When it comes to DIY beauty products, they can be real hit and miss. The best ones can save you time, money, and stress, but take a step wrong and you can end up paying a lot more for a professional to fix it.
I myself have had my fair share of both DIY disasters and triumphs. From trying to bleach my own roots (absolute fail) to sampling every single method of at-home hair removal, I’ve been a beauty guinea pig for over eight years.
And while I could talk about every chemical burn and bald patch suffered, instead I’m going to rave about the winners I still use and love today.
1000 Hour Brush-In Lash & Brow Dye Kit – Dark Brown
I rarely have my brows tended to professionally. I love it when I do, of course, but the kits from 1000 Hour just make it so easy to tint them myself at home. Even more so now there is the new brush-on formula.
If you haven’t tried the upgrade yet, this one doesn’t require any formula mixing. You simply brush on the colour cream for two minutes (using a provided spoolie), followed by the developer cream for one minute. Then cleanse, and you’re done. Seriously, three minutes for defined brows, with zero mess and without leaving your house. How good! I know I’m not the only one who loves it either, as it just won a 2021 Best in Beauty Award for ‘Best Brow Product’.
$20 at Woolworths
Read more 1000 Hour Brush-In Lash & Brow Dye Kit reviews
OPI Infinite Shine System
Gel manicures are definitely one of the greatest long-lasting beauty inventions of all time. But when I can’t get to the salon (or don’t want to have to deal with the faff of professional removal), this at-home system is my go-to for decent nails.
You don’t need lamps and there’s no curing involved, but it’s the most chip-resistant and shiny formula I’ve tried. The base and top coats make a huge difference to any polish colour you’re using too.
Infinite Shine Pro Stay Duo Pack Nail Polish (which contains the base and top coat), $32.95 at Myer
Read more OPI Infinite Shine System reviews
Waterpik Black Cordless Select Water Flosser
As far as at-home dental products go, I could write an entire love letter to the water flosser. Whitening strips ain’t got nothing on this. Dentist appointments are (of course) still required, but it has upped my flossing game substantially.
The debris that this gum-friendly jet gun unveils is insane (too much info?) and the satisfaction alone was enough to get me to use it consistently. Not to mention the cordless one is incredibly convenient. Because lukewarm water is best for use, you can even take it into the shower with you to fill and floss with wild abandon. One of the best DIY beauty products I’ve discovered in recent years.
$99.95 at The Shaver Shop
Nair Sensitive Mini Strips
I don’t mind my fuzzy top lip enough to spend money on a professional hair removal appointment. But when I do want things extra smooth (special occasions, videos where my lips are centre stage etc), I prefer a swift DIY wax in the comfort of my own bathroom.
These strips may not be everyone’s cup of tea but I certainly prefer the ready-to-go design over microwaving a whole tub of wax. The upper lip is only a small area after all and they’re convenient for a quick job. Word of advice for first-timers? Use them at least two days before your event to ensure any redness has calmed and disappeared.
$8.39 at Chemist Warehouse
Read more Nair Sensitive Mini Strips reviews
What’s your favourite DIY beauty product? Have you tried any of these ones?
I’ve been keen to buy a water flosser for years but didn’t know anyone who used one. Great recommendation, Sam!
I love my waterpik too…I was glad to see it listed there!
Yes, I’ve long wondered about their efficacy, too. I might look around for one in the Boxing Day sales – no time for anything but Christmas shopping at the moment.
Nair is great, and I’m keen to try 1000 hour.
1000 hour is well worth the purchase. I only use it for my brows. It takes a few goes to feel confident you’ve got it right. I find you need less product than on the instructions.
I love my waterpik waterflosser. I still floss with regular floss before I use though.
I use the floss pick from Woolworths and find it works well and good value
I bet you get so many samples being a beauty editor, but it’s one of the perks of the job. I was at the dentist last week and she recommended one of those water flowers and after reading your review I’m thinking it might be a good investment
How lovely are you Samatha, such a nice smile. Thanks for the info.
I am hoping that I’m getting the 1000 Hour Brush-In Lash & Brow Dye Kit – Dark Brown in my Rewards Room parcel. Fingers crossed.
These look great, I think I might get my husband a water flosser for christmas.
I love DIY beauty. I use 1000hours to dye my brows and Schwarzkopf hair dye because I get a great result every time.
Loved reading about your fave products Sam!
Haven’t used them yet. DIY I do is hair highlights with box lightener, hair cutting, IPL lasering of hair
1000Hr is top-notch stuff – I’ve been buying the original formulation for decades. I’ve just bought the new brush-on one but haven’t tried it yet.
My favourite DIYs are the Babyliss Home IPL device I won from Beautyheaven a few years ago; & L’Oréal Excellence Hair Colour – it covers my greys & the deep cleansing shampoo I use for my oily hair doesn’t strip the colour.
99m99b8 b09b 9b 9 9n 9hjm78gh8bin okjm 0ikh 9uhn
Interesting concept. Please do tell…
I need to buy some of these products.
This is very helpful. I’ve been tempted to try the 1000 hour for my lashes for ages and the new gel sounds very easy.
I love those Nair strips too. I’ve ordered some for this Rewards Room.
It would be so hard to try so many products and choose just a few…
Tough choice.
I want to try a water flosser!
The Waterpik flosser is now top of my Christmas list.
Ooh you have the best job
I like the nail polishes, they are lovely
Waterpiks are really good at cleaning between teeth. I had one for 10 years and it still works.
I’ve had one
I love 1000hr and would love to have a Waterpik.
I’d like to try the water flosser
I would choose other products! Not for me.
Some things I just the professionals to do, like hair colour.
i love dyi .. i do everything myself now too
I’ve been tossing up getting a water flossed for years. After Sam’s review and all the comments below I’m definitely going to bite the bullet now.
I love my water flosser!
I haven’t tried any of these however the water flosser has always had me intrigued. A friend of mine tried one and she didn’t like it.
Water flossers are amazing, but I find a little awkward to use.
OPI nail polish has always been on my beauty wish list but I just don’t feel like I can justify spending that kind of money.
I’m intrigued by the water flosser – I’m going to start looking at other reviews.
Great line of products, it must be so exciting getting every new product to try
I would love to try water flosser.
Love them all
I love the O.P.I nail polishes, they have such a wide range of great colours, and the polish lasts without chipping for ages.