Beauty New Uses

Erica McCartney; Styling: Linden Elstran

Makeup and skincare products tackle new roles.

1 of 63

Deodorant as Blister Preventer

Erica McCartney; Styling: Linden Elstran

Make breaking shoes in less of a pain. Rub clear-gel deodorant on spots prone to blistering before you step out in a stiff new pair.

2 of 63

Lunch Box as Toiletries Bag

KIRSTEN STRECKER

Keep shampoo from crossing unauthorized borders by packing toiletries in a sturdy lunch box in your luggage.

3 of 63

Bar of Soap as Pretty Pincushion

Jose Picayo

Stick needles and pins in a wrapped bar of soap. The soap’s oils make the pointy ends glide through fabric “sew” easily.

4 of 63

Hair Dryer as Mirror Defogger

Levi Brown

After a steamy shower, clear the bathroom mirror with a quick blast of hot or cold air.

5 of 63

Glasses Case as Makeup Organizer

Photo: Erica McCartney; Styling: Kristine Trevino

With the cameras flashing and all eyes on you, there’s a lot of pressure to look your very best. Stash extra makeup—think lip gloss and concealer—in an empty glasses case and tuck in your purse for quick touch up’s throughout the day.

6 of 63

Cotton Balls as Shoe Resizer

Photo: Philip Friedman; Styling: Linden Elstran

Give roomy heels and ballet flats a perfect fit (so you don't pull a Cinderella) by filling in the toe area with some cotton balls.

7 of 63

Oven Mitt as Heat Guard

James Wojcik

When you don’t have time to let your styling tool cool (say, you’re headed for the airport or going straight to work from the gym), stash it in a heat-resistant mitt before packing it up.

8 of 63

Q-Tip as Makeup Brush

Erica McCartney; Styling: Linden Elstran

Artfully dab on costume makeup without getting your good makeup brushes dirty.

9 of 63

Bobby Pin as Gift-Card Clip

Photo: Philip Friedman; Styling: Linden Elstran

More than just a hair accessory: Attach a note to a ribbon with a colorful or bedazzled bobby pin.

10 of 63

Cornstarch as Makeup Protector

Erica McCartney; Styling: Linden Elstran

Balance the oiliness of moisturizing makeup. Brush on a thin layer as a finishing touch.

11 of 63

Baby Oil as Paint Remover

Photos: Erica McCartney; Styling: Linden Elstran

Dab some baby oil on splatters to remove latex paint from skin.

12 of 63

Conditioner as Shaving Cream

Erica McCartney; Styling: Linden Elstran

Lighten your carry-on load and sub conditioner for shaving cream.

13 of 63

Silverware Holder as Bathroom Drawer Organizer

Silverware holder as bathroom organization

Photo: John Lawton; Styling: Linden Elstran

Use a utensil tray in your bathroom drawer to keep small items like tweezers, nail clippers, and makeup brushes organized. Submitted by: Margaret2580

14 of 63

Locked Cosmetic Bag as Childproof Storage

Photo: John Lawton; Styling: Linden Elstran

Put medications in a locked cosmetic case for an easy way to keep curious kids away from poking around the medicine cabinet.

15 of 63

Ice Bucket as Hair Dryer Holder

Photo: John Lawton; Styling: Linden Elstran

Store your hairdryer in an ice bucket to add a decorative touch to your bathroom and keep the counter tidy.

16 of 63

Hair Spray as Lipstick Stain Remover

Ironed dress shirt with lipstick on collar and hairspray

James Wojcik

Kiss that smudge of Really Red good-bye. If the fabric is machine washable, saturate the spot with hair spray, let it sit for 10 minutes, then dab with a damp cloth or sponge to remove. Launder as usual to wash out any residual stain and spray.

17 of 63

Baking Soda as Hair Cleanser

David Prince

If daily use of mousse or gel is weighing down your locks, add a pinch or two of baking soda to your shampoo once a week to remove product buildup. Getting squeaky-clean strands is a piece of cake.

18 of 63

Contact Lens Case as Pill Storage

Frances Janisch

Easily transport non-prescription pills without all the bottles. Pop it into your handbag and you'll have a headache remedy handy when the man in seat 7A drones on about his herniated disk. Plus you'll keep pills out of contact with everything else in your purse

19 of 63

Eyeglasses Case as Manicure Kit

Kirsten Strecker

An unused glasses case makes a convenient storage spot for nail files, clippers and other manicure essentials while on the go.

20 of 63

Flat Iron as Ribbon Smoother

Beatriz da Costa

Get the kinks out of wrinkled wrapping ribbons that were tied around your birthday presents for recycled bows without the telltale creases from the previous gift box.

21 of 63

Hair Clip as Towel Securer

Formula Z/S

Maintain some modesty in the locker room. Hold towel in place with a clawlike clip post-shower.

22 of 63

Baby Powder as Dry Shampoo

Beth Galton

Fake freshly washed hair by sprinkling powder on, then comb through down to the roots.

23 of 63

Baking Soda as Toothpaste

Antonis Achilleos

When you can't squeeze another dollop out of the tube, make a paste of baking soda and water. It will get your teeth clean until you can make it to the store.

24 of 63

Bobby Pin as Bookmark

Frances Janisch

Use a bejeweled hair clip to save your place in the latest thriller. Slide the pin over a few pages (so it stays in place) to mark where you left off.

25 of 63

Cooking Spray as Manicure Setter

Monica Buck

Set a manicure in record time. Lightly mist freshly painted nails for instant smudge protection.

26 of 63

Epsom Salt as Hair Degreaser

David Prince

Remove greasy buildup from hair by adding 1 tablespoon salt to 1 cup water and massaging through hair. Rinse well.

27 of 63

Film Canister as Manicure Kit

Film canister used to hold manicure supplies

Anson Smart

Assemble a mobile manicure kit by cutting a sponge into small pieces, saturating them with nail polish remover, and storing them in the canister.

28 of 63

Lemon as Hair Lightener

Antonis Achilleos

For subtle highlights in blond hair, simmer two sliced lemons in water for one hour (add more water if needed). Strain, then pour into a spray bottle.

29 of 63

Lip Balm as Cuticle Moisturizer

Beth Galton

Rub a bit of lip balm on dry cuticles for a quick and easy way to soften them when you're on-the-go.

30 of 63

Matchbook as Emery Board

FORMULA Z/S

Fix a chipped nail by running the jagged edge along the strike pad to smooth it out.

31 of 63

Mayonnaise as Hair Conditioner

James Wojick

Use mayo to get a deep condition at home. Starting at the scalp, coat strands with 1/2 cup mayonnaise and leave on for 15 minutes. Then rinse thoroughly.

32 of 63

Nail Polish as Snag Preventer

Christopher Coppola

Keep a snag in your stockings from growing by dabbing it with clear nail polish.

33 of 63

Oatmeal as At-Home Facial

James Baigrie

Treat yourself to an at-home facial. Mix a package of plain instant oatmeal with warm water and apply to skin. Let sit for 5 to 10 minutes, then rinse well.

34 of 63

Cooking Oil as Cuticle Moisturizer

Peter Lamastro

Soften cuticles easily with a couple of dabs of cooking oil. It's the quickest cure for dishpan hands.

35 of 63

Paper Clip Dispenser as Bobby Pin Holder

Paper clip dispenser used to stash bobby pins

Aya Brackett

Corral bobby pins and hair clips in a paper clip holder. The magnetic ring makes them easy to dispense.

36 of 63

Peppermint Tin as Tissue Holder

Frances Janisch

Fold a packet inside the tin to keep tissues dry and intact in your purse or beach bag.

37 of 63

Petroleum Jelly as Mascara

Sang An

Give eyelashes new luster by brushing them with a bit of petroleum jelly for an instant length-enhancing shine.

38 of 63

Petroleum Jelly as Cap Unsticker

Sang An

Prevent a nail-polish cap from sticking by dabbing the jelly around the bottle’s ridges before sealing.

39 of 63

Cotton Swab as Travel Makeup Kit

James Wojick

Make an on-the-go cosmetics kit by applying a bit of your favorite eye shadow, concealer, and lip gloss to the ends of cotton swabs and stashing them in a plastic bag in your purse.

40 of 63

Rice Cooker as Towel Steamer

Andrew Mccaul

For an at-home spa experience, wet and wring out washcloths, fold in thirds, roll up, and steam in the cooker for about five minutes. (Transfer the towels with tongs—they're hot!—to a plate to cool a bit before using.)

41 of 63

Sponge as Toe Separator

Lucas Allen

Pull off a perfect at-home pedicure. Cut up a sponge and wedge the pieces between your toes before painting.

42 of 63

Sugar as Lip Scrub

FORMULA Z/S

Perfect your pucker. Make a paste of sugar and petroleum jelly and gently brush on dry, peeling lips with a toothbrush until they are smooth.

43 of 63

Sunscreen as Shaving Lotion

Antonis Achilleos

While a bottle of expired sunscreen will no longer protect you from UV rays, it can still protect you from razor burn. Use it when lubing up to keep legs smooth all year long.

44 of 63

Vinegar as Bath Booster

Antonis Achilleos

Add 1/2 cup of vinegar to the water to soothe dry skin—and get a cleaner bath tub. An essential oil can help counteract the smell.

45 of 63

Water as Hair Style Booster

Antonis Achilleos

If you don't want to pile on more hair products halfway through the day, let water reactivate what you applied in the morning. Just spritz hair and reshape. If you need a firm hold, however, you'll need a fresh coat of hairspray.

46 of 63

Zippered Plastic Bag as Compact Case

Zippered plastic bag used to store compact

James Baigrie

Fend off pressed powder by storing your purse compact in a securely zipped plastic bag.

47 of 63

Vitamin Organizer as Travel Makeup Palette

Vitamin holder used to store cream makeup

Alex Cao

Skip individual travel-size bottles and load lipstick shades and cream foundation into the compartments of a multi-day pill case.

48 of 63

Baby Oil as Tar Remover

Formula Z/S

Bare feet left with a bit of tar after a long day on the beach? Lift it off with a dose of baby oil.

49 of 63

Hair Conditioner as a Shave Gel

Peter LaMastro

All out of shaving cream? Rather than skipping the shaving session altogether, reach for the conditioner to help soften your skin.

50 of 63

Hosiery as Hairbrush Cleaner

Anna Williams

Prevent gunk from settling into your hairbrush by pushing a swatch of stocking fabric over the bristles, so it rests on the base. When the brush needs cleaning, remove the swatch and hair and product buildup will go with it.

51 of 63

Magnet as Tweezer Holder

Sang An

Stop tweezers from going astray by installing a magnet on the inside of the medicine cabinet and they will always be at your fingertips.

52 of 63

Nail Polish as Key Coder

A bottle of nail polish and color-coded keys

Ellen Silverman

Differentiate your keys by color-coding them with your favorite nail hues. Lay keys flat and apply a thick coat of a different shade to the top of each one.

53 of 63

Nail Polish as Rust Preventer

Rita Maas

Coat the bottom of a shaving-cream can to fend off rust rings on the ledge of the tub.

54 of 63

Nail Polish as Screw Securer

Formula Z/S

After tightening the loose screw, dab polish across the top for a longer-lasting fix.

55 of 63

Nail Polish as Envelope Sealant

Amy Wilson

When the flap of your letter won't stay stuck, find closure with a coat of clear polish.

56 of 63

Olive Oil as Tree Sap Cleaner

James Baigrie

If dragging and decking out the fresh spruce leaves you with sticky digits, pour a tablespoon of oil onto a cloth, then rub until clean. Bonus: The oil is a great moisturizer for dry winter skin.

57 of 63

Plastic Bag as Makeshift Rain Hat

Folded plastic bag in back pocket of pants

Kana Okada

A 30 percent chance of rain… hmm. Do you tote around an umbrella (maybe for nothing) or head out sans protection (and risk getting drenched)? Third option: Tuck a plastic bag into your pocket or purse. Then, if you're caught in a downpour, you can use it as an on-the-spot rain hat to protect your do.

58 of 63

Plastic Wrap as Spill Preventor

Kathryn Barnard

Stop leaky toiletries from putting a damper on your next vacation by covering each bottle and tube with a layer of wrap.

59 of 63

Zippered Plastic Bag as Beauty Product Storage

Quentin Bacon

For overnight trips, fill bags with single portions of shampoo and conditioner. Protect Q-tips and cotton balls from moisture, or stash powder compacts in bags to prevent spills in your purse.

60 of 63

Salt as Hand Deodorizer

James Wojcik

The combo of salt and vinegar is good for more than flavoring potato chips. In fact, it also banishes onion odor on your hands by rubbing them with a mix of the two ingredients.

61 of 63

Eyeglasses Case as Makeup Brush Holder

James Wojcik

Store makeup brushes in an eyeglass case when you travel. That way, you won't spend 20 minutes looking for your blush brush.

62 of 63

Nail Polish as Fray Preventer

James Wojcik

Prevent the ends of ribbon from fraying by dabbing on clear nail polish.

Replay gallery

Account

More

Beauty New Uses

1 of 63

Deodorant as Blister Preventer

2 of 63

Lunch Box as Toiletries Bag

3 of 63

Bar of Soap as Pretty Pincushion

4 of 63

Hair Dryer as Mirror Defogger

5 of 63

Glasses Case as Makeup Organizer

6 of 63

Cotton Balls as Shoe Resizer

7 of 63

Oven Mitt as Heat Guard

8 of 63

Q-Tip as Makeup Brush

9 of 63

Bobby Pin as Gift-Card Clip

10 of 63

Cornstarch as Makeup Protector

11 of 63

Baby Oil as Paint Remover

12 of 63

Conditioner as Shaving Cream

13 of 63

Silverware Holder as Bathroom Drawer Organizer

14 of 63

Locked Cosmetic Bag as Childproof Storage

15 of 63

Ice Bucket as Hair Dryer Holder

16 of 63

Hair Spray as Lipstick Stain Remover

17 of 63

Baking Soda as Hair Cleanser

18 of 63

Contact Lens Case as Pill Storage

19 of 63

Eyeglasses Case as Manicure Kit

20 of 63

Flat Iron as Ribbon Smoother

21 of 63

Hair Clip as Towel Securer

22 of 63

Baby Powder as Dry Shampoo

23 of 63

Baking Soda as Toothpaste

24 of 63

Bobby Pin as Bookmark

25 of 63

Cooking Spray as Manicure Setter

26 of 63

Epsom Salt as Hair Degreaser

27 of 63

Film Canister as Manicure Kit

28 of 63

Lemon as Hair Lightener

29 of 63

Lip Balm as Cuticle Moisturizer

30 of 63

Matchbook as Emery Board

31 of 63

Mayonnaise as Hair Conditioner

32 of 63

Nail Polish as Snag Preventer

33 of 63

Oatmeal as At-Home Facial

34 of 63

Cooking Oil as Cuticle Moisturizer

35 of 63

Paper Clip Dispenser as Bobby Pin Holder

36 of 63

Peppermint Tin as Tissue Holder

37 of 63

Petroleum Jelly as Mascara

38 of 63

Petroleum Jelly as Cap Unsticker

39 of 63