If you’re stuck in a skincare rut, one inexpensive way to change up your beauty routine is to shop your pantry. Some of the most effective natural beauty treatments can be made from food you already have in your kitchen! Here’s how to get that “just went to the spa” glow for much, much less.
1) French fries and greasy chips may not be great for your complexion, but organic, raw potatoes can be used as an excellent skin-brightening scrub. Combine equal parts of grated potato and loose tea leaves with olive, coconut, or almond oil. Gently scrub your face focusing on dry skin and areas of discoloration, then rinse. Potatoes have natural bleaching agents that can help even skin tone, and lanolin, which is a natural moisturizer.
2) We love combining one part coconut oil with two parts raw sugar for an exfoliating body scrub. Can’t get enough? Click here for nine more of our favorite beauty recipes that use the super-versatile pantry product.
3) There’s no reason to buy expensive, chemical-laden dry shampoo when you can easily make the grease-fighting product at home. Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to 1/4 cup arrowroot or cornstarch. Apply the powder to the roots of your hair with an old makeup brush. Comb it through your hair, and style as usual.
4) Don’t throw out your used coffee grounds. Instead, wake up your skin with an all-natural exfoliant. The caffeinated scrub will slough off dead skin cells and increase circulation. It’s even been known to reduce the appearance of cellulite.
5) Condition your cuticles with grapes! Slice the fruits lengthwise, then press into raw sugar. Using one half grape per finger, massage your nails to exfoliate dead skin. Then, rub in a bit of coconut or grapeseed oil for moisture.
6) Avocados are full of vitamins and hydrating oils. We documented all the beauty benefits here, but one of our favorite treatments is a trick to get rid of puffy under-eyes. Place a quarter-inch crescent under each eye for 30 minutes and watch the bags disappear.
7) Love using those Bioré nose strips? DIY your own by using gelatin, milk, and this recipe from Beautylish.
8) Honey’s natural antioxidants make it a great home-beauty ingredient. Whisk an egg white with a spoonful of the good stuff for a face-firming mask. Leave on for 10 minutes, then gently wash away for brighter, tighter skin.
9) Have a problem with dandruff? Green tea can be used as an all-natural way to fight flakes. Steep a few bags, and allow the tea to cool. Then pour it over your scalp. It will rehydrate the skin, and stop the flakes and itching.
10) Eye makeup removers can be expensive. Save your money and make this recipe that uses olive oil as its main ingredient.