12 Pharmacy Hacks We All Need to Know

Perhaps one of the most entertaining things about rummaging through a professional makeup artist’s kit are the surprises.  Yes of course you will find Charlotte Tilbury’s iconic Magic Creme and a few shades of Armani’s Luminous silk foundation, you can even expect to find a toothbrush, that handy tool for your brows.  But what exactly are they planning to use the Bepanthen for, and what about that tube of Aquaphor?

Well, we’ve compiled a list of all the other uses you can get out of regular pharmacy and sometimes even, supermarket buys.  Smart adjustments that are really quite useful, and often times won’t leave such a visible dent in your wallet.

Vitamin C and Zinc Effervescent Tablets

These effective tablets aren’t just good for you during cold and flu season to boost immunity.  They can be just as effective on your skin, who said Vitamin C should only be applied as a serum or cream, effervescent tablets works also.  In fact in combination with zinc, these tablets help brighten skin, neutralize oxidative damage and inhibit sebum production.  These will all help fade dark spots, promote even skin tone, protect against acne and pigmentation.

Bepanthen Cream

The lighter version of the classic Bepanthen cream comes in a lighter blue package.  This antiseptic lotion is generally used for babies, it helps heal broken skin and nappy rashes, it is also a great moisturizer for adults as well.  The texture is delightfully smooth, glides on beautifully and is the perfect travel companion, firstly because of its multi-usage, at a comfortable $5, you can afford to use it all the time and everywhere on your body.  Often we prefer to leave our pricier creams at home for fear of exposing them to fluctuating temperatures on the airline (freezing) and on the ground in transit (really hot).

Bio Oil

We love Bio Oil, the go-to oil for stretch marks, and everything else as well.  Did you know that a few drops of Bio Oil in your liquid foundation or bronzer is a well-kept industry secret.  Put a dash of foundation or bronzer on the top of your hand, add a drop of Bio Oil and mix in.  You can also use Bio Oil to seal your self-tan, before jumping in the shower.  It is also a great makeup remover, as with all oil-based facial cleansers, it has the ability to bond to impurities and water-proof makeup. Very handy!

Acretin

Acretin is a vitamin A cream, otherwise known as Tretinoin, otherwise known as Retinol :). Yep, if you don’t feel like digging into your pockets for a hefty-priced retinol cream, then feel free to use Acretin, at $5, it is certainly worth a try.  I personally love to use it on my derriere in winter, it works diligently to get rid of any congested pores or imperfections.  Acretin comes in two strengths, always start with the lower strength and see what happens. As always, sun exposure must be limited as skin becomes increasingly sensitive with the use of Vitamin A.

Isosupra / Roaccutane

This potent medication isn’t just for teenagers with severe acne.  You are probably wondering how you can benefit from this medication of you don’t have acne, especially with the particularly harsh side effects; such as sensitive and chapped skin etc.  In a very low dose of two capsules per week, Isosupra or Roaccutane do a darn good job of keeping your sebaceous gland under control.  With less sebum, the pores on your face and head are minimized which results in minimized pores, which makes for smoother skin and fluffier hair (when the pore is smaller, the hair becomes more erect and therefore more voluminous).  This medication is once again, a Vitamin A at the end of the day, and so will continuously exfoliate your skin for a glowing complexion.  This medication cannot be purchased over-the-counter, please consult your doctor.

Castor Oil

That little bottle of oil that you are encouraged to digest if you have stomach problems, I have been told that it tastes terrible, but does a darn good job of ridding the stomach and intestines of toxins.  Well, you don’t need to just drink it, castor oil has been scientifically proven to improve the quality of your hair.  Massage into your scalp and leave on overnight, continue usage twice a week for three months and tell us what you think.  Castor oil has often been associated with healthy eyelashes and brows as well, dip a cotton bud in some oil and spread before bedtime.  Please ensure that the oil you purchase is of the highest quality for best results.

Talcum Powder

Well if it’s good enough for the geishas then it’s good enough for us.  The last time you may have used talcum powder may have been on a baby’s bottom or the inside of a sweaty, smelly shoe.  Well you can also use it to absorb oil!  In order to not look as white as a geisha though, it is recommended that the very white powder be used sparingly.  It can be used to sweep across your t-zone for a more matte finish, you can also sprinkle it on your hair as a dry shampoo, just make sure you disperse the product evenly with a hairbrush.

Wet Wipes

Seriously what can’t wet wipes do?? I have them everywhere, in the car, the kitchen and of course the bathroom. Incidentally, after much research I am pleased to report that Penguin is the best value for money!

Well you can add a pack to your makeup brushes corner of the house.  They make for terrific makeup brush cleaners.  Just sweep the brushes across the wet wipe till they wipe clean, will need a couple of wet wipes to reach this point.  Guess what else they are useful for?  Taming flyaway hairs!  Gently wipe across the area, don’t press too hard, we don’t want you to get your hair wet.

Evian Water Mist

You may wonder what the fuss is all about with Evian Mist, and to be honest we’re still trying to figure it out ourselves.  This little can does come particularly handy in the makeup department though.  Often times when it’s hot and sweaty outside we tend to use mattifying products to keep shine to a minimum, this does tend to make us look a little dull though.  No fear, a gentle spritz of Evian Mist water, followed by a pat of tissue paper will do the trick of getting a dewy finish without the oil.  Voila!

Eyedrops for Irritated Eyes During Allergy Season

There are a couple of options here, Naphcon A, Prisoline and Pure by Farmige A, all these eyedrops were manufactured to soothe and calm aggravated and irritated eyes, primarily during allergy season.  They do have an amazing ability to brighten the whites of your eyes also, which go a long way in making you look more radiant and optimistic.  These eyes drops are medications, and should be used sparingly, because if you eye gets used to it, it will become dependent (not a good thing).  But if you do have an important outing, you get a pass!

Nivea

We’ve said it on a number of occasions, we love Nivea in all its iterations, deodorant, body lotion and of course cream.  In addition to its traditional use, the little blue can comes in handy when you have chapped lips.  It is a marvelous hydrator, without being oily in texture.  It does come on white however no matter how hard you rub it in, so apply before bedtime and expect really soft lips by morning!  What we like most about it is they fact that it doesn’t peel the lips.  Many lip balm actually peel the lips to uncover healthy skin, which really forces you to pick at your lips to remove the excess skin, not a good thing.  Nivea doesn’t do this, and we appreciate it.

Aquaphor

Head over to the Aquaphor website and they will give you eight reasons to use the Vaseline-like product, from irritated skin to insect bites, cuts and burns to chapped shin.  But they didn’t mention a makeup highlighter!  We’ve got it from a reliable makeup source that highlighting your cheekbones, bridge of nose, and top center of lips (Cupid’s bow) will bring instant brightness and luminosity.