There are many natural beauty solutions to try in the comfort of your home for beautiful, luminous skin and soft, shiny hair. The kitchen is where you should be heading. It’s as simple as walking in there, figuring out what goes well with your skin and creating a magical potion.
Efficient and extremely beneficial, the simple ingredients in your pantry and fridge are just what your skin needs for a healthy boost you can see and feel. They can really help you to create amazing DIY facial masks. What’s more is that these homemade masks are inexpensive and you know what’s being absorbed into your skin. You’re also finding a way to be inventive and thinking outside the box in regards to food and skincare. Pre-made jars of these masks (sans the egg mask) make for great, unique, handmade gifts as well.
Here are some basic and simple ideas about how to incorporate everyday foods into skincare. You can experiment with other ingredients as well. If you know them to be healthy to ingest, they’re most likely healthy and beneficial for your skin as well. For example, nutrient-dense foods like kale and strawberries are full of antioxidants and healing plant compounds called phytochemicals. So when used on your face, these foods can give your skin a vigorous lift.
Oatmeal facial masks
If you’re looking for a quick recipe that will leave you feeling and looking better, give yourself an oatmeal facial. Mix 1/2 cup of hot - not boiling - water and 1/3 cup of oatmeal. After the water and oatmeal have settled for two or three minutes, mix in two tablespoons of plain yogurt, two tablespoons of honey and one egg white. Apply a thin layer of the mask to your face and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes, then rinse with warm water. (Be sure to place a metal or plastic strainer in your sink to avoid clogging the drain with the granules.)
Vinegar facial masks
Using vinegar as a skin toner dates back to the time of Helen of Troy and it’s just as effective today. After you wash your face, mix one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with two cups of water as a finishing rinse to cleanse and tighten your skin. You can also create a homemade facial mask by mixing 1/4 cup of cider vinegar with 1/4 cup of water. Gently apply the solution to your face.
Chocolate bath
Chocolate is high in antioxidants, just like pumpkin. It works as a deep moisturiser for dry skin, something a lot of us feel when the weather cools down. You will only need one cup of bubble bath soap, 1/2 cup of milk and 60 grams (about 1/2 cup) of crushed dark chocolate.
To prepare for the bath, bring milk to a boil then stir in chocolate bits until melted. Let the milk cool and add the mixture into one cup of bubble bath liquid. Use 1/2 cup of the mixture for each bath. This amount can last for about four days.
Milk facial masks
Here’s another way to give yourself a fancy spa facial at home. Make a mask by mixing 1/4 cup of powdered milk with enough water to form a thick paste. Thoroughly coat your face with the concoction, let dry completely, and then rinse with warm water. Your face will feel fresh and rejuvenated.
Rosemary citrus body polish
Give it a try, it’s easy and effective, and you’ll be giving yourself the luxury of high-end spas right at home. Mix two tablespoons of crushed rosemary, 1/4 cup of natural sea salt, 1/4 cup of oil (grape seed or coconut are good), one teaspoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice with one tablespoon of honey and watch the magic happen.
Coconut oil for your hair
Use this mystic oil to create a conditioning hair mask before you wash your hair to help soften the look of split ends when it’s dry. Coconut oil is rich in fatty acids and proteins, so you should expect your hair to look healthy, shiny and hydrated.
Small drops are enough because a little goes a long way, so whether you’re using coconut oil as a hair mask or to keep your ends healthy and split end-free, use it cautiously. If you use the oil as a mask, a good, deep cleansing shampoo will help clear away any leftover coconut oil so your hair doesn’t feel greasy later.
Another great tip is to us coconut oil as a make-up remover. Add a few drops to facial cotton and wipe away your make-up. Don’t be surprised if you notice your lashes are thick after use, this is what coconut oil is all about.
