Spring is here and if you’re like me, you’ve been purging and organizing your beauty products. Have you run out of your go-to products? Before you rush to the drug store to restock on beauty supplies and splurges, just open your pantry. Huh? I know it might sound crazy, but your pantry is full of items that can nourish your skin and hair at half the cost. Your pocket book will thank you and as a bonus, all of these items are natural and sans questionable ingredients found in conventional beauty products.
Baking Soda
Got a head full of product and other build-up? Don’t spend $30 on clarifying shampoo. Mix in a little baking soda to wet hair or add a little to your regular shampoo for shiny, clean hair and an exfoliated scalp.
Brown Sugar
While you can use baking soda as a facial scrub, it can be too harsh for many. I recommend using brown sugar instead. Some people add in finely ground white sugar mixed with brown. For best results, make a paste from equal parts sugar and coconut oil. This exfoliates and moisturizes as well as most name brand face and body scrubs.
Tea Bags
Late night? We’ve all been there. Brew up two caffeinated two bags (the cheap stuff is just as effective). Let them cool and place under your eyes. The caffeine reduces the puffiness. Prepare some bags in advance and keep them in your fridge for even better results.
Honey
Honey is used in a wide variety of face, skin and hair masks and scrubs. Use it by itself as a simple face scrub. Mix it with fruits such as banana or avocado as a moisturizing hair mask.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Don’t let the smell fool you. This powerful beauty item can give your tresses life. Mix one part ACV with four parts water (or more). Rinse your hair after washing. Rinse again with warm water. The smell will be gone within 10 minutes. A good curly girl method routine will include ACV as a staple.
Cornstarch or Arrowroot
Oily hair and scalp, but no time to wash? Cornstarch makes a great dry shampoo. About a half a cup is all you need. Mix it with unsweetened Cocoa powder if you have dark hair. Sprinkle this dry shampoo substitute in your hair and distribute with a hair styling brush. It’s quick and less expensive.
Coconut Oil
Down to the very last drop of lotion? Coconut oil to the rescue! Coconut oil is overall a great moisturizer that can be used all over your body. It also lightens age spots and can be used as an intensive hair conditioner and makeup remover.
Now that you’ve raided your kitchen for your new spring beauty regime, you’re on your way to flawlessness for less! Do you use any of these kitchen beauty products? Have any tried and true pantry beauty tips?