Simple Beauty Hacks Using Kitchen Items

Products featuring organic and/or ‘green’ ingredients free from unmentionable by-products (such as parabens), are slowly becoming norm. The reason is simple: more and more people want clean beauty products without fear of long lasting effects. If this sounds like familiar, you might be surprised to know how easy it is to create simple yet effective and affordable beauty products at home. Here are some beauty hacks using food staples that are likely already in your kitchen.

Lemons

They Naturally have many health benefits that make them a great substitute for a slew of beauty hacks. Lemons have nourishing benefits including vitamin C, vitamin B6, vitamin A, vitamin E, folate, niacin thiamin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, copper, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc, phosphorus and protein. Its like a little miracle. Here are some ways to use lemons in your beauty routine:

To clear Acne: Grab a cotton pad and use the fresh lemon use as an astringent on the face before bed. The citric acid in lemon juice works as an exfoliant,and it has natural antibacterial qualities to help vanquish acne. The astringency shrinks pores and balances pH levels. And, it also helps to fade dark spots.

To Whiten Nails: Simply rub a slice of fresh lemon across the nails you wish to whiten. Again, the acidity found in lemons helps to lift stains from fingernails.

To Help Fade Dark Elbows/Elbows:  Use the lemons after you’ve squeezed them add a tablespoon of baking soda then rub the lemon on your elbows or knees for a minute. Let it sit for 15 minutes and then rinse with warm water. Follow with your favorite moisturizer.

Coffee

When my mom isn’t using Gourmesso pods for nespresso machines, she uses freshly ground coffee and that’s good thing because in addition to giving you a much needed early morning boost, they offer so many benefits; for example did you know coffee has been shown to reduce the appearance of cellulite? Here are great uses for coffee.

To Reduce Puffy Eyes: Simply place the cooled coffee grounds on those under-eye bags and leave them for twenty minutes. Then rinse them off with cool water.

To Exfoliate Skin: Combine cooled coffee grounds with olive oil or water to form a paste.  Use the paste in the shower rubbing mixture on your skin as you would a normal exfoliator.

To Help Heal Cracked Heals: Combine two parts coconut oil to one part coffee grounds, and then soak your feet in warm water for a few minutes. While your feet are wet, use this moisturizing and exfoliating scrub on your feet, and then rinse.

Coconut Oil

The reason coconut oil is having a moment are too many to name. However, some of the reasons include it is price. It is fairly affordable. It is also antibacterial, antimicrobial and anti-fungal. It also works wonders on the hair. So, its not surprising it is many products currently coming into the market. But did you know you can also use it to whiten your teeth? Seriously.

To Whiten Teeth: Combine 2 tablespoons Coconut Oil,2 tablespoons Baking Soda and 3-5 drops of pure Peppermint essential oil (optional), to create a paste. Use as you normally would you use a tooth paste. This combination is naturally anti-bacterial so it does help to fight tooth decay naturally (yep no need for fluoride) while the baking soda helps whiten the teeth. 

To Remove Makeup:  Dip a ball or pad along with coconut oil to remove the stubborn makeup.  Sounds crazy but coconut oil acts as a degreaser and can remove even the most stubborn makeup. 

If you want more tips and beauty hacks, The Daily Meal has some many more tips.