For British women an average lifetime of looks maintenance will cost around £133,000 with the male population not far behind at £75,000.
All this spending seems a little excessive however, in an image obsessed world, it can be almost impossible to avoid. But this isn’t your only option. There are a number of natural alternatives that will help you stay looking your best without parting with your life savings. This summer, take the opportunity to embrace all things natural – and save a small fortune along the way. Not only are natural, homemade beauty remedies cost effective but they are also friendly to the environment.
We’ve scoured the web to find you our top 10 effective natural beauty remedies to try at home. So, next time you find yourself needing a little pampering, bypass the bathroom and head straight to the kitchen cupboard.
1. Baking Soda Scrub – Removes Self-Tan Streaks
Self tan streaks can be a serious faux-pas if left unattended. They occur when tan is applied unevenly, or when the skin hasn’t been properly exfoliated prior to application. To help amend this problem you can create your own streak-stopper scrub using plain old baking soda. Taking a small amount of baking soda add a little water and carefully rub into the streaky area.
2. Vaseline in Your Socks – Helps Dry Skin.
Combat calluses with this quirky trick to reduce dry, flaky skin on the bottom of your feet. Slather your feet in Vaseline before bed, keeping your socks on over night and wake to silky smooth, sandal-ready feet.
3. Vodka Shots – To Stop Dandruff
Next time you have a big night out why not try saving one of those shots for your scalp? – no, really. Mix one cup of vodka with some of crushed rosemary, allow the mixture to rest over night then pass through a coffee strainer in the morning. Massage the mixture through your scalp and rinse with cold water to help reduce dandruff.
4. Seaweed Anti-Aging Mask
Seaweed (or kelp) powder can be found online or at specialist retailers and works as a really effective anti-aging remedy. Mix the powder together with 1 egg white, a table spoon of dark honey and a teaspoon of orange juice until you have a smooth paste. Rub the paste onto your skin and rinse off with warm water after 15 to 20 minutes. Rich in vitamins and minerals the seaweed will help improve the look and feel of you skin helping to reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
5. Potatoes to Reduce Dark Under-Eye Circles
Potatoes produce a cooling effect that can lighten the skin around the eye area, reducing the appearance of tired looking eyes. Take a peeled raw potato and thoroughly wash with cold water. Then cut two segments from the potato and place them underneath your eyes for ten minutes. Potatoes also work as an astringent and can help reduce water retention and reduce the look of puffy eyes.
6. Vinegar for Shiny Hair
Give dull hair a boost of life with this chip shop staple. Combine 500ml of cool water with 250ml of vinegar. Apply the mixture to wet hair taking care to avoid your eyes and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. Thoroughly rinse away and your hair will be soft and shiny.
7. Toothpaste for Spot Fighting
Acne suffers will know that there is nothing worse than having an important event coming up and discovering a huge spot the night before. Rather than rushing to purchase expensive spot creams, everyday toothpaste produces the same rapid results without the additional costs. Toothpaste quickly acts to dehydrate spots, absorbing the excess oil. This will help reduce the redness of the spot helping to keep skin blemish free.
8. Peach and Honey Soothing Face-Mask
This yummy recipe is good enough to eat but also great for soothing and brightening skin. Taking a peeled peach (or nectarine) mash together with 3 tablespoons of honey and 2 tablespoons of yoghurt to form a workable paste. Apply to clean, damp skin and relax for 10 minutes. Remove with warm water and follow with your normal toning and moisturising routine.
9. Almond Scrub Hand Exfoliator
Tend to dry, cracked hands with this yummy homemade hand scrub. Take a small amount of ground almonds and combine with 1 teaspoon of honey, two teaspoons of sunflower or walnut oil and a squeeze of lemon juice. Rub the mixture into your hands for a few minutes and rinse away. The mixture will leave your hands feeling smooth and supple. This is a great one for cold winter days.
10. Pepto-Bisbol Face-Mask
Not just excellent for settling stomachs, Pepto-Bismol is unexpectedly effective when it comes to brightening your complexion. The remedy contains many of the same ingredients found in the most expensive skin creams and so works as a great alternative. All you need is two teaspoons. Rub into your face and leave to dry for 10-15 minutes. This will make your skin feel softer, but should be avoided if the skin on your face is especially sensitive.
We thoroughly recommend giving some of these a go. Let us know if you see results. Will you be swapping your pricy potions and lotions for these natural alternatives?
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main image taken from Google images/www.dailyglow.com
