So I recently discovered a few of these little tricks, and compiled a list for you guys.
With the economy so f'd lately, I figured a few corner-cutting beauty tricks would be just what the doctor ordered....
1) Baking Soda. Now we all know this little wonder has multiple uses from fridge deodorizing, to cat litter additions,... get ready to add a few more to that list!
* As a clarifying shampoo: Mix 2 teaspoons with 1 cup water and use it in your final rinse. Degunking for free! This little treatment is sure to remove any traces of leftover product or built up shampoo/conditioner adding life and bounce to dull, weighty hair.
* As a facial cleanser: Mix 1/2 teaspoon with your favorite cleanser and voila - your old product just became a brand new exfoliator!
* As a foot powder: Sprinkle a dash in your gym shoes or heels and say goodbye to wetness and odor with this trusted fix.
* As a teeth whitener: Dust a bit of this powder on a wet toothbrush and brush as normal. Well assuming you've already used (or plan to use) toothpaste in the equation.
2) The popular spa treatment hydrotherapy usually retails at about $95.00. Want one for free? In the last few minutes of your shower, drop the temperature to cold for about 15 seconds. Head back to your usual temp, and repeat for approximately 2 minutes. This little trick is guaranteed to revitalize your skin and stimulate blood flow for a nice healthy (and cheap) glow.
3) Acne woes got you down with no hope of affording your the brands that would bring relief? Got any fresh fruit?! Mash 1/4 cup strawberries and 1/4 cup sour cream or yogurt, and paste this lovely mixture on clean, dry skin. Let it sit for about 15 minutes, and rinse well. (Strawberries are a natural source of salicylic acid - the miracle drug in all those acne products!)
4) A few fun uses for honey:
* As a conditioner: Massage 1 tablespoon of pure honey into damp hair after shampooing. Rinse with warm water. Honey, the lovely little humectant that it is, will lock in moisture and seal in shine.
* As a bubble bath: Mix 1 cup water, 1/2 cup honey, and 1/2 cup liquid soap. Pour it under your faucet and dive in!
* As a facial mask: Honey is KNOWN for it's healing properties, especially on acne-prone, damaged or distressed skin. Spread it on and let it sit for about 15 minutes, and rinse with warm water. The antioxidents and antibacterials will break down those awful little breakouts and leave you feeling soft...just try not to do this around any bees...or bears for that matter.
5) You know your mother's standby of sliced cucumbers on the eyes for revitilization? Try a new take clinically proven to work even BETTER --- but a little strange --- sliced POTATOES! Proven to reduce puffiness and give those sparkly little devils the attention they deserve!
6) Dry skin? Check the fridge. Mash 1/2 ripe banana or avocado and spread onto the skin. Let it sit for about 15 minutes, and rinse with warm water. Moisture a la mode!
7) Back to the dreaded acne. Now that you've cleansed it away with your fruit mixture from number three, it's time to TONE! Splash cool green tea on your face for a refreshing toner at a quarter of the price.
8) Ok,...this is gonna sound a little strange, but for the brave - give it a go - it's amazing! Swollen, overworked feet are gonna get a treat with this one: Use up those leftover mashed potatoes (dehydrated or otherwise) and add lukewarm (or hot) water for a slightly strange, but overwhelmingly beneficial foot soak. (Potatoes can be subbed for oatmeal as well - known to restore dry, cracked, painful skin especially in your feetsies!)
9) Dry, yellow nails? Say no more with just a squeeze of a lemon! Mix 1 teaspoon lemon juice with 2 tablespoons water and soak for about 15 minutes! Don't forget a few dabs of moisturizer or lotion as lemon is super drying!
10) You know that favorite little body scrub of yours? Most likely from your local Bath and Body or Sephora knowing my audience... Well what happens if you run and simply don't have the time, energy or the money to head to said store? Boy, do I have the subsitute for you! Mix 1/2 cup raw sugar with 1/4 cup light oil and scrub away! Add a dash of your favorite perfume if you're feeling daring, but keep in mind, if you happen to cut or scratch that skin of yours, the additional perfume will sting like a hornet!
And there ya have it - 10 little tricks for beauty, on a budget!
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I must say, I enjoy the "at home remedies" you keep posting. Definitely helpful to those of us with drained bank accounts. :)
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