FACE
Sudocrem
$12 for 60g, from Unity NTUC Healthcare
What: Most mothers know Sudocrem is handy for healing nappy rash, bites and cuts.
However, few know that it also gets rid of pimples - just ask British pop star Cheryl Cole, who swears by its zit-zapping powers.
How: The cream contains high levels of zinc oxide which reduces the loss of tissue fluid.
This helps to dry out unwanted pimples. It also contains benzyl benzoate, which acts as a healing agent, and benzyl alcohol, which is an antiseptic.
Simply apply a small amount to the problem area and leave overnight.
Vaseline
$3.54 for 100ml, from Unity NTUC Healthcare
What: This multi- purpose petroleum jelly is widely used as a body moisturiser and to relieve chapped lips. Jennifer Lopez also uses it to help remove stubborn eye make-up.
It can also help to keep pesky eyebrow hairs in place.
How: The product contains a mixture of mineral oils, paraffin and waxes. Together, they create a non-sticky but thick moisturising jelly. When applied, it melts into the skin but maintains a barrier to lock in moisture.
To remove eye make-up, apply a pea-sized amount to your eyelids. Then, using a cotton pad, gently wipe the make-up off.
HAIR
Johnson's baby powder
$1.35 for 100g, from Unity NTUC Healthcare
What: Baby powder can also work as a dry shampoo, especially for those who wish to maintain colour-treated hair and not wash it every day. Hayley Williams, lead singer of American rock band Paramore, uses this regularly to keep her hair looking full and clean between washes.
How: The powder will absorb some of the oil that hair generates between washings. Use only a small amount and apply it starting from the scalp using a comb or your fingers.
Rub the powder in and your hair will soon smell fresher and appear less greasy. To ensure that the powder does not leave visible white streaks in your hair, shake out any excess product.
Apple cider vinegar
Heinz Apple Cider Vinegar, $3.15 for 473 ml, from Tanglin Market Place
What: This sour-tasting liquid is great for adding flavour to your cooking, but it can also bring life to dull-looking hair. A vinegar rinse is known to give hair a healthy shine and make it smoother and easier to manage.
How: The residue caused by the regular use of products can leave hair looking dull and lifeless.
Vinegar can help to neutralise the alkali left by shampooing your hair too often. To make a vinegar rinse, add half a tablespoon of vinegar to one cup of water. Apply this directly to your hair after shampooing. You can wash the vinegar out with water or leave it to dry. Do this twice a week.
BODY
Extra virgin olive oil and brown sugar
New Moon extra virgin olive oil, $8.70 for 500ml, and Billington demerara sugar,
$3.70 for 500g, both from Cold Storage
What: These are ingredients commonly found in kitchens.
However, when mixed together, they can be a gentle yet effective body scrub that is especially good for dry skin.
How: The small brown sugar granules make a good base for the scrub and are not too rough on the skin.
Olive oil and, in particular, extra virgin olive oil, is soothing, moisturising and contains antioxidants to combat the effects of ageing.
To make the scrub, mix one cup of brown sugar with half a cup of extra virgin olive oil and apply in the shower.
You can use a buffer to apply the scrub, then rinse with water.
Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate)
Bake King Bicarbonate Of Soda, $1.45 for 100g, from Tanglin Market Place
What: Besides cooking and cleaning, baking soda can also be used as a natural form of deodorant - a cheap and effective fix for when you have run out of your regular supply.
How: Baking soda is an alkaline that helps absorb sweat.
Start by putting an eighth of a teaspoon of baking soda in your palm, then add a quarter teaspoon of water.
Mix them well and apply directly to your underarms.
Note that sodium bicarbonate can cause skin sensitivity so test a small amount on your skin first.
This article was first published in Urban, The Straits Times.
