Now days we have a product for everything. And I’m always in for technology and packaging!
Then again, sometimes you just need a hack from something you can grab in your kitchen.
For most of us it started with lemon juice for the hair in the hot summer sun, and expanded to the baby oil for tanning (just don’t do this!). But there are still some good ones.
While reading It, I stumbled on Alexa Chung suggestion for impromptu lip exfoliation kits: Vaseline and brown sugar. Be gentle and wash off lightly. We can improve on Alexa’s formula and add honey or coconut.
Some of the Better Known Beauty Hacks
Honey isn’t just for sweetening tea; it’s a natural humectant, meaning it locks in moisture, and is antibacterial. Apply a thin layer to clean skin, leave it on for 10 minutes, and rinse.
Use coffee grounds for gentle exfoliator to removing dead skin cells. Mix the grounds with a little olive oil to create a scrub. I’ve really never tried by face, but can feel great to gently massage onto your skin in circular motions and rinse. Bonus: it’s great for reducing the appearance of cellulite. Oats work too. If your skin feels irritated, turn to oats. Blend them into a fine powder and mix with water to create a paste. Apply it as a mask to calm redness or itchiness. You can also add oats to your bath for a full-body soothing soak.
Out of toner? You probably have some on the shelf. Dilute apple cider vinegar with water (1:3 ratio) and use it as a toner to balance your skin’s pH and reduce acne. Apply it with a cotton pad, but avoid using it on broken skin.
Just because it has gotten such a reputation for vaginal health, we forget we can use it on the face. Plain yogurt is loaded with probiotics and lactic acid, which help soothe irritated skin and gently exfoliate. Spread it on your face, let it sit for 15 minutes, and wash off. Your skin will feel cool and refreshed.
Calm Eyes, Beautify Hair
Need a quick hair mask? Warm a few tablespoons of olive oil and apply it to your hair, focusing on the ends. Wrap your hair in a towel and let it sit for 20–30 minutes before shampooing. It’s a lifesaver for dry, frizzy hair.
Those cucumber slices in your fridge aren’t just for salads. Chill them and place them on your eyes for 10 minutes to reduce puffiness and dark circles. The natural cooling properties are instantly refreshing. And if no cucumbers hanging about, try a potato. Potatoes are rich in enzymes that can help lighten dark spots and reduce puffiness. Place thin slices on blemishes or under your eyes for 15 minutes, then rinse.
Turmeric is a powerhouse for evening out skin tone. Mix a teaspoon of turmeric with a tablespoon of yogurt or honey to create a mask. Apply it for 10 minutes, but be careful—it can stain clothing or surfaces!
Coconut is the Universal Everything
This multitasker deserves a place in your kitchen and your beauty routine. Use it as a makeup remover, lip balm, or overnight moisturizer. Its nourishing properties are perfect for dry skin and hair.
For the most part store bought equivalents have now included multiple ingredients and healing accelerators you really can’t get from these quick fixes. So don’t skip your skin routines permanently. But in a pinch, your kitchen is a treasure trove of natural beauty solutions! These hacks are not only effective but also budget-friendly and free from harsh chemicals. Next time you’re in a pinch, skip the store and look to your pantry for a quick fix. Your skin and hair will thank you!
