Top Five Natural Beauty Tips

Top five natural beauty tips

Healthy beauty is only a kitchen away!

by Whitney Lakin

1. Cucumbers

They’re not just for lonely nights anymore. Slice ‘em really thin and lay them over your eyes, forehead, cheeks, chin–whatever looks puffy from last nights drink ‘em till you drop contest. They contain a mild astringent that’ll make you look like you actually got enough beauty sleep.

2. Honey and sugar face scrub

Mix a tablespoon of honey with a tablespoon of sugar. Wash your face, but don’t dry. Heat the mixture–about 5 or 6 seconds in the microwave–then gently exfoliate your face. This stuff rinses great, and doesn’t leave a lot of gunk in your sink or tub, unlike some higher-end cleansers. Plus, it gives you that great glow that makes you look like you’ve been doing you-know-what, even if you haven’t.

3. Olive and essential oil hair treatment.

Grab some extra virgin olive oil, pour a little in a cosmetic jar, bowl, or the lid to your latest microwave dinner–whatever’s handy. Add a few drops of lavender essential oil and a few drops of rosemary. Work some into the ends of your hair first, then the crown, brushing down with your fingers. Let sit for at least half an hour, preferably with a plastic grocery bag over your hair. If your hair’s pretty thick, you might not need to wash right away–that is, if you don’t mind smelling like an Italian kitchen–I’m sure don’t, and neither does my boyfriend, who prefers it to the smell of fruity perfume!

4. Sea Salt and oil body scrub.

In an old tupperware container, mix a cup of salts, enough extra virgin olive oil to mix well, and a few drops each of lavender and either peppermint or rosemary. The peppermint has a cooling effect–great for steamy summers. (Beware, though, any more than a few drops and you’ll feel like you’re naked in the middle of the Arctic).You can use mineral oil for this one, but it’s best to do yourself a favor and pop for a few basic essential oils. They’re better for your complexion and they last forever–you only need a drop or two per batch.

5. Cocoa butter and peppermint lip balm.

Mix equal parts olive or almond oil and cocoa butter. Add a dollop of honey, a few drops of peppermint and stick in microwave for 10-15 seconds. Swirl together, stick in fridge to cool and voila! Natural lip balm that tastes quite sexy indeed.