No matter your skin tone, ethnicity, or gender, beauty is about enhancing your natural features, embracing self-care, and finding what works for you. Trends may come and go (goodbye, body glitter!), but some beauty tips stand the test of time.
Whether you’re just getting into beauty or you’re already a product junkie, these 20 tried-and-true tips will elevate your routine — and most work for any skin tone or hair type. Let’s dive in!
1. Ice Water = Fast-Drying Nails
Dip freshly painted nails into a bowl of ice water for 3 minutes. It helps set the polish faster and prevents smudging.
2. Turn Any Lipstick Matte
Place a tissue over your lips and dust a bit of translucent powder through it. It mattifies any lipstick without changing its colour.
3. Heat Your Lash Curler
Blast your eyelash curler with a hairdryer for 3-5 seconds before using it. The warmth helps set the curl longer (just ensure it’s not too hot before applying to your lashes!).
4. Exfoliate Chapped Lips Naturally
Mix brown sugar and coconut oil to create a gentle lip scrub. It removes dead skin and preps your lips for smooth lipstick or balm application. Do this 2–3 times a week.
5. Mascara Without the Mess
Hold a business card, spoon, or credit card behind your lashes while applying mascara. It keeps your lids clean and lashes clump-free.
6. Lip Liner = Longer-Lasting Colour
Fill your lips entirely with liner before applying lipstick. It gives the colour more grip and fades more evenly.
7. Control Flyaways Fast
In a pinch? Rub a small amount of hand lotion between your palms and gently smooth over hair to tame static and frizz.
8. Sleep Smart to Reduce Puffy Eyes
Resting on your back helps minimise under-eye puffiness. A silk or satin sleep mask can reduce friction and preserve moisture around the eyes.
9. Define Your Nose with Bronzer
Nose contouring works for all skin tones. Use a matte bronzer slightly darker than your skin tone to lightly define the sides of your nose — blend well!
10. Overnight Waves Trick
Braid damp hair before bed and wake up to effortless beachy waves. Works for all hair types — adjust braid tightness based on desired texture.
11. Sculpt with Bronzer
Swipe bronzer along the cheekbones, temples, and jawline. It adds warmth and subtle definition without needing a full face of makeup.
12. Mix Moisturiser with Foundation
Combine equal parts moisturiser and foundation for a dewy, sheer glow. This works beautifully on all skin types and tones.
13. Lip Balm as Brow Gel
Swipe a clean spoolie into your lip balm and brush through brows for a soft hold and natural sheen.
14. Secure Bobby Pins Like a Pro
Spray bobby pins with hairspray before inserting them, and always place the wavy side against your scalp — it grips better that way.
15. Use Invisible Lip Liner
Apply a clear lip liner around your lips to keep colour from bleeding. Great for bold colours and glosses.
16. Toothbrush + Hairspray = Sleek Hairline
Spritz a clean toothbrush with hairspray and gently brush back baby hairs or frizz for a polished look.
17. Connect-the-Dots Eyeliner Trick
Struggle with winged liner? Draw tiny dots along your lash line and connect them. It’s an easy guide for beginners and pros alike.
18. Fix a Split Nail with a Tea Bag
Cut a piece of a tea bag to fit your nail crack, place it over with a little nail glue or base coat, and buff gently. It’s a lifesaver!
19. Make a Ponytail Look Thicker
Divide your hair into two sections and stack two ponytails (one above the other). It instantly adds volume and length.
20. Conditioner as Shaving Cream Substitute
If you run out of shaving cream, use hair conditioner. It softens hair, reduces friction, and moisturises your skin.
Great beauty isn’t about following all the trends or having the fanciest tools — it’s about mastering small tricks that make a big difference, no matter your skin tone, hair texture, or background. These universal beauty hacks are timeless, effective, and easy to add to your routine.
