If beauty routines were school subjects, everyone would be a lifelong learner. Figuring out what products to choose, how to apply them, and how to build a routine that feels right is a personal journey — one that’s often shaped by trial and error, intuition, and a few key tips from the people around us. That’s exactly the insight captured in Into The Gloss’ 2021 “Top Shelf” beauty wisdom roundup, where a range of creatives, beauty insiders, and everyday enthusiasts shared their most treasured beauty hacks and philosophies.
From makeup strategies and affordable tips to timeless lessons about confidence and self‑care, the advice runs the gamut — and most of it is surprisingly memorable. Here’s what stood out.
💄 Beauty Is Personal — Find Your Essentials
Many contributors emphasized the idea that beauty should enhance who you are, not cover you up.
- A musician suggested picking just three beauty products that matter most to you — whether that’s mascara, lip gloss, or eyebrow gel — then making them your everyday staples.
- Another voice reflected on how red lipstick became her signature despite early discouragement from others — proving that your preferences can define your look.
The message? Beauty rituals should feel like extensions of your personality, not rules you slog through.
💰 You Don’t Have to Spend a Fortune
Not all effective beauty habits come from luxury brands. Some of the most beloved tips came from affordable, everyday products:
- One founder pointed out that affordable formulas can be just as excellent as pricier ones — budget products deserve a place in your routine too.
- Another fan shared her inexpensive cleansing routine — using an old‑school brand like Pond’s Cold Cream or Dove Beauty Bar to remove makeup and protect her skin’s moisture barrier.
- Even simple Vaseline and baby oil made the list for moisturizing — classic formulas that have stood the test of time.
Beauty doesn’t always require splurges — smart choices matter more than price tags.
✨ Little Tricks Make a Difference
Some of the most memorable tips were simple yet surprisingly effective:
- A model shared a makeup blender hack — wet your sponge with warm water, not cold, for more even product distribution.
- A stylist recounted using raw Manuka honey on sunburnt skin to soothe it overnight — a natural, soothing remedy.
- One jewelry expert reminded us to be careful with porous gemstones like pearls and coral while applying oils or creams — beauty isn’t just about your face but also how you care for things that matter to you.
These tips might seem small, but they show how everyday routines can be smarter and more mindful.
🧠 Solutions to Persistent Problems
Some contributors solved specific beauty struggles with creativity:
- A comedian shared her discovery that ketoconazole — often sold as a medicated shampoo — also comes in foam that’s great for treating seborrheic dermatitis on textured hair, even with braids.
- A colorist offered a clever way to go blonde without frequent root touch‑ups, using lightening only on certain sections and darker ammonia‑free color at the roots — a way to extend color between salon visits.
- A founder described how dry brushing transformed flaky legs — a simple dry‑skin hack with noticeable results.
Beauty isn’t one‑size‑fits‑all — and creative solutions often come from real experiences.
💇 Fixing Everyday Frustrations
Not all beauty wisdom has to be serious — some is just downright practical:
- One contributor shared a trick for slicking back stubborn baby hairs using a molding paste instead of hairspray — a neat solution rooted in experimentation.
- Another talked about using multi‑purpose products in unexpected ways — like creamy eye polish or waterproof cream shadows as cheek color — showing that innovation sometimes means repurposing what you already have.
💬 The Big Picture: More Than Products
Beyond specific products and hacks, the overarching theme of these tips is self‑confidence and personal comfort. Many of the voices highlighted that beauty routines should align with what makes you feel confident and expressive rather than following rigid rules.
Whether it’s finding your signature look, learning a budget‑friendly trick, or trying something unconventional, the best beauty wisdom often feels personal, flexible, and rewarding — not perfect.
🌟 Takeaways from the Best Beauty Advice
- 🎨 Define your essentials: Choose products that matter most to you.
- 💸 Quality doesn’t equal cost: Affordable can be just as good.
- 🪄 Small tricks go a long way: Whether it’s how you wet a sponge or how you treat dry skin, technique matters.
- 🤹 Be creative: Don’t be afraid to adapt and repurpose products.
- 💡 Make it personal: Your routine should fit your lifestyle, needs, and comfort.
