If you're like me and you're constantly looking for ways to simplify your life while being kind to your wallet, you'll love what I'm about to share. Multi-use products have been a game-changer in my love for casual minimalism. They're not just space-savers; they're also incredibly budget-friendly. Here some of my favorite multi-purpose gems that make life simpler and a little bit lighter.
1. Bentonite Clay: Beauty's Swiss Army Knife
Bentonite clay is a versatile, affordable, and accessible product that's a must-have in your minimalist beauty arsenal and offers a range of benefits for both your skin and overall health. You can pick it up at most health food stores or of course Amazon. As with any product, especially those used in DIY treatments, it’s important to patch-test first and use it in moderation to see how your skin or hair reacts.
DIY Clay Mask
Bentonite clay is famously known for its powerful detoxifying properties, making it perfect for a DIY face mask. Just mix the clay with water or apple cider vinegar to create a mud-like consistency, apply it to your face, and let it dry. It draws out impurities and toxins from your skin, leaving it feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. This mask can help with reducing acne, unclogging pores, and improving overall skin texture.
Natural CC Loose Powder Alternative
For those who love a minimal makeup routine, bentonite clay can be a game-changer. Its slightly green tint makes it work well as a color-correcting loose powder. I've been using it this way for years. It's a great alternative to conventional loose powders, absorbing excess oil and providing a smooth, matte finish without clogging pores. I will say, though: only use a super thin layer of it (no baking with this one), otherwise you're going to feel it on your skin in a really not good way.
I used to use a regular powder brush to apply it, but now I just use clean hands, tap my fingers in the powder, and gently tap them across any oily or red areas of my face. I have combination skin, but if you have dry skin I would only use this after moisturizer as it is definitely very mattifying.
Additional Beauty and Health Uses:
Hair Mask: Bentonite clay can be used as a hair mask to remove buildup from hair products, toxins, and oils, giving your hair a deep cleanse and boosting its natural shine and volume.
Detox Bath: Add bentonite clay to your bath for a relaxing, detoxifying experience. It helps in drawing out toxins from the body and soothing the skin.
Oral Health: Some people use bentonite clay as a natural toothpaste or in oral rinses. Its detoxifying properties can help freshen breath and promote oral hygiene.
Skin Irritations: Bentonite clay can be applied to bug bites, cuts, burns, or other skin irritations to help soothe and heal the skin.
2. The Shape-Shifting Clothing Item
Next is something I swear by, especially when traveling – a huge scarf (like, almost-my-height-wide) or opaque sarong. This one piece can transform into a skirt, dress, or even a cozy wrap on a cool evening. It’s the ultimate capsule wardrobe MVP, perfect for anyone trying to keep their attire compact and affordable. Here is a breakdown of my favorite scarf uses.
Transform it into a Wrap Skirt
A wrap skirt is perfect for beach outings, casual strolls, or dressing up with a cute top for a night out. Here’s how I use mine:
Hold the scarf horizontally behind your waist.
Bring the two ends to the front.
Tie a secure knot on one side of your hip.
Adjust the overlap for comfort and coverage.
Create a Wrap Dress
Turning your scarf into a wrap dress is another fantastic way to get more out of this versatile piece and wear it for lunch/dinner or a day exploring the city.
Hold the scarf horizontally and wrap it around your back, under your arms.
Bring the ends forward over your chest.
Cross the ends over each other, creating a V-neck.
Tie them in a knot behind your neck to secure the dress.
Optional: add another tie around your waist or secure the waist with a belt.
Use it Instead of a Cardigan on Chilly Evenings
I often find that it actually looks more elegant to drape a large scarf over my shoulders than to wear a jacket over a nice dress. It's like a comforting little blanket. 10 outta 10.
Use it as a Scarf or Head Covering
Of course, you can always run with a scarf's most obvious use: wearing it as a scarf. That also includes using it as a head or head-and-shoulder covering for those travel destinations that require or recommend it.
3. Mason Jars: Beyond Storage
Mason jars have long transcended their traditional role in the kitchen. These simple glass jars are a minimalist's dream for their versatility, durability, and eco-friendliness. Available in various sizes, they can be picked up at most grocery stores, online retailers, or second-hand shops at minimal cost. Their durability means they last for years, offering great value for money. Let's check out my favorite ways mason jars can be used!
Storage Solutions
Of course, mason jars are perfect for storing all sorts of items. Use them in the kitchen for dry goods like pasta, rice, or spices. They're also great for keeping leftovers in the fridge, as they're airtight and keep food fresh. Beyond the kitchen, you can use them to organize small items like buttons, screws, or craft supplies. In a move towards sustainable living, mason jars serve as amazing alternatives to plastic containers!
Drinkware
Mason jars have become popular as drinkware. I feel like they used to be reserved for hipster-only use, but now I feel they're pretty widely accepted as drinking glasses. Personally, I absolutely hate drinking out of plastic as I think it makes the water taste bleh, so mason jars are my fave as they have less slip than smooth glasses and also show fingerprints less.
They're perfect for smoothies, iced coffee, water, or other cold drinks. I also use them for hot drinks as my fingers aren't heat sensitive at all, but would probably recommend a lil jar sleeve for this. The tight jar seal makes the masons ideal for on-the-go beverages, and you can also optimize them with special lids for them, such as on-the-go tops, lids with straw openings in them, etc. It's way more efficient to keep mix-and-match lids instead of getting entire cups for each use!
Portable Meals
For those who meal prep or enjoy salads on the go, mason jars are fantastic! Layer your salad ingredients, with dressings at the bottom to keep everything fresh. When ready to eat, just shake it up! The jars are also great for overnight oats, chia pudding, or layered yogurt parfaits.
DIY Décor and Crafts
The clear glass of mason jars makes them perfect for DIY décor. Fill them with fairy lights for a cozy ambiance, use them as vases for fresh flowers, or as candle holders. You can also turn them into refillable soap dispensers by picking up a soap dispenser lid!
Home Canning and Preserving
Returning to their roots, mason jars are ideal for home canning and preserving. Whether you're making jams, pickles, or preserving fruits and vegetables, these jars provide a safe and reliable way to store your homemade goods.
Measuring Cups
This is a bit of a niche use, but as a millenial that never properly learned to cook and only ever has a semi-stocked kitchen, I do frequently use mason jars as measuring tools, since they have cups, ounces, and/or ml labels on the sides. I'd say don't tell mom, but she doesn't cook either, so...oh well haha.
4. The Multipurpose Soap I Swear By
Even though this is my favorite one, it's last on the list because I've already written a whole article about this (find it here!). This (very cheap, 4-6 ingredient) soap is essentially my entire shower routine in a bar. I use it as shampoo/conditioner, body wash, face wash, and even shaving cream.
Sounds way too good to be true, I agree. But if you are curious, just check out my before and after images. This soap has 100% changed my life.
Conclusion
These are just a few of my favorite multi-use products that help keep my life and home uncluttered and efficient! They prove that living minimally doesn’t mean you have to give up on quality, functionality, or affordability. What are your favorite multi-use products?