Behold! Strange, yet Useful Beauty Tips!

Last Sunday, I sat at my desk staring down at my assignment notebook at the to-do list I had so diligently made for myself: schedule appointment with advisor, e-mail mentor group, develop prints for photography, revise paper, memorize French vocabulary…the list went on. Quite a monstrous load, you say. But before tackling this beastly list of assignments, I had to remain true to myself and partake in what I like to call the “procrastination station.” Now, don’t let me influence you the wrong way (insert segment about how detrimental procrastination is to your GPA, yada yada…), but let me tell you that sometimes a little procrastination can be a good thing, and my most recent session at the station has left me with some useful tips and tricks I feel others may benefit from as well.

1.     Make your hair smell divine all day. Lightly spritz perfume onto your hairbrush before brushing. As an added tip, you might want to brush from the bottom to roots if you tend to get a little greasy!

2.     Ever get super red at the gym? Who wouldn’t at the Lily Center, right? Well, if you pop some Benadryl or a similar antihistamine on your way out, you can avoid that tomato-y look!

3.     Have an extra avocado lying around? Sacrifice the guacamole and use it as a natural moisturizer instead. After peeling the skin and removing the pit, mash it up, slather it on, and let it set for 20 minutes. Free of chemicals and sketchy ingredients, your skin will be super soft for days! Just try not to get too messy.

4.     Never before had I considered doing anything to my eyebrows aside from the occasional plucking, but leave it to Cosmopolitan to encourage me to be a tad more high maintenance and express the need for “eyebrow hydration.” Yes, you read that correctly. Smooth a dab of thick eye cream over your brows to keep them in the best condition and avoid dryness. Don’t forget that full eyebrows are in, my friends!

5.     I’m probably one of the few girls at DePauw who doesn’t believe in the art of Fake Baking. However, this is much easier to preach before summer tans have faded away. As winter approaches, I dread the temptation to join my friends who are loyal to their tanning beds; but perhaps this year I’ll overcome my fears of a streaky, orange, Lindsay Lohan tan, and try a self tanner. Products have come a long way, but to ensure you get the best results, sprinkle some baking soda on a loofah or exfoliating brush to prevent unwanted stripes.

6.     Find a happy medium between a stiff, over-sprayed up-do and a limp-looking head of hair. When getting ready for a night out (or regular day if you’re particularly high maintenance, see #4), spray some hairspray onto your brush as you finish up blow-drying, and lightly brush from roots to tips.

7.     Got crumbly eyeliner? Freeze it for 15 minutes before using, and your tip should be firm and spread across smoothly.

8.     Curl your eyelashes! Blast some heat from your hair dryer onto your eyelash curler for a few seconds to make your lashes bend and hold easily. For best results, use waterproof mascara; it should dry faster and hold the curl longer.

9.     If fancy moisturizers won’t heal your dry, cracked skin during the colder months, invest in some diaper-rash medication. Believe me when I say your skin will be as smooth as a baby’s bottom.

10.  Running low on shaving cream? Never fear! Your conditioner will do the trick, and keep your legs feeling soft.

11.  Here’s an idea for an instant mask: Crack an egg, ditch the yolk, and spread some of that gooey goodness across your face for five minutes. The protein from the whites should heal and restore your skin’s natural radiance with added moisture.

Enjoy fall, and you can thank me later for the compliments you receive on your luscious looks!