Makeup artists like Michelle Phan know that olive oil makes a great eye makeup remover, thanks to its antimicrobial properties and lash-conditioning vitamin E. It doesn't sting if it gets into eyes, and its slippery consistency means that you don't have to scrub to get rid of stubborn mascara or liner. Plus, you rub it off when you're done, so you won't have to smell it for hours.

DIY: If you want to use straight olive oil on those lids, look for a European-made, extra-virgin oil; the designation "extra-virgin" is more strictly regulated in Europe than it is in the U.S. Apply the oil with a cotton pad or cotton swabs. Rinse off excess product by splashing your face with a bit of water.

If you've ever gotten a nasty scrape or mauled your face by popping a pimple, you probably reached for antibiotic ointment in an attempt to turn things around. While it's true that wounds are less likely to scar when moisturized and covered, antibiotic ointment is one of the most common causes of contact dermatitis, aka skin allergy. Plus, research indicates that plain petroleum jelly is just as effective as antibiotic ointment in wound healing. So, there's that.

But a study showed that avocado oil speeds the rate of wound healing in rats faster than petroleum jelly does. Avocado oil's curative powers are due to its anti-inflammatory properties (it contains sterolin, an immune-boosting molecule) and its high content of essential fatty acids, which aid the formation of collagen.

DIY: Gently massage scrapes, scars, calluses or cracked skin with a couple drops of avocado oil two to three times a day. Cover with an adhesive bandage if necessary.

Tylenol probably seems like one of the most benign OTC meds, yet acetaminophen overdose recently overtook viral hepatitis as the most common cause of acute liver failure. Add to that ibuprofen and aspirin's reps for causing stomach ulcers with chronic use, and suddenly, popping a pain reliever doesn't seem like such a simple decision anymore.

Next time your boss is making your head throb, reach for a bottle of peppermint essential oil instead of a pill. If you're not convinced of the power of aromatherapy, check this out: In a study of subjects who suffered from tension headaches, applying a solution of 10 percent peppermint oil across the forehead and temples was basically as effective as consuming 1,000 milligrams of acetaminophen.

DIY: Mix a quarter cup of hot water with a tablespoon of peppermint oil and pour it onto a folded washcloth. Lay the compress on your forehead for 15 minutes and breathe deeply. Repeat if necessary. You can also try massaging it into your temples.

Sunflower seed oil, high in omega-6 fatty acids, has gotten a bad reputation in the realm of cooking. But all those "bad" fats that make it kind of awful for your diet make it fantastic for your skin. Rich in antioxidant vitamin E, sunflower seed oil makes an inexpensive, lightly hydrating massage oil. Plus, as one of the more mildly scented oils, it doesn't present an issue for allergy sufferers or the fragrance-sensitive (like my discriminating boss).

DIY: Go to town giving yourself a rub-down. If you like a stronger scent, add a bit of essential oil. Eucalyptus and lavender promote relaxation, while oils like jasmine and lemon are uplifting.

Most mass-market bug repellents make you smell like you took a citronella bath. The sharp, overpowering smell makes keeping bugs at bay barely worth it. So try a product with a lemon eucalyptus oil base. Experts say that lemon eucalyptus oil, DEET, picaridin and IR3535 are the four best bug-repelling ingredients out there. (The study leaves out the fact that lemon eucalyptus oil also happens to make you smell like a delicious cup of herbal tea. I call that a bonus.)

DIY: Combine one part lemon eucalyptus essential oil with 10 parts vodka or witch hazel in a spray bottle. Shake before each application.