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Tip Store: Beauty: Hands and Nails
Foaming Handwash Money Saver
To save money on the named brand foaming handwash refill 500mls just buy normal homebrand handwash refills 500mls and add tap water to make a thin consistency to each 500ml bottle and you'll have foaming handwash and stretch the dollar further.
Contributed by Wendy Goss, 9th April 2019
To save money on the named brand foaming handwash refill 500mls just buy normal homebrand handwash refills 500mls and add tap water to make a thin consistency to each 500ml bottle and you'll have foaming handwash and stretch the dollar further.
Contributed by Wendy Goss, 9th April 2019
Tear up a Tea Bag for a Neat Mending Trick
The paper from a new tea bag is a great temporary fix for a broken nail. Cut out a piece of tea bag. Apply nail polish to the area and smooth the paper over it to cover the break. Then apply more nail polish over the top. Once dry, trim any excess paper away.
Contributed by Melinda Roberts via Facebook
The paper from a new tea bag is a great temporary fix for a broken nail. Cut out a piece of tea bag. Apply nail polish to the area and smooth the paper over it to cover the break. Then apply more nail polish over the top. Once dry, trim any excess paper away.
Contributed by Melinda Roberts via Facebook
Get More from your Hand Soap
I wrap a rubber band around the stem of the hand soap dispenser, so when you pump you only get a small amount which is ample to wash your hands. With two small children this saves me a little money and a lot of cleaning up. I had tried Cath's hand soap idea with the foam soap but my mum would look after the kids on occasion and fill them up with all soap, lol.
Contributed by Kim McDonald, 23rd January 2017
Contributed by Kim McDonald, 23rd January 2017
Liquid Foaming Handwash
Step 1: buy a foaming hand wash dispenser bottle from Daiso ($2.80).
Step 2: Fill bottle with 4 tablespoons of castile liquid soap(l used Dr Bronner)
Step 3: Fill remainder of bottle with water. Do not fill right up to top.
It lasts for ages and is non-toxic :).
Dispenser must be 'foaming' otherwise it will not work - l learnt the hard way.
Contributed by Marisa Sanner, 18th June 2016
Step 2: Fill bottle with 4 tablespoons of castile liquid soap(l used Dr Bronner)
Step 3: Fill remainder of bottle with water. Do not fill right up to top.
It lasts for ages and is non-toxic :).
Dispenser must be 'foaming' otherwise it will not work - l learnt the hard way.
Contributed by Marisa Sanner, 18th June 2016
A MOO Solvol Alternative
I would like to share my cleaner recipe for MECHANIC hands. I was sick of spending money on Solvol (a soap) and the mess it left behind. I devised my own cleaner for the lad in the garage. I filled an empty soft drink bottle with bicarb soda and sugar (DRY). Next to it is a cheap dollar shop liquid soap (use the disinfectant kind for any cuts etc. or add a few drops of tea tree oil). He pours a little of the dry stuff into his palm and a good pump of liquid soap will scrub off the grease and dirt. Costs a fraction of the bought product and we get three or four times more in volume. Unfortunately its no less messy, but works better and saves money so two out of three isn't bad.
Contributed by Lorraine Henderson, 16th October 2013
Contributed by Lorraine Henderson, 16th October 2013
Hand Wash for the Bathroom and Kitchen
Approximate $ Savings: $15
Recently I cleaned out the bathroom cupboard. I had a collection of bottles of body wash, shampoo nobody liked and bubble bath - which was never going to be used! My liquid soap dispenser was low and rather than throw out these containers, which in some cases had quite a lot in them, I filled up the liquid soap containers in the bathrooms, laundry and kitchen. I felt pleased that I had been thrifty and used these things up rather than just throwing them out. The "soap" worked just as well as any purchased hand wash and in some cases even smelt nicer! And no on in the family even noticed the difference.
- Contributed by Jenny McClure, 25th June 2010
Recently I cleaned out the bathroom cupboard. I had a collection of bottles of body wash, shampoo nobody liked and bubble bath - which was never going to be used! My liquid soap dispenser was low and rather than throw out these containers, which in some cases had quite a lot in them, I filled up the liquid soap containers in the bathrooms, laundry and kitchen. I felt pleased that I had been thrifty and used these things up rather than just throwing them out. The "soap" worked just as well as any purchased hand wash and in some cases even smelt nicer! And no on in the family even noticed the difference.
- Contributed by Jenny McClure, 25th June 2010
Half and Half Liquid Hand Soap
Approximate $ Savings: 50%
Instead of buying the expensive better known brands of liquid pump soaps, I buy the generic brands. To save even more time and money, I dilute the bottles 50/50 with water, before letting the children use them. This not only splits the initial cost, it also saves on plumbing bills! Have you ever seen how much slime/dirt/hair build up occurs in your drains under your hand basins (and beyond!!)? This halves the amount of soap heading down into our drains/gardens/waterways/beaches...so great for our environment too! Just try it!
- Contributed by Merridy Buick, 3rd March 2011
Instead of buying the expensive better known brands of liquid pump soaps, I buy the generic brands. To save even more time and money, I dilute the bottles 50/50 with water, before letting the children use them. This not only splits the initial cost, it also saves on plumbing bills! Have you ever seen how much slime/dirt/hair build up occurs in your drains under your hand basins (and beyond!!)? This halves the amount of soap heading down into our drains/gardens/waterways/beaches...so great for our environment too! Just try it!
- Contributed by Merridy Buick, 3rd March 2011
Chapstick for Hand Care
I have a tendency to get painful splits on my fingertips in the winter, especially in the cuticle area. One day I was out of lotion and desperate so I put some Chapstick on the split on my finger. I was amazed when at how it immediately took the pain away and how quickly it healed it up too. Now when I go to the store I purchase two Chapsticks, one for my lips and another painful fingers.
- Contributed by Debbie Martello, 12th February 2013
- Contributed by Debbie Martello, 12th February 2013
Stunning Feet Without the Ped Egg
Approximate $ Savings: $68.15
After wearing thongs during summer my heels looked a little worse for wear so I had been thinking of buying a Ped Egg after seeing it advertised on TV and hearing about the 'excellent' results. The price (ha!) is what stopped me from ordering one: $59.95 plus $14.95 p&h total $74.90 and then there are replacement blades to buy: 2 @ $19.95 plus $2.95 p&h as the metal grater is only light and wears down quite quickly (I checked out a friend's). I thought there had to be a cheaper and better alternative. Yesterday I went to K Mart and investigated the kitchen gadget area. There I found an assortment of small kitchen graters with a handle; the sort to use for parmesan cheese, lemon/orange rind etc. I tested the blades with my hand and settled for the one made from the strongest metal which would be the most durable as well as having an easy to hold and strong handle which could easily be gripped. This was a small Wiltshire grater with a non slip rubberised handle. I promptly went home, sat on the edge of the bath and slowly and gently grated my heels to my heart's content. 5 minutes on each foot resulted in perfectly clean and smooth heels without any hard skin. I could not believe the excellent and easy results. It does the job better than the Ped Egg as the metal is stronger and the grating blades are sharper (I did not buy the one with the sharpest blades not wanting to cause any damage, but because there is a handle you can easily control the strength of the grating pressure) all for a total of $6.75 AND I bought the most expensive one as I wanted one that would last! The graters range from about $3.50 depending on the brand. I saved $68.15 plus the continual cost of replacement blades! Ok, so it does not have a container to hold the shavings in place but that is of minor importance as I had my feet inside the bath and the savings were washed away. I haven't investigated a smaller grater with a container, the kind you would use for spices, I am sure I could find an alternative. Having had a grater in my kitchen for nearly 20 years and with still another 20 years life in it, I think this little beauty, which I will only use in summer, will last me till the end of my days......and to think I was going to buy a Ped Egg!!
- Contributed by Genista, Port Adelaide, 15th April 2009
After wearing thongs during summer my heels looked a little worse for wear so I had been thinking of buying a Ped Egg after seeing it advertised on TV and hearing about the 'excellent' results. The price (ha!) is what stopped me from ordering one: $59.95 plus $14.95 p&h total $74.90 and then there are replacement blades to buy: 2 @ $19.95 plus $2.95 p&h as the metal grater is only light and wears down quite quickly (I checked out a friend's). I thought there had to be a cheaper and better alternative. Yesterday I went to K Mart and investigated the kitchen gadget area. There I found an assortment of small kitchen graters with a handle; the sort to use for parmesan cheese, lemon/orange rind etc. I tested the blades with my hand and settled for the one made from the strongest metal which would be the most durable as well as having an easy to hold and strong handle which could easily be gripped. This was a small Wiltshire grater with a non slip rubberised handle. I promptly went home, sat on the edge of the bath and slowly and gently grated my heels to my heart's content. 5 minutes on each foot resulted in perfectly clean and smooth heels without any hard skin. I could not believe the excellent and easy results. It does the job better than the Ped Egg as the metal is stronger and the grating blades are sharper (I did not buy the one with the sharpest blades not wanting to cause any damage, but because there is a handle you can easily control the strength of the grating pressure) all for a total of $6.75 AND I bought the most expensive one as I wanted one that would last! The graters range from about $3.50 depending on the brand. I saved $68.15 plus the continual cost of replacement blades! Ok, so it does not have a container to hold the shavings in place but that is of minor importance as I had my feet inside the bath and the savings were washed away. I haven't investigated a smaller grater with a container, the kind you would use for spices, I am sure I could find an alternative. Having had a grater in my kitchen for nearly 20 years and with still another 20 years life in it, I think this little beauty, which I will only use in summer, will last me till the end of my days......and to think I was going to buy a Ped Egg!!
- Contributed by Genista, Port Adelaide, 15th April 2009
Soap on Tap
Approximate $ Savings: $55.00 per year
Don't buy expensive degreaser hand wash for men to wash those hands after working outside or in the shed. Cut the legs out of a stocking, put a bar of soap in one (save the other for another time), tie a knot around the soap and hang it from the tap outside. You can use ordinary soap (I use the degreaser soap in the supermarket). It stops any mess in the sinks, the soap is always handy, it dries fast, as it is left hanging in the breeze and because its not in water all the time it lasts a long time. Best of all, those blokes can be clean before coming inside for lunch or dinner. I have a very messy husband who works with machinery. I use to go through approximately 3litres of degreaser hand wash per year. Now I use about 3-4 bars of soap.
- Contributed by Bonita, 27th December 2008
Don't buy expensive degreaser hand wash for men to wash those hands after working outside or in the shed. Cut the legs out of a stocking, put a bar of soap in one (save the other for another time), tie a knot around the soap and hang it from the tap outside. You can use ordinary soap (I use the degreaser soap in the supermarket). It stops any mess in the sinks, the soap is always handy, it dries fast, as it is left hanging in the breeze and because its not in water all the time it lasts a long time. Best of all, those blokes can be clean before coming inside for lunch or dinner. I have a very messy husband who works with machinery. I use to go through approximately 3litres of degreaser hand wash per year. Now I use about 3-4 bars of soap.
- Contributed by Bonita, 27th December 2008
Instant Nail Polish Remover
Approximate $ Savings: $25
When removing nail polish you go through so much remover and cotton pads. Try reusing a small bottle with a lid, A small used pill bottle is perfect. Cut an old clean sponge so that it fits tightly in the jar, car sponge is ideal. Cut a whole in the middle of the sponge so you can fit your finger into the middle of it. Then fill the jar with the cheapest nail polish remover you can find. Not only does this save money as the remover is reused over & over again and you don't need to buy cotton pads, It also saves so much time as you just dip your finger in and swipe it on the sponge. it is also perfect for traveling, no spills either. 1 bottle of remover lasted me all year this way.
- Contributed by Lisa, Macquarie Fields, 31st December 2008
When removing nail polish you go through so much remover and cotton pads. Try reusing a small bottle with a lid, A small used pill bottle is perfect. Cut an old clean sponge so that it fits tightly in the jar, car sponge is ideal. Cut a whole in the middle of the sponge so you can fit your finger into the middle of it. Then fill the jar with the cheapest nail polish remover you can find. Not only does this save money as the remover is reused over & over again and you don't need to buy cotton pads, It also saves so much time as you just dip your finger in and swipe it on the sponge. it is also perfect for traveling, no spills either. 1 bottle of remover lasted me all year this way.
- Contributed by Lisa, Macquarie Fields, 31st December 2008
Mummy's Mini Pedicure
Approximate $ Savings: Time and $40 per session
This tip is both a massive money saver and time saver - just in the spirit of a true Cheapskate!! When I'm bathing my son after a long day (sometimes on my feet all day) I add a squirt of baby oil and a drop or two of lavender oil and soak my feet in the tub while I'm playing with my son. When we're finished playing I dry my feet off, rub moisturizer into them and put on socks before finishing off the bath routine with my son. Voila!! Mini-pedicure, saving time and money, and it certainly makes my feet feel beautifully soft in the morning.
- Contributed by Alisha, Flynn, 25th March 2010
This tip is both a massive money saver and time saver - just in the spirit of a true Cheapskate!! When I'm bathing my son after a long day (sometimes on my feet all day) I add a squirt of baby oil and a drop or two of lavender oil and soak my feet in the tub while I'm playing with my son. When we're finished playing I dry my feet off, rub moisturizer into them and put on socks before finishing off the bath routine with my son. Voila!! Mini-pedicure, saving time and money, and it certainly makes my feet feel beautifully soft in the morning.
- Contributed by Alisha, Flynn, 25th March 2010
Squeeze the Tubes
Squeeze tubes of hand cream, shampoo or conditioner, foundation, whatever are convenient and hygienic but there's a lot of wastage in a tube. When you've squeezed every last drop you can from the tube cut the tube in half about half way down and you'll be amazed how much product is still in the top and bottom of the tube. By cutting it half way down you can slot the two halves together to stop what's left drying up. You'll save money by getting every last bit from the tube and make that favourite hand cream last just a little longer!
- Contributed by Charmaine, Hocking, 21st May 2010
- Contributed by Charmaine, Hocking, 21st May 2010
Save on Antiseptic Handwash
Instead of buying expensive antiseptic handwash i.e: Dettol, get a generic bottle of handwash and add 2 teaspoons of tea-tree oil and shake. One bottle of oil will last for about 6 bottles of handwash with a great saving.
- Contributed by Fay, Croydon, 11th September 2009
- Contributed by Fay, Croydon, 11th September 2009
Give Yourself a French Polish
Approximate $ Savings: $45.00
Do a French polish on your nails for next to nothing. Firstly, purchase a matt white nail polish. Remove any existing nail polish etc. Paint the tips only in the white polish. Let dry 5-10 minutes. Once dry, coat with a clear glossy nail varnish (I use Cutex top coat, approximately$6 from the chemist). For added protection, cover with two coats. To get this done professionally would cost about $45. Both polishes cost me under $15, and I get heaps of applications from these two bottles. Practice makes perfect, so give it a bit of time if your lines are a bit wobbly!
- Contributed by Judith, Greenwith, 3rd December 2009
Do a French polish on your nails for next to nothing. Firstly, purchase a matt white nail polish. Remove any existing nail polish etc. Paint the tips only in the white polish. Let dry 5-10 minutes. Once dry, coat with a clear glossy nail varnish (I use Cutex top coat, approximately$6 from the chemist). For added protection, cover with two coats. To get this done professionally would cost about $45. Both polishes cost me under $15, and I get heaps of applications from these two bottles. Practice makes perfect, so give it a bit of time if your lines are a bit wobbly!
- Contributed by Judith, Greenwith, 3rd December 2009
A Perfect Manicure
When applying nail polish if you get it around the edges of your nails allow to dry completely. Once dry get a wet face washer and gently rub the skin around your nails. This removes all excess nail polish on your skin only and your nails look professionally painted.
- Contributed by Shelley, West Wodonga, 10th October 2008
- Contributed by Shelley, West Wodonga, 10th October 2008
Instant Nail Polish Remover
Approximate $ Savings: $25
When removing nail polish you go through so much remover and cotton pads. Try reusing a small bottle with a lid, A small used pill bottle is perfect. Cut an old clean sponge so that it fits tightly in the jar, car sponge is ideal. Cut a whole in the middle of the sponge so you can fit your finger into the middle of it. Then fill the jar with the cheapest nail polish remover you can find. Not only does this save money as the remover is reused over & over again and you don't need to buy cotton pads, it also saves so much time as you just dip your finger in and swipe it on the sponge. It is also perfect for traveling, no spills either. One bottle of remover lasted me all year this way.
- Contributed by Lisa, Macquarie Fields
When removing nail polish you go through so much remover and cotton pads. Try reusing a small bottle with a lid, A small used pill bottle is perfect. Cut an old clean sponge so that it fits tightly in the jar, car sponge is ideal. Cut a whole in the middle of the sponge so you can fit your finger into the middle of it. Then fill the jar with the cheapest nail polish remover you can find. Not only does this save money as the remover is reused over & over again and you don't need to buy cotton pads, it also saves so much time as you just dip your finger in and swipe it on the sponge. It is also perfect for traveling, no spills either. One bottle of remover lasted me all year this way.
- Contributed by Lisa, Macquarie Fields
Deep Conditioning Hand Treatment
Approximate $ Savings: $20 to $40 per year
I have a great, really cheap, deep conditioning hand treatment that really works and costs literally cents each time. It is also good for my husband to remove grease and dirt on his hands after working on the car. Just put 1 teaspoon of sugar into the palm of your hand and add 1 teaspoon olive oil. Rub them together then add 1 squirt of liquid soap (home made liquid soap works well too), keep rubbing together making sure you get to all the dry areas e.g. the knuckles etc. Once the sugar is dissolved wash your hands under warm water and pat dry. This costs just a few cents and is so much better than any expensive shop bought hand treatment I have ever used. You don't even need to use handcream afterwards as the skin is re-hydrated and soft.
- Contributed by Ruthe, 8th August 2008
I have a great, really cheap, deep conditioning hand treatment that really works and costs literally cents each time. It is also good for my husband to remove grease and dirt on his hands after working on the car. Just put 1 teaspoon of sugar into the palm of your hand and add 1 teaspoon olive oil. Rub them together then add 1 squirt of liquid soap (home made liquid soap works well too), keep rubbing together making sure you get to all the dry areas e.g. the knuckles etc. Once the sugar is dissolved wash your hands under warm water and pat dry. This costs just a few cents and is so much better than any expensive shop bought hand treatment I have ever used. You don't even need to use handcream afterwards as the skin is re-hydrated and soft.
- Contributed by Ruthe, 8th August 2008
Gentle but Effective Hand Cleaner
Approximate $ Savings: Approx $20 per month (at work)
Grubby hands are something of a given in the nursery and gardening industries. Many "industrial" hand cleaners are very unkind to skin. I have discovered a very inexpensive yet effective and gentle method of removing even the most ingrained of dirt from my hands. I use liquid soap and a teaspoonful granulated sugar. Rub hands together, massaging mixture around and under nails, then rinse well. Repeat as necessary. At our nursery, we reused an empty, bulk sunscreen pump pack (label removed) and filled it with cheap shampoo instead of liquid soap. We have an ice-cream container of generic brand sugar placed beside it near the hand basin. One squirt of "soap" and a pinch of sugar usually does the trick. Use a soft nail brush if required. The sugar is remarkably gentle on the skin and leaves our hands feeling soft and lovely. This lasts four of us at least 6 weeks, and costs less than $1 per week, compared with $5-6 per week for harsh, commercial products.
- Contributed by Simone, Eureka, 12th August 2008
Grubby hands are something of a given in the nursery and gardening industries. Many "industrial" hand cleaners are very unkind to skin. I have discovered a very inexpensive yet effective and gentle method of removing even the most ingrained of dirt from my hands. I use liquid soap and a teaspoonful granulated sugar. Rub hands together, massaging mixture around and under nails, then rinse well. Repeat as necessary. At our nursery, we reused an empty, bulk sunscreen pump pack (label removed) and filled it with cheap shampoo instead of liquid soap. We have an ice-cream container of generic brand sugar placed beside it near the hand basin. One squirt of "soap" and a pinch of sugar usually does the trick. Use a soft nail brush if required. The sugar is remarkably gentle on the skin and leaves our hands feeling soft and lovely. This lasts four of us at least 6 weeks, and costs less than $1 per week, compared with $5-6 per week for harsh, commercial products.
- Contributed by Simone, Eureka, 12th August 2008
Silky Soft Hands and Feet From Unused Skincare
I have 'difficult' skin and have consequently bought countless products to try and 'normalise' it. When I moved house recently, I saw dozens of pots, jars and tubes that I had amassed over the years and not used all of the product. Like all good Cheapskaters, I cannot bear wastage, so I now leave a moisturiser next to the bed and one in the living area near the computer and TV for use on my hands and feet. I am slowly but surely working my way through my unwanted facial moisturisers and my hands and feet feel great.
- Contributed by Jane, Goulbourn, 28th March 2008
- Contributed by Jane, Goulbourn, 28th March 2008
Cuticle Oil from the Pantry
Approximate $ Savings: $15
Instead of paying $15+ for a small 15ml bottle cuticle of cuticle oil I now use olive oil instead, it does the trick and is a lot cheaper.
- Contributed by Katherine, North Nowra, 20th May 2008
Instead of paying $15+ for a small 15ml bottle cuticle of cuticle oil I now use olive oil instead, it does the trick and is a lot cheaper.
- Contributed by Katherine, North Nowra, 20th May 2008
Never Ending Liquid Soap
Approximate $ Savings: $10-$15 a month
1 Bar laundry soap and 1 litre of water in a jug. Just leave over night. Use and continue topping the jug with the water. 1 bar of soap can last for several months. Put some in 3 containers: 1 for the bathroom, 1 in the laundry and 1 in the kitchen area so you will not need to run to the other rooms to grab the bottle.
- Contributed by Yvonne, Blacktown, 18th January 2008
1 Bar laundry soap and 1 litre of water in a jug. Just leave over night. Use and continue topping the jug with the water. 1 bar of soap can last for several months. Put some in 3 containers: 1 for the bathroom, 1 in the laundry and 1 in the kitchen area so you will not need to run to the other rooms to grab the bottle.
- Contributed by Yvonne, Blacktown, 18th January 2008
Split the Tube
Approximate $ Savings: $2-$3
When you can't squeeze any more cream from hand cream tubes or similar, cut the tubes in half and you can scoop out loads more cream. Use the cut off half of tube to fit over the other half, it keeps contents airtight - you will be amazed how much extra you are able to squeeze from an "empty" tube.
- Contributed by Rosalind, Wagin, 23rd February 2008
When you can't squeeze any more cream from hand cream tubes or similar, cut the tubes in half and you can scoop out loads more cream. Use the cut off half of tube to fit over the other half, it keeps contents airtight - you will be amazed how much extra you are able to squeeze from an "empty" tube.
- Contributed by Rosalind, Wagin, 23rd February 2008
Frugal Family Hand Wash
Approximate $ Savings: $16-$20 per month
My family uses liquid handwash a lot. It was costing a lot and the bathing soap scraps left at the end were always thrown out which was frustrating because they always ended up in the shower drain. So to stop the wasting of bathing soap and to save money on the hand wash, I bought a pretty looking soap dispenser from Overflow for $2.00.then I filled the bottle with water and left the soap pieces in it. Wollah!! instant liquid hand wash and no wastage of the soap pieces. Now all we do is top the dispenser with water. I've been trying this for a month and its working greatly.
- Contributed by Sushil, Woodridge, 11th July 2007
My family uses liquid handwash a lot. It was costing a lot and the bathing soap scraps left at the end were always thrown out which was frustrating because they always ended up in the shower drain. So to stop the wasting of bathing soap and to save money on the hand wash, I bought a pretty looking soap dispenser from Overflow for $2.00.then I filled the bottle with water and left the soap pieces in it. Wollah!! instant liquid hand wash and no wastage of the soap pieces. Now all we do is top the dispenser with water. I've been trying this for a month and its working greatly.
- Contributed by Sushil, Woodridge, 11th July 2007
Homemade Solvol
Put a scoop of brown sugar in your hand and a few squirts of cheap liquid soap to use as a 'Solvol' type of hand cleaner. It cleans and exfoliates at the same time. - Contributed by Maryann, 17th January, 2006
Cross Another Thing off The Shopping List
Instead of buying Solvol or other items for really greasy hands for the gardener or mechanic, make a paste of a bit of washing powder and water and wash your hands in that, it does the job and you dont have to waste money buying Solvol, etc.
- Contributed by September 2007
- Contributed by September 2007
Using from the Outside First
Approximate $ Savings: $2
Use liquid soaps and detergents from the OUTSIDE of the bottle first. The liquid soaps and detergents for bathroom, laundry and kitchen will always have some degree of leakage from around the nozzle or down the side of the bottle. Using this leakage as you wash can clean the bottles and extend their useful life by 5-10%. If you put in the sink or basin plug then run the detergent bottle under the tap, you will find lots of frothy bubbles form and you need to squeeze out less soap or detergent. You will avoid a leaky soap ring at the basin or sink, and there is less volume of water needed to do the final rinse as well.
- Contributed by Susie, South Yarra, 30th October 2007
Use liquid soaps and detergents from the OUTSIDE of the bottle first. The liquid soaps and detergents for bathroom, laundry and kitchen will always have some degree of leakage from around the nozzle or down the side of the bottle. Using this leakage as you wash can clean the bottles and extend their useful life by 5-10%. If you put in the sink or basin plug then run the detergent bottle under the tap, you will find lots of frothy bubbles form and you need to squeeze out less soap or detergent. You will avoid a leaky soap ring at the basin or sink, and there is less volume of water needed to do the final rinse as well.
- Contributed by Susie, South Yarra, 30th October 2007
Cheaper Handwash
Approximate $ Savings: $10
Instead of spending mega $$$ on hand wash in the supermarket, why not go to a $2 shop and buy a 1 litre bottle of shampoo for $2, use as refills for your old 500ml containers, doing the same job on your hands, if not better!
- Contributed by Rhonda, Bedford, 5th September 2007
Instead of spending mega $$$ on hand wash in the supermarket, why not go to a $2 shop and buy a 1 litre bottle of shampoo for $2, use as refills for your old 500ml containers, doing the same job on your hands, if not better!
- Contributed by Rhonda, Bedford, 5th September 2007
Scented Hand Wash
The Reject Shop sells banana, bubblegum and raspberry bubble bath for $2 a 1 litre bottle. Franklins sell it for almost $4. I bought the $2 banana one and poured it into old hand wash pump bottles and have one for the bathroom and laundry. This is just to wash the hands, not tried on mechanic hands.
- Contributed by Katrina, Heathcote, 8th September 2007
- Contributed by Katrina, Heathcote, 8th September 2007
Luxurious Foot Treatment
Here's a very easy, very cheap and very effective treatment to moisturize dry and cracked feet. Cover them with vegetable oil, and then wrap them in warm, wet towels for approximately 10 minutes. If your feet are very badly cracked, this is a simple treatment you can do at home once a week
Colour Co-ordinated Hand Soap
I buy Homebrand liquid soap and add a drop or two of food colouring and dilute with a little water and hey presto liquid soap that co-ordinates with my bathroom/mood.
- Contributed by Sharon, Flagstone, April 13th 2005
- Contributed by Sharon, Flagstone, April 13th 2005
That Bleachy Smell
To counteract bleach on your hands or other places, rinse with a little vinegar. The two react together to harmlessly form water. You have to move quickly though for it to work on clothing or anything that will absorb the bleach. Tip: Any acid such as lemon juice would work the same, though not as cheaply as vinegar.
Overnight Hand Care
Give your hands and nails an intensive moisture treatment once a week. Slather them with Sorbolene and glycerine cream and wear a pair of cotton gloves to bed. The Sorbolene and glycerine will moisturise your hands, cuticles and nails, aided by the warmth created from wearing the cotton gloves. Your hands will stay smooth, supple and young.
Stained Nails
If your fingernails are stained from constant nail polish, smoking or dirt, use hydrogen peroxide as inexpensive nail bleach.
'Free' Fingernail Brush
When washing your hair, before you rinse off the shampoo run your fingernails through your hair a few times. Then rinse.
Get Those Lids Off
If the lid of your favourite nail polish is stuck fast, put the bottle in the microwave for a few seconds. It will come off easily and without effort.
Old Fashioned Lavender Water
60g fresh lavender heads, 1 litre spring water. Heat the water and put in a jar with the lavender heads. Shake well and leave the jar somewhere sunny for 24 hours. Filter the lavender out using a coffee filter. Store in an atomizer, which can be bought from discount stores or bottle in fridge another nice gift for Nanna or Grandma.
- Contributed by Cathy, Jannali, April 7th, 2005
- Contributed by Cathy, Jannali, April 7th, 2005
Quick ‘n’ Easy Luscious Handcream
When using any aromatherapy oils, always make sure you use 100%pure essential oils. Here is a nice easy hand cream recipe: CARRIER/BASE OIL ...20 mls avocado oil &10 mls peach kernel oil. Add ESSENTIAL OILS: lavender 7 drops, sandalwood 4 drops, geranium 4 drops. With aroma oils: rule for mixing is whatever quantity of carrier oil you use, you use 1/2 the number value in total drops of oils e.g. 30 mls carrier oils = 15 total drops of essential oils. The carrier oils I suggested are fabulous for skin... they help the dryness as well as helping skin irritations. If keen on coconut oil, use 10 ml of each of the above 2 carrier oils and 10 ml coconut oil. The blend of the 3 essential oils will also help with skin conditions, stress, energy levels and relaxation.
- Contributed by Nina, Northern Suburbs, April 22nd, 2005
- Contributed by Nina, Northern Suburbs, April 22nd, 2005
Hand/Body Lotion
50ml un-perfumed lotion or a base body lotion (sorbolene cream can be used) 10 drops diluted lavender oil 5 drops pure palmarosa essential oil Stir well to blend in oils and store in small cosmetic pot. Decorate with ribbons for gifts.
- Contributed by Cathy, Jannali, April 7th, 2005
- Contributed by Cathy, Jannali, April 7th, 2005
Lavender Moisturizing Cream
2 cups boiling water, Coffee filter paper, 2 tspn lanolin, pinch of borax, 2 cups of lavender flowers,1 tspn beeswax, 8 tspns almond oil, screw top jars. Make an infusion by pouring the boiling water over the lavender flowers. Cover and leave for 30 mins. Strain the infusion through coffee filter paper. Melt the wax in an enamel double boiler, and then beat in the lanolin and oil. Add a pinch of borax to the strained infusion and reheat without boiling. Remove the wax mixture from the heat and slowly whisk in the infusion. Continue to beat the mixture until smooth cream is achieved. Beat the mixture until it cools, then scoop into jars and cover with pretty cloths for presents.
- Contributed by Robyne, Goolwa, April 24th, 2005
- Contributed by Robyne, Goolwa, April 24th, 2005
General Hand/Face/Body Cream
This cream can be used for a nappy cream or as a general hand/body/face cream. 1 1/2 cups Aloe Vera gel 1 1/2 teaspoons lanolin 1 1/2 teaspoons vitamin e oil 1/3 cup coconut oil 1 oz beeswax 3/4 cup almond oil/olive oil (whichever you prefer) 1 1/2 tsp essential oil of your choice 2 tablespoons milk powder (any sort of milk powder). The Aloe Vera gel is easy to find in health food shops. The lanolin can be found in pharmacies. For the vitamin e oil - just stab a vitamin e capsule - that's enough. BTW the vitamin e oil acts as an antioxidant/preservative. Beeswax - use what you can find - I get mine from a beekeeper, grate it and then use. Choice of oil is up to you, use lighter oils for baby cream and facial, use heavier/treatment oils for body and hands. Most essential oils go well with this. Milk powder - I use goats milk powder (health food shop), you can use any milk powder though. Use a wire whisk to mix. In a bowl, mix the Aloe Vera gel and the lanolin and vitamin e oil. In another bowl melt the coconut oil/almond oil and beeswax over a saucepan of hot water (on your stove). Stir to make sure all of the beeswax is melted. When it's all melted slowly pour the hot oils/wax into the Aloe Vera mix. Stir all the time; keep stirring until it is beginning to thicken. Add the milk powder and essential oil. Pour or ladle the cream into jars. It will thicken up lots as it cools. This will keep for about 6 months.
Contributed by Kay, Dianella, April 6th, 2005
Contributed by Kay, Dianella, April 6th, 2005
Hand Cream
3 Tablespoons Almond Oil 3 Tablespoons Apricot Oil 2 Tablespoons Beeswax 4 Tablespoons Glycerin 5 drops geranium essential Oil (sandalwood if your skin is very dry) 10 drops lavender essential Oil (5 frankincense and 5 benzoin or myrrh if your skin is very dry) Melt almond oil, apricot oil and beeswax in a double boiler until the beeswax has melted. Remove from heat. Drizzle glycerin into the hot oil mixture, stirring all the time, until it reaches room temperature and has thickened with the appearance of cream. Add essential oils, stir and store in a clean jar.
- Contributed by Kay, Dianella, April 6th, 2005
- Contributed by Kay, Dianella, April 6th, 2005
Egg Hand Cream
This is one that I use and is cheap as most of the ingredients are already in your home. 1 egg yolk, 1/4 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup sunflower oil, 2 tspn lemon juice, 6drops of Lavender oil. Whisk yolk and lemon juice. slowly add oils still whisking and finally lavender oil to perfume. Whisk until thick and creamy. The cream will keep for a long time in fridge.
- Contributed by Robyne, Goolwa, April 24th, 2005
- Contributed by Robyne, Goolwa, April 24th, 2005
Face Cream
CARRIER/BASE OIL ...20 mls avocado oil &10 mls peach kernel oil. Add ESSENTIAL OILS: lavender 7 drops, chamomile 4 drops, frankincense 4 drops. In aroma blends it is common to use more than 1 essential oil to maximise benefits. Bottle in dark glass bottle and keep away from heat and light. As you can see I love my aroma oils, they have enhanced my life....hope you all ENJOY:))
Contributed by Nina, Northern Suburbs, April 22nd, 2005
Contributed by Nina, Northern Suburbs, April 22nd, 2005