1. Cold Cream for Everything
Cold cream was the multitasking wonder of its time. Women used it to remove makeup, cleanse their skin, and moisturize—all in one jar. It left skin soft and smooth without complicated steps.
In an era of 12-step skincare routines, cold cream feels refreshingly simple. It’s gentle, affordable, and still gets the job done. Sometimes the basics really are best.
2. Sleeping in Hair Rollers
Before blow dryers and straighteners took over, women set their hair in rollers overnight. The result was soft, bouncy curls that lasted for days. It took patience, but the payoff was worth it.
Revisiting this routine means less heat damage and more natural-looking waves. Foam rollers are even more comfortable than the hard plastic ones of old. A little effort before bed can still mean fabulous hair in the morning.
3. Homemade Face Masks
Simple kitchen ingredients like honey, oatmeal, or yogurt often doubled as skincare treatments. These homemade masks were soothing, natural, and inexpensive. They nourished the skin without chemicals.
Today, with the push toward clean beauty, these DIY remedies feel fresh again. They’re customizable and surprisingly effective. Sometimes grandma’s pantry was the best beauty counter.
4. Vaseline for Moisture
A small jar of petroleum jelly used to sit on nearly every vanity. It was applied to lips, elbows, cuticles, and even as a nighttime face moisturizer. It locked in hydration like nothing else.
Modern skincare has rediscovered this as “slugging.” It’s proof that the simplest solutions often stand the test of time. Vaseline may be old-fashioned, but it works.
5. Brushing Hair 100 Strokes
Brushing hair thoroughly every night was once a nightly ritual. The idea was that it distributed natural oils from scalp to ends, keeping hair glossy and strong. It was also a soothing, mindful way to end the day.
While 100 strokes might be excessive, the principle still makes sense. A good brushing stimulates the scalp and adds shine. It’s a tradition worth revisiting in moderation.
6. Rosewater Toner
Rosewater was a common beauty staple for refreshing skin. Women spritzed it on as a toner, used it in face masks, or dabbed it on with cotton pads. Its light scent made it feel luxurious.
Natural, gentle, and calming, rosewater is still just as effective today. It hydrates without harsh chemicals. Bringing it back feels like a breath of fresh air.
7. Epsom Salt Baths
Soaking in an Epsom salt bath wasn’t just about relaxation—it was a beauty treatment too. It softened skin, eased sore muscles, and helped reduce puffiness. The ritual made self-care feel special.
With busy lives today, slowing down for a soak feels like a luxury. Epsom salts are inexpensive and easy to find, making this a timeless treat. It’s beauty and wellness rolled into one.
8. Lemon Rinse for Shiny Hair
A rinse of lemon juice diluted with water was once a go-to for glossy, lightened hair. It added natural highlights in the sun and cut through buildup. The results were subtle but noticeable.
It’s still a natural way to brighten hair without chemicals. Just a little citrus can make hair look refreshed. It’s a reminder that nature often has the answers.
9. Ice Cubes for Puffy Eyes
Before pricey eye creams, women used plain ice cubes wrapped in a cloth to reduce puffiness. The cold constricted blood vessels and soothed tired skin. It worked almost instantly.
This method still holds up and costs nothing. A quick press of ice is as effective as any expensive serum. Sometimes the freezer is the best beauty cabinet.
10. Olive Oil for Skin and Hair
Olive oil wasn’t just for cooking—it was massaged into cuticles, smoothed over dry skin, and even used as a hair treatment. Its rich nutrients gave it multiple uses. Women swore by its natural glow.
Today, beauty oils are everywhere, but olive oil is still one of the originals. Affordable, nourishing, and versatile, it’s a tradition that deserves a comeback.
11. Scented Powder After a Bath
A dusting of scented body powder was the finishing touch to many beauty routines. It kept skin soft, fresh, and lightly perfumed. Pretty glass jars and puff applicators made it feel glamorous.
Though less common now, powder adds a touch of old-school elegance. It’s a ritual that turns an ordinary day into something special. Reviving it could bring back a little everyday luxury.
12. Sitting Under a Bonnet Hair Dryer
The big bonnet hair dryer was a mainstay in bedrooms and salons alike. Women used it to set rollers or deep-condition their hair. The hum of the dryer became part of the ritual.
It may look dated, but bonnet dryers are gentle and effective. They’re making a comeback for good reason—they provide even heat without scorching hair. Sometimes vintage methods are the healthiest.