No. 1: As a Clarifying Shampoo: Mix 2 teaspoons baking soda with 1 cup water and use as a final rinse after shampooing.
No. 2: As a Facial Cleanser: Mix 1/2 teaspoon with your favorite cleanser for extra exfoliating (no need to buy a separate scrub!). This is fine for all skin types to do weekly, but dry skin may need to follow up with a rich moisturizer.
No. 3: As a Foot Powder: Sprinkle some baking soda into your workout shoes for stink-free and sweat-free feet.
No. 4: As a Teeth Whitener: It has a salty taste but baking soda is a classic tooth cleanser and whitener -- sprinkle on a damp toothbrush and brush as normal.
For simple in-home hydrotherapy, start out your day with a hot steamy shower and just as you are finishing switch the water to cold for about 15 seconds. Repeat the process for two minutes. This hydrotherapy technique will revitalize your skin and give it a glow by stimulating the flow of blood through the skin. (The price of this treatment at a spa: $95!)
-- Kayla Fioravanti, an ARC Registered & Certified Aromatherapist and the Co-founder and Chief Cosmetic Formulator for Essential Wholesale
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Use Strawberries to Fight Acne
Mash together 1/4 cup fresh strawberries with 1/4 cup sour cream or yogurt, spread on clean skin, let sit for 15 minutes, and then rinse well. Strawberries are a natural source of salicylic acid (the same stuff found in acne products).
-- Janice Cox, Author of Natural Beauty at Home (Henry Holt & Company)
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Four Who'd-of-Thunk-It Uses for Honey:
No. 1: As a Hair Conditioner: Massage 1 tablespoon of pure honey into damp hair after shampooing and then rinse out with warm water. Honey is a natural humectant, meaning it attracts and holds moisture in your hair.
No. 2: As a Substitute for Bubble Bath: Mix together 1 cup water, 1/2 cup honey and 1/2 cup liquid soap, pour into a warm bath under the running water.
No. 3: As a Facial Mask: Honey is perfect for healing acne-prone or dry skin, spread on clean skin and let sit for 15 minutes, then rinse with warm water. Honey is a powerful antioxidant and also has antibacterial properties, making it good for breakouts.
-- Janice Cox, Author of Natural Beauty at Home (Henry Holt & Company)
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The Perfect Sub for a Pricey Eye Cream
Slice raw potatoes and put them on your eyelids to reduce puffiness.
-- Kayla Fioravanti, an ARC Registered & Certified Aromatherapist and the Co-founder and Chief Cosmetic Formulator for Essential Wholesale
Does your tight budget make even drugstore beauty products a luxury? Don't fret. You can still have beautiful skin and hair without buying a ton of (or even any!) products. These bargain beauty tips will show you how to turn kitchen leftovers and more into everything you need to look great. Bonus: these tips all use natural ingredients -- good for you, good for the earth!
