Four skin care multi-taskers that can do more than what's advertised

Have you ever run out of product unexpectedly, or realized too late that you left a skin care item behind while on vacation? Don’t panic! You just might have something in your stash that could do the trick. And who knows? Your emergency substitute just might work well enough to replace the original permanently!

Gentle feminine wash as facial cleanser

True story: While on a company outing, I was already in the shower when I realized I’d left my facial wash at home. Panic-stricken, I surveyed my options: hotel-issued bar soap and shampoo (both too harsh), conditioner (will not cleanse), and finally, my pH 5.5 feminine wash. Figuring it was the closest match, I diluted a small amount with water and used it on my face. It was actually refreshing, not at all drying, and smelled great! After that incident, I learned that some women really do swear by using feminine wash for their faces because of its pH balancing properties. Personally, I already have good facial cleansers but if I find myself missing them again, it’s great to know my fem wash can work in a pinch!

Editor's Note: I used feminine wash (Lactacyd) for almost two weeks and it's pretty good for that purpose! There are just many other products to review but I wouldn't mind using it again. - Liz

Moisturizing shampoo as body wash

Less is best when you’re on the go. A fellow traveler once shared her best hack with me: use a moisturizing shampoo as a body wash! The more I thought about it, the more it made sense. When we wash our hair in the shower, the shampoo already comes into contact with the rest of our body while rinsing, and more than 90% of the human body is covered in hair. The worst that could happen is skin drying out, which is why we recommend using a moisturizing shampoo. Now I don’t get annoyed whenever I use shampoos in sachet, which I’ve never been able to use up in one go. I’ll just use whatever’s left to wash the rest of my body, and save space from not having to pack up some soap!

Conditioner as shaving cream

It’s amazing how many myths there are about shaving but one thing that is definitely true is the importance of applying a barrier product. Shaving creams and gels are crucial to getting a smooth shave without drying the skin. If you don’t have one at hand or want to buy a separate product for this one purpose, your favorite hair conditioner should do the trick! I actually prefer using because I can see the area better (compared to using a thick, foamy shave cream). It should make your skin feel silky smooth after, as well.

Micellar water as brush cleanser

If you’re a beauty junkie, your vanity wouldn’t be complete without a trusty bottle or two of micellar water within easy reach. It’s great for giving your skin a no-wash and gentle cleanse and correcting makeup mistakes. Now that there are so many affordable options available locally, you can extend its functionality further by using it as a brush cleanser! Simply pour a small amount into a bowl, swirl your brushes in (making sure the ferrule doesn’t get soaked), and squeeze out the liquid. Repeat as needed, then rinse with water, blot, and dry. It might not be as cheap as actual brush cleaners but if you need to use up a product you didn’t like or had a bad reaction to, this works!

We hope this gave you some ideas on how to maximize your current stash! Off-label uses can help you save money or even simplify your daily routine. Have you tried alternative ways of using your skin care products? Do spill!

Source: The Best Skin of Your Life Starts Here: Busting Beauty Myths So You Know What to Use and Why by Paula Begoun, Bryan Barron, and Desiree Stordahl