Some beauty tricks sound too weird to work — using a spoon for eyeliner, or tape for eyeshadow. But these unconventional hacks have been tested by makeup artists and beauty enthusiasts for years, and they genuinely deliver results.
Here are 13 beauty tricks that might sound crazy but actually work.
Updated for 2026 with tried-and-tested techniques.
Eye Makeup Tricks
1. Spoon for Perfect Winged Eyeliner
How it works:
- Hold a spoon handle against the outer corner of your eye, angled toward your brow
- Draw along the edge of the spoon to create the wing
- Flip the spoon and hold the curved part under your eye
- Connect the wing to your lash line
Why it works: The spoon creates a perfectly straight edge that’s hard to achieve freehand.
2. Tape for Clean Eyeshadow Edges
- Place a piece of tape diagonally from your outer lash line toward your brow
- Apply eyeshadow as normal
- Remove tape carefully for a razor-sharp edge
Tip: Stick the tape to your hand first to reduce adhesion — you don’t want to pull delicate skin.
3. White Eyeliner as Eyeshadow Primer
Apply white eyeliner or pencil to your entire lid before eyeshadow. Colors pop much more vibrantly, especially pastels and shimmers.
4. Warm Your Eyelash Curler
Blast your eyelash curler with a hairdryer for 5 seconds before using. The warmth helps set the curl like a curling iron does for hair. Test on your wrist first — it should be warm, not hot.
5. Spoon for Mascara Shield
Hold a spoon behind your lashes while applying mascara. It catches any excess and prevents smudges on your lid.
Lip Tricks
6. The Finger Trick for Natural Lips
After applying lipstick, put your finger in your mouth, close your lips around it, and pull it out. This removes excess product from the inner lip that would otherwise transfer to your teeth.
7. Concealer for Lip Definition
Apply a thin line of concealer around your lips after lipstick. This cleans up edges, makes lips look bigger, and prevents feathering.
8. Set Lipstick with Tissue and Powder
- Apply lipstick
- Hold a single-ply tissue over your lips
- Dust translucent powder through the tissue
This sets the color for hours without affecting the finish.
Face Tricks
9. Spoon for Blush Placement
Hold a spoon from your nostril to your ear, with the curve against your cheek. Apply blush above the spoon edge — this ensures you never apply blush too low (which can drag the face down).
10. Green Color Corrector for Redness
Green cancels red on the color wheel. Dab green color corrector on pimples, redness, or rosacea before foundation. The redness disappears without needing heavy coverage.
11. Set Makeup with Setting Spray AND Powder
The “sandwich” method:
- Apply setting spray on bare, moisturized face
- Apply makeup as normal
- Set with powder
- Finish with another layer of setting spray
This combination lasts through humidity, sweat, and long days.
Quick Fixes
12. Ice Cube for Puffy Eyes
Wrap an ice cube in a cloth and hold under eyes for 30-60 seconds. The cold constricts blood vessels and reduces puffiness quickly. Works best in the morning.
13. Clear Lip Gloss for Eyebrow Gel
In a pinch, clear lip gloss works as eyebrow gel. Apply a tiny amount with a spoolie or your finger to hold brows in place. It provides flexible hold without crunchiness.
Why These Tricks Work
Most of these hacks aren’t random — they use basic principles:
- Straight edges (spoon, tape) create precision that’s hard to achieve freehand
- Color theory (green cancels red, white brightens colors)
- Temperature (warmth sets curls, cold reduces swelling)
- Layering (multiple thin layers last longer than one thick layer)
Final Thoughts
Don’t dismiss a beauty trick just because it sounds weird. Some of the best techniques come from creative problem-solving, not traditional beauty school. Try these yourself — the results might surprise you.
For more beauty tips, see our 13 beauty tricks every woman should know.
Editorial Note: Always test new techniques on a small area first, especially if you have sensitive skin.