Team Sassy’s High-Maintenance Hacks To Stay Low-Maintenance

We’ll never tire of the ‘high maintenance to be low maintenance’ beauty trend. Check out our lazy-girl shortcuts that actually work — tried and tested by us, and suited to Hong Kong lives, humidity and budgets.

Instagram is full of ‘high-maintenance hacks to stay low maintenance,’ but what’s a girl in Hong Kong to do when they require an Amazon Prime subscription, a Target run or materials you just can’t find here? Even if we could participate, Hongkongers have unique concerns to consider: humidity, sweaty commutes, tiny flats and, of course, even smaller budgets. But don’t fret, we’ve rounded up the best tips and tricks to look and feel like a million bucks, without the million-dollar price tag.

Read More: Hong Kong Tried-and-Tested Beauty Tools For Radiant Skin

Pre-Bath Yogurt Hair Mask

Take Executive Editor Suchetana’s advice and slap plain yogurt on your dry hair and scalp before a shower. Let it sit until it’s semi-dry (about 20 minutes), then shampoo as normal. No conditioner needed — the fats moisturise, the probiotics chill your scalp and you just saved some money on that hair therapy appointment.

Read More: The Best Hair Spas In Hong Kong For Healthy Scalps

Glue-Free False Lashes That Won’t Ruin Your Real Ones

Glue ruins lash lines, Social Media Manager Grace wants you to know. Enter Taobao’s glue-free magnetic or self-adhesive lashes. For just $15, ten seconds and zero damage, you can cry, sleep or fight without worrying if your lashes are staying put. High-maintenance flutter, zero-maintenance application.

Read More: Where To Get Lash Lifts & Eyelash Extensions In Hong Kong

Microwave Your Way To Healthy Meals

While Hong Kong flats don’t typically come with ovens, most of us have microwaves. Certified health-nut Grace says that throwing egg, protein powder and mashed banana into her microwave for 90 seconds makes the perfect high-protein cake — so you can eat clean without making a mess in your 200sqft kitchenette.

Read More: Healthy Meal Delivery Services In Hong Kong

Dye Your Brows With Men’s Beard Dye

Why pay $350 for a brow tint in Causeway Bay when you can order Just For Men beard dye off iHerb for half the price? Mix a pea-size amount, paint on brows for five minutes, then wipe off. Editor Anna promises you’ll wake up with laminated-looking brows that last two weeks. Plus, the box will last you years (seriously). 

Read More: Eyebrow Services In Hong Kong — Waxing, Threading & Tinting

Press-On Nails That Look Designer

Skip the $500+ gel extension appointment and purchase some decadent press-ons (we love the selection from FingerTips in Argyle Centre!). File the edges slightly, rough up your natural nail with a buffer, wipe with alcohol and use the glue, not the sticky pad. They’ll last at least a week!

Read More: Nail Salons In Hong Kong — Nail Art, Gel Nails, Manicures And Pedicures

DIY Waxing With An At-Home Warmer

Waxing appointments are expensive and time consuming, but a wax warmer from UBuy (plus some beads or strips) saves on both. Heat, spread and rip on your upper lip, underarms and bikini line from the comfort of your own home — you’ll never never have to make small talk with your aesthetician again.

Read More: Hair Removal Salons In Hong Kong – Waxing, Laser Hair Removal & More

Dry Shampoo The Night Before

Hong Kong humidity laughs at your morning dry shampoo spray. Instead, spray it on your roots before bed. While you sleep, it absorbs oil overnight. Wake up with volumised, non-greasy hair that survives packed mornings in MTRs and post-work commutes.

Read More: How To Build A K-Beauty Skincare Routine For Hong Kong Weather

Double-Cleansing With Squalane Oil

You don’t need a pricey Shu Uemura cleansing oil. Grab a bottle of pure squalane oil and a cheap microfibre cloth from Japan Home Centre, then massage oil onto dry skin and wipe off gently with the warm damp cloth. It removes sunscreen and waterproof mascara better than anything pricey.

Read More: Where Locals Shop For Affordable Beauty Products

At-Home Hair Retouch

When Anna and Editorial Coordinator Raveena need a hair pick-me-up, they take matters into their own hands. Veena loves the Revlon Colorsilk from Mannings or Watsons for a quick touch-up, while Anna opts for a Wella Colour Touch dye from Causeway Bay hair supply stores, where you’ll find professional dyes and products for cheap.

Read More: Where To Get Your Hair Cut & Coloured In Hong Kong