At bh, we’re the first to fawn over fancy new products, but the best beauty weapons can also have more humble origins. Like the orange peel, ice is one of those game-changers you never knew you needed. And the best part about it? It doesn’t cost a cent. From reducing the pain of plucking to tightening up your skin, here are five ways to use it in your daily routine…
#1 Tighten up your skin
Once you’ve finished your nighttime skincare routine, wrap a few ice cubes in a paper towel or washcloth and gently rub it across your face for a few minutes. This will help to tighten your skin, reduce the appearance of pores and shrink fine lines and wrinkles before you go to sleep. It’ll also promote blood circulation, which is essential for skin renewal. Just be sure not to apply the ice directly to your face, as this can damage capillaries.
#2 Shrink puffy eyes
Are last night’s festivities all-too evident in your eye area? No problem! Simply make a cup of skin-soothing green tea and stick it in an ice tray. Once frozen, wrap the cubes in a towel and rub the bundle under your eyes to reduce puffiness. Too lazy to make tea? Freeze a couple of wet cotton pads instead (they work just like a cucumber).
#3 Reduce redness
Using spot treatment such as Clean & Clear Advantage Fast Clearing Spot Gel or Natio Acne Clear Spot Natio Antibacterial Spot Treatment is an effective way to treat pimples, but rubbing an ice cube over the affected may help to shrink them, as well as reduce redness. It’ll also work to numb the area, reducing the soreness associated with those pesky side-of-the-nose or chin zits. #thestruggleisreal
#4 Pluck, minus the pain
When shaping my brows, it doesn’t take much of a pull to make my eyes water. To combat this, I’ll often rub an ice cube over the hairs before I yank them out. Not only does it numb the area and prevent pain, but it also helps to reduce any swelling and redness in the aftermath – meaning you won’t have to hide out for two hours.
#5 Soothe sunburn
This tip’s not as handy in the cooler months, but believe me when I say you’ll be grateful for it when the temperature rises. To reduce the sting of sunburn, just pour some aloe vera gel (we like Thursday Plantation Aloe Vera Gel and Natralus 100% Pure Aloe Vera Gel) into an ice cube tray with water and pop it in the freezer. Then, wrap the cubes in a towel and rub them on your burnt bits for instant relief.
Do you use ice in your beauty routine? What other DIY beauty wonders do you recommend?
