The Bathroom Staple Beauty Lovers NEED!

by BR Amelia

This lockdown I've done what I said I would do last lockdown... and then didn't. I've decluttered. Big time. I've thrown out any funky smelling moisturisers and lippies. Reorganised my makeup draw. Depotted eyeshadows in magnetic palettes and chucked out anything I was never going to use, or was so old I shouldn't be using it anymore. I've gone through cupboards. Sorted out shelves. And cleaned under beds. Which is where I found not one, not two, but three pots of Vicks Vaporub.

Vicks is my go to when I, or one of my family, is sick. With the three main ingredients being eucalyptus oil, camphor and menthol, it's perfect to pop on chests and backs, under noses, and on the soles of feet to help relieve coughs and ease pain. I wouldn't be without it. The thing is though... I don't need three pots of it. One tends to last years, since those in my home are a relatively healthy bunch. So... what to do with three pots? Well, I figured the internet would have alternative uses for these mentholated pots of magic, and I was not wrong.

So what else can the humble pot of Vicks do? Check these ideas out...

I spend a lot of time hunched over a computer and the muscle aches are real! Turns out a little Vicks applied to the area works to temporarily relieve muscle pain! This was something I could immediately test, and it worked! Not as well as my magnesium cream, but it's great for when you're in a jam and need quick relief.

Been bitten by a mozzie or midges and being driven nuts by the itching? A dab of Vicks can calm an itchy bite and soothe your skin! BUT... if you've scratched the skin and it's broken, back away from the Vicks as it can further irritate your skin. (Also, be sure to patch test first, especially if you've sensitive skin.)

Heels looking worse for wear? Slather on Vicks, pop some socks on and it'll work its magic to help soften feet and deal to cracked heels!

Got one of those nagging, little headaches that you don't want to take medication for, but want to escape the irritation? Some swear by a little Vicks massaged onto the temples to help relieve brain pain.

Discovered a small bruise on your bod? Or perhaps gotten a little too amorous with your hottie and found yourself in possession of a hickey? Vicks works to reduce the discolouration of bruises.

Lastly... I have read that Vicks has been known to improve the look of stretch marks... but this is one hack that I am taking with a grain of salt because the only thing that's improved the look of my stretch marks (after using all the products in the world to do so) is the great healer called time.

So, there you have it! One little pot (or, in my case, three), so many uses! Will you be giving any of them a go? Do you have other uses for Vicks we need to know about? Sharing is caring, so chat below!)