4 Ways Drinking Vodka Might Actually Benefit Your Appearance

We know vodka isn’t exactly great for our livers, waistlines, dance skills or public behaviors, but what you might not know is vodka offers many beneficial beauty uses.

It turns out vodka doesn't just make you think you look great; it can help you look great, too.

While consumption still remains my preferred method of use, it's good to know the translucent liquid isn’t just a one-trick pony. After reading this, vodka may just become your new beauty secret:

1. Fresh Breath From That Hangover

It may be a little hard to believe, but vodka can combat stinky morning breath.

Strange, considering after a big night out, you hardly wake up with good breath. But, apparently, it works just like store-bought mouthwash you sip, swish and spit.

Be careful not to swallow, though.

If you’re worried you might “accidentally” ingest some of it, or you’ll get boozy breath (not the best way to start the morning when you're heading into the office), there is another option.

For a diluted version, you can add five tablespoons of cinnamon powder to one cup of straight vodka, stir and then store in an airtight container for one to two weeks.

After that, just strain the liquid. When it's ready to use, add a capful of the liquid to some warm water and gargle.

2. Skin Toner After A Night Of Drinking

Vodka can be great for your face in a number of ways: It helps tighten pores, gets rid of facial grime and leaves your face feeling clean.

New York-based dermatologist Jeannette Graf suggests dunking a cotton ball in a pre-made potion of green tea and vodka and applying it to your face every morning and night, just as you would any other facial product.

Simply boil a jug of green tea, let it cool and add 1.5 teaspoons of vodka. The green tea soothes your skin while the vodka helps to tighten it.

You can also opt to simply dab a cotton ball in the vodka and apply straight to your face.

Mixing watermelon juice, water and vodka also works great as a cocktail -- err, skin toner.

3. Eliminate Wrinkles While You Stay Up All Night

Unfortunately, you can’t stop wrinkles or get rid of them completely, but you can minimize their appearance.

You don’t have to blow your budget on pricey salon creams that claim to work; vodka can help!

Mix together a tablespoon of vodka, honey and fennel. Rub the paste all over your face and leave it on for approximately 20 minutes before washing it off.

4. Hair Spray That Stays The Whole Party

There’s nothing worse while getting ready to go out on a Friday night than having your can of hairspray hiss in defeat: empty.

Never fear, vodka is here! And, let’s be honest: You are more likely to have a bottle of vodka laying around than a spare bottle of hairspray.

Siobhan O’Connor and Alexandra Spunt, authors of "No More Dirty Looks," have a recipe that’s simple and easy to whip up.

All you need is water, vodka and two lemons or limes.

Combine the water and roughly-sliced citrus in a saucepan and cover with a lid. Turn to a low heat and let the mixture simmer for about 20 to 30 minutes. Once it’s cooled, remove the slices and transfer the water into a spray bottle.

Add a tablespoon of vodka to the bottle, then shake and spray. Voilà! You’ve got yourself a bottle of homemade hairspray.

So, go get your glow on (in more ways than one).