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The Three (Wacky) DIY Beauty Experiments I Just Tried

Posted 10/17/11 at 03:36PM by Audrey Fine

A few weeks ago I was at my local library looking for a book on conquistadors -- specifically, some inspiration for making a costume for my son's school project -- when my wandering eye fell upon a book called "The World's Best-Kept Beauty Secrets." Now, I'm not saying that at that moment the kid's outfit fell by the wayside, but rest assured that I delved head-first into that little black book the minute I'd put the finishing touches on his plumed war helmet.

In the book, model-turned-beauty-expert Diane Irons shares 227 pages' worth of advice, tips, and even recipes for "what really works in beauty, diet, and fashion."

I was particularly intrigued by three of her DIY beauty formulations/substitutions and decided to take them for a spin. Here's the lowdown:

The "face lift": To get toned skin before a big event or special social gathering, Irons suggests beating an egg white to a froth, applying it all over your face, and letting it dry for 10 minutes before "lightly rinsing it off."

The verdict: I'm not sure how much tighter my skin looks after doing this but it sure does feel more toned. Of course, the effect is only temporary but I have to say that it seems to work better than any tightening cream I've tried. I may have to take some before and after photos to see whether it's worth the hassle, but I do like the sensation of taut skin.

Whitening "toothpaste": Irons suggests pounding a few slices of burnt toast into a powder and adding in a couple of drops of peppermint oil, saying that the charcoal in the burnt bread helps to whiten teeth.

The verdict: While some may insist that ingredients like ash, mustard oil, and, yes, even charcoal, will whiten teeth, I'm a purist who prefers paste or gel from a tube over minty wet bread crumbs any day.

Skin brightening mask: According to Irons, Pepto-Bismol cures more than upset stomachs -- it's the antidote to dull skin. Simply apply to your skin with a cotton ball, let it dry, then rinse with cool water.

The verdict: I was amazed that this really worked for me. I have sensitive, rosacea-prone skin and this mask seemed to calm down and perk up my skin.

Curious about Pepto-Bismol's complexion-boosting prowess, I did a little Internet research and found that Dr. Oz, too, recommends the Pepto mask. Seems that the aspirin and bismuth combine to remove impurities from your pores and tighten your skin. Who knew?

Of the three "experiments," I liked two -- and I'll definitely keep using the Pepto-Bismol mask -- so, all in all, not bad for an accidental library find.

Do you have any favorite semi-strange product substitutions or DIY projects you'd like to share? I'm always game to try.
And the survey says...
1-6 of 16 Comments

  • Posted by EricaC123 on 12/30/12 at 06:27am

    Pepto wow!

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  • Posted by beautybody on 03/25/12 at 10:35pm

    I have rosacea prone skin too. I have never heard of pepto-bismol to calm my skin. I can't wait to try this tip out.

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  • Posted by powerwoman033 on 03/15/12 at 12:20pm

    They all sound like good tips but I would not be able to handle the Pepto mask. I have to take it when my stomach is not so happy and the smell makes me want to gag! :( As far as the alternative to toothpaste, I like you, will stick with my Crest in a tube. The egg white thing sounds interesting...

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  • Posted by dawn_royer on 12/04/11 at 02:56pm

    Baking Soda made into a paste is an excellent scrub. For a at home pore strip, beat 1 egg, apply to face, apply thin pieces (one layer, pulled apart) tissue. Leave on til tissue feels hard, about 10-15 min. , and pull off. You will be amazed at what comes out. Olive oil can be used for anything, skin, hair, nails. This is not a beauty tip, but if you have a burn put milk on it, I did this for a friend who burned themselves on the oven, put her finger in cold milk, didn't know there was another spot, didn't get in the milk, it blistered. The spot that was in milk, reddness went away about two hours later.

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  • Posted by Angeltea9 on 11/29/11 at 03:08pm

    Windex on a pimple! How's that for Strange?

    Report Abuse

  • Posted by LittleBunny on 11/29/11 at 11:00am

    The pepto bismol sounds very interesting! I never would've thought of that!

    Report Abuse

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