Here are 10 things you didn't know you could do with talcum powder - not bad when you think you can pick the stuff up for about £2.
1. To set your make-up
It's easy to end up with something of a dewy glow in this hot weather, even just a couple of hours after putting your makeup on. But talcum powder helps to set your makeup for the day or night by absorbing and removing facial oils, giving you that flawless look all day. You can also mix your talc up with a powder or bronzer that you find a bit too dark to lighten it up
2. Thicken up your lashes
Always wanted lovely long lashes like Twiggy or Dusty? You can get fuller, longer looking lashes without the need for falsies or pricey products- just prime yours by dusting with talcum powder before you apply mascara
3. Soothe dry skin and treat eczema
Talcum powder can work a lot like a moisturiser to help soothe skin that's become very dry. So if you've got areas of irritated skin, particularly when you've got hot and sweaty in this summer heat, just rub a bit of talc in to calm it. Just make sure you're using a talc that's been dermatologically approved and clinically tested on dry and eczema prone skin
4. Prevent any chafing
There's nothing more uncomfortable when you're trying to get around on a hot summer's day or getting on with your exercise. So before you head out, try dusting some talcum powder between your thighs to help eliminate the friction when you walk or run so your skin will stay smooth and pain-free
5. De-sand after a day at the beach
Be sure to pack a bottle of talc alongside your sun cream and bucket and spade when you're heading for the coast. Because after a day of building sandcastles with the grandchildren, you're quite likely to need it. Talc helps absorb that sweat, oil and water that makes sand stick to you, meaning you'll be able to just wipe it all off. Better still, you'll know your car and house won't turn into a sandy mess too!
6. Use instead of dry shampoo
If you're in a hurry to get out the door and don't have any dry shampoo to hand, try sprinkling some talcum powder underneath the top layer of hair at your roots to absorb excess oil. If you have dark hair, mix the powder with cocoa powder and for red hair, mix in some cinnamon. Gently brush through to evenly distribute it evenly and no-one will ever know.
7. To cool your sheets
In the middle of a heatwave, sprinkle some talcum powder on your bed sheets before heading to sleep and you'll feel cool and dry all night long.
8. For silky smooth legs
After you exfoliate and before you wax, apply a little talcum powder to the area of skin you'll be waxing. The talc will absorb any excess oil on your skin's surface so the wax will be able to grab your hairs better. Better still, your skin shouldn't get so red as the talc will help soothe it.
9. Cleaning out your closet
If your wardrobe is smelling a bit musty, you can freshen it up with- guess what?- talcum powder! Sprinkle a small amount into a jar or a dish and then leave it in your wardrobe to soak up the moisture that's causing that musty smell. You can also you can use it to freshen up your carpets- just sprinkle a light coating, let it sit for about fifteen minutes and then hoover up. This works wonders for removing tough smells, such as pets or cigarettes
10. Sweeten up smelly shoes
Eliminate the smell in your hallway or shoe box by putting a light dusting of talcum powder inside the shoes and leaving them overnight. In the morning, shake out the baby powder and you're good to go!
Tips from Cuticura Mildly Medicated Talcum Powder. Their Special Edition Tin is priced at £2.69 for 150g and £3.69 for 250g and available from Boots, Tesco, Sainsbury's, Waitrose and leading independent pharmacies