Health, beauty tips: 10 ways to save money by using household products

MANILA, Philippines – Current inflation and high fuel and commodity prices have many people looking for new ways to get more for their money.

So, besides recycling and sustainability, multi-purpose skin care and cosmetic products are a big trend these days, as they offer many benefits for the price of one.

At Watsons Philippines’ recent “Switch and Save” press launch at SM Megamall, Watsons Philippines Marketing Manager Margarita Contreras showcased multi-way products and offers consumers can check out as options to survive the inflation.

Like how salt and baking soda can be used beyond flavoring foods, here are a few new versions that might come in handy for everyday life — in more ways than one:

1. Bilberry Complex is a good eye health supplement at half the price.

Due to the pandemic, many people are online more than ever, whether they are working from home on a computer, attending virtual classes, playing video games or watching via streaming apps. These cause eye strain and as such, experts said eye health could be the next big medical challenge after COVID-19.

To protect the eyes from harmful radiation from gadgets, it is a good idea to take eye health supplements. Among the effective but less expensive options is the blueberry complex, made from small blue bilberries endemic to northern Europe. Known for medicinal use since the Middle Ages, blueberries are related to improve vision and even lower cholesterol and blood sugar.

2. Don’t like the taste of vitamins? Turn them into smoothies.

Effervescent vitamins are a growing category for their brand, Contreras said. His favorite is Glutathione in effervescent form. The tablets can be mixed to dissolve with water or your favorite drink. They can also be made into frozen treats or combined with a cocktail – garnished with mint leaves from your garden.

Philstar.com/Deni Rose M. Afinidad-Bernardo

3. Can’t make it to a salon? Stick fakes and false nails!

For just a little more or less than P100, there are already false and stick-on false nails that can be purchased at Watsons for those who can’t go to salons. The personal care store also offers a wide range of hair care and treatment products for DIY (DIY) hair at home. These can come in handy, especially when one has to rush to a party or attend a special occasion.

Philstar.com/Deni Rose M. Afinidad-Bernardo

Goat’s milk hand wash (left) and hair treatments.

Philstar.com/Deni Rose M. Afinidad-Bernardo

4. Shower gel can replace shaving cream.

Watsons recently launched its own range of shaving creams in a convenient tube format. If you run out of creams, you can also use any mild or soothing shower gel and apply it to your skin as a lubricant before running a razor over it to shave off unwanted hair. Alternatively, you can cover your skin with bar soap bubbles before you shave. These prevent skin abrasion and bumps caused by razors.

Philstar.com/Deni Rose M. Afinidad-Bernardo

5. Underarm deodorant is also good for sweaty feet.

If you’re out of foot powder, you can also use an underarm antiperspirant. To avoid smelly feet, simply apply underarm deodorant to your feet after wiping them with a clean towel and before putting on your socks or shoes.

Philstar.com/Deni Rose M. Afinidad-Bernardo

6. Mint floss feels like menthol toothpaste.

You forgot to brush your teeth or you don’t have time to do it between two appointments? A less messy emergency alternative is mint floss which not only removes debris between teeth but also leaves a light trail of freshness in the mouth. The best part is that you don’t need water to rinse it off. Just go to a secret corner and floss. You can also wash dental floss to reuse it until its fibers break.

Philstar.com/Deni Rose M. Afinidad-Bernardo

Contreras said Philstar.com this mint dental floss is a must in her toiletry bag. Studies show that flossing can add a year to life because it helps prevent gum disease and/or heart disease.

7. Make your own natural toothpaste

Ingredients and procedure

Philstar.com/Deni Rose M. Afinidad-Bernardo

Finished product stored in a mason jar

Philstar.com/Deni Rose M. Afinidad-Bernardo

8. Heavy traffic? Put on a mask.

If you commute and usually fall asleep between traffic jams, you can maximize your time in the passenger seat by putting on a skincare face mask.

Serum is already shorthand for skipping a multi-step beauty regimen, but here’s a lazier option: serum masks – no need to apply with an ampoule or your fingers. Watsons new serum mask, Contreras said, contains one bottle of serum per mask.

If you can’t wash your face, especially after using gadgets for a long time, the brand also offers new flavored wet tissues. You can put them in a cup with a little hot water, leave them there for a while until they get warm, then pat them on your face for a relaxing spa feeling.

One of the brand’s bestsellers is Vitamin C Inducer Cotton Puffs – cotton pads containing collagen and vitamin C that are activated by water.

Philstar.com/Deni Rose M. Afinidad-Bernardo

9. Aloe Vera Gel for Rashes and Dry Ankles

Aloe gels, made popular by Koreans to cool the skin against sunburn, can also be used to soothe irritation caused by rashes and minor burns. These gels, or even body lotions, can also be used to moisturize the face and body, especially dry ankles. Contreras advised putting aloe gel or body lotion on your bed so you’re always hydrated. The lotions in the store are in a “Buy 1 Take 1” promotion, so you can mix and match the variations as you please.

Philstar.com/Deni Rose M. Afinidad-Bernardo

10. Turn laundry water into home fragrance

Breeze Power Machine liquid detergent aims to make laundry easier because it penetrates fabrics and removes tough stains better than powder detergents. With its ultra-clean concentrate and Golden Power Wash Trio – that’s surfactants, stain removers and enzymes – you just dab to wash and let your washing machine do the work. Breeze is available in major supermarkets and grocery stores nationwide as well as online through Lazada.

Breeze / Freed

Aromatherapy, according to studiescould lift your spirits and be good for your mental and overall health.

But since most home fragrances are made from natural oils, they usually cost a fortune. Still, here’s a trick that can make your home smell fresh without spending a penny more: Before you throw away the last rinse of your laundry water, especially if it contains fabric softener, soak your carpet in it and recycle the scented water to clean your floor and windows, so that the fragrance fills the house. The scent could last for a day or even several days depending on the amount of fabric softener in the water.

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