Life hacks have gained immense popularity as they offer an easy way to simplify everyday tasks. However, when it comes to women, there are certain unique challenges and experiences that they face. Women have concerns related to their safety, tend to experiment more with makeup, and their bodies demand more care. To help ease their everyday struggles, we have created a comprehensive list of over 40 life hacks that are specifically tailored for women.
Use Rubber Bands for Manicures
A lot of individuals believe that achieving a professional-grade manicure is beyond their reach as they may not have the necessary brush skills. Nevertheless, achieving perfect French tips doesn’t require the finesse of a trained manicurist.
All you need to do is to put a rubber band on your fingernail and then start painting your nails. However, be patient and wait for the polish to dry before taking off the band, in order to avoid ruining your flawless manicure.
Use Dryer Sheets on Deodorant Marks
Feeling disappointed is normal when you think you’ve selected the best attire, but later on discover unsightly deodorant stains that ruin the whole ensemble. Luckily, eliminating these marks is not that difficult, so you can still flaunt your preferred look despite the setback.
To get rid of the deodorant stain, use a dryer sheet and rub it onto the mark until it disappears. If you do not have a dryer sheet within reach, an alternative is to rub the material on itself, but it is best to use this as a last option since it can potentially stretch or crease the material.
Cover Sink Drains
If a piece of jewelry drops into the sink, do not attempt to catch it. Instead, place your hand over the drain. The reality is that unless you possess the rapid reflexes of a skilled athlete like Serena Williams, it is unlikely that you will be able to catch the jewelry as it falls.
If you are not fast enough, you can still prevent your jewelry from going down the drain by covering it beforehand. It’s advisable to use a net to cover the drain to allow water to pass through while keeping your valuable items safe.
Buy Men’s Products
Buying men’s versions of certain products can be both cost-effective and efficient. For instance, men’s razors are less expensive than women’s razors, and the only noticeable difference is that they are not pink. Likewise, men’s deodorants tend to be superior in quality.
Although women’s deodorant has fragrances such as ‘Lily’ and ‘Morning Dew’, it may not be as effective as men’s antiperspirant in terms of its primary function.
Shave With Baby Oil
One can opt for baby oil instead of shaving cream since it is less expensive and provides better moisturization. Also, baby oil is gentle enough to maintain your razor’s blades and to ensure durability. Just immerse your razor in baby oil after each usage.
In case you dislike baby oil, conditioner can be used as an alternative to shaving cream. It will offer a smooth shave and leave your skin feeling smooth as well.
Sit on the Toilet Backward
Although a long puffy dress can give you a princess-like appearance, it can make restroom usage uncomfortable and even embarrassing. To prevent any mishaps or discomfort, sit on the toilet facing the tank instead.
By doing this, you can have a clear view of what is happening at the back of your dress instead of having to awkwardly touch around your back and simply wishing that everything is fine.
Don’t Use Ice Cubes
We understand the desire to have a refreshing cold beverage on a hot day, but sometimes ice cubes dilute the taste. To enjoy a chilled drink without compromising its flavor, you can fill an ice tray with the drink and freeze it.
You can create iced coffee by using coffee cubes that were previously frozen. Additionally, for alcoholic beverages, you can add frozen grapes to your drink; it’s even better if you eat the grapes later on!
Use Velvet Scrunchies
For a valid reason, scrunchies are making a significant resurgence nowadays. They do not pull the hair like elastic hair ties, which means that those who wear scrunchies are less likely to experience hair loss.
In addition, using a scrunchie to tie a ponytail will result in a less rigid grip, which helps in reducing bumps and achieving a smoother hairstyle. Velvet is particularly suitable for all types of hair due to its gentle texture, thus making velvet scrunchies the most optimal choice.
Light Candles With Spaghetti
Even if your most loved candle has been used completely, you don’t have to stop using it. There’s an easy and safe way to light the candle without hurting yourself, and we’re not talking about using your fingers.
To light the harder-to-reach candles, you can utilize an uncooked spaghetti noodle as a substitute for a long match. Additionally, you could light a piece of paper and use it, but we advise being extra careful as the flame may spread rapidly through the paper.
Use the Bathroom After These Activities
Promptly using the washroom after particular activities is essential to maintain a woman’s wellbeing. It is imperative to do so after being intimate, to eliminate any bacteria and prevent any infections. Also, it is necessary to use the restroom after taking a bath.
If you enjoy using bubbles or oils while taking a bath, it is especially important to use the restroom within half an hour after doing so, although it is advisable to do it earlier.
Use Hairspray on Tights
Even if you are very elegant and composed, there is always a chance of getting a tear in your stockings. Although we cannot completely prevent this from occurring, we can certainly decrease the likelihood of it happening.
After putting on your tights, you can apply hairspray to them to strengthen the fibers and reduce the chances of tearing. In case your tights have already ripped and you wish to prevent the hole from increasing, you can use clear nail polish on the opposite side of the tear.
Rub Smelly Hands on Stainless Steel
When it comes to foods like garlic and onions, we encounter a significant dilemma. While we desire to include these ingredients in our dishes, we are conscious that it will result in an unpleasant odor lingering on us for the remainder of the day.
Fortunately, there exists an uncomplicated remedy for this problem. Once you are done cutting onions and garlic, you can simply rub your hands against some stainless steel surface, such as your sink or faucet, or any metal surface that is effective for this purpose. The scent will adhere to the steel and eliminate the odor from your hands.
Keep Kitty Litter in Your Car
We strongly suggest purchasing a bag of cat litter and keeping it in your vehicle, even if you don’t have a cat. This can come in handy if your car becomes stuck in the snow as the cat litter can provide the necessary traction to free your tires.
In addition, car windows can be de-fogged by utilizing kitty litter. All you have to do is pack it into a sock, place it on the dashboard, and wait for it to soak up the dampness. Since you are already planning to purchase kitty litter, maybe consider adopting a cat as well?
Put Clumpy Mascara in Hot Water
In case your mascara is becoming lumpy or dry, you can submerge the container in a cup of warm water for a few minutes to fix it. If you want to completely cleanse the brush, leave it in hot water for 15 minutes.
As we proceed, do not follow the commonly given beauty advice of pressing your mascara wand repeatedly in the tube before applying it. This process leads to the formation of lumps instead of removing them. In its place, rotate the mascara wand in the tube before using it on your lashes.
Use Dryer Sheets on Frizzy Hair
If you have been unsuccessful in using your hair products to control frizziness and flyaways, you could consider trying your laundry products instead. Dryer sheets are highly effective in taming frizzy hair!
To reduce static or flyaways in your hair, try using a dryer sheet on your hairbrush. Hair has a negative charge, while dryer sheets are positively charged. Therefore, the application of a dryer sheet will lead to a tamed and sleek hairstyle.
Put Pads on Underwear Before Showering
We are all familiar with the stressful moment of trying to leave the shower while on your period and feeling rushed to put on your pad before time runs out. Fortunately, there is a simpler solution to the frantic process of sticking the pad onto your underwear and then onto your body before it’s too late.
Instead, affix your pad onto your underwear prior to showering and keep it on the countertop until you finish. This will enable you to have your underwear and pad combination readily available as soon as you finish showering.
Use Ice Cubes on Wrinkled Clothes
Don’t abandon wearing a specific outfit if it’s wrinkled and you don’t own an iron. Rather, you can place the clothes in the dryer with two to four ice cubes and run it for around 10 minutes.
The ice cubes will melt in the dryer, creating an effect similar to that of a steamer. Bonus points for the fact that, with this method, you won’t have to worry about iron marks!
Put Bracelets on With Tape
Trying to put on a bracelet alone can feel like a dog chasing its tail, as the chain just goes around and around your wrist, seemingly impossible to catch. For those who don’t have someone at home to help them put their bracelet on, or if you simply want to demonstrate your independence, use tape to hold your jewelry in place while you work the clasp.
This way, you’ll always leave the house fully accessorized but without the frustration of fighting with your bracelet all morning.
Coat Jewelry With Nail Polish
We highly suggest coating costume jewelry with clear nail polish. The nail polish will act as a protective layer, preventing your jewelry from getting discolored and chipped.
Also, if you’re one of those people whose skin turns green from the metals in costume jewelry, then the nail polish will help out with that as well. It’ll act as a shield between the jewelry and your skin, so you don’t wind up looking like a well-accessorized version of the Hulk.
Buy Men’s Shirts
If you’re buying just a simple t-shirt, there’s absolutely no reason to pay the extra price that comes with being a woman. Men’s clothing is often cheaper than women’s clothes and when it comes to a basic t-shirt, there’s really no difference between those meant for males or females.
Trust us, no one will be able to tell if your top came from the men’s section of the store. No one except your wallet, of course.
Use Deodorant as Pepper Spray
Not everyone likes the idea of carrying around pepper spray and, more to the point, the product isn’t legal everywhere. However, you probably carry deodorant in your purse for freshening up on a hot day.
Simply switch stick or roll-on deodorant for a spray and you’ll be able to use it as a substitute for pepper spray in an emergency situation. Hopefully, the only emergency you’ll actually need deodorant for is sweat marks.
Get Your Pants Tailored
Tailored pants can truly make all the difference in a person’s appearance. That same pair of jeans can make you look either chic or frumpy, depending on how well they fit you.
If money’s tight, just buy a few cheaper pairs of basic pants and invest the money on tailoring those – rather than spending a lot of cash on several pairs of expensive pants. Trust us, those cheaper jeans will end up looking like they’re designer – if they fit you just right!
Unjam Zippers With Soap or ChapStick
A jammed zipper can make even the calmest person start to panic. It’s hard not to imagine needing to cut yourself out of your clothes the moment your zipper gets stuck. But, before you reach for the scissors, grab a bar of soap instead.
Rubbing soap over the zipper should create enough lubrication to get it unstuck. If you’re on the go, use ChapStick instead. The waxy substance will have the same effect as a soap bar. No outfits need to be harmed in this process.
Avoid Rust Rings With Nail Polish
No, you’re not imagining things, nail polish really is the answer to many of life’s problems. Yet another use for this product is to avoid rust rings around the house. Anyone who has a lot of toiletries in their bathroom has dealt with those dreaded rust rings.
Next time, simply coat the bottom of the can or bottle in nail polish and that’ll act as a shield between the toiletry and the bathroom’s surfaces.
Store Money in a ChapStick Tube
Finding a safe place to keep your money can be difficult, especially if you’re traveling. The best way to ensure pickpockets won’t come after your cash is by storing it somewhere completely unexpected. For example, inside a ChapStick tube!
No one will find it odd that you have some ChapStick in your purse and they’re certainly not going to bother stealing it. We do warn you, though, that there’s a risk of forgetting and trying to moisturize your lips with a 20.
Keep Bobby Pins on Magnets
Like socks in a dryer, bobby pins seem to have a magical way of disappearing from one’s dresser. It feels like no matter what you do, bobby pins are always getting lost and then magically turning up in random places.
In order to keep these hair accessories from wandering around the house, stick them to a magnet! That way, your bobby pins will stay put and be readily available when you need them.
Use Vaseline When Dying Hair
Nobody wants to be that person who ends up with spots of hair dye all over their face after DIYing a new look. In order to avoid this hair faux pas, rub a thick layer of vaseline onto the skin around your hairline (including your ears and neck) before starting to dye.
This way, any wayward hair dye will go onto the vaseline, which is easy to wash off, rather than getting absorbed into your skin.
Create a Medical Business Card
If you have a lot of food allergies or sensitivities to medication, it’s worthwhile to create a “business card” that lists those items, in the event that something happens while you’re out and about.
This is particularly helpful if you carry around any sort of emergency medication and want people to know to look for it in your bag. You can also write down on your card who to call in case of emergency or what passersby can do to help.
Cut Containers in Half
If you’re struggling to squeeze out that last bit of toothpaste or shampoo, simply cut the container in half and scoop the rest out. Some companies will purposely play tricks with their packaging so that you end up needing to replace the product sooner.
For example, makeup companies that make the mascara wand too short to reach the bottom of the tube. Cutting a container in half will ensure that you won’t waste your money and you’ll get to use every last drop of each product.
Open Jars With a Knife
There are a lot of methods for opening tightly closed jars but this is probably the best one. Rather than banging the jar on the table, which rarely works and can result in breakage, grab a knife instead.
Slide the knife into the lid of the jar and push it upward, you’ll hear the lid give a slight ‘pop’ and that’s when you can open it easily. But be warned — this method does pose a risk to the egos of any fragile men who may be nearby.
Keep Money in Your Phone Case
We’re all guilty of not having our bag on us sometimes. However, we’re yet to meet the person who’ll go out without their phone. If you store some money between your phone and its case, you’ll always have some emergency cash.
This trick is useful when making an unplanned purchase if you don’t have your wallet on you. It also helps if your back was stolen, at least this way you can call someone and you’ll have some cash (literally) on hand.
Use a Hair Iron on Clothes
If you find yourself in a bind in which your clothes are wrinkled but you don’t have a clothes iron, you can use a hair iron instead. This is particularly useful while traveling, as you likely won’t want to pack both.
Even if you do have a clothes iron available, you may want to opt for a hair iron anyway when it comes to smaller areas of the clothing, like a shirt collar or an embellished piece.
Pack Shoes in Shower Caps
One of the many challenges of packing a suitcase is figuring out how to pack your shoes without them dirtying up your clothes. Luckily, most hotels give away free shower caps! Simply wrap your shoes up in the shower caps and they’ll be ready to be packed.
If you don’t have any shower caps, you can use a plastic bag instead. Now, there’s just the issue of how to make all your shoes fit into one suitcase!
Remove Gum From Hair With Ice
If you ever find yourself a victim of the cliche of getting gum stuck in your hair, don’t worry that you’ll have to cut your locks. Instead, you can use ice cubes to freeze the gum, making it much easier to remove.
Just hold some ice on the gum for 5-15 minutes, until it hardens. There’s also, of course, the peanut butter trick too. But, we can probably all agree that ice cubes are a lot less messy.
Carry a “Home Alone” Card
Any kind of mom, be it a mom to humans or pets, should carry around a “home alone” emergency card.
In the event that something happens to you, this card will let people know that there’s someone at your house who can’t fend for themselves and is relying on you to come back. Just write down on the card who to call that can go take care of your child until you get home.
Break Shoes in With a Blowdryer
Gone are the days when you need to brace yourself for pain while you break in a new pair of shoes. Instead, break them in before you ever wear them! Put on some thin socks and put the new shoes over them, then blow dry the shoes for several minutes.
When you’re done, allow the shoes to cool off and they’ll be molded to your feet. That definitely beats walking around all day in pain!
Use a Razor on Pilled Clothes
One can always go out and buy a fabric razor to renew pilled clothing, however, they can be quite expensive and you probably have another product at home that’ll work just as well.
A disposable razor, like the one you use to shave your legs, will get the job done just like an expensive fabric razor. Simply pull the fabric taught and use a razor to shave the pilled bits off your clothing.
Thread Jewelry Through Straws
For those who like to wear a lot of jewelry, packing for a trip can pose a serious challenge. Sometimes, it seems like no matter what you do, all of your jewelry chains get tangled with each other, and you’re left unpacking a huge mess.
When preparing for your next vacation, thread your chains through straws and then close the clasp. This way, your jewelry won’t get all tangled with each other and unpacking will be a lot less frustrating!
Keep Spare Clothes in the Car
If you have a lifestyle in which you’re unable to go home during the day, then keeping a spare set of clothes in the car can be a game-changer. You never know when a messy accident will occur and the last thing you need is to spend all your meetings wearing the morning coffee you spilled.
Or maybe the weather forecast was off and you’ll be outside all day. Whatever the situation, the option to change clothes is always a good thing.
DIY Jewelry Cleaning
There’s no need to pay a professional tons of money to clean your jewelry, the truth is that you can DIY the same results at home! Mix one teaspoon of dishwashing soap with warm water, put your jewelry into the solution, and let it soak for about five minutes.
Then, scrub it with a soft toothbrush. For hard-to-reach spots, you can use a toothpick to get the dirt out. Lastly, dry your jewelry on a paper towel or soft cloth, and it’ll be good as new!
Mark Keys With Nail Polish
We’ve all been in this situation at some point — we can’t remember which key is for the lock we need, so we try every single one. Somehow, none of them work, so we try them all again. Then, it’s always the first one we chose, which we swear didn’t work the first time.
In order to avoid this frustrating scenario, differentiate your keys with different colored nail polish! Not only will it make your life easier but it’ll add some flair to your keyring, too.
Moisturize
One of the best pieces of anti-aging advice out there is — moisturize. Your skin and hair need proper moisture in order to stay healthy. We recommend moisturizing one’s skin (face and body) at least once a day, every single day, and hair at least twice a week.
When it comes to skin and hair care, it’s important to remember that you won’t see results right away. But trust us, getting into the habit of moisturizing now is something you’ll be grateful for when you’re older.
Know Your Measurements
Clothes shopping can be an extremely frustrating experience, especially because sizes vary widely between brands as size tags are unregulated. That being said, you can make the process a bit easier by knowing your measurements.
Measure all of the relevant parts of your body and log the information into your phone before your next trip to the mall. This won’t completely replace trying stuff on but it’ll definitely narrow down your choices, saving you a lot of time and exasperation.
Keep a Toiletry Bag in Your Car
You never know when you’re going to need an emergency makeup touch-up, or when you’ll be stuck somewhere overnight — not to mention that you may get an unscheduled visit from Aunt Flo!
Having a toiletry bag in your car will give you peace of mind throughout the day, even if you never have to actually use it. There’s something about knowing you have quick access to all your essentials that makes this life hack worth trying.
Wear a Wedding Ring While Traveling
Whether you’re married or not, it’s worth wearing a wedding ring while traveling. Of course, it doesn’t have to be expensive, just something to give off the vibe that you’re not single and touring alone.
Unfortunately, some places are dangerous for solo female travelers and a wedding band can send the message that your husband is going to come join you any minute. It’s a sad but true reality that a toxic man will respect an imaginary man more than the woman right in front of him.
