Beauty products often are expensive and have harsh ingredients. Homemade beauty remedies work as well–and sometimes even better–than the expensive commercially made products. Making your own beauty products allows you to customize the ingredients to fit your needs. With just a few inexpensive materials, you will be able to treat yourself to beauty remedies that will make you feel like a million bucks.
Facial Cleanser
The delicate skin of your face responds remarkably well to homemade facial treatments. Start your facial routine with a multipurpose cleansing paste for all skin types. A cleanser should remove dirt and dead skin cells without drying or stressing your skin. Mix together in a blender 2 oz. filtered or spring water, 2 oz. apple cider vinegar, 4 oz. ground almonds and 3 oz. almond oil. Add approximately six drops of essential oils, such as lavender, chamomile, lemon and sage. If you have very dry skin, use avocado oil instead of almond oil.
Hair Mask
A nourishing hair mask revitalizes dry, dull, tired-looking hair. One homemade remedy to try restores minerals and shine, according to Marie Miczak, author of “Nature’s Weeds, Native Medicine.” Make an infusion of rosemary and sage for dark hair colors. For light brown, blonde or red hair, substitute chamomile for the other herbs because rosemary and sage may stain your hair. To make an infusion, boil 1 pint of water and pour it over 1 oz. of dried herbs. Steep for 10 minutes and strain. Add 1/4 cup bentonite clay to 1/4 cup rosemary infusion and 1/2 cup sage infusion, or 3/4 cup chamomile infusion for lighter-colored hair. Spread the mixture all over your hair; cover it with a shower cap or plastic bag. Wrap with a warm towel and leave it on for 15 minutes. Rinse thoroughly.
Teeth Whitener
A clean, white smile looks healthy and radiant. Purchased teeth whiteners can include harsh ingredients that may do more harm than good. Valerie Worwood, author of “The Complete Book of Essential Oils & Aromatherapy” recommends the following powder recipe for cleaning and whitening teeth. Mix together 2 tsp. baking soda, 1 tsp. salt, 2 tsp dried, ground sage and 1 tbsp. dried ground orange peel. Add five drops lemon essential oil and one drop peppermint essential oil. To use, dip a wet toothbrush into the powder and brush as normal.
Lip Gloss
For soft, kissable lips, forget petroleum-based lip glosses. Opt for a natural, homemade version. Boil water in a pan and place a smaller pan or bowl into it. In that bowl, melt 1 oz. beeswax, 2 tbsp. almond oil, approximately 10 drops jojoba oil and the contents of one or two vitamin E capsules. Stir until well blended. Add three to five to seven drops of lemon, lavender, peppermint or rose essential oil. To color the lip gloss, stir in beet juice. Add one drop at a time until you achieve the shade you like. You can give your lips a plumping boost by adding a drop or two of cinnamon essential oil.
Photo Credit
- Beauty image by Yvonne Bogdanski from Fotolia.com
