Beauty on the Go at Starbucks!

It's the WEEKEND! While I have lots planned, sometimes things happen, emergencies happen, and life happens. That's how this crazy idea came about--over 4 years ago, I was with my mom and sisters on a day trip to visit our brother, SIL, and newborn nephew in the hospital. My brother asked me to stay the night, with my family coming back the next day to pick me up. I had no car and was not prepared. I personally feel better when I look better, especially after hanging out for hours in the hospital. The next morning we went to Starbucks, and I immediately started looking around for beauty supplies. With just a little creativity, I was back to myself in no time and ready to be there for my family.

orig.

Some things have been added over the years, and some things are free and others aren't (some items may not be at all stores), but all of them work and have been personally used by me. Since there are Starbucks just about everywhere, many of us can benefit from these tips. If it makes you uncomfortable, ask before taking the freebies (I use such a small amount, and usually purchase something, so I don't feel badly). Also, since I have so much to cover, I'm breezing through these tips quickly, but will gladly clarify--let me know. You'll want to keep these tips in mind for emergencies or traveling--they work! Now let's go to Starbucks!

Napkins

• Once inside you'll notice, other than the aroma of coffee, is the area where you dress your drink. There are so many goodies here! One of my favorite items here would be the napkins! These are perfect for removing excess oil from your face (I do this in the summer, when my nose is oily). Keep Starbucks napkins in your purse, bag, or car for quick touch ups--not just any napkin will do! Go try it!
• The inside of the napkins are great for using the crease as a funnel for nail and craft projects--a must for keeping glitter or small beads at bay.
• I've used the tiniest corner of napkin to repair a nail once.

pic

Condiments

• The sugar, water, lemons, milk, cream, honey, nutmeg and cocoa can all be used for beauty treatments for skin, face, and hair. For example, sugar and lemon make a great exfoliator for the face or hands. I've mentioned these and other natural Beauty DIYs here.
• Cocoa powder is great for hiding roots, and if you're in dire straits, mix a little with plain chapstick on the inside of a cup lid for an instant creamy shadow. I've also used this as a makeshift bronzer, but this works better for lighter skin tones, as it has a greyish cast. Avoid if allergic, of course.

Food and Beverages

• Take plain, uncooked oatmeal (avoid the toppings) and use as a mask or scrub for face/body and even as dry shampoo. Be sure to thoroughly brush out.
• The yogurt makes a great mask for hair/face, just remove the fruit first.
• Starbucks has fruit, too! Apples, strawberries, and bananas make excellent face/body/skin masks.
• The Cake Pop stick is perfect for mixing, scraping (more on that below), using an an emergency hair stick (this only works on the top layer of my hair, but will work better on shorter, thinner hair), refreshing curled lashes, pushing back cuticles, and for crafting/nail art! Try using the stick for making dots on nails (like in this Evil Eye or this School Spirit Nail art).
• Keep the cucumbers from the Bistro Box and use to depuff eyes--an old tip that works.
• Hot herbal tea is wonderful for opening up the sinuses--use as a mini steam treatment.
• Cooled teas can be used for shiny hair, hair enhancer, relief from sunburn, foot soak, or toner. Let me know in the comments if you'd like more details on which type of tea does what.
• Espresso, once cooled, can enhance brown hair. Leave on at least half an hour before rinsing away.

via my Instagram

Stirrer, Sleeve, Cup, Lid, Bag

• Similar to the Cake Pop stick, the stirrer (I'm talking about the green plastic plug ones, but they have the wooden ones too) works for mixing, scraping, pushing back cuticles, cleaning under nails, and crafting/nail art.
• The sleeve can be used as a guide for winged shadow or liner. Or as a mascara shield.
• The cup is instant storage, mixing cup, and the bottom can be used to trace a circle for crafts. True story: I once used it as a contact case in desperation! Not recommended.
• The lid fits perfectly in your hand as an artist's palette. One summer I traveled from New Zealand, Australia  and Hawaii--in the same trip! I used the lid and stirrer to transform my moisturizer and foundation from visiting NZ and Aus into a tinted moisturizer. It's also for scraping shadow and adding water/setting spray/contact solution to make a more intense shadow.
• I've also used the stick/stirrer to scrape shadow onto the lid and then I added clear polish and mixed with the stick/stirrer. Instant nail polish!
• The bag works well to catch fall out from shimmery shadows--a must for the holidays.
• Tear bag into strips and dampen hair with water. Use the strips to wrap around your hair and then knot. Add heat or allow to dry naturally. Remove the strips and you'll have curls! 

sleeve as shadow guide + lid & stirrer making polish from shadow

What are your tips for Beauty on the Go?

Have a great weekend. Be safe, behave, and be well. Love, Elle

Be sure to enter my giveaway for $20 to Bluebird Bride!