Beauty 8 Secret Uses for Your Beauty Products By Krista Bennett DeMaio Krista Bennett DeMaio Krista Bennett DeMaio is a freelance writer covering skin care, beauty, health, and lifestyle topics. Her work has appeared in national publications including Redbook, Oprah, Dr. Oz The Good Life, Shape, Parents, Cosmopolitan, and Allure, as well as websites such as HealthCentral.com, Prevention.com, and bhg.com. Shape's editorial guidelines Published on August 11, 2014 Share Tweet Pin Email Trending Videos Here, non-conventional ways to use your cosmetics 01 of 08 Antiperspirant Protects Against Blisters Getty Images It’s not just for your pits. The sweat-stopping stuff can be swiped on your feet to protect against blisters. Its powdery smooth finish protects skin against blister-causing friction, says Francesca Fusco, M.D, a dermatologist in New York City. 02 of 08 Cheek Stain Corrects Color A cheek and lip stain is already a multitasker, but Kerry Cole, makeup artist and style director for Becca Cosmetics, has an additional use for it: color corrector. “Apply a thin layer of Becca Beach Tint in Papaya ($25; beccacosmetics.com) under your eyes to eradicate the blue-ish tone,” she says. Then follow with concealer. 03 of 08 Conditioner Works as Shaving Cream Getty Images Conditioner is a great stand-in for shaving cream. It softens sometimes-coarse leg hairs, making them easier to nab them with a razor. Shaving with the silky stuff may also cut down on nicks. “Conditioners provide a slick surface allowing razors to glide over skin,” says Fusco. 04 of 08 SPF Lip Balm Works on Your Head Too Getty Images Here’s a slick move: Apply a lip balm with SPF to your part line to prevent a sunburned scalp, says Fusco. “It glides on easy and doesn’t disturb hair,” she says. The waxy stuff also doubles as hair pomade, says Kyle White, a colorist at Oscar Blandi Salon in New York City. “Take a small amount between your fingertips and use it to create texture on your ends and tame frizz,” he says. 8 Ways to Go on a Skin Cleanse 05 of 08 Face Powder Doubles as Dry Shampoo Dust your ‘do: Finishing powder can double as dry shampoo, says White. Swipe roots with an oil-absorbing formula such as Jane Iredale Amazing Matte Finishing Powder ($31; janeiredale.com) with rice powder. Goodbye, greasy hair! 06 of 08 Zit Cream Helps Dark Elbow Skin Getty Images Got thick, dark elbow skin? Bust out your blemish treatment. The active ingredients in pimple creams—salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide—can help break down that thick layer of skin and also have a lightening effect, says Fusco. 07 of 08 Mascara Covers Grays Getty Images Mascara is a quick fix for concealing gray roots on dark hair. “Just be sure to paint the hairs, not the scalp,” says White. 08 of 08 Astringent Clarifies Hair Getty Images A facial toner such as Sea Breeze Fresh Clean Astringent ($5; drugstore.com) can double as a clarifying hair treatment, says White. “It will unclog hair follicles, remove dead skin cells from your scalp, and rid your hair of shine-dulling product build up,” he says. Plus, it leaves your scalp feeling tingly fresh. Apply it to damp hair and let it sit for three-to-five minutes. Shampoo as usual; follow with a deep conditioning treatment. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit