GET THAT GLOW!
Fresh is Best!
Looking fabulous doesn't necessarily mean spending big bucks at the cosmetic store. In fact, homemade products are often more luxurious than any you buy, because you can afford to use better ingredients. So yes, continue to use over the counter day and night creams and shampoos and conditioners if you choose to. But for in-between fixes and once a week 'me time', creating your own products is a lot of fun.
The TOP FIVE things to stock up on are:
* Oatmeal
* Olive Oil
* Lemon juice
* Camomile tea bags or dried flowers
* Honey
CAUTION: if you are pregnant or unsure of any of the ingredients, or suffer from sensitive skin, please consult with a doctor before using any of the following treatments. Always test first to see that there is no allergic reaction to any products being used.
NOTE The following has been sent in from readers and from our team's personal experience. However, if inadvertently, we have printed any copy write material, then please get back to us and we shall be happy to give credit.
GENERAL TIPS
If you are to make a positive change in your life, then start by doing the following and see how small daily changes will make a big difference to your skin, your health and your general outlook on life!
* Vitamins - Eat plenty of vitamins which are found in fruits and berries. A particularly good source of vitamin C is found in Strawberries. Aim to eat a portion of fruit daily as they are rich in antioxidants which are highly beneficial to your skin.
* Water - You've heard the saying- drink 8 glasses of water daily. Water is essential to flush out toxins from the body and moisturize it from the inside out. Nowadays, a variety of flavored water is available on the market for those who don't like the taste of plain water.
* Sugar - Cut down on sugar and see what a difference it makes. You'll not only lose those extra pounds, but your skin will see the difference too. If you must use a sweetener, stick to more natural unprocessed cane or brown sugars or better yet, use honey.
* Stress - Stress wrecks havoc on your skin. Notice how those blemishes appear always before an exam or worse still, that big date. Take 10 minutes a day to exercise, meditate or do yoga and you'll be able to handle stress positively, which in turn will be reflected in your clear bright skin.
* Sleep - Get your 8 hours of sleep to wake up feeling refreshed and ready to handle anything the day throws at you! Banish dark circles, pimples and dull hair by getting the rest you need.
* SPF - Use some even if you feel your skin can handle the heat! The bright summer sun and the strong winter one does cause damage to your skin, ensuring premature ageing, wrinkles, blotchy skin and in the worst case, skin cancer. So protect your skin by using a SPF based moisturiZer/sun block. Experts recommend going as high as 30!
* And finally, give up those vices - cigarettes, excessive alcohol and drugs! You really don't need them, and giving them up may be hard, but not impossible! Read websites, other people's testimonials. Contact your doctor or local health center. Ask for help if you need it... and break the habit. Your skin, your health and your future generations will thank you for it!
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GENERAL CARE
FACE CARE
Oatmeal buttermilk cleanser - Pour 1/2 cup boiling water over 3 chamomile tea bags and leave to cool. Squeeze the bags out and discard them. Add 1 cup oats and 1 cup buttermilk to the tea water, mix well till it reaches a thick consistency. Store in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Use as a cleanser, washing with warm water, or as a face mask, leaving on for 20 minutes and rinsing off with warm water.
Strawberry and yogurt face mask - Combine 1/2 cup fresh mashed strawberries and 1/2 cup yogurt and apply liberally on face and neck. Leave on for 20 minutes and rinse off to leave skin feeling smooth and clean.
Oat and lemon face mask - Lemons act as a bleaching agent, while oats are known to soothe the skin. Using a vegetable peeler, remove the rind of 1 lemon (making sure you do not use the white pith). Bring 1/2 cup cider vinegar to boil and add the lemon rind. Boil for 5 minutes and leave to cool. Strain into a bowl. Mix in 1/2 cup finely ground rolled oats and 1/2 cup natural yogurt. Use as you would a face mask. Can keep for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Toner for all skin types - Pour 3 cups boiling water over 1/2 cup dried chamomile flowers or 6 chamomile tea bags, plus 1/2 cup dried peppermint leaves or 6 peppermint tea bags, plus 1/2 cup dried lemon grass or 6 lemon grass tea bags. Leave until cool and strain into a lidded jar. This toner can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep it longer, freeze in an ice tray and thaw and use the blocks as needed.
Toner for oily skin - Bring 1 cup cider vinegar to a boil and add 1/2 cup dried peppermint leaves or 6 peppermint tea bags. Boil for 2 minutes and remove from heat. Leave to cool and strain into a lidded jar. This toner will keep in the fridge for up to 1 month.
Decadent moisturizer - Heat 3 tbsp apricot oil, 3 tbsp almond oil and 3 tbsp avocado oil with 3 tbsp beeswax in a double boiler, till the beeswax melts and the ingredients blend together (or alternatively, you could place a bowl over boiling water and heat the ingredients in them. Do not heat in a pan directly over the flame). Remove from heat and add in 3 tbsp rose water. Beat until the mixture is soft and creamy. Store in a cool place and use liberally twice daily.
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BODY SPRITZERS
Lemon spritzer - Into a screw top jar, pour 1/2 cup vodka over 2 cups fresh rose petals, 2 cups fresh lavender flowers and 6 cups chopped fresh lemon grass. Keep in a dark place for 3 weeks, shaking it daily to get the mixtures to blend. Strain into another jar and add 1 cup sparkling mineral water. Store in a cool place for up to 6 months. Is wonderful as a body refresher, especially over long hot summer months.
HAIR CARE
Egg and yogurt conditioner - I've used this one since I was a child. Beat together 1 egg, 1/2 cup natural yogurt and 1 tbsp liquid honey. Massage into damp hair and leave for 10 minutes. Wash with warm (not hot) water and condition if your hair is very dry.
Oil and honey - This is an unbeatable combination for dry and brittle hair. Mix together warmed liquid honey and olive or coconut oil. Massage into hair and leave on for a minimum of 20 minutes. Wash with warm water and use a conditioner. Use this treatment monthly or twice a month to see a difference.
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BATH CARE
The perfect pick me upper - Add 10 drops or either rosemary essential oil or cinnamon oil to your bath for a wonderful refreshing soak.
Moisturizing bath - For very dry skin, add 2 cups of finely powdered rolled oats to a lukewarm bath. Soak for 10 minutes and rinse off. The oats are both moisturizing and soothing and will heal even the most irritated skin.
Foot bath - Combine 2 cups water, 1/2 cup cider vinegar, 2 tbsp dried thyme and 2 tbsp dried mint in a pan and simmer for 5 minutes. Pour into a basin or foot bath and leave to cool, until warm to touch. Soak feet in and then dry off with a soft towel. Don't forget to apply a moisturizer liberally, or for very dry feet, apply some Vaseline and then a pair or cotton socks.
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INTERNATIONAL SECRETS
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AFRICA
Deodorant - Lavender is wonderful as a deodorant, tonic, antiseptic and insecticide. Use lavender water made by steeping 1 tablespoon of lavender in 1 cup of water. Leave to cool and pour into a spray pump bottle. Use all over your body for a fragrant refresher throughout the day.
Dandruff - Honey is a popular treatment for dandruff in Africa. Mix some honey with a little bit of warm water, and dab it on the affected area of your scalp. Leave it for 15 - 20 minutes and rinse
Dry hair - Warm 3 tbsp olive oil (or more if hair is longer) and test to see that it's not too hot. Massage into your hair. For better results, wrap hair in a towel which has been wrung out in hot water. Alternatively, you can use plastic cling wrap. Leave on for 15-30 minutes and then wash as usual.
Note: Oil is a cooling agent, so make sure you dry your hair well before going outdoors. Extra virgin olive oil can also be applied to dry skin and nails as needed.
AUSTRALIA
Blemishes - Use small amounts of Tee Tree oil to cover any blemishes. The antibacterial qualities in the oil ensure blemishes dry up, leaving skin clear and smooth.
BRAZIL
Cellulite - Brazilian women use going to the beach as another excuse to look great. They are known to take handful of sand and rub it onto their thighs/upper arms. This not only improves circulation, but also gives the skin a healthy exfoliation.
Substitute: No sand? Try using plain sea salt for the same effect.
CHINA
Hair - The secret to shiny glossy hair? Chinese woman through the generations have sworn it's the use of a hair rinse made from green tea and rosemary. Green tea is rich in health boosting antioxidants, while rosemary is detoxifying and helps give hair its healthy shine.
EGYPT
Wrinkles - Apply coconut oil on the portions of skin and face where wrinkles set in and gently massage every night at bedtime.
Banana is wonderful as an anti-wrinkle treatment. Mash 1/4 banana until very creamy. Spread all over face and leave for 15-20 minutes before rinsing off with warm water followed by a dash of cold. Gently pat dry.
The best facial mask for wrinkles is honey. Steam your face using almost boiling water for 5 minutes. Pat dry and then put on a thin mask of plain warmed honey, and leave on for 15 to 30 minutes. Rinse off with warm water. Use weekly.
Rub the core of pineapple on the face for a few minutes and leave for 10-15 minutes. This is excellent for fine wrinkles
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GREECE
Face mask - Greek yogurt is known to be high in lactose, proteins and minerals and can be used as a face pack (rinse after 15 minutes) or put on skin to treat sunburn (mild sunburn only. If you are not sure, please visit a doctor).
Substitute: No Greek yogurt in your fridge? Try using plain non fat yogurt (no fruits or flavor). Rinse off after 15 minutes.
INDIA
Detox -Drink a cup of warm water each morning on awakening.
Another great morning meal is 8-10 almonds which have been soaked in hot water the previous night. Remove skins and eat. Both are great as detox foods, leading to clear great skin.
Face mask - An easy face pack is - 2 tbsp gram flour + 2 tbsp corn flour. Use as an exfoliating scrub in the bath, to leave the skin smooth and clean.
Wrinkles - For wrinkles, cut seedless green grapes in half and gently crush it on your face and neck. Make sure that you get the "crows-feet" and the lines around your mouth. Leave on for 15-20 minutes. Rinse with warm water. Repeat daily if possible, till you see results.
Dry hair- For Dry hair, a coconut oil massage does wonders. Massage scalp with coconut oil and comb through till tips. Keep on for 20-30 minutes. Wash well with your regular shampoo. Oil is a cooling agent, so if you have a cold, then avoid this treatment. Also, be sure to dry hair well before stepping outside.
Stained nails - For yellowing nails, cut a lemon in half and rub across nails. Repeat a few times till stains disappear. For darkened elbows, cut a lemon in half and rest your elbows in them for 20 minutes. Read a book or watch some telly, and be sure to have plenty of towels or newspapers on the table as it can get a bit messy. The active ingredients in the lemon bleach your skin/nails naturally.
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INDONESIA
Dry heels - Tired feet benefit from a good soak. Soak your feet in a tub of warm water and scrub away at the dead skin under your feet. Pat dry and rub in a good cream or Vaseline if your feet are especially dry and cracked. Slip on a pair of cotton socks and wake up to visibly smoother feet!
Dry hair- Dry hair benefits from a coconut milk bath. Dab on a few tablespoons worth of coconut milk instead of your commercial conditioner and rinse well.
MALAYSIA
Dry hair - On low heat, boil 1 cup of coconut milk, till it separates and oil is formed. Strain and use this oil to massage into dry hair. Keep on for a minimum of 30 minutes. Wash off with mild shampoo.
MAYAN
Face Mask - Avocadoes were a highly revered part of the Mayan beauty regimen. Mash ½ of a fresh ripe avocado and apply it evenly to your face. Leave it on for 20 minutes, and rinse it with tepid water.
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MIDDLE EAST
Dry hair- Combine 1tbsp honey with 1/3 cup olive oil. Mix well and apply to hair, massaging well. Wrap hair in a hot towel and wash as usual with a mild shampoo after 30 minutes. Lemon works well to prevent dandruff but as it is a strong agent, it may dry the hair out if used too often.
Conditioner - Mix one egg, 1 tsp honey and 2 tbsp olive oil well. Shampoo and then massage in this mixture, leaving on for 5 minutes. Rinse well.
Hand scrub - Mix two tbsp olive oil with 3 tbsp sugar (the larger coarser variety is better) Make a paste and gently rub the backs of your hand. Wash with warm water and moisturize well.
Hand moisturizer - Mix 1/3 cup glycerin and 2/3 cup rose water. Combine well in a clean bottle and massage your hands as often as possible and definitely after you've used water. Store in a cool dry place for up to one week.
Cuticle softener- Massage a teaspoonful of olive oil into your nails and gently push back cuticles. Do this daily to see a result.
Tired eyes - Tired eyes will benefit from this! Mix 1 oz rosewater to 1 oz distilled water (or boiled and cooled water). Store in a clean bottle. Rinse your eyes as often as needed.
Darkened elbows - Boil fresh mint leaves in a little water to make a thick liquid. Strain to make ½ cup. Mix this with ½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice. Apply to elbows and repeat application with frequency. Wash off after ½ hour.
Face scrub - Mix freshly squeezed orange juice with 4 tsp cornmeal to make a thick paste. Scrub cleaned face gently with this mixture. Rinse with warm water and pat dry.
Mix 2 tbsp oatmeal with 1 tsp baking soda. Add water to make a thick paste. Apply to skin and scrub gently. Rinse with warm water and pat dry.
Lighten facial blemishes - Squeeze half a lemon and mix the juice with one beaten egg white. Leave on your face overnight if possible, or for a minimum of 15 minutes. Wash with warm water.
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THE PHILLIPINES
Facial sauna - Fill a bowl with hot or boiling water and drop in a camomile tea bag. Let it steep for a minute or two and then, placing a towel over your head, gently steam your face for 5 minutes. Ensure you keep well away from the water. Pat face dry and follow with a face mask if so desired.
SCANDANAVIA
Facial moisturizer - The Scandinavians are known for their clear glowing complexions. And their secret? Mineral water! Use it to rinse your face, keep a spritzer handy to moisturise dry skin, and don't forget to drink lots of water, at least 8 glasses a day.
NEW ZEALAND
Face mask - Manuka honey is rich in minerals and very effective as a use in face packs. Mix it with a little oatmeal and milk to make a rich in nutrient face pack.
Substitute: No manuka honey? Use this instead - Dissolve 1 tbsp of honey in 2 cups of warm water. Wash the face with this solution. Rinse well. Do this before bed time on a regular basis or till blemishes clear up.
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BUSY MADE EASY FAVOURITES
Acne - Acne responds well to the following treatments:
Dab on some toothpaste on the affected area and leave overnight. You should see a reduction in size and the reddening should lessen by morning.
Cut a lemon or tomato into small pieces and apply generously onto face. Leave on for 30 minutes and rinse off.
Grate ½ and apple and mix with honey. Leave on for 15-20 minutes and rinse off with warm water.
Mix ½ tsp freshly grated nutmeg in a little milk to make a thick paste. Apply to affected area and leave on for 20 minutes.
Crush 2 aspirin tablets and mix with water to make a thick paste. Leave on overnight and rinse well with water the next morning.
Mix 1 tsp cinnamon with 3 tbsp honey and apply to face. Leave on overnight if possible, or for a minimum of 30 minutes. Rinse well and dab dry.
Crush 3-4 pods of garlic (or use a press) and apply directly to face. Wash off after half an hour.
For scars, dab on a solution of 1 tbsp lemon juice + 1 tbsp water. The astringent in the lemon acts as a disinfectant as well as a bleaching agent, lightening the scars noticeably. However, be cautious not to overuse as lemon is very drying out to the skin.
Dry skin - For dry and sensitive skin, mix one tbsp of fine oatmeal (I blend some and keep it stored in an airtight container) with one tbsp honey and use as a face-pack/ scrub. Oatmeal is also wonderful as a bath moisturizer. Fill the tub up with warm water and pour in some oatmeal. Make sure however, that the oatmeal is blended to a fine powder, otherwise, it's a mess to clean! Soak in it for 10 minutes and immediately dry and rub on a body lotion.
Dry skin mask - Mix 2 tbsp honey and 2 tsp of whole milk. Warm slightly in the microwave. Smooth onto face and lie down for 10 minutes. Rinse off with tepid water and pat dry.
Dry hair - Warm a small amount of coconut or olive oil. Massage well with your fingertips, starting at the forehead and working your way down to the nape of your neck. Keep on for 30 minutes and wash well with a mild shampoo and conditioner. Works well after repeated applications and it sure feels good to get that massage!
Glossy eye shadow - For a glossy eye shadow, add a bit of Vaseline and mix well and watch your eyes shimmer!
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