by Deven Hopp
Well-known fact: You can't trust everything you read on the Internet. Yes, the Internet -- even our favorite source of inspiration, Pinterest -- is filled with half-truths and exaggerated claims. It fills our heads with false hope of excellent results from beauty concoctions that cost pennies to make. And we've all fallen victim to particularly enticing pin or two... Scroll through for the nine worst beauty tips on Pinterest!
Applying Eyeliner to Your Eyelash Curler
This is one you've probably seen dozens of times. Apply eyeliner to rims of your eyelash curler, then curl. This quick trick is supposed to save you time by lining your eyes and curling your lashes at once. But if you've tried it, you know the eyeliner left behind is hardly as even and thick as the pictures online depict. If you're really in a rush, choose one or the other--curl your eyelashes or line your eyes--not both. (Curling mascaras comes in handy on busy mornings, too.)
DIY Hair Removal With Coffee Grounds and Baking Soda
Given that the results from store-bought hair removal systems aren't always stellar, we wouldn't expect a huge difference from coffee grounds and baking soda (except maybe decent exfoliation, which never hurts).
Putting Listerine on a Pimple
Yes, alcohol dries out pimples, but it also dries out the healthy, surrounding skin. Leave the oral hygiene products for your mouth only.
DIY Self-Tanner Using Black Tea
There are a few challenges with this one. First, application. Sunless tanning is enough of a project as it is. For this recipe, you have to make the tea, let it cool, then put it in a spray bottle and spray on five layers Second, even though some people really like this method, the tan only lasts until you shower. It's a lot of work with not a lot of payoff. But self-tanners are loaded with chemicals. If you're looking for a DHA-free self-tanner, try Hylamide's Glow Radiance Booster ($32).
Mayonnaise Moisturizer
Mayonnaise and baby oil as moisturizer? No. Try it as in an intensive mask on dry areas like elbows and knees for 20 minutes instead. Or take a cue from Blake Lively and use it as a hair mask.
Oreo Cookie Mascara
Eyelashes that smell like Oreo cookies may not be the worst thing in the world, but we imagine cookie dust in your eyes wouldn't be the best either. Plus in the time it takes you to gather hydrogen peroxide, an empty lip butter tin, primer, a spoon, cotton balls, a clean spoolie, water, and Oreos and then de-cream the cookies, mash them up, and mix the ingredients, you could have tracked down a good old store-bought version.
Kitty Litter Face Mask
This one this a little scary. Yes, bentonite clay (one of the main ingredients in cat litter) is an ingredient in many clay face masks, but the possibility that you could be scratching your face with kitty litter is too high for us to chance it.
Brown Sugar Hair Straightening
Sorry, but we have yet to find a DIY solution to hair straightening. We couldn't find any explanation on the Internet as to why brown sugar and water would have a straightening effect on hair. Our guess is this one just leaves you with sticky tresses.
Using Hair Spray as Makeup Setting Spray
Hair spray will clog your pores. If you're looking a makeup-setting spray, spend money a quality product, like Urban Decay's All Nighter Long-Lasting Setting Spray ($30).
Pictured: L'Oréal Elnett Satin Strong Hold Hairspray ($13)
More From Byrdie:
25 Beauty Skills Every Woman Should Master
The Most Viral Hair Photos on Pinterest (You Know You've Pinned Them)
Look Familiar? The 10 Most Popular Makeup Looks on Pinterest
I Gave Up Coffee--Here's What Happened to My Skin
7 Traits That Make Women More Attractive to Men (According to Science)
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