to see how much stubble is left, and my legs feel smooth after shaving. Thats all I care about.
  24.  

    I did notice a difference when I switched from 2 to 3 blades. I tried 4 blades because I got a free sample in the mail and didn't notice a difference so I've stayed with 3. Supposedly, you get a closer shave with more blades but that's not necessarily a good thing since it increases the chance of ingrown hairs. You'd have to use a different razor with fewer blades on the bikini area and underarms. Even I draw the line at that. My shower is crowded enough already.

    •  
      CommentAuthorcate
    • CommentTimeAug 1st 2008
     

    Mine is definitely the old school Venus and it has 3 blades.  I was talking about the number of cartridges that come in a package.  They sell them in packs of 4, 8 or (16 at Sam's).  I'm still sad about it and it was definitely a few days ago.

    •  
      CommentAuthorJudy
    • CommentTimeAug 2nd 2008
     

    I have already mentioned this on another thread but I thought I'd flog it here too.  My Revlon Ionic Tourmaline Hair Dryer doesn't do anything spectacular for my hair and it is so heavy that when I first used it I started developing tendenitis. GRRRRR.

    HOWEVER, I have found that ALL IS NOT LOST on this piece of junk.  Since I sometimes get a HOT FLASH as I am hurrying to get ready in the early morning I have found  that using the the low setting on the hair dryer really cools me off. 

    •  
      CommentAuthorcate
    • CommentTimeAug 3rd 2008
     

    Funny Judy!

    •  
      CommentAuthorSagWriter
    • CommentTimeAug 9th 2008
     

    I just thought of this last week! I now use Sally Hansen Maximum Strength Instant Cuticle Remover to soften my extremely dry hands. I just ordered two more little bottles.

    I used about a dime-sized blob to cover each hand, waited about a minute, then used my nail brush to scrub. Follow with Mary Kay Extra Emollient Night Cream (or any Vaseline-like cream) with a moisturizing hand lotion. FABULOUS!

    I also use straight Virgin Olive Oil right out of the shower, and you wouldn't believe how well vegetable shortening works overnight on feet.

     

  29.  

    SagWriter, Is that the blue stuff that says "DO NOT LEAVE ON FOR MORE THAN A MINUTE AND FOR GOD'S SAKE DON'T USE IT MORE THAN ONCE A WEEK OR OH MY GOD YOUR FINGERS WILL FALL OFF!" I really like that stuff. I gotta try it on my hands. Maybe on my feet too.

    •  
      CommentAuthorSagWriter
    • CommentTimeAug 9th 2008
     

    That's the one! And yes, I'm getting two because I'm going to try it on my feet. 

    • CommentAuthorjules
    • CommentTimeAug 12th 2008
     
    Body wash for shampoo because it's not as harsh on my hair.
    Coconut oil on my hair, nails, lips and eyelashes (keeps them soft).
    • CommentAuthorLuckyGirl
    • CommentTimeSep 11th 2008
     

    I use clear nail polish to keep my inexpensive jewelery looking good.

    A thin coat of Vaseline for my dress shoes

    black mascara on my roots between colorings

    Lipstick on my cheeks.

     

    • CommentAuthorGuiness
    • CommentTimeNov 15th 2008
     
    I've used Phillips Milk of Magnesia as a makeup primer. I read somewhere that it absorbs oil and helps keep your your face matte.

    I also use tissue paper from the gift wrap isle (cut into small squares) as blotitng paper after I moisturize my face right before I apply my makeup. It helps remove any excess moisture from my face and keep my makeup in place longer.
    • CommentAuthorbettyful
    • CommentTimeJan 27th 2009
     
    I bought a toner from Burt's Bees. Found out that I'm allergic to it and I can't use it on my face. So I use it as a handy cleanser, for anything I need cleaning in my room.
    • CommentAuthorK
    • CommentTimeFeb 2nd 2009
     
    BrownEyedGIrl- This response is Waaaaaaay late, but I have tried Braggs Apple Cider Vinegar on my face as a toner. I guess it works fine- if you want to smell like a salad all day. That vinegar scent lingers like you wouldn't believe. The Bragg's Apple Cider Vinegar book suggests washing your body with it!! NO FREAKING WAY!!

    I tried to dilute the vinegar a bit, but it still reeked. I can't say it works better than any other toner. But I always find toners make my skin oddly shiny. I believe The Beauty Brains determined in a blog post awhile back that you don't really need to use them anyway because they don't do anything special. Toners are advertised to help close your pores after cleansing- which you can do by simply splashing your face with cold water. But why would you want to close your pores before you add your moisturizer- which you want to absorb deeply?

    The main draw of using vinegar as a toner is because it is acidic and will mildly exfoliate. The better (and stink-free) solution: every couple days after cleansing, mix baking soda and your cleanser into a paste, rub thoroughly, rinse, and your skin will love you!
  36.  
    I was interested in trying Castor Oil to help grow my eyebrows and lengthen lashes but did not like the smell and mess. I found a product called Hollywood Beauty Castor Oil Cream in the ethnic hair section of my drustore. It smells so nice- has almond oil in it too, but mostly castor oil. As a plus, it is actually cheaper than plain castor oil and the jar is huge enough for 3 lifetimes! Oh, by the way- my eyebrows are growing, baby!
    • CommentAuthorGuiness
    • CommentTimeFeb 12th 2009
     
    I just read a tip to use Visine instead of water to swirl mineral makeup eyeliner powder (aka BE) to make a bold line. It is supposed to seal the liner and keep it stay put. Has anyone tried this? At least Visine is safe for eyes.
  38.  

    I've used saline with an assortment of powder eye shadows to turn it into a liquid liner and it works really well. I don't if that's the same thing you're talking about since the eye shadows are cake and it sounds like what you're talking about is a powder. How do the eyeliner powders work?

    • CommentAuthorGuiness
    • CommentTimeFeb 12th 2009
     
    BE has loose powder eyeliners separate from the eyeshadows. I use the pencil thin eyeliner brush and either apply dry for a softer look or mix with water to form a paste for a more dramatic line.
  40.  

    With a cake shadow, I dampen the brush instead of the powder but otherwise we're doing the same thing. I don't think it worked any better than water but I don't generally have problems with eye liner staying put. You do get a nice, clean line. With a cake shadow, I can make it sharper by making the brush wetter or make it softer by making the brush barely damp. Sometimes I combine the two effects or use two different colors. This is one of my favorite tricks because I've already got a load of eye shadow and saline so I can get pretty much any color I want out of stuff that I already own. It's also a fun way to use a color that I like but is too bright to wear as shadow.  Anyway, give it a try. It's probably safer because the saline or the Visine has preservatives and it works as least as well as water. Let us know if you think it works better.  

  41.  
    I stumbled across the idea to use a toothbrush to give your face a deep cleaning!!! Sounds alittle harsh? Well, it is harsh if you don't use a very soft broken in, old fashioned toothbrush. This idea is an alternative to buying one of the expensive facial buffers, like Clairsonic ( for 200.00 bucks). I have been using this for the last two weeks at least once a day, on my oily, blackhead prone skin. Of course, I use a good facial soap like Murad or Arbonne. My face feels softer, but I am worried about bring on wrinkles with a heavy hand! I try to use soft circular motions, just like brushing your teeth. Any thoughts on this silly beauty routine of mine... would be appreciated. :)
    • CommentAuthorvananners
    • CommentTimeMay 6th 2009
     
    On acne.org there is a huge following for using baby hairbrushes on the skin. They're very soft and exfoliate well. They're also bigger than toothbrushes so maybe it wouldn't take as long? I don't see a problem with it but I've always heard chemical exfoliants are better because they exfoliate the skin more uniformly.
  43.  

    I agree about chemical exfoliants being better. It's too easy to overdue it in some areas (cheeks and forehead) and underdo it  or miss a spot altogether (around your nose) since your face isn't flat if you're exfoliating mechanically. The Wave by neutrogena does a good job on areas that it can reach but it can't reach everything; you have to find another way to exfoliate those areas.

    • CommentAuthorJeffB31
    • CommentTimeMay 7th 2009
     
    K,

    I had to laugh when I read your post. I could just see a group meeting for lunch and having to order salad to suggest the small was coming from the food.
    • CommentAuthorJeffB31
    • CommentTimeMay 7th 2009
     
    I mean smell
    • CommentAuthorJamiSings
    • CommentTimeMay 9th 2009
     

    "I've used Johnson and Johnson Baby Shampoo as eye makeup remover."

    My parents both have a condiction with their eyes that causes them to be crustier in the morning then most people. So the eye doctor told them to wash their eyelids every morning with J&J baby shampoo.

    Anyway, as for me, I've used the Olay Rengenerist micro-derm/mini-peel kit on my knees and elbows. Helped a little but not much. No matter how much I scrub or what I use, my knees and elbows still retain these dry, grey spots. *grumbles*

  47.  
    Whenever I get samples or wrinkle minimizing, age reducing, etc etc lotions, I always use them on my hands and feet!

    Also, I use coconut oil in my hair (sparingly) and put some in a spray bottle with some water and essential oils to use as a body mist.
    • CommentAuthorneveen
    • CommentTimeNov 2nd 2009
     
    I used my hand conditioning wash on my face, worked better than other lightening creams that almost strip my skin of moisture.
    I often used facial whitening creams on armpts to get rid of the mild darkness (didn't continue so i dunno if it works)
    I used creamy makeup remover to clean my makeup after spillings (all my makeup in one box really made a mess and took quite a time to remove, but it was fun to clean while listening to "Jesus to a child" :D )
    I also use powder eyeshadows for blusher and vice versa
    I used manicure on paper to make home-made anniversairy card for my fiancee :) I had bright colours and silver so it was amazing :):)
    N.B.: I tried wearing lipstick as eyeshadow to get the same colour , when I was 15 :D
    • CommentAuthorvananners
    • CommentTimeNov 2nd 2009
     
    I use a small amount of coconut oil emulsified in my hands and lightly run it over my frazzled ends after blow drying and straightening. This really smooths them down and my hair then appears very smooth and healthy.

    I've also used hand lotion during the day at work to smooth my ends but this was before I discovered coconut oil.

    I sometimes curl my hair with my flat iron, a trick my stylist taught me!

    I use vaseline every night on my lips as an overnight treatment and sometimes I will put it around my eyes and nose if my skin is dry.

    I use a 'rich' toner (Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Toner) as a moisturizer for daytime since my skin is oily. I just use a scoop of Philosophy's Vit C powder, a few squirts of toner, mix them together in my hands and pat on my face. This has worked wonders for my oiliness and breakouts and the vit c has lightened old acne-related hyperpigmentation.

    Can't think of much else, I've done a lot of the things listed in this post but nothing regularly.

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