If you are like me, you are probably scrambling to get the rest of your holiday shopping done. Stretching every penny to provide for your loved ones can be a challenge but leaving yourself off of the list of people who deserve a little somethin’ somethin’ is out of the question. Here is my guide to turning you fridge into your own beauty emporium. Pamper yourself from head to toe with these make-it-yourself beauty options.
You must look stunning for the upcoming holiday soirees! Pearly white teeth are the next best accessory to sporting diamonds, so grab a handful of strawberries for a quick and easy fix to dingy teeth. Strawberries are not only delicious but they are also a natural way to whiten your teeth if you didn’t know.
Teeth Whitening Treatment:
1. Mash up two strawberries
2. Use the strawberry pulp as toothpaste
3. Brush your teeth with your new red toothpaste and voila! Whiter teeth!
Be sure that you do not overuse this remedy. The acid in the strawberries can weaken enamel over time, so while this is a great option, make sure to brush your teeth afterwards to remove the access sugar left behind by the fruit.
Rough skin is not Hot any time of year. If you are planning on sticking a bow on yourself and unwrapping yourself for a boo for Christmas, be sure your skin is as smooth as possible. One of the best scrubs can be made with just two ingredients from your cabinet.
Exfoliating Hydrating Body Scrub
1. Pour sea salt in a bowl
2. Add the oil of your choice (Olive, lavender and good old baby oil works great)
3. Scrub in circular motions and rinse.
The oil will hydrate your skin as the sea salt removes dead skin cells and rough patches. Don’t have sea salt? No problem. Ground coffee, Epsom salt or granulated sugar will all do the trick.
Hanging out late at holiday parties can wreak havoc on the skin. A simple concoction can restore the glow you have been partying out to dull skin.
Facial Scrub
1. Two tablespoons of oatmeal
2. Add two tablespoons of honey
3. Add two tablespoons of lemon juice
Oatmeal is a natural exfoliator, and the honey soothes while the lemon juice tightens pores. Leave the scrub on for 15 minutes. Rinse with cold water and enjoy the glow of healthy skin.
Salons are crowded and expensive so opt to give yourself a conditioning treatment that will leave your hair moisturized and healthy looking. With just two yummy and gas-inducing ingredients, you can transform the look and feel of your hair at home.
Hair Mask
1. Two avocados
2. Mayonnaise
Mix the ingredients until smooth. Apply to hair from roots to tips and cover with a warm towel for 20 minutes. Rinse with cool water and style as usual. Enjoy the natural sheen of your hair and watch the compliments start rolling in.
When you kick off your dancing shoes, be sure to treat your feet to a relaxing and purifying foot spa detox. Adding a few items to warm water will soothe your feet and pull out toxins.
Foot Spa Detox
1. One cup of Epsom salt
2. Two tablespoons of ginger
3. Add two teabags of your choice (peppermint and chamomile are very soothing)
Soaking feet for 30 minutes will help rid your body of toxins, open up pores and ease pain.
Whether you are a penny pincher or just a do-it-yourself beauty maven, these recipes will give you fantastic results. You don’t have to go much further than your kitchen to treat yourself. Happy Holidays!
Mikki Bey is a Celebrity Makeup Artist based in Los Angeles. Her work has been seen on E!, BET, VH1 and published in Essence, Ebony, Vibe, Jet, Upscale, OK! and Life and Style magazines. Check out her website http://www.mikkibey.com. Tweet your beauty questions/comments to her @mikkibey.
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