At-home beauty remedies you should bar, immediately

The internet is a wonderful place. It’s brimming with inspo and “helpful” advice, but the thing is, you can’t believe everything you read. And while we’re all for clever home remedies to solve beauty problems in a pinch, it amazes us just how experimental people are! So, if you’re after a DIY solution, please allow us to separate fact from fiction.

Here’s what not to do…

DON’T rely on homemade sunscreen

Sunscreen is carefully manufactured and tested to ensure you get the SPF you’re counting on to keep your skin safe from the sun. No other topical product works like sunscreen to absorb harmful UV radiation or to neutralise sun damage, so don’t assume your home remedy is doing the job.

DO invest in proper suncare

Hypothetically, if you could only purchase one kind of beauty product, sunscreen should be it. No excuses. If you’re looking for a fun new sunscreen superstar, try the tarte tarteguard 30 Sunscreen Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 30. It’s a non-chemical sunscreen that protects, moisturises, brightens and re-invigorates for a more youthful appearance. And the packaging? We love. Now, off you go to apply it. Every. Single. Day.

DON’T use mayonnaise to moisturise

Mayo to moisturise? Not in this lifetime! Though the egg and oil in mayo can be beneficial for parched skin, other ingredients - such as lemon juice and vinegar, which are highly acidic - can be problematic. The acid can have the opposite effect and actually dry your skin out. No, thanks!

DO use mayonnaise as a hair mask treatment

Apparently, the creamy condiment we regularly slather our chicken sandwiches with doubles up as a DIY hair saviour. Take a cue from Blake Lively and coat the ends of your locks before jumping in the shower. Hey, if it’s good enough or Blake, it’s good enough for us…

DON’T use hairspray to set your make-up

In my younger years, I have to admit I tried this once or twice. But it left my face feeling tacky and stiff, and really clogged my pores. To keep your make-up looking its best for longer, preparation is key. And that means a primer and a proper setting product.

DO use a long-lasting setting spray

When you want that extra staying power, mist a weightless spray over your make-up. We like the NYX Cosmetics Make Up Setting Spray. The formula works by lowering the temperature of your make-up to keep your foundation eyeshadow, blush and concealer in place, even through those humid summer days.

DON’T treat your spots with toothpaste

The alcohol content in your mouthwash and toothpaste will definitely dry out your pesky pimple, but it’ll also suck the moisture from the healthy surrounding skin. Use oral hygiene products the way they were intended: to clean your mouth.

DO use a spot treatment product

Instant gratification in a tube! Made with a blend of calamine and salicylic acid, a spot treatment like the Mario Badescu Drying Lotion helps to clear up and soothe pesky spots - just like that! A word to the wise: use the concoction sparingly, read the directions on the label and only use when necessary. This is not a product intended for everyday use. A pimple or two every now and then won’t kill you…

What’s the worst beauty experience you’ve ever had? What other bad beauty tips have you seen?