The thought of aloe vera might take you back to the time you fell asleep on the beach... and then woke up with a crazy burn that left you spending the rest of your spring break wanting to soak in a tub of the gel. Since you've already stocked up on a ton of SPF for your upcoming trip and are taking precautions not to let a nasty burn happen to you ever again, we're hoping that bottle of aloe vera won't be necessary to help with a sunburn. So what do you do with it instead? There's no need to set it aside for spring break 2016—there are many ways you can put aloe vera to use in your daily beauty routine.
1. Makeup remover
Instead of reaching for a makeup remover with harsh chemicals, squeeze a drop of pure aloe gel onto a cotton round and watch your makeup disappear—naturally!
2. Shaving cream
Aloe vera acts as the perfect shave gel for three main reasons. First, it's anti-bacterial, which is great because somehow we always end up with nicks around the knees. Second, it's super smooth, ensuring a close shave. And third, it's moisturizing. Combine these three attributes for totally touchable legs!
3. Face wash
There are many different combinations of DIY aloe vera face washes you can make at home. We like this one that combines aloe vera and almond oil for the best anti-inflammatory face wash to sooth even the most stubborn pimples.
4. Breath freshener
Couldn't resist those onion rings? Don't fret! Simply mix 1/4 cup of pure aloe vera gel dissolved in 1/2 a cup of water or apple juice to take care of bad breath in a jiffy.
5. Nighttime facial
Create your own cooling concoction of pure aloe juice, three inches of cucumber and half an egg white for an ulta-hydrating mask you can sleep in. Wake up refreshed and glowing!
6. Brow gel
When it comes to our brows, the sleeker and bolder, the better! Unfortunately, thicker brows tend to be a bit unruly. Dip a clean mascara wand in some aloe vera gel and apply to keep stray hairs in place without the risk of stickiness or too hard of a texture.
Here's to hoping your bottle of aloe vera gel won't be necessary to nurse any burns this spring break—instead, put it to good use and up your beauty game instead!