Fashion

11 Unconventional Beauty Items Everyone Should Try

by Melodi Erdogan

Most average makeup bags will contain a variety of basic, reliable products within them, like setting powders and classic black mascara. But it’s the less common, unconventional beauty items of the world that I truly believe every human should consider. Even though stepping outside of the norm can feel intimidating, I personally think that colored mascaras, multi-tasking oils, and bright lip colors bring a lot more to the party than classic pink blush.

Now, don’t get me wrong. I love my black eyeliner and nude lipstick just as much as the next person. But they’re not exactly the most exciting products I could have in my arsenal. In an effort to step outside of my makeup comfort zone, I began trying out makeup and beauty items that are multi-purpose and eye-catching to add something more interesting into my daily makeup routine. Since then, they’ve quickly become some of my favorites.

So whether you’re looking for a new, exciting makeup item for your collection, or searching for an alternative to your classic, here are 13 beauty items every babe should consider adding to her vanity. While the classics are without a doubt reliable, it’s items like these that can often push beauty creativity. Who knows? They might just make you feel like the queen that you are.

1. Colored Mascara

Black mascara is great and all, but colored mascara is arguably better. Update your regular 'ole black version with some blue, purple, or even green to infuse color into your look as well as play up your pretty eyes. There's really no need to be intimidated by colored lashes. They'll only ever add a unique quality to your beauty look.

Color Mascara, $7, U lta

2. Light Eyeliner

Lining your inner eye rim with a light eyeliner is a surefire way to brighten your peepers. Next time you need a little pick-me-up, just reach for white, flesh-toned, or cream-colored eyeliner to make your eyes appear big, wide, and fresh for the day ahead.

Rimmel London ScandalEyes Kohl Eyeliner in Nude, $4, Walmart

3. Super Dark Lip Color

Dark lipstick and I have a long history, and I would encourage everyone to give it a shot at least once. They're a way to vamp up any beauty look, plus they're unique among a sea of light pink and nude shades. Don't be unsettled by crimson hues or matte blacks because they can actually create stunning beauty looks.

Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in Damned, $20, Sephora

4. Super Bright Lip Color

And the same goes for bright lip colors. Some of my favorite lip colors to wear are bright pinks and oranges since they're eye-catching and intense. Plus, they're a lot of fun to take selfies in.

Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter in Lollipop, $6, Amazon

5. Oils, Besides Coconut

In terms of multi-tasking products, oils are definitely the way to go. Having recently tried out the oil cleansing method, I have worked argan oil, jojoba oil, and sweet almond oil into my beauty routine and don't plan on looking back. Oils may have historically been reserved for the kitchen, but these babies are fantastic for beauty usage as well.

Aura Cacia Sweet Almond Oil Natural Skin Care Oil, $11, Amazon

6. Sparkles

I'm a sucker for a good sparkly eyeshadow. Although some may believe that sparkles are inappropriate beyond a certain age, I beg to wholeheartedly disagree. Sparkles are great in blushes, highlighters, eyeshadows, and even lip glosses. They also come in all levels of intensity, from the subtle to the intense, so there's a sparkly product out there for everyone.

NYX Cosmetics Roll On Shimmer in Walnut, $4, Overstock

7. Facial Sprays

As I recently found out, facial sprays are kind of amazing. They calm your skin and are great for the occasional refreshment. While spraying yourself in the face with an odd liquid may seem bizarre at first, I promise that after a few spritzes, it's totally worth it for softer, tingly skin.

Mario Badescu Facial Spray With Aloe, Herbs, And Rosewater, $7, Amazon

8. Fun Eyeliner

Lately, my favorite beauty look is rubbing a dark purple pencil eyeliner through my inner rim and smudging it under my lower lash line to get an alluring yet colorful look. Don't be afraid of colored eyeliners. Wearing them with neutral tones or even with just mascara allows them to stand out without being too OTT.

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Asphyxia, $20, N ordstrom

9. Clear Mascara

Clear mascara may give you flashbacks to the good old days of middle school when all the makeup your mom would let you wear was that and lip-colored gloss. But that clear mascara you hated so much back then is actually great for brightening your eyes without weighing them down. Not to mention setting your eyebrows in place. Welcome back to the arsenal!

E.L.F. Cosmetics Clear Brow & Lash Mascara, $2, U lta

10. Bright Eyeshadow

Personally, I'm a total advocate for crazy eyeshadows (including bright blue). That being said, I know how intimidating they can be. But you'd be surprised at how easy it really is to rock a bright eye when keeping the rest of your makeup basic to juxtapose it.

Sugar Metallic Blue Eyeshadow, $5, Colourpop

11. Anything You've Been Dying To Try

And finally, if there's any other odd, unconventional, or uncommon beauty product you've always wanted to try, my advice is to go for it. After all, life's too short to live in fear of so-called beauty mishaps.

Want more beauty tips? Check out the video below, and be sure to subscribe to Bustle’s YouTube page for more hacks and tricks!

Images: Melodi Erdogan; Courtesy Brands