Who needs expensive beauty treatments when the best ingredients are probably in your kitchen right now? After years of experimenting with homemade remedies, these combinations have proven to work wonders without breaking the bank.
Creating your relaxation zone
First things first, atmosphere is everything! Here’s how to transform your bathroom.
Dim the lights and scatter some tea lights around (nothing fancy, just pop them in small bowls). Play some chill music; those “rainy day coffee shop” playlists work perfectly. For scent, simmer some cinnamon sticks and orange peels in water instead of using expensive diffusers. Crank the heat up a bit in the bathroom for that sauna feeling, and always bring in cucumber water to stay hydrated.
Pro tip: Get everything ready before starting. Nothing kills the vibe like running around looking for ingredients with half a face mask on!
Facial treatments that work
Go-to facial steam
Boil water and pour it into a large bowl, then add either chamomile tea or fresh herbs (rosemary is amazing). Leaning over the bowl with a towel over your head for about 6 minutes opens up all the pores and feels divine. Just be careful with sensitive skin, stay a good 10 inches above the water, and limit to 3-4 minutes.
Quick exfoliating scrub
This is super simple but works better than many expensive scrubs:
- 2 tablespoons of blended oats (regular oatmeal works fine).
- 1 teaspoon honey.
- 1 teaspoon yoghurt.
Mix it up, massage in circles on damp skin, leave for a couple of minutes, then rinse. Skin feels baby-smooth after this treatment!
The real magic happens when these simple ingredients come together. There’s something deeply satisfying about creating effective beauty products from everyday items. Friends often ask what expensive products are responsible for that healthy glow, and the surprise on their faces when learning it’s just avocado and honey from the kitchen pantry is priceless!
Another wonderful aspect of these homemade treatments is how customizable they are. Sensitive skin? Reduce the apple cider vinegar. Dealing with extra dryness? Add more honey. These recipes become personal over time as you adjust them to suit your unique needs.
Custom face masks
Change these up depending on what your skin needs.
For dry days:
- Mashed avocado (about a tablespoon).
- Honey (a teaspoon).
- Yoghurt (half a teaspoon).
When skin is breaking out:
- Plain yoghurt (tablespoon).
- Honey (half teaspoon).
- Tiny pinch of turmeric. (Careful, it stains!)
For dull skin days:
- Mashed papaya or pineapple (teaspoon).
- Yoghurt. (teaspoon).
- Honey. (half teaspoon).
Leave these on for about 15-20 minutes while soaking in the tub.
Homemade toner
Store-bought toners can irritate skin, but this works wonderfully;
- ¼ cup green tea. (brewed and cooled)
- A tablespoon of apple cider vinegar.
- A teaspoon of honey.
Apply with a cotton pad. It tightens everything up, and makeup goes on so much better afterwards.
Body treatments
Best body scrub
This scrub makes skin glow for days.
- ½ cup sugar (brown or white).
- ¼ cup coconut oil (olive oil works too).
- 2 tablespoons honey.
- Few drops of vanilla extract (or essential oil if available).
Stand in the shower and massage it everywhere in circular motions. It’s especially great for rough elbows, knees, and feet.
Bath soak mixtures
Mix and match these depending on your mood.
- Epsom salts (cup) for sore muscles.
- Baking soda (half cup) for rough skin.
- Apple cider vinegar (quarter cup) for irritated skin.
- Ground ginger (2 tablespoons) on cold days to warm up.
Sometimes, adding dried lavender or rose petals creates a luxurious experience. Soak for at least 20 minutes, this is not the time to rush!
Simple body oil
After bathing, while the skin is still slightly damp, apply.
- ¼ cup olive or almond oil (whatever’s in the kitchen).
- Vitamin E oil (teaspoon) if available.
- A few drops of essential oil (lavender is wonderful).
Massage it in using upward strokes. This works better than many expensive body creams!
Hair treatments
Scalp exfoliator
This makes a noticeable difference.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar.
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil.
- A few drops of tea tree oil.
Massage into the scalp before shampooing. It removes product buildup and promotes better hair growth.
Conditioning Hair Masks
For dry, frizzy hair days.
- Half an avocado.
- A tablespoon of honey.
- A tablespoon of olive oil.
When hair feels limp:
- Beaten egg white.
- A tablespoon of yoghurt.
- A teaspoon of lemon juice.
For damaged hair (like after too much sun):
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise.
- A teaspoon of honey.
- A tablespoon of coconut oil.
Apply to damp hair, wrap your head in an old t-shirt, and let it sit for 30 minutes before rinsing.
Hands and feet
Hand treatment
Perfect for hands that take a beating from gardening or housework:
- A tablespoon each of olive oil, honey, and sugar.
Massage over hands, rinse, then apply hand cream. For extremely dry hands, put on cotton gloves and sleep with the treatment overnight.
Foot soak
After a long day on your feet.
- Basin of warm water.
- ¼ cup Epsom salt.
- 2 tablespoons baking soda.
- A few drops of peppermint oil.
- Half a lemon, sliced.
Soak for 15-20 minutes while reading a magazine. Follow with a pumice stone on rough areas.
Final touches
Refreshing facial mist
Keep this in the fridge for hot days.
- ¼ cup rose water or chamomile tea.
- A teaspoon of aloe vera gel.
- Half teaspoon vegetable glycerin.
Spritz whenever you need refreshing or to set makeup.
Lip treatment
For smooth lips.
- Teaspoon each of honey and brown sugar.
- A Few drops of olive oil.
Gently massage over lips, leave for a minute, rinse off, and apply lip balm.
Skincare: Home Remedies For Chapped Lips
Time-saving tips
If you have 3 hours: Follow the whole routine from facial steam to body oil, taking your time with each step.
If you only have an hour: Do a face mask and foot soak simultaneously, followed by a quick shower with body scrub, and finish with oils and moisturisers.
Most of these mixtures should be used right away, but if you make extra, store them in the fridge and use them within a few days.
Taking this time for self-care isn’t just about looking better; it’s about feeling better. There’s something so grounding about working with simple ingredients and focusing on the sensations. And the results often surpass those of expensive store-bought products!
Try incorporating just one or two of these treatments into your routine. You don’t need to do everything at once. Your mind, skin, and wallet will thank you!
Check out:
Beauty: 5 DIY Face Mask Recipes For Dry Skin
Beauty: 3 Simple DIY Masks For Healthy Scalp And Hair
Health: DIY Remedies To Remove Excess Earwax
