Because we work in the beauty industry, it's pretty much a given that we know nearly every trick in the book when it comes to makeup, skin, hair, and the like. As obsessive product-triers — and sometimes, reluctant guinea pigs (all in the name of beauty, people!) — editors also receive some of the most outlandish beauty tips you can think of. And we try them, too.
We asked eight of our colleagues to share the most surprising bits of beauty advice they've ever received. Sure, it may sound a bit odd, but after reading through their experiences, we bet you'll be itching to test 'em out yourself. Turns out, there are a lot of beauty "rules" worth breaking.
Deena Campbell, Hair & Beauty Editor, Essence.com
"I’ve always been a Champagne girl, but a few years ago my love for Champagne reached new heights when I was told about all of its beauty benefits. In need of a toner? Just apply a few drops to a cotton pad. Looking to brighten your dull highlights? Mix two parts of Champagne with two parts warm water and gently rub in. It’s so funny that everyone is talking about all its benefits now that the holiday is approaching, but a New York dermatologist schooled me on the benefits years ago!"
Jane Larkworthy, Beauty Director At W & Founder Of The Fraudulent Chef
"Stop using deodorant, and just exfoliate a lot and shave. Now, I just use organic body salt or sugar scrubs on my underarms, and nine times out of 10 it works! (But that occasional off day ain’t pretty...)"
Katie Becker, Senior Beauty Editor At Harper's Bazaar
"Don’t apply undereye concealer all the way up to the lower lashline — apply it to the crescent-shaped sliver of dark shadow under your eyes. If you cover the whole eye, it can actually make your lower lids look more puffy."
Dawn Davis, Beauty Director At TotalBeauty.com
"Years ago, I had my face analysed by a symmetry-measuring tool, and it determined that the left side of my face is better-looking than the right. (Until then, I’d never given it much thought.) It also suggested that I part my hair on the left side to highlight my 'better' side. I’d worn my hair parted on the right my entire life, so it took a few weeks to retrain it, but once I did, the 'Did you lose weight?' style compliments started rolling in. Now, I wear my hair parted however I feel like...but I know if I want to look extra special, a deep left side-part is just the thing."
Maria Del Russo, Beauty Editor At Refinery29
"Use a foundation in two shades darker than my own as a contour instead of a bronzer or a contour powder. Literally, mind blown. It's such a simple trick that seems obvious, but it blew the roof off of contouring for me. Since it's a foundation, it stays so much longer, and it blends into your other foundation perfectly. No weird, cakey, clumpy texture issues. And it serves a second purpose — if your normal foundation is too light in the summer, just mix a dash of the darker stuff to cocktail your own shade. I know. I know."
Annie Tomlin, Beauty Director At Self
"A while back, I found a Reddit thread that suggested using clear hydrocolloid bandages to help heal pimples that have come to a head. (It won't work on emerging ones, sadly.) The idea is that the bandage soaks up the gunk inside the blemish, while simultaneously protecting the skin. Now, whenever I have a major eruption on my chin, I cut up a square inch of bandage and wear it overnight. Yes, it looks as sexy as it sounds — but the next morning, a once-angry pimple is flat and calm. It's the same concept as the new acne stickers that are coming over from Asia, but I actually prefer going the DIY route, since it's easy to trim the bandage to the size I need. Not that I'm a control freak! (I'm a control freak.)"
Gabrielle Korn, Digital Deputy Editor At Nylon
"I tend to break out on my cheeks, and I also turn pink when I'm nervous, and I was having a hard time figuring out how to wear blush without making those two things more noticeable (I'm really pale, so I've always tried to wear at least a little colour). Janessa Paré, a close friend and amazing makeup artist, told me I didn't need to wear blush at all — she was like, 'If you already have redness on your cheeks, why would you add more?' It was such a good point. Now I just do concealer and foundation, and let the natural flush of my face show through."
Cat Quinn, Deputy Beauty Director At Refinery29
"Hairstylist Adir Abergel once told me that instead of securing my curls with hairspray, I should use texturising spray. He said that the polymers in most hairsprays (even light-hold ones) are too heavy to support my curls and end up making them go flat. Texturising spray, on the other hand, gives just the right amount of hold. YOU GUYS. Now, my curls and waves last hours — sometimes even days. I always thought of texturising spray as a way to get messier looks, but this trick works just as well on big, glamorous curls. The major volume is an added bonus."
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
Meghan Markle's Bouncy-Hair Trick Is Ridiculously Easy — & Free
Inside My Makeup Bag: Katie Jane Hughes
Wearing Wacky Makeup Doesn't Mean I'm Not Serious About My Career