Beauty trends come and go, but some of the most bizarre hacks from the past had surprising benefits. Decades ago, women relied on unconventional beauty tricks using simple household items, often without the luxury of modern skincare and cosmetics. From strange hair treatments to DIY face masks, these methods may seem outdated—or even a little crazy—but they were shockingly effective. While science and technology have transformed the beauty industry, many of these old-school tricks still hold up today. Some have even made a comeback, proving that our grandmothers and great-grandmothers knew a thing or two about natural beauty. Though they might have looked funny while applying these methods, the results spoke for themselves. These hacks weren’t just about looking good; they were budget-friendly, chemical-free, and incredibly practical. If you’re curious about the past, or looking for beauty solutions that work, these vintage tricks might be worth trying. Here are 11 retro beauty hacks that looked crazy but delivered stunning results.
1. Ice Water Face Dunking for a Glowing Complexion
Women in the past knew that cold water could do wonders for the skin. Many would fill a bowl with ice water and dunk their faces in it, believing it tightened the skin and reduced puffiness. This extreme method seemed unnecessary, but it worked by constricting blood vessels, reducing redness, and giving the skin a fresh, dewy look. According to Times Entertainment, the cold shock also helps to shrink pores and make the face appear smoother.
Even today, celebrities and beauty experts swear by the power of ice water. As skincare products became more advanced, people moved on to creams and serums that promised the same results. However, ice water remains one of the simplest and most effective ways to wake up tired skin. Some modern beauty treatments, like cryotherapy facials, are based on the same principle. If you ever need an instant glow without spending money on expensive products, a quick dunk in ice water might be the perfect trick.
2. Egg White Face Masks for Firm Skin
Before expensive anti-aging creams, women turned to egg whites as a natural way to tighten and firm their skin. They would whisk egg whites and apply them to their faces, letting the mixture dry into a firm mask. The tightening effect was immediate, making the skin look lifted and refreshed. Egg whites also help to absorb excess oil, making them a great choice for people with oily skin. Though it might have smelled odd, the results were undeniable.
According to The Stripe, egg whites have astringent properties, making them effective for oily skin and tightening pores. Today, many face masks and beauty products contain egg-derived proteins for their skin-tightening benefits. Despite the rise of modern skincare, egg whites remain a popular DIY option for those who prefer natural beauty solutions.
3. Vaseline for Long Lashes and Brows
Before lash serums and brow growth products, women relied on Vaseline to enhance their lashes and brows. Applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly before bed helped to condition the hairs, making them look shinier and fuller over time. Though it seemed greasy and messy, Vaseline locked in moisture and prevented lashes from becoming brittle and breaking. Some women even swore it made their lashes grow longer, though the real magic was in keeping them healthy.
According to Vaseline, Vaseline is still used as a budget-friendly lash and brow conditioner. Many people also use it as a natural highlighter on the cheeks or to keep lips soft and glossy. It may not have any fancy ingredients, but its simplicity and effectiveness make it a timeless beauty staple.
4. Mayonnaise Hair Masks for Deep Conditioning
One of the strangest but most effective hair treatments from the past was the mayonnaise hair mask. Women would slather mayonnaise onto their hair, let it sit for 20-30 minutes, then rinse it out. The high-fat content and oils in mayonnaise provided intense moisture, leaving hair soft, shiny, and frizz-free. The vinegar in the mayo also helped to remove product buildup, giving hair a fresh and clean feel. Though the smell wasn’t the most pleasant, the results were worth it.
According to HealthShots, the natural oils and proteins in mayonnaise offer the same benefits as high-end treatments without the added chemicals. With the rise of commercial hair masks and conditioners, this hack fell out of popularity. However, some people still swear by it, especially for dry or damaged hair. If you’re willing to tolerate the scent, this old-school trick might save your hair from dryness and breakage.
5. Cold Spoons for Puffy Eyes
A simple but genius beauty trick from the past involved using cold spoons to reduce puffiness under the eyes. Women would place two metal spoons in the fridge overnight and press them against their under-eye area in the morning. The cold helped to constrict blood vessels, reducing swelling and making tired eyes look refreshed. This hack was especially popular for getting rid of dark circles and eye bags after a long night.
Today, high-end eye creams and cooling gels claim to do the same thing, but nothing beats the simplicity of cold spoons. Many beauty experts still recommend this trick because it works instantly and costs nothing. For an even more soothing effect, some people dip the spoons in green tea before chilling them. Whether you’re recovering from a late night or just want to brighten your eyes, this retro hack is still a lifesaver.
6. Vicks VapoRub for Fuller Lips
Before lip plumpers existed, women used Vicks VapoRub as a natural way to get fuller lips. They would apply a small amount to their lips, which caused a tingling sensation that made them look slightly swollen. The menthol and camphor in Vicks increased blood circulation, creating a temporary plumping effect. Though it wasn’t exactly comfortable, the results mimicked expensive lip-plumping glosses.
As lip injections and high-end plumpers became more common, this DIY trick faded. However, some beauty enthusiasts still use it for an instant pout. It’s a quick and easy way to achieve fuller-looking lips without spending a fortune. If you can handle the tingling, this old-school method still does the trick. Beauty doesn’t always have to come from a bottle.
7. Toothpaste for Pimples
In the past, toothpaste was a common treatment for pimples and acne. Women would dab a small amount of toothpaste on a breakout before bed, hoping that the drying effect would reduce redness and inflammation overnight. This hack became popular because of the belief that the baking soda and ingredients in toothpaste helped to dry out pimples, making them less noticeable. Although it sounds strange, some people found success with this simple remedy.
However, dermatologists now warn against using toothpaste on the skin as it can be too harsh, potentially causing irritation or worsening breakouts. Yet, there’s some truth to the idea that toothpaste’s drying effect can help with mild acne in the short term. Today, there are acne-specific treatments with similar ingredients, like benzoyl peroxide, which are more effective and less irritating. But if you’re in a pinch and need a quick fix, toothpaste remains an old-school trick that still works for some people.
8. Olive Oil for Everything
Olive oil was the secret weapon in many retro beauty routines. Women would use it for everything from removing makeup to moisturizing dry skin and even as a deep hair treatment. The antioxidants and healthy fats in olive oil make it an effective natural moisturizer, nourishing the skin without clogging pores. Its versatility also made it a go-to for softening cuticles, taming frizz, and even as a body scrub when mixed with sugar.
While modern beauty products now claim to offer similar benefits, olive oil remains a timeless, inexpensive option. As the clean beauty movement gains momentum, olive oil is making a strong comeback. Many people now incorporate it into their skincare routines, and some swear by it as a makeup remover or overnight hair mask. When it comes to natural beauty hacks, olive oil is an enduring favorite, proving that simplicity often reigns supreme.
9. Lemon for Skin Brightening
Lemon juice was a classic remedy for dark spots, pigmentation, and skin dullness. Women would apply lemon juice directly to their skin to lighten dark spots and brighten their complexion. The citric acid in lemons acted as a natural exfoliant, sloughing off dead skin cells and revealing brighter skin. While the acidity of lemon juice made it slightly harsh for some, it was a popular go-to for achieving glowing skin.
Today, many brightening serums and exfoliating products contain vitamin C, the active ingredient in lemon juice. However, people still use lemon juice as an affordable, at-home solution for skin discoloration. It’s often paired with honey or aloe vera to reduce irritation. Though you have to be cautious about sun exposure after using lemon juice on your skin, this hack can still be effective for those seeking a natural glow. The humble lemon remains an age-old secret for bright and beautiful skin.
10. Beer Hair Rinse for Shine
In the 70s, women used beer to add shine and volume to their hair. After shampooing, they would rinse their hair with a bottle of beer, massaging it into the scalp and leaving it in for a few minutes before rinsing it out. The natural sugars and proteins in beer were believed to nourish the hair, making it shinier and more voluminous. Though it seemed like an odd beauty treatment, beer did contain B vitamins and proteins that helped strengthen hair.
While the use of beer in hair care faded as hair products evolved, some still swear by it today. Certain hair care brands now include barley and hops in their ingredients to promote hair health and shine. If you want a natural way to add volume and shine to your hair, this retro trick could still be a surprising solution. It’s simple, affordable, and provides a nice boost without relying on chemical-filled products.
11. Coconut Oil for Everything
Before coconut oil became a mainstream beauty trend, it was already essential in many retro beauty routines. Women used it for everything from removing makeup to moisturizing dry skin and even as a hair treatment. Its anti-inflammatory, moisturizing, and antimicrobial properties make it an all-in-one beauty solution. Coconut oil was applied to dry cuticles, used as a deep conditioning mask, and even as a gentle cleanser for the face.
Today, coconut oil is one of the most beloved natural ingredients in beauty routines worldwide. It’s used in everything from body lotions to lip balms and face creams. The hype surrounding coconut oil is well-deserved, as it remains a multipurpose product that works wonders for both hair and skin. Whether you’re battling dry patches or looking for a natural way to remove makeup, coconut oil continues to be a timeless, effective beauty hack.
Retro beauty hacks were often quirky, but many of them worked wonders. While they may have looked strange at the time, their effectiveness shows that sometimes the simplest solutions are the best. From olive oil for skin to beer for hair, these old-school tricks are still relevant in today’s beauty world. If you’re looking for affordable, natural alternatives to modern beauty products, you might want to revisit these vintage remedies. After all, beauty doesn’t always need to come from the latest trends—sometimes, the best ideas come from the past.
