8 Ways Aloe Needs to Be a Part of Your Beauty Routine

Aloe vera is an active ingredient used in a lot of expensive, high-end beauty products, but you don’t have to spend a lot of money to get the benefits of aloe. Aloe is chock full of vitamins and minerals — perfect for fighting off signs of aging, hydrating skin, and clearing breakouts. Best of all, aloe gel is really inexpensive and has tons of different uses.

1. Use Aloe as a primer. There’s no need to run out and buy a 40-dollar primer from Sephora. Aloe gel does a great job of filling in pores and creating a smooth, even canvas for your favorite foundation. Aloe also has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that will help prevent and heal acne, so it’s a win-win.

2. As a DIY leave-in conditioner. All you need is a spray bottle and some aloe gel to make a spray conditioner that tames frizz and smooths hair. Mix three parts aloe gel with one part water and add few drops of your favorite essential oils. Voila! You have a super-hydrating and inexpensive leave-in conditioner.

3. As a brow gel. Using a clean mascara wand and an empty tube filled with aloe gel, you can lock brows in place and tame stray hairs while on the go. Aloe can also be used after applying pomade or brow pencil to help the color last longer. You can even use a bit of the gel on your lashes alone or before applying mascara as an eyelash primer!

4. As an acne treatment. Put a little aloe gel on a pimple and leave it to dry overnight. The anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties of the aloe will heal a pimple while reducing redness and irritation.

5. As an under-eye treatment. Eye creams can cost hundreds of dollars, but aloe gel left in the fridge has the same effect. It works to soothe and hydrate the under-eye area as a cooling eye gel. The vitamins and minerals in aloe are beneficial for repairing wrinkles, so it makes an inexpensive treatment that will fight creasing and depuff the eye area.

6. As a shaving gel. Some beauty gurus swear by using aloe while shaving your legs in the shower. Not only does aloe work as a protective barrier for your skin before you shave it to prevent ingrown hairs and cuts, it also hydrates the skin and soothes razor burn.

7. As a makeup setting spray. Use a small spray bottle that will create a fine mist and mix three parts purified water and one part aloe; you can also add your favorite essential oils. This will create a makeup setting spray that will keep your makeup in place and refresh your skin.

8. As a makeup remover. Aloe is a great alternative to oil-based makeup removers! It’s perfect for using on the delicate skin around the eye area. All you need is a few cotton balls. Apply the aloe gel to the eye area, let sit for the 30 seconds, and wipe away.