By Deven Hopp
Ever looked at a bottle of hydrogen peroxide and wondered why is this taking up valuable real estate in my bathroom? Understandable. But if you're only taking the contents of your medicine cabinet at face value, you're missing out on a world of possibilities. Whiter teeth, clump-free eyelashes, an even self-tanner application, and more could all be yours, if you've figured out these little-known beauty hacks.
Scroll through to find out why the inside of your medicine cabinet is your biggest untapped beauty resource!
Improve a Bruise
Nothing steals the spotlight from a killer skirt more than an unsightly bruise. Next time you accidentally walk into the coffee table, break out the mouthwash. Saturate a cotton ball with your oral rinse of choice and apply it to the afflicted area to make it look better instantly.
Prevent Self-Tanner Stains
Don't begin your next sunless-tanner application without applying Vaseline first. Smooth it over dry spots like cuticles, elbows, knees, and heels to prevent staining the areas that self-tanner would normally cling to. Use it along your hairline when coloring your hair at home to prevent stains there too.
Bring Down a Pimple
Ice can help bring down the size of pimple, but it won't do much for the redness (except perhaps make it even redder). When you've got a stubborn zit that you know is going to show through your most zealous concealer application, dab some Visine on it. It'll get the red out within a few minutes.
Remove Nail Polish
You can use deodorant to do just about anything, but our favorite non-underarm application has to be nail polish removal. Finding an empty bottle of nail polish remover when all you want is to take your chipped manicure off is the worst. Luckily, a spritz of deodorant works too.
Whiten Teeth
A 60-second swish with hydrogen peroxide not only leaves your mouth feeling clean, but also whitens your teeth. You'll feel a fizz while the tiny bubbles scrub away stains and kill germs.
De-Clump Mascara
Clumpy mascara and not a spoolie in sight? A toothbrush can get the job done. Bonus: You can also use it to brush unruly eyebrows into submission (and more!).
Treat Ingrown Hairs
Witch hazel, the all-purpose healer, is made for treating minor cuts and scrapes, but it's also a product to turn to when in-grown hairs appear.
Remove Hairspray
There are two issues with hairspray. 1) It gets everywhere. 2) And then it stays there. If you've got a layer of hairspray coating every surface of your bathroom, forget scrubbing with soap and water--wipe down your mirrors and countertops with rubbing alcohol instead. It cuts right through the stubborn film and leaves surfaces sparkling clean.
Prevent Wardrobe Malfunctions
No bra, no problem? Not always. While concealing a wardrobe malfunction of the visible nipple variety is not exactly a beauty hack, we thought it worthwhile to point out this smart alternative use for bandages.
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