There are the glam hacks you see on Instagram and then there are the small, smart habits that actually make you look and feel better every day. The kind that protect your skin, your budget, and your peace. Below are the underrated beauty rules I swear by — a mix of science, skincare, and common sense (with a few freebies thrown in).
Let’s get into it.
1. Get Your Free Samples — Yes, It’s a Thing
If you’re not taking advantage of free samples at Sephora and Lush, you’re missing out. At Sephora, you can get up to three free samples per category (skincare, fragrance, foundation) per visit — no purchase required. Just ask politely and be specific (e.g., “Can I try a sample of the Farmacy Honey Halo moisturizer?”).
A while back, a friend showed me the ropes, ::cue ‘A Whole New World’:: and I’ve had a Sephora sample stash ever since.
At Lush, if you’re interested in a product, but not ready to commit, ask for a small sample to test at home — especially masks, scrubs, or moisturizers. They’re usually generous if you show genuine interest.
Pro tip: Bring a tiny reusable container in case they’re out of pre-packed samples.
2. If Your Thighs Rub, Don’t Suffer — Prevent the Chafe
Chafing isn’t a “you” problem, it’s a friction problem, and it happens to so many people regardless of size. To stay smooth and irritation-free:
- Use a chafe balm like Megababe Thigh Rescue or Monistat Chafing Gel.
- In a pinch? A tiny bit of Aquaphor or Vaseline works.
- Want to smell good while doing it? Try Lush’s Silky Underwear dusting powder.
Bonus: these products also work on under-girlies sweat or anywhere you get sticky in the summer.
3. Drink Water Like It’s Your Job
Yes, yes, you’ve heard it before — but are you really doing it?
Hydrated skin is calmer, plumper, and less prone to flare-ups. Keep a large glass or stainless-steel water bottle on your desk and treat water like it’s part of your skincare routine, not an afterthought.
4. Don’t Touch Your Face — Seriously
You can do every step of your routine right and still break out if you’re constantly resting your hand on your chin or picking at your skin without realizing it. Keep your hands off your face unless they’re clean and intentional.
5. Straws and Plastic Cups? Not So Cute Long-Term
Frequent straw use can contribute to fine lines around the mouth (think “smoker’s lines”), and sipping from plastic can introduce hormone-disrupting chemicals — especially if that cup’s been sitting in the heat.
Switch to glassware at home and stainless steel or glass water bottles when you’re out.
6. Your Nails Deserve a Break, Too
Press-ons, gels, dip powder — we love them. But your natural nails need air and recovery time. After two full nail sets, give your nails a break for 1–2 weeks. Oil your cuticles, wear a strengthening base coat, and let them breathe.
7. Everything Showers Are the Reset You Didn’t Know You Needed
Pick a day once a week to do it all: exfoliate, shave, deep condition, body oil, face mask, full skincare routine, and yes — even flossing and hydrating after.
It’s part hygiene, part ritual. And when life feels chaotic, an everything shower brings structure, clarity, and softness back to your day.
8. Picking Pimples? Don’t. Just Don’t.
If it’s hard to resist, cover it with a pimple patch immediately. Not only does it help it heal faster, but it also keeps your hands from getting in the way.
Note: Extractor tools can still cause damage and scarring if you’re not trained to use them — so avoid unless you really know what you’re doing.
But did you know, you can use a pimple patch to get rid of post-acne hyperpigmentation with a quickness? Take a vitamin c serum, apply it with a q-tip, and cover with a pimple patch overnight.
9. Floss the Teeth You Want to Keep
A bright smile and clear skin go hand-in-hand — literally. Poor oral hygiene can affect your overall health, including acne, inflammation, and confidence. Floss daily. Your skin (and dentist) will thank you.
10. Slow Is Smooth — Especially with Foundation
Instead of applying a heavy base and caking on concealer, try this:
- Use a small brush to slowly and gently tap on your foundation, focusing on areas that need it most.
- Then, go in with concealer only where you need extra coverage (under eyes, around the nose, spots).
It gives a natural, blurred finish that looks effortless and polished.
11. Hair Thinning? Nature Has You Covered — Fast
If your edges are thinning or your part is starting to look a little wider than you remember, massage a little rosemary oil or Jamaican black castor oil into your scalp every night — especially along your hairline or thinning spots.
It works. A little too well, honestly.
I usually stop after a week — not because I’m inconsistent, but because I suddenly can’t figure out where the thinning was to begin with. That’s how fast it fills in. Just go easy on the amount — these oils are rich and a little goes a long way.
Final Thoughts
Beauty isn’t about how much you spend or how trendy your routine is. It’s the small, consistent habits that protect your skin, body, and self-esteem. Whether it’s refusing to pick that pimple, hydrating like you mean it, or getting your samples before you commit — the real glow-up is in the details.
Let your routine work smarter, not harder — and don’t forget: free samples are your right.
What are your beauty tips/hacks? Feel free to share them below. The people want to know~
Lence in Layers 