What are your top 'beauty secrets' that are free and just require a small change in technique or routine? Anything for hair, skin, or general hygiene

I’ve shared a few of these with my friends over the years, and I’ve picked up some great ones from them too. I wanted to put them all in one list—please share yours as well!

  • It is very likely that you aren’t fully washing off your makeup or SPF, which leads to buildup and breakouts. I use whatever facial oil I have to break down the product first, massage it in, and then wipe it away with a washcloth. After that, I follow up with a cleanser or a makeup cloth to get the stubborn residue. I usually still see a bit of foundation on the cloth even after the first step!

  • I’ve mentioned this before, but I have very fine, oily hair. I used to wash it daily because it got greasy so fast. Now, I can go two or three days between washes by drying my roots immediately after the shower and applying dry shampoo right away. I also put some on before bed. My hair finally has volume and holds its shape the next day! My stylist told me it’s better to apply dry shampoo to clean hair so it can absorb oil as it’s produced, rather than trying to fix greasy hair later.

  • Most people know the vagina is self-cleaning, but you still need to wash the labia and the perianal area. You can use just water and a cloth for the front, but the back definitely needs soap—just be sure to rinse well. I use a mild, fragrance-free soap for both areas since I have sensitive skin and haven’t had any issues. I’ve had to tell more men than I’d like to ‘wash your butt,’ so I think everyone needs to hear this!

  • I used to think that soapy water running down my body was enough to clean my back and feet, but it’s not! Those areas get sweaty and need actual scrubbing. You’ll notice a huge difference in how clean you feel and smell once you actually wash them.

  • I can’t recommend sunscreen enough. It has made my skin clearer, smoother, and much less red. I personally prefer mineral sunscreens because chemical ones feel too greasy on my skin.

I’d love to hear your simple tips!

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I stop touching my hair as soon as I get out of the shower. I just put in some serum and leave it alone. My natural waves look so much better now that they aren’t constantly being frizzed up.

I’m not sure if this counts, but stopping all the ‘hacks’ actually helped my hair the most. It was very thin and short, so I decided to just leave it be. I only brush it when it’s wet, wash it once a week, and use a cheap oil on the ends. Stopping all the random masks and treatments made it grow back much thicker and longer.

I always put oil on my cuticles while I’m watching TV or on a break at work. Massaging it in is very relaxing, and I rub the leftover oil into my hands to keep them looking soft. Even if you don’t paint your nails, keeping your hands moisturized makes a big difference in how they look and how you feel. People at work ask me about it often, so I thought it was worth sharing.