#Good Ideas: Spruce Up Your Life With These Simple Life Hacks

Skin soother

If your skin is inflamed post an upper-lip waxing/threading job, all you need is aloe. Buy pure aloe vera gel or use some straight from your house plant and apply it to the affected area to reduce the redness. It also saves your delicate facial skin from itchy rashes. Sleep with the gel on.

Ditch aerosol air fresheners

Most air fresheners are made with phthalates which are known to cause reproductive disorders and birth defects. Embrace essential oils instead. You can keep odours at bay by making a room freshener at home. Just add 8 to 10 drops of an essential oil such as lavender, orange, lemon or mint to a spray bottle with 1 cup of water.

Bug slayer

Naphthalene—the basic component of moth balls—is a recognized carcinogen. Wearing clothes kept with moth balls can cause allergic reactions and lung prob­lems. Go for natural alternatives to keep your garments safe. Place dried neem leaves and/or cedar blocks in your wardrobe to repel bugs.

Kitchen hair care

It might not always tantalize your taste buds, but pumpkin can do wonders for your hair. Rich in antioxidants, especially vitamin A and potassium, it can add lustre to your locks and boost its growth. How can you make use of this versatile veggie? Boil a few pumpkin cubes, cool, and purée. For rough, dry or chemically-treated hair, combine the pulp with 1 tbsp each of coconut oil and yoghurt (omit the oil if your tresses aren't very damaged), and 1 tsp pure glycerine. Apply this concoction on your scalp and along the length of your mane after you’ve shampooed. Leave it on for 20 minutes; rinse with plain water. Use shampoo the next day.

Double duty

A new analysis suggests that Marilyn Monroe’s perfume-before-bed ritual might have been a good call: The scent of lavender truly can help you sleep. Try it tonight: Place 30 drops of lavender essential oil in 30 ml jojoba oil and massage the mixture on your hands (don’t worry, it sinks in quickly) to improve slumber and soften hands while you’re at it.