For thousands of years, women all over the world have been searching for new ways to make themselves look and feel good. Fortunately, there’s a lot of great cosmetic capers you can do right in your own home!
Rx: H20
Drinking water is one of the best things you can do for your skin, and if you drink from the tap, it’s absolutely free! To make sure you’re getting enough, find a 24oz container and fill it three times a day. Just be sure you drink it!
A Clean Face
You don’t need pricey department store cleansers to get a nice, clean visage. A mild, unscented soap with neutral pH (think Dove) is best for every part of your body. This means you save on body wash, as well.
DIY Cleansing Cloths
Many companies are now marketing prepackaged cleansing cloths as a convenience item. The money you spend on them, however, is not convenient at all. What to do? Make your own. Here’s how:
- Cut old t-shirts into 4-inch squares, and keep them in an old butter tub near your sink. You won’t find a cloth that is gentler on your face. Toss them in a net washing bag to launder.
- If you like a bit of exfoliation when you cleanse (and what woman doesn’t?) sprinkle a little cornmeal on the wet cloth before using.
- For the woman on the go, purchase cotton gauze pads in bulk. When washing your face, wet a pad, rub it over your soap, wash and go!
Moisturize
Moisturized skin looks healthier, plus helps defeat the aging look of dry lines. Make your own by simply rubbing baby oil on damp skin after you shower.
A Peachy Complexion
Using peaches and cream can actually give you that peachy-cream complexion many women strive for. Blend one ripe peach with heavy cream, and massage into skin daily. This combination also makes for a rich moisturizer.
Frugal Facials
Ahh, who doesn’t love the feel of a facial at the spa? The price, on the other hand, is something not to love. Do it at home by following these easy steps:
- Start by filling a bowl with hot water. Drape a towel over your head and keep your face directly over the steam for 10 minutes.
- Gently blot your wet face. This is a good time to apply a mask (see below for at-home mask instructions). After it dries, wash your face with cool water.
- Soak a cotton ball in witch hazel and rub over face.
- Moisturize.
Spa-Worthy Masks
Spas offer masks for many different skin ailments. Using a few simple ingredients you can get the same results at home.
Use milk of magnesia for deep cleanser.
To relieve inflammation and irritation, apply a compress of cool skim milk for 10 minutes, rinse with cool water and follow with a moisturizer.
- For a deep-cleansing mask, stroke milk of magnesia on your face with a cotton ball, and leave on for 10 minutes. Rinse your face with warm water and moisturize.
- To combat dry skin, combine one egg yolk with one teaspoon of honey, and two tablespoons of plain yogurt. Apply to clean skin, avoiding the eye area, and let sit for 15 minutes, and then rinse with cool water.
- If oily skin is your concern, make a paste of honey, oatmeal, and lemon juice (use about two tablespoons of each). Apply the paste, let sit for 10 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
- A great mask for normal skin involves a paste of 1/3 cup finely ground almonds mixed with just enough witch hazel to moisten. Apply and let sit for 15 minutes. Follow by wiping your face with a tissue, and rinsing with warm water.
The Perfect Bath
Olive Oil is great for the bath.
The Greeks and Romans were fans of a great bath, and you should be, too!
For the perfect bath the water should be warm. If it’s too hot or too cold it will be uncomfortable and won’t provide as many moisturizing benefits. If you want to add an oil, do so after you’ve soaked for 10 minutes. This “pre-soak” period allows your pores to open and fully absorb the oil.
- To soothe dry skin, add a few tablespoons of olive oil to your bathwater instead of expensive store-bought oils.
- A cup of lemon juice added to your bath will give you a fresh,clean scent. Added bonus: It will tone and tighten your skin.
- On a chilly winter’s night, a couple tablespoons of ground ginger in your bath will intensify the feeling of warmth.
- Adding one cup of sea salt to your bathwater is a great fix for dry, itchy skin.