Think talcum powder is just for babies? Think again. This sweet smelling powder has a myriad of brilliant uses, just waiting to make their way into your daily beauty routine.
From keeping legs super smooth, to cooling you down in the summer heat, here are 10 ingenious ways to use the white stuff:
1. To Soothe Dry Skin And Treat Eczema
Talcum powder can work like a moisturiser to help soothe extra dry skin. If you have areas of irritated skin, rub on a bit of talcum powder for an instant calming effect. Cuticura Talcum Powder (£4.20 from Boots.com) is dermatologically approved for use on eczema and contains zinc and allantoin that can help reduce symptoms.
2. To Thicken Eyelashes
Try dusting lashes with talcum powder before you apply mascara. The powder acts as a primer which gives you fuller, longer looking lashes without the need for falsies.
Thick lashes without a clump in sight
3. As A Makeup Setter
Talcum powder helps to set your makeup and prevent shine by absorbing and removing facial oils.
Quick bonus tip: It can also be mixed with a powder or bronzer that is a bit too dark to lighten it up.
4. To Wipe Away Sand
Sprinkle the powder on areas where sand has stuck to you and wipe off. The sweat, oil and water that’s causing the sand to stick will be absorbed by the powder meaning the sand can be easily wiped off your skin.
5. Instead Of Dry Shampoo
If you have blonde hair, sprinkle some talcum powder underneath the top layer of hair at your roots to absorb excess oil. Gently brush through to evenly distribute the product evenly and no-one will ever know.
Don't use this much
6. To Prevent Chafing
On a hot summer’s day or before you begin exercising, try dusting some powder between your thighs to prevent chafing. It will help to eliminate friction when you run so your skin will stay smooth and pain-free avoiding the risk of sores.
7. To Cool Your Sheets
Another tip for a hot summer’s night: sprinkle some talcum powder on your bed sheets before going to sleep and you’ll feel cool and dry all night long.
8. For Silky Smooth Legs
After exfoliating, apply talcum powder to the area of skin you’ll be waxing before you begin. It will absorb any excess oil on the skin’s surface so the wax will be able to grab your hairs better.
#legsorhotdogs?
9. To Freshen Up Clothes
Sprinkle a small amount of talc into a jar or dish and leave it in your wardrobe. The moisture removing properties of the powder will keep your cupboard free from that musty smell. You can also you can use it to freshen up your carpets - sprinkle a light covering, let it sit for about fifteen minutes and then hoover up.
10. To Stop Shoes Smelling
Simply sprinkle a light dusting of talcum powder inside the shoes and leave them overnight. In the morning, shake out the baby powder and you’re good to go.