Maybe you’re on a quest to go all natural. Or blame it on that tax refund you were counting on, but so won’t be receiving. Heck, it could just be that you’re sick of watching your groceries go bad. Whatever the reason, it’s time to march yourself into your kitchen, raid the pantry and get your DIY beauty on.
By using food you probably already have, you’ll not only save precious money, but also feel good about whipping up natural treatments that will help make your skin softer, your hair silkier and your bath more relaxing. We searched for six make-at-home masks, rinses and potions that take no time and cost just a fraction of what you’d spend at the spa or beauty counter.
Ready for a girls’ night in? BYOB (that’s bring your own bananas) and let’s get cookin’!
Bananas
Winter is the worst when it comes to your feet. If you’re one who swears dry, cracked heels seem to just come with the season, grab those bananas you really meant to eat, and mash ‘em up with a little cornmeal, forming a paste. Then, rub it all over those neglected tootsies, leave it on long enough to catch up on the latest episode of “Girls,” and rinse.
Avocado
Hard to believe, but sometimes even the best intentions to make guacamole can be foiled. Rather than tossing your avocado, mash it up with a little plain Greek yogurt and a bit of honey and apply the mix to your face, letting it sit for around 20 minutes. The results? Soft, moisturized skin. Chips not included.
Coconut oil
If you don’t cook with this wonder ingredient, you’ll find it in the baking aisle. Some women slather it on their faces as a wrinkle-reducer, but we like it as a deep-conditioning hair treatment. Just scoop it out of the jar (it turns oily with the heat of your skin) and rub it through your tresses. Wrap your head in a towel or cover with a shower cap and leave on a few hours — even overnight. Shampoo and condition as usual and enjoy your silky, shiny hair. Warning: Pina colada cravings may ensue.
Honey
Besides tasting delicious, honey has lots of great beauty benefits, from its age-erasing anti-oxidants to acne prevention to moisturizing properties. Next time you’re feeling the need for an at-home body scrub, just grab that honey bear jar and squeeze a few tablespoons into a bowl. Mix in a cup on brown sugar, around half a cup of extra virgin olive oil and a little vanilla if you like. Bring it in the bath or shower, spread it on and rinse for super soft skin. Sweet!
Milk
Unused dairy needn’t get poured down the sink. Instead, light a few candles, fill the tub with warm water and add in a quart of milk for an exfoliating soak. Make it extra fancy by adding a drop or two of your favorite essential oils. Cereal is overrated, anyway.
Sugar
Dry, flaky lips? Yeah, us, too. But help is just a pantry away. Grab equal parts sugar and honey or coconut oil and mix up and then add your favorite herb or spice. (We like a little freshly chopped rosemary or cinnamon for a slight tingle.) Apply it to your lips and leave it on for 10 minutes or so. Scrub it off and kiss those chapped lips goodbye!
