MAX OUT YOUR COTTON PADS

MAKE THE MOST OF THIS VERSATILE BEAUTY TOOL.

Portrait of Tammy Strobel

MAKE THE MOST OF THIS VERSATILE BEAUTY TOOL.

Cotton pads may be one of the best inventions in the beauty world. Not only are they cheap, but they also have multiple functions. While they’re widely used to apply toner and remove nail polish, they have other roles in your skincare routine that you may not know about. Here are five. 

USE AS A MASK 

Ran out of facial masks? Why not soak some cotton pads in your skin conditioner or moisturising toner and place a few pieces on your face to double up as a facial mask? Concentrate on drier or rougher areas, such as your cheeks, forehead and chin. 

USE AS A HANDY MAKEUP REMOVER

When travelling, soak cotton pads with micellar water or cleansing water and place them in a ziplock bag, so you can remove your makeup mid-flight without lugging a bottle of makeup remover. This is a cheaper alternative compared to buying cleansing sheets, especially if you are travelling only for a weekend. 

USE TO PRE-SOAK YOUR TONER 

If you find it a hassle to bring a bottle of toner along when travelling, simply soak a couple pieces of cotton pads with the solution and seal them in a small ziplock bag. This will ensure the pads don’t dry up by the time you reach your destination. 

USE TO APPLY POWDER 

Do you always end up applying too much powder, no matter how light- handed you try to be? Here’s a tip: Separate the cotton pad into two sections and place translucent powder in between the two sheets. Then, use the cotton pad to lightly dust your face to control the amount of powder deposited. 

USE TO CONTOUR 

Pick up some shading product in the middle of the cotton pad, and then fold the piece in half. Use the folded edge to contour your nose. Be careful not to pick up too much product at once! 

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