Perhaps you’re a DIY fiend, or you’ve run out of everything (including extra cash). But if you have a box of cornstarch in your cabinet (and you probably do), then you’re golden. You can create beauty products from dry shampoo to deodorant with cornstarch — all for very cheap. We’ve got 15 tips and tricks you can use below:
Cornstarch For Makeup:
There are so many cornstarch makeup hacks. The most basic thing to know is that cornstarch can drastically change the texture of your existing makeup products, if you’re in a pinch.
- Mascara Thickener: Cornstarch thickens sauces, soups and gravies, so why not your mascara? Turn your natural-look formula into a voluminous one with just a smidge of cornstarch. Take a small container and with about a 1/2” blob of mascara, add a dot of cornstarch and mix with a toothpick. Apply with a clean mascara wand.
- Lipstick Mattefier: Get a matte lip by first dusting the lips with cornstarch, then applying your color (or directly mixing together and applying with a lip brush).
- DIY Bronzer: Get a quick kitchen contour by combining 1 Tbsp cornstarch with 2 Tbsp cinnamon. Apply with a blush brush along the cheeks and temples for a delightfully scented natural fix.
- Nail Polish Matteifer: Adding a pinch of cornstarch to nail polish gets you that super trendy matte look. Mix outside the bottle and apply.
- Setting Powder: To absorb oil, a sweep of plain cornstarch will eliminate shine and set your look.
Cornstarch For Skincare:
- Firming Face Mask: Take a small bowl and wisk ¼ cup cornstarch with 2 Tbsp milk along with 1 egg white until smooth. Apply mixture to face and allow it to sit for 20 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
- Sunburn Soother: Calm a sunburn with a warm bath by mixing of 1 cup cornstarch into the water and soak 20 to 30 minutes.
- Burn Salve: Mix 1 Tbsp cornstarch and 1 Tbsp baking soda in 8 cups warm water in a large bowl (or the sink). Soak a washcloth or even gauze and place on the burn for 30 minutes.
- Soap Softener: If you make your own soap, add cornstarch to anchor citrus scents as well as add a softening component to your regular formula.
- DIY Body Powder: For a smooth, scented, natural body powder, fill a container with cornstarch and then add a few drops of your favorite scented oil. Shake very well and apply with a puff or clean makeup brush.
- Anti-Chafing Powder: Running a marathon or hiking Mt. Everest? Prevent chafing with a quick dusting of cornstarch. Also helps clothes slip on easily (as well as helps remove stains).
- DIY Deodorant: Simply wipe rubbing alcohol across your underarms and then top off with a brush of cornstarch. For a more involved concoction, you can take coconut oil, baking soda and cornstarch – stir equal amounts and empty into an empty deodorant stick if you have one. Add a few essential oil drops to scent. The mix congeals quickly and won’t melt, lasting about 3 months.
- Odor Eaters: For smelly shoes, shake a little cornstarch inside the sole.
Cornstarch For Hair:
- DIY Dry shampoo: Soak up excess sebum or reinvigorate lifeless locks by shaking a little cornstarch along the part, waiting a few moments, then combing or tussling out. You can create a scented version by taking ¼ cup of cornstarch and mixing a few drops of essential oil (your choice) and tapping along your part with a makeup brush.
… And Even For Your Pets:
- Pet Deodorizer: Yeah, it may seem like a gamble, but a little dust of cornstarch on a kitty that might have gotten into the garbage goes a long way. Same for dogs! Dust on then brush out.
READ MORE:
