Why work harder when you can work smarter? Ladies, it's time to make life easier. So we've compiled some time-tested and reliable tips that help things go just a little more smoothly. They're helpful to learn at any age and are great time savers. We'll cover tips concerning razors, hygiene products, hair, clothes, housekeeping, and more. But truthfully, while these hacks are geared towards ladies, everyone can benefit from at least one or two of these life hacks. Intrigued? Keep scrolling to find out more.
Get Gum Out of Your Hair With This Genius Ice Cube Fix
It can happen to any of us, especially those with longer locks. This tip is a lifesaver for anyone who's had the unfortunate experience of taking their gum out of their mouth and getting it stuck in their hair. Many of us have found ourselves in this sticky situation (pardon the pun!) or at least know someone who has. But, instead of reaching for the scissors, head to the freezer. You'll need to apply the ice to the gum for 10 to 15 minutes until the gum hardens.
Once that happens, it won't be as sticky, making it easier to pick from your hair. You can also use this hack to remove gum that’s stuck to the bottom of your shoes.
Magnets for Bobby Pins
Are you tired of your hair pins disappearing, never to be seen again? This easy hack keeps them all in one place. A few old fridge magnets and a bit of double-sided tape get the job done. Just attach the non-magnetic side of your magnets to your jewelry table, and scatter your bobby pins on top. Then voila, they'll magically stick to the magnets rather than dispersing around your room...out of reach forever.
All you have to do is remember to stick them back after you've finished with them. Don't be tempted to leave them in your bag, on the side, or wherever else - otherwise, you'll be back to square one.
Keep Money Safe in Old Chapstick Containers
This is a handy trip for when you're traveling or to have in your bag just in case of emergencies. All you need is an old chapstick container with a lid. Wash it out before using it and ensure it's completely dry. You can use a cotton bud to dry the edge of the rims. Once the container is dry, roll up a few $10 notes and stick them inside.
It's inconspicuous, so you'll be the only one who knows it's there. So keep it in your handbag, car, pocket, or wherever else you think it could be helpful. Then, if anything goes wrong, you'll always have a bit of backup money on hand.
White Wine for Red Stains
A couple of glasses of red wine can be perfect for a girls' night out. But, it's less fun when those red stains get on the carpet, chairs, or outfits. Luckily, there's a fast solution. It might seem like an old wives’ tale, but white wine does actually help to neutralize red stains in an emergency. This is what you need to do: dab a little white wine on a cloth and apply it to the stain.
You can add a few drops of white wine directly if it's a particularly stubborn stain. Let it soak for 30 minutes, then clean it with a bit of laundry detergent or vinegar.
Who Needs an Iron When You Can Use Your Hair Straighteners to Iron Your Clothes
Okay, so you’ve got that all-important meeting in 20 minutes, but wait - your shirt’s crinkled, and there isn’t an iron in sight in your hotel room. We’ve all been there. Thankfully, your hair straightening iron can be a handy makeshift iron in a fix. In fact, straighteners are often even better than traditional irons for collars, cuffs, and small creases. First, heat the straighteners up. Most hair straighteners have adjustable heat settings.
So you can alter them according to the fabric you’re about to smooth. Just remember to wipe your straightener clean of any hair products before you start. Otherwise, you may find yourself not only with crumpled clothes but stained ones too!
Try Inexpensive Baby Oil or Conditioner for Shaving Your Legs
Buying shaving cream is unnecessarily expensive and arguably not as effective as using items you may already have in your bathroom. Baby oil and cheap hair conditioners work just as well and leave you with an incredibly clean, smooth shave. Plus, they'll likely last you for longer than your regular shaving cream - win-win! Another perk of using baby oil to shave your legs and other parts of your body is that you can add it to dry skin.
Just make sure you apply good coverage to the skin you're shaving before you start. The only downside is that you'll need to clean your shaver more to avoid build-up.
Identify Your Keys By Color Coding Them Using Nail Varnish
Do you hate the routine struggle of trying to find the right key for the right door? Fortunately, this is an easy fix - while at the same time adding a bit of glam to your keychain. Intrigued? All you need is some nail varnish in the color of your choice, a bit of scrap paper, and your keys. First, lay the keys flat on the paper, then paint the top. Wait ten minutes, then add a second coat.
Leave it to dry, flip over and repeat. Alternatively, you can pour the varnish into a small bowl and just dip the key in. Then, use a toothpick to suspend it across the glass while it dries.
Make Your Mascara Last for Longer With Hot Water
For many of us, mascara is one of our most essential makeup items. So, keep it going for longer with this helpful hack instead of getting caught short when your mascara runs out. Many of us are guilty of pumping our mascara wand in and out of the tube - but that just makes it clump and dry out faster, with mascara sticking to the sides of the tube where you can’t get to it. But, you can buy yourself some more time.
Tighten the tube lid. Put your mascara into a glass or mug of hot water for a few seconds to loosen the product inside. Then, twirl the mascara wand before using it and apply it to your lashes!
Use Rice and a Sock to Create an Emergency Heat Pack
For most women, period cramps, back pain, and sprains are common occurrences. It goes without saying that a heat pack can be a lifesaver when it comes to pain management. The heat helps to open the blood vessels and can assist the healing process. So, rather than buying a new heat back from the store, making your own is often faster. All you need is rice and an old sock.
Just fill the sock with rice and tie a hair band around the opening and then heat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes and place the sock where the pain is. Genius!
Tame Frizzy Hair Using Everyday Makeup Wipes and Your Hairbrush
A bad hair day is inescapable every now and then, especially in humid weather. Some of us treat ourselves to a trip to the salon to have our hair blow-dried and frizz-free. But there are some days when that simply isn’t an option. But, with some prep, this tip can save you from frizz in the comfort of your home. All you need is a hairbrush and one makeup wipe.
Just push one sheet over your hairbrush and allow the bristles to poke through. Then, give your hair a quick brush whenever you need to reign in the frizz. Simple, right?
No Matches to Light Your Candle? Head to Your Kitchen Cupboard for This Clever Pasta Trick
Here’s a tip you’ll probably wish you had thought of earlier. Have you ever tried to light a deep-set candle with a short match? The result is usually all sizzle and no flame. But, with a little stopover in your pantry, you can make lighting these kinds of candles a breeze. Just grab one strand of uncooked spaghetti. Then, use a match or lighter to ignite one end. Or, light it on your gas hob.
You’ll reach those deep candle wicks with ease. Plus, it’s good to know how easily spaghetti burns if you ever need quick lighting material. For instance, you might want to carry a pack in your car for a camping night.
Get the Most Out of Your Nail Varnish With This Handy Hack
Now, this is an easy way to save your nail varnish when you can't quite get the last bit out of the bottle. There are two remedies for this problem. First, you could soak the bottle in some hot water for ten minutes. It brings the varnish back to life to enable you to get those pesky last drops out. The second tip is to use a bit of nail varnish remover.
You just need to add a few drops to the varnish. Then, close the bottle and give it a good shake. This will loosen those sticky, thick bits that have gone dry.
Protect Your Skin With Petroleum Jelly Before Dyeing Your Hair
Dyeing our hair can be a messy affair. First, you go through all the trouble of making sure your pick just the right shade. But once the ordeal is over, you find that the dye has also stained your skin. Next comes the waking nightmare of trying to get those stains off. This is where this hack comes into its own. Grab a bit of petroleum jelly before you start, and apply it to any place where the dye might come in contact with your skin.
Think - forehead, behind the ears, and the back of the neck. Once you’ve got a smooth layer all-around, go ahead and dye your hair as usual. The jelly stops the dye from staining. Then, once you’re done, wash the jelly off with a wet flannel.
Tight Shoes? Try Using a Blow Dryer to Break Them In
Who doesn’t love a new pair of shoes? But breaking in a new pair is less joyous. They often pinch and cause blisters which makes wearing them horrible for the first few days. So save pain and time by breaking them in at home. All you need is a hairdryer and a thick pair of socks. Begin by blowing warm air on the shoes to loosen them up. Next, pop on the thick socks and put your feet inside the shoes.
Continue blowing hot air onto the shoes, then walk around a little until they cool. The heat expands the material so your feet can fit comfortably inside. Then, when it cools, your shoes will be in the right shape for your feet.
Personal Safety Hack: Carry a Travel Size Deodorant
Suppose you're looking for ways to enhance your personal safety. Have you considered popping a travel-size deodorant in your purse when you go out? Not only will it offer instant protection from sweating when you’re on the dance floor, but you can also use it as an out-of-the-box safety solution. How? If someone is really making you feel unsafe, you could use it to disorientate them enough to leave you alone.
It’s not an illegal product, so you’re not likely to get into a sticky situation for carrying it, and it doesn’t even take up a ton of space in your bag.
Keep Your Makeup on a Magnet Board
Most of us who use makeup know how hard it is to keep it clean and in one place. Yes, there are makeup purses, but products get covered in other products, languish at the bottom of the bag, and are forgotten. So instead, design a magnet board. First, buy a picture frame size piece of metal and fit it into an old picture frame. Next, glue a tiny magnet to each piece of your makeup containers and makeup brushes.
All you need to do now is stick your makeup to your magnet board, and hey presto, no more dirty or lost makeup! For a prettier board, you could glue a thin piece of fabric over the metal.
Save Used Dryer Sheets to Remove Deodorant Stains From Your Clothes
Here’s a simple life hack for those moments when you think you can’t rescue your favorite item of clothing because it’s stained with deodorant. First, take a used piece of a dryer sheet and rub the affected area using quick, short circular strokes. Then, just apply a bit of elbow grease, and your stain will hopefully budge quite easily. This hack will save your item of clothing, so you won’t need to replace it with a new one.
We must stress, though, that you need to use a used dryer sheet in case a new one leaves any residue, making it a great way of finding extra use for those drying sheets!
Add Nail Polish to Rings to Protect Against Green Stains
Cheap jewelry isn't a crime. But that green tinge it leaves on your finger over time doesn't look great. Sometimes this happens when you have a metal allergy. But, one way to protect your rings against green stains is to apply a coat of clear nail varnish to the inner side of the ring. The green color we just spoke about is usually the result of oxidation. This added layer protects it against water and moisture.
With a bit of protection, the varnish will keep your rings in good condition for longer and keep them looking shiny and smooth. Then, when you need to clean, just use a wet wipe.
Freeze Coffee Cubes to Make Your Iced Coffee Super Special
Iced latte, frappuccinos, and icy teas aren’t the easiest to make when you’re in a rush. But, if you’re trying to save your pennies by avoiding the usual morning cafe run, this tip is for you. All you need is to make your beverage of choice the night before and pour it into an ice cube tray. Ensure to make it an extra-strong brew. Then, in the morning, you can whip up your regular coffee.
Just add your cubes and a milk of your choice. It’s the perfect way to cool your coffee to create that much-loved icy brew -and it won’t make it watery.
Keep Your Sweaters Fuzz-Free With a Pumice Stone
We know there are gadgets out there to defuzz your favorite sweaters. But why not use something you are likely to already have in your bathroom and save yourself some money? We are talking about pumice stones. Yes, the thing you use to remove dry and dead skin. If you’re not repulsed by the idea, give your stone a clean, and make sure it’s dry before grabbing your fuzzy knitwear.
Just run the stone lightly across your sweater (or pants, shirts, jackets, etc.). The pumice will work its magic to quickly remove any fuzz and restore your garments to their former smooth selves.
Keep Purses Organized With Shower Curtain Hooks
Here’s a handy hack we wish we’d thought of ourselves. How many of us throw our purses to the bottom of our wardrobes/under our beds, where they gather dust and get forgotten? Hands up, folks! Instead, buy a bag of shower curtain hooks from the local dollar store. Then, hang them on a curtain rail above your shoe rack. Next, go and grab your purses- it’s time to put them in order.
You can hang them in size order or by color. Alternatively, you could hang your purses for work to the right and have your fun-time purses to the left. Whatever you decide, you’ll never lose a purse again!
Avoid a UTI by Using the Bathroom After a Bath
A lovely long soak in the bath is the perfect tonic after a long and stressful day at work. Just imagine yourself soaking in that sweet hot water for an hour with your favorite book and a glass of wine. You may have even added a scented bath bomb or bath oil into the mix. However, you may not know that doing this can result in you developing a UTI (urinary tract infection).
Fortunately, you can reduce the risk of this happening by paying a visit to the toilet straight after your soak. Also, avoiding bathtime products that are super scented can help too.
Cut Beauty and Home Product Containers in Half to Access Products That Won’t Squeeze Out
Have you ever come to what you think is the end of your favorite serum or moisturizer, and you’re trying to squeeze out every last drop? We've all been there. Of course, the same thing happens with toothpaste. Isn't it always the way that this happens when you can’t find another tube in the bathroom closet? Here’s a handy hack to help with that problem - and save you some money at the same time.
All you need to do is grab a pair of sharp scissors and cut your tube in half. Then, you can dip in and reach the remaining product without straining to squeeze it out. You can, of course, buy tube squeezers, but we think this way is more fun and cheaper!
Packing Hack: Use Shower Caps to Wrap Your Shoes and Keep Clothes Clean
Packing a suitcase neatly and efficiently can come with several challenges. One common problem is how do you pack your shoes without their soles dirtying your clothes? The last thing you want is scuff marks on your favorite dress. The answer is simple. Wrap each individual shoe or pairs of shoes in a shower cap. The caps will protect your clean and ironed clothes from being marked by your dirty shoes.
Not enough shower caps? Either head to the dollar store to pick up some cheap ones or save those caps that hotels give you for free. Those caps are pretty big, so you may be able to fit more than one pair per cap!
Learn and Practice How to Change a Car Tire
It’s always wise to be prepared for the unexpected in life, right? That includes being able to get yourself out of a sticky situation when you’re driving along, and suddenly you have a flat tire and are stuck in the middle of nowhere. One of the best life hacks you can learn before you actually need it is to be adept at changing a car tire. You don’t need brute strength. Just patience and know-how.
Simply practice changing a tire in a safe place during daylight hours (check out YouTube!). It could save you from someone who turns out not to be a Good Samaritan after all. This applies to both men and women!
Keep Shoes Fresh With Baking Soda
Who wants smelly shoes? This can be a particular issue if you like to wear your shoes with bare feet or even with tights. Basically, your feet sweat more, and the increased moisture can create smelly bacteria. The result? Because of their odor, you end up throwing away a perfectly good pair of shoes or sneakers. Fortunately, the solution to this dilemma is simple. Grab some tissues, a ribbon, and some baking soda.
Add a spoonful of baking soda into each tissue, tie it with a ribbon or piece of string, and pop one into each shoe. Your shoes will remain nice and fresh-smelling for way longer.
Freeze Grapes and Use Them as Ice Cubes
One of the problems with ice on a sunny day is that it liquefies way too quickly. So instead of a cool glass of wine, water, or juice, you end up with a watery mess. But, with microplastics making headlines for damaging the environment, those plastic coolers aren't any more enticing. So, instead, grab a few grapes. Place them in a freezer-friendly bag and pop them in the freezer overnight.
You can use them the same way as ice. However, they won't melt and spoil your drink. Just make sure to use fresh grapes, not mushy leftovers, to avoid clumping.
Tested a Perfume That Smells Bad? Some Skin Toners Can Help
Who hasn’t walked through a store or airport lounge and tried the latest perfume brand when looking for a new scent? Sometimes we strike gold and find a glorious fragrance. But other times, we’re stuck with an overpowering smell that’s offending our nostrils and those of the people around us. Thankfully, you can overcome challenging odors with this simple but effective solution if you forgot to spray the offending perfume on a tester strip.
First, wipe some astringent skin toner on the skin area you’ve sprayed. The toners designed for oily skin are usually the most effective, quickest, and easiest solution for eradicating these smells.
Use an Elastic Band for the Perfect French Manicure
The French manicure is a popular way of making your nails look super stylish. It’s a classic look that’s best for short and medium-length nails. Your manicurist applies white polish on the nail tips and a beige or sheer pink coat over the rest of your nail bed. But what if you could mimic that to perfection at home? We're pleased to tell you that you can, and all you need is a rubber band and your nail polish.
Just make a knot in the band to make a small loop. Then, apply your base coat, and when dry, put the loop around the nail, creating a stencil. Finally, paint a white tip as per the image seen here.
Add Period Hygiene Products to Your Emergency First Aid Kit
If you’re the kind of organized person that carries a small first aid kit with you or has one in the car when you travel, this hack is for you. First, add sanitary pads to your kit. Not only are they a go-to for when your period comes early, but because they're so absorbent, if there’s ever an emergency where you need to dress wounds, you’ll be glad you have them.
Aside from those benefits, sanitary pads also come in handy when treating someone who has a latex allergy, which can be activated by contact with gloves and, of course, bandages.
Use Ice Cubes in the Dryer to Keep Wrinkles Away
How many of us enjoy ironing our clothes? No one? Exactly what we thought. It’s super boring, and it takes forever. So, why not put the ice in your freezer to good use by adding it along with the crumpled item you want to wear in your tumble dryer? This time-saving hack is perfect if you’re in a rush to go out and either can’t be bothered or haven’t the time to get the iron out.
Instead of hanging your wrinkly clothes in the bathroom when you shower, the combination of dryer heat and moisture from your melting ice cubes is all you need to flatten clothes in minutes.
Avoid Rust Rings From Metal Cans in Your Bathroom With Nail Polish
Other than making our nails look pretty, clear (or colored) nail varnish has many practical uses. This particular hack is excellent if you keep all your toiletries in the bathroom, including spray deodorant cans, hair mousse, or cleaning products that are in metal containers. If you do, you’ll know that they can create annoying rust rings on your bath or shower when they come into regular contact with moisture. These can be tough to remove.
To prevent that from happening, paint some clear nail polish on the bottom of each metal product. Then allow enough time to dry before returning them to the bathroom. As for those stains? Try white vinegar.
Keep Spare Toiletries and Makeup in Your Car Glove Box for Last Minute Plans
We’ve all been caught short. Of course, we’re talking about those occasions when you’re running late after work and have no time to go home and freshen up before a special date or night out with friends. So why not think ahead, grab a few travel miniatures, and put them in a small toiletry bag? It can sit in your glove box or car boot for those social emergencies, so you’re always looking your best.
Aside from a few first aid bits like band-aids, think lip balm, travel deodorant, mini toothpaste, small tubs of moisturizer and body lotion, and maybe even a spare mascara and lipstick?
Keep Your Pantyhose From Snagging and Ripping With Hairspray
This hack is a bit of an old classic but still worth adding to this listing. Pantyhose can be expensive to replace when you’ve just snagged it on your desk at work or when traveling to the office. Then, having to wear them all day and feeling self-conscious because you don’t look your sparkling best can be annoying. However, you can avoid that by spraying your pantyhose with hairspray before you put them on.
The spray acts as a protective layer so that your pantyhose are less likely to rip and snag when you get them caught on a fingernail, for example. Alternatively, carry a spare pair in your bag!
Keep Emergency Cash in the Space Between Your Phone and Its Case
Sometimes the last thing we’re thinking about on a night out is whether we have enough cash on us to pay for a cab ride home. But, you can avoid that stressful and potentially unsafe situation by adding a few dollars in the space between your phone and its case. The rest of the time, you can just forget it’s there. Just reserve it to use in emergencies. Of course, this hack is also ideal in other scenarios.
For example, if you’re ever unlucky enough to have your purse stolen but have your phone in your hand, or you don’t want to carry cash in your back pocket.
Smelly Hands From Chopping Onions and Garlic? Head to Your Stainless Steel Sink
Garlic and onions are essential ingredients for many tasty recipes. Less essential, however, is how they make your hands smell for hours after you’ve chopped them up and added them to your signature dish. Whether you’re cooking a bolognese sauce or a hearty winter casserole, no one wants unpleasant-smelling hands. Unfortunately, sometimes washing your hands in strong-smelling soap isn’t enough to rid them of those lingering odors. That’s what this hack is all about.
Head to your clean stainless steel sink and rub your hands on the metal. The metal and sulfur molecules combine, and the smell is transferred to the sink. Don't believe us? Give it a try!
Always Shower and Dress Each Morning When You Work From Home or Are Looking For Work
Since the pandemic began, more of us have been working from home than ever before. This has many benefits, including saving time and money because you no longer have a commute to the office. However, there are downsides too. For example, it’s easy to slip into bad habits, such as feeling unmotivated and sluggish when you don’t have to go to the office anymore. The same goes for when you're unemployed and looking for work.
Banish those potentially negative feelings by showering and dressing even on the days you don’t plan on leaving your home. This simple hack will help you get in the right frame of mind.
Keep a Record of Your Body Measurements So You Can Buy the Correct Size When Shopping for Clothes
One store’s size 10 is another’s 12 or 14. Those of us who tend to shop in the same stores regularly can pretty much estimate which size we need. Still, even then, it’s easy to get caught out when shopping, especially if you’re doing it online and cannot try the items on first. However, with this hack, you can save yourself the hassle of returning items or trying on multiple sizes.
On your smartphone, keep a record of your hips, waist, chest, and height measurements. That way, you can always compare them against the sizing information of the item you're considering to get the perfect fit.
Avoid Busting Your Budget by Doing a Complete Lap of the Store Before You Start Spending
Apart from never doing our weekly food shop when we are hungry, there are other ways to keep track of our spending. But, instead of diving in and pulling items from the shelves straight into your shopping cart, hold back for a few minutes. Do a quick lap of the store first to check out the things you want to buy while considering if those so-called special offers really are that special.
Remember, items that are “on offer” are often placed in strategic points to entice you to buy them. Still, they’re not always good value for money, so that store lap may save you a few dollars!
Avoid Shoulder Bumps on Your Sweaters by Hanging Them Inside Out
While some people favor keeping their sweaters neatly folded in their closet drawers, there are some we prefer to hang up instead. However, the annoying part of doing that is that the hangers can often cause bothersome shoulder bumps. The best hack we know to combat this is to hang your sweaters inside out instead. That way, the bumps will be on the inside of your knitwear when you put it on.
It means that when you wear your sweater, cardigan, or whatever other knitwear you enjoy wearing - the bumps stay inwards and won’t stick out, making your clothing look misshapen. Handy, right?