Your kitchen is more than just an area for cooking. There are plenty of hidden beauty treasures in there, too. Raid your pantry and spoil yourself with one or two treatments below.
Look no further than your kitchen cupboard for some money-saving DIY beauty fixes. By Grace Mantjiu.
1. Avocado. This is not just used for guacamole; it is the ultimate beauty fruit. It provides intense moisture for your skin and hair.
Facial mask to nourish your skin
What you’ll need:
- ½ avocado
- 2 tablespoons honey
- ½ teaspoon coconut oil
Mash the avocado until it’s smooth and creamy. Add the rest of the ingredients. Apply to your face, and leave for 15 minutes. Avoid the eye area when you apply the mask. Rinse your face with warm water and apply moisturiser.
Beauty tip – Hot water may feel good on your skin, but it can be bad as it washes away the essential oils. This leaves your skin dry and tight. Always use warm water.
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Exfoliating body scrub for smooth skin from head to toe
2. Brown sugar. It is a great exfoliator; its granules help clear away dead skin.
3. Banana. It has multi-benefits for your skin. It also contains potassium and vitamins E and C that promote clear fresh radiant skin.
What you’ll need:
- 1 ripe banana
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon any essential oil
Mash the banana. Add the rest of the ingredients to form a thick paste. Apply the mixture to your body, gently massaging in circular motions. Rinse and apply body lotion or oil.
4. Cucumber. This is an effective beauty food that is packed with vitamins and antioxidants that help to reduce dark circles under your eyes.
How to get rid of puffy eyes or dark circles
What you’ll need:
- Cucumbers – Lying down, place a slice on each eye. Keep them on for 20 minutes and remove. Rinse your face with warm water. Repeat at least twice a week for effective results.
- Tea bags, preferably green or chamomile tea – Put two teabags in hot water. Remove and place in a fridge to cool down. Place them on your eyes for 20 minutes, and rinse with warm water.
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5. Honey. Thanks to its antibacterial properties, honey is great for treating acne. It also helps with ageing and giving a healthy glow.
Hair repairing mask
What you’ll need:
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
Mix ingredients in a bowl. Transfer into a pot and heat until melted. Cool down, but it should still be warm. Apply on your hair and cover with a plastic or shower cap for 15–20 minutes. Rinse with warm water.
6. Lemon juice. This is a great source of vitamin C which contributes to keeping nails shiny and strong.
Make your nails stronger
What you’ll need:
- Lemon juice
- Olive oil/coconut oil
Soak your nails in lemon juice for 10 minutes. Rinse with warm water and apply oil, massaging your cuticles. This not only helps to strengthen your nails, but also helps to grow and lighten them.
Beauty tip – Protect your nails from harsh chemicals by wearing gloves when washing dishes or any household chores.
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7. Turmeric. It is high in antioxidants that help to slow down cell damage, reduce pigmentation and evens out your skin tone.
Facial mask for oily skin
What you’ll need:
- 1 tablespoon flour
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- Warm water
Mix the turmeric and flour, and add water to form a thicker paste. Apply an even layer on your face, neck, and under your eyes. Leave the mask on to dry, and rinse off with warm water. You can also use this mask to prevent acne.
