Beauty products make me happy. The sumptuous packaging, the promises held within, the textures, the scents. Sometimes though I enjoy experimenting with more basic finds from my kitchen cupboard. Here are a few ingredients I like to add to my beauty routine.
Coconut Oil
Dear, genius coconut oil. A delight to cook with and incredible results when I slather on my face. Or hair. Or feet. I wear make up pretty much everyday and nothing removes the layers I pile on, nor the waterproof mascara I use better than coconut oil. Honestly, please believe me, I've tested cleaners that cost the same as a nice pair of shoes and they don't come close to the humble coconut oil. I warm a tiny amount in my hands, massage on for a minute or so, then remove with a damp muslin cloth and soft clean skin is mine.
This oil also make a fantastic hair mask. Apply to dry hair, leave for 15 minutes, then wash your hair twice and silky shiny hair is yours.
And the difference it makes to my feet! I slather it on my hooves before bedtime, apply a pair of fluffy socks and in the morning what was once rough is now smooth.
Brown Sugar & Olive Oil
I work with my hands a lot and they can become dry and a little rough so I like to give them a good scrub once in a while. I mix up a little brown sugar with a dash of olive oil and scrunch my hands together for a minute of so then rinse with water. This mixture also works well on dry feet and post holiday skin. It's a little too harsh for the face though.
Porridge
Simple, easy and effective. Pour some porridge oats onto a muslin cloth with a few drop of your favourite essential oil, secure the ends and hang beneath your running bath tap. Your skin will feel super soft and soothed after a porridge bath.
Avocado
When my skin feels a little dry and tight I like to blitz up an avocado with a squeeze of lemon and drizzle of olive oil. I apply to my face for 10-15 minutes then wipe off with tissue before rinsing with warm water.
Aspirin
When my skin feels particularly grubby or hormonal I plop 4 aspirin tablets and a few drops of water in a pestel and mortar then grind together to form a paste which I press onto my skin. 10 minutes later and after a quick rinse, my face feels and looks smoother and cleaner.
