How many times have you bought an expensive beauty product, only to feel disappointed that it didn't do what it claimed it would? Some things are definitely worth the double digit price tag but many times you don't need to look any further than your kitchen to accomplish your basic beauty routine! These are the timeless beauty solutions your Grandmother used before Sephora was around. Need a little proof? Here are a few homemade kitchen recipes that should convince you!
Dry Shampoo. Greasy to Gorgeous!
In a hurry? Trying to go one more day without shampooing to give your hair a rest from heat styling tools? Whatever your reasons, dry shampoo is a wonderful degreaser and can save your blowout for up to a week. There are many entries into this market that you can buy, but often they contain ingredients that you don't need and they can get to be a little pricey.
It's really easy to make your own, and Wikipedia will tell you that the main ingredient in most of these dry shampoos is some sort of derived starch or silica. So how do you make it yourself? If you're blond you can sprinkle plain cornstarch to your scalp, working it in your hair to absorb oil and dirt before brushing it out. If you're a brunette, cornstarch alone might leave your hair looking a little dull so mix it with cocoa powder. Red head? Add paprika. If you want it to smell differently add a few drops of essential oil and you should be set! For more tips on dry shampoo and how to use them check out my post here {Dry shampoo - a dirty little secret for healthier hair! }
CLEANSER.
Soap is a great way to clean your face, but sometimes it can clean it too much, stripping your skin of natural oils and moisture. The best thing you can do for your skin is to exfoliate. This will stimulate the production of collagen and brighten your skin by removing all those dead skin cells. Usually pores on your skin are barely visible, but sometimes the build up of these dead skin cells can cause them to look much larger than they are. There is no way to decrease your pore size, but keeping the pores clear and looking smaller plus it will help prevent black heads from forming.
Using sodium bicarbonate, good 'ole baking soda, and lemon juice is a great cleanser and often helpful in treating acne and removing blackheads. The citric acid in lemon juice, especially if you use a fresh lemon, is helpful in breaking down the proteins that bind dead skin cells together, and the baking soda has just enough abrasive qualities to slough off the dead skin.
This recipe only costs a few pennies to make, contains no harsh chemicals, is great at removing dirt or makeup, and a wonderful alternative to expensive exfoliating creams.
Apple Cider Vinegar.
100% organic Bragg Apple Cider Vinegar is easily found at the supermarket. It is a natural antiseptic, antibacterial and can help balance the pH of your skin. The smell is a little strong at first but it quickly dissipates. Every one's skin is different but you may need to dilute this with water if it's too strong for your skin type before using it with a cotton ball after you wash your face in the morning and at night.
Apple cider vinegar also works great to clarify and remove build up and gunk from your hair. Use an old water bottle half empty and fill it with apple cider vinegar, in a one to one ratio. Shampoo normally and then rinse with this. You won't need a conditioner because it will act as a natural detangler and leave your hair super soft and shiny.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
In a perfect world everyone would have olive oil in their kitchen cabinet, not only is it one of the "good" fats but it is a wonderful hypoallergenic moisturizer all by itself. Oils are becoming more and more popular versus creams to beat dryness because they penetrate deeper into the skin. You can use it straight from the bottle with a cotton ball. I love the oils infused with lemon, they smell yummy but your options here are limitless.
Olive oil also works great as a natural eye make up remover and can promote eye lash/ eye brow growth. Check out why in my post {Going to Great Lengths}
Sugar Scrub
The skin on your body is a little rougher which is why a sugar scrub is a perfect way to exfoliate to leave it smoother. Almost every beauty company makes a sugar scrub but why spend the money for one when it's one of the easiest beauty products to make at home when you need it.
Simply use brown or white sugar (gentler) or a mixture of both with an oil. I like to use olive oil. Just pour enough to get a consistency you like. Take it in the shower with you and work it in small circles starting at the feet. Perfect to use before self tanners too!
Who says you have to spend your paycheck to look like a million bucks?
