Lemon-Cucumber Whitening Extract

Lemon-Cucumber Whitening Extract

This recipe is good in whitening dark underarms and neck.

You will need:
Lemons
Cucumber
Turmeric

Procedure:
Extract lemon juice using juicer, and extract the same with cucumber. Mix lemon and cucumber juice together with a pinch of turmeric.
Apply to neck or underarms daily and leave this for 20 minutes. Then rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.

Carrot Juice Exfoliating Toner

This recipe for uneven skin tones due to blemishes and pigmentation.

You will need:
Carrots

Procedure:
Make a carrot juice by extracting the juice using a juicer. Apply on face's blemishes and pigmentation. Use this daily to achieve clear and well-toned skin.

Wrinkle Remover

Wrinkle Remover

Green Thompson seedless grapes! It has one of the ingredients in those big time expensive wrinkle creams.

All you do is cut a grape in half and gently crush it on your face and neck. Make sure that you get the "crows-feet" and the lines around your mouth. Leave it on for twenty minutes or so and rinse with tepid water and pat dry.

Repeat every day and before you know it... those nasty old lines will be hard to find!

Don't forget to drink at least 8 glasses of water daily. And... eat veggies rich in Vitamin A, such as carrots, celery and spinach.

If you can, get 8 hours of sleep every night.

A BEAUTIFUL NIGHT

A BEAUTIFUL NIGHT
By Radika Meganathan

All of us want to look young and beautiful. But how many really stay that way? As they say, Rome wasn't built in a day, and if you want to look attractive and fresh, you should follow not just an efficient beauty regime, but also a regular one.

For busy homemakers and corporate executives alike, it is not always possible to maintain a regular beauty regime, unless it is a habitual visit to the nearest beauty salon. Instead of spending money on artificial and expensive treatments, here is a simple schedule to groom yourself naturally. Just before you go to bed, allot a period of ten minutes. Yes, all it takes is just that little time to keep you looking young and glowing.

Foot Care

Feeling terrible after a tiring day? As soon as you return home, soak your feet in a basin of warm water mixed with a handful of fragrant bath salts. After 10 minutes, wash your feet (a simple soap and water wash is sufficient).

If you aren't feeling sleepy by this time, take a foot filer and scrub your heels. Using a toothpick (orange stick) clean the edges and grooves around your toe nails, to remove the dirt that gets accumulated. Apply cold cream or moisturizer before winding up. This will make the skin soft and prevent people from running away at the sight of your feet.

Face Wash/Scrub

Cleansing your face before going to bed is essential to take away the dirt you might have picked up in your day. Walnut scrub is ideal for oily skin. Make sure you scrub your face in circling motions and wash with cold water. For those with dry or sensitive skin can use baby oil or wet cleansing pads, followed by a night cream.

Night Cream/Moisturizing

The right time to apply any treatment, especially moisturizer - be it for whitening the skin, under-eye cream or simple moisturizing. It will revitalize your facial skin and work wonders on skin, which had been exposed to all the dirt and grime in the daytime. It would be a good idea to use it on your arms and neck, too.

Your Hair

While oil is not the elixir of life to hair, it IS essential in keeping it well conditioned and supple. Leave oil overnight and wash in the morning with shampoo to get better results.

Heat a little amount of oil (olive oil, almond oil, or plain old coconut oil) by placing it in a small container and swirling it in hot water. After the oil gets considerably hot, massage the scalp with your fingertips, in rotating motion, for at least 8 - 10 minutes. You can do this while soaking your feet in warm water.

Castor Oil

Applying pure castor oil to your eyebrows and lashes, particularly those who have scanty growth, will make them grow thick and long. For tired or puffed eyes, place a cotton pad soaked in chilled rose water. Keeping thin slices of cucumber ready in the refrigerator beforehand is ideal.

Grated cucumber, by itself or mixed with carrot juice, can be spread under the eye, to reduce black circles and sagging skin.

Lip Guard

And finally, a smear of Vaseline on your lips, and you can sleep like a child and get up like a fairy!

cockroach parasites squeeze the acnes and black heads?

Dare to Try ???

Combat Dark Under Eye Circles

Easy Treatment for Dark Under Eye Circles

Grated potatoes can lighten under-eye circles. Potatoes contain an enzyme called catecholase, which is used in cosmetics as a human skin lightener.

Run one spud through your food processor and stuff the raw mash into a piece of cheesecloth.

Apply to the area directly beneath your eye; don't let the potato juice come in contact with the eye itself, and leave for 15 to 20 minutes.

Wipe away the starchy residue

Pineapple Power Mask

Pineapple Power Mask
Pineapple enzymes to the rescue for dull, congested skin.

There's nothing like a fresh, juicy pineapple. You can grill it, toss a few chunks in a salad and plop a slice in a fruity cocktail. Oh, and you can make a heavenly mask out of it too. Pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain, which lifts dead skin cells and debris from clinging to your pretty face. Try this mask when your skin looks dull and lackluster.
Here's what you do:

Mix ingredients in blender until smooth. Apply a thin layer to face. Lay back and think tropical thoughts for 5 to 10 minutes.
You'll need:

* 1/2 cup fresh pineapple chunks
* 3 tablespoons cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil

DIY beauty - eyes

Give Peas A Chance Eye Mask
Green relief for swollen, puffy eyes.

I could never eat peas as a kid. Ugh, just the thought of those mushy little legumes made my throat close up in fear. Now as a bona fide grownup, peas don't scare me so much, especially because of their handy use as an ice pack. Frozen peas can help reduce swelling and puffy eyes not only because of their icy effects but because the small round pearls can settle into the shape around the eyes. In honor of all that is green and good and a little mushy in the world, we encourage you to give peas a chance.
Here's what you do:

Remove the bag of peas from the freezer and let it thaw for about 10 minutes so the ice-cold package doesn't redden skin. Lay back, place the bag on your eyes and visualize calming green thoughts for about 5 minutes. P.S., Not only is green considered a calming hue but is also the color of the heart chakra and is our center for compassion and unconditional love.
You'll need:

* Bag of frozen baby peas


Eye Brake for Spuds
With party season in full swing, use this easy remedy for puffy, overstressed eyes.

Don't ask me why, but this simple cure for dark under-eye circles really helps. It could be the tons of minerals that the tater accumulates in its early life underground. Or it could be the huge amounts of Vitamin C packed in the starchy little tuber. But who really cares when you've got two black eyes from partying (studying, working, worrying, etc.) the night away? This works best if the potatoes have been chilled.
Here's what you do:

Place two heaping tablespoonfuls of the grated potato on a square of cloth. Tie the potato bomb securely. Repeat. Lay back and place each bomb over closed eyes for 10 minutes while you repeat your favorite mantra (try "I will never drink that much again."). If you can't find cheesecloth or want a super quick remedy, peel a potato, slice it in half and make two thin half-moon slices. Slap the slices under your eyes for 10 minutes.
You'll need:

* One peeled and grated potato
* Cotton cheesecloth
* String or ribbon

Tried-and-True Cucumber Soak
The classic cucumber cure.

Okay, it's not just a wives' tale ... cucumbers really do help relieve puffiness, sore eyes and eye fatigue. Cukes have a high water content, which helps soothe and cool eyes. The trace amounts of salt helps draw excess water from the tissue surrounding the eyes, reducing puffiness. They also help to tone and firm the skin around the eyes.
Here's what you do:

Allow cucumber slices to cool on the ice for a few minutes. Place a cucumber slice over each eyelid and relax for 10 to 15 minutes. And here's a little secret the resident spa boy came up with: If you want to keep your peepers open during this treatment, cut the slices in half and use them just under your eyes.
You'll need:

* Sliced cucumbers
* Bowl of ice

Soothing Eye Gel
A treatment for tired eyes.

The protein in the gelatin nourishes the skin beneath the eye and helps to tighten and smooth it. The elderflowers have a mildly astringent, tightening effect. Store the gel in a refrigerator and use within six days.
Here's what you do:

Put the elderflowers and eyebright in a saucepan with the water. Cover and bring to a boil, the simmer for 10 minutes. Cool and strain the infusion. Place the gelatin in a small saucepan with 3 tablespoons of the small infusion and leave to soak for 10 minutes. Set the pan over a low heat until the gelatin melts. Transfer the eye gel to a sterile pot with a lid, and leave it to cool and solidify. Apply a small amount of gel with a fingertip. Dab the gel into the skin; don't rub the skin. Source: From Home Spa: Pamper Yourself Naturally by Sian Rees.
You'll need:

* 1 small sprig fresh elderflowers
* 1/2 teaspoon dried eyebright leaves
* 5 fl oz water
* 1 teaspoon powdered gelatin

Slave to the Music Eye Saver
An after-party eye lift.

This is the one to go for when you just had to dance until 3 a.m., regardless of your 9 a.m. breakfast date with mom. We understand and we are here to serve you with this quick and easy fix.
Here's what you do:

Put two teaspoons or slices of cucumber in the freezer for 15 minutes. Place the frosted spoons or the cucumber slices on your eyelids and relax for ten minutes.
You'll need:

* 2 slices of cucumber
* 2 frosted spoons

Hair and Beauty Home Recipe

Natural Beauty

Homemade Products

Debbie DeSpirt

Beautify your hair and complexion with simple and inexpensive recipes.

Millions if not billions of dollars each year are spent on advertising campaigns to teach us how to look beautiful. As you look in the mirror you see your face is a little lifeless and you have countless options to bring the spark back into your skin. Nevertheless, the best kept secret is natural beauty products made at home. As well, the key to beautiful skin and hair is a balanced diet with limited intake of sugar, caffeine, and oil products.

Shiny Hair

Remove the build up from your hair with a simple natural recipe. Take care of your hair by removing the stagnant and dead particle matter that gets locked into your hair strands. Often the hair becomes dull and lifeless when life becomes stressful and overwhelming. Remove the toxins with either of these two recipes. Your hair will be left shiny and soft after the build up has been removed.

Clean Hair Recipe #1

Put 1 cup of molasses, maple syrup or honey into your hair. Make certain the molasses, maple syrup, or honey covers all of your hair from the roots to the ends. Wrap plastic wrap around your hair and put a towel over your head. Let the product sit in your hair for 15-30 minutes. Rinse and shampoo as usual.

Clean Hair Recipe #2

Mix 2 teaspoons of baking soda with 1 cup of natural shampoo.

Pour 1 tablespoon of the shampoo into the hair and lather. Rinse and repeat if necessary.

Health and Beauty Secret

Many of us are looking for the ancient secrets that will keep us looking healthy and beautiful. We search the stores and listen to the countless infomercials on the power of their product to reduce aging and to bring our youthful complexion back.

Water, water and more water is the answer. Water removes the toxins from the body to give your skin a healthy and vibrant look.

As well, to keep the skin hydrated use a few drops of jojoba oil on the face. Apply the drops to a damp face, as the water aids the oil to absorb into your face.

Natural Health and Beauty Experiment:

For six weeks drink 8 glasses of water a day. At the beginning of this experiment, your complexion will probably look worst as all the toxins are coming to the surface. After the six weeks, you should have a vibrant complexion.

During the six weeks, refrain from highly processed foods and increase your vegetable and fruit intake. Vegetables and fruits are best in their natural state.

Homemade Skin Treats

Simple, Effective and Natural Products Found In Your Kitchen

Catherine Solmes

Sept 18, 2007

Use everyday products found in your kitchen to smooth, soothe and soften your skin.

Think of how cashmere, silk and cotton feel against your skin compared with nylon, polyester and rayon. If you've never tried an all-natural or largely natural moisturizer, mask or exfoliator, you're in for the same experience. Natural products have been used for centuries by women attempting to smooth, soften and moisturize their skin, and while it's easy to get distracted by the rows of tempting bottles and tubes at the drugstore or department store, you've actually got plenty of skin treats in your own kitchen! So open that fridge and those cupboards and get gorgeous!

Brown Sugar-Olive Oil Scrub

Don't spend your money on pricey scrubs; make your own with brown sugar and olive oil. It exfoliates away all the dry skin, moisturizes what's underneath, increases your skin's circulation and can improve the appearance of cellulite.

For gorgeously smooth skin, combine roughly three parts brown sugar with one part olive oil (11/2 cups to 1/2 cup; 3 cups to 1 cup, and so on). Before you shower, stand in your bathtub and apply the scrub with your hands to your body and rub. Be gentle, as this is quite abrasive, but you can be a bit rougher where your skin is thicker and drier (i.e. your feet). Rinse off in the shower, and you'll find there's no need to moisturize afterwards.

Yogourt Mask

Used by women for centuries, yogourt works on all skin types to soften skin, soothe redness and tighten pores while gently deep cleaning. Use a natural, unflavoured, plain yogurt (Balkan style tends to be thicker and is easier to apply) and apply to your face as you would a mask, avoiding the eyes and mouth. You may want to let the yogourt warm up slightly before applying it! Leave on for ten minutes and rinse off with warm water. Follow with a honey mask, or apply moisturizer as you would normally.

Honey Mask

Honey is also an ancient beauty product used alongside yogourt to soften, deep clean and soothe your skin. Honey is a natural antibiotic and will help to kill any bacteria in your pores, which in turn helps to eliminate redness. It's also gently moisturizing and full of vitamins. Simply smooth it onto your face, avoiding your eyes and mouth and let it sit for ten minutes. Rinse off with warm water and follow with your regular toning and moisturizing routine.

Olive Oil

Olive oil is an all-purpose, rich, but non-irritating moisturizer. Try rubbing it onto dry bits like your elbows, knees and heels. Try it as a nighttime moisturizer for your face during the cold months. Smooth it on your body for an extra-nourishing treat and rinse off the excess in the shower – your skin will feel amazing. Or warm it carefully and very, very slightly and use it as a heated deep-moisturizing mask.

Olive oil can also be used as a deep moisturizing hair mask. Smooth it onto warm, damp hair from your ears down (the oldest, most damaged/dry part of your hair). Wrap some plastic wrap around it and then a towel to keep it warm. This is best done at bedtime so the oil has time to penetrate the hair shaft while you sleep, but you can let it sit for a minimum of half-an-hour if you prefer. Then wash your hair as usual and you'll be amazed at the difference.

Baking Soda

Baking soda is an all-purpose, gentle exfoliator and skin softener. To use it as an exfoliator, simply pour a quarter-sized amount of baking soda into the palm of your hand. You can add a tiny bit of your regular cleanser or some warm water to turn it into a paste. You may need to add more to get the right consistency. Apply to your skin, avoiding your eyes, and rub gently with your fingertips in a circular motion. Adjust the pressure of your fingers as you wish for a harder or lighter scrub and then rinse off the paste with warm water. Follow with your regular toner and moisturizer.

You can also sprinkle some baking soda into a warm bath for an extra-softening skin treat.

动动手 就可以丰胸

在波霸风暴的袭击之下，很多女性都想知道健胸秘诀，在有效、安全、经济、便利等四个原则下，不妨试一下按摩，让你拥有挺拔的胸部．　　胸部要漂亮，最重要的就是形状匀称，因此不论是A罩杯、B罩杯、C罩杯，个人气质及涵养才是真正的主角。但是在波霸风暴的袭击之下，很多女性都想知道健胸秘诀，在有效、安全、经济、便利等四个原则下，我的建议是：

　　第一步：双手四指并拢，用指肚由乳头向四周呈放射状轻按摩乳房一分钟;在操作时动作要轻柔，不可用力过重。

　　第二步：用左手掌从右锁骨下向下推摩至乳根部，再向上推摩返回至锁骨下;共做三个往返，然后换左手推摩左侧乳房。

　　第三步：用右手掌从胸骨处向左推左侧乳房直至腋下，再返回至胸骨处;共做三次，然后换左手推右侧乳房。

DIY beauty - feet

Tequila and lime take on achy, breaky tootsies.

Both lime essential oil and alcohol have astringent properties to reduce swelling of achy, breaky feet. Lime also soothes and conditions skin. For the ultimate foot cure, follow the use of this recipe with a sugar scrub and a rich foot cream.
Here's what you do:

Mix all ingredients in a large bowl of warm water. Find a comfortable spot and soak your tootsies for 10 minutes.
You'll need:

* 2 sliced limes
* torn fresh mint leaves
* 5 to 7 drops lime essential oil
* A shot of inexpensive tequila

Mindless Mint Soak
Soak your cares away with this peace-inducing foot bath.

This recipe is an at-home spa staple. Grab the fixings from your backyard garden (or local grocer) and you've got a no-brainer foot soak!
Here's what you do:

Boil peppermint leaves and rosemary in a medium pot of water. Turn off the heat and let steep for ten minutes. Strain leaves out. Add strained mixture to 1/3 a foot basin and fill the rest of the basin with cool water so you can soak comfortably. Relax for 20 minutes. Pat your tootsies dry and slather in moisturizer.
You'll need:

* 1/2 cup each of fresh peppermint leaves and rosemary sprigs
* 6 cups of water

Mulling Over it Foot Soak
Cinnamon and spice and everything nice foot soak.

Mulling spices contain an aromatic blend of cinnamon chips, dried orange peels, cloves, allspice berries and natural oils. The cinnamon bark has anti-inflammatory properties while the orange essence soothes and conditions skin. Soak your tootsies in this concoction after a long day of holiday shopping.
Here's what you do:

Simmer the mulling spices up to 30 minutes, pour into foot bowl. Add orange peels and enough warm water to cover feet.

* 2 tablespoons mulling spices
* Handful of orange peel strips

Stinky Feet Be-Gone Spray
A deodorizing spray for icky smells.

A cooling and deodorizing spritz for your feet and body. Great for stinky boy feet!
Here's what you do:

Combine all ingredients and pour into a spray bottle.
You'll need:

* 1/4 cup distilled water
* 1/4 cup vodka
* 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
* 3 to 5 drops tea tree oil
* 3 to 5 drops lemon essential oil

Shabby Foot Scrub
A nourishing, feel-good scrub for dry feet.

Got rough, dry feet? SpaGirls to the rescue! This little ditty uses ground walnuts to remove your dead skin cells and replenish your skin moisture. And as a bonus, the caster and olive oil in will enhance your nail flexibility, leaving them less prone to chipping and breaking.
Here's what you do:

Coarsely grind walnuts in blender or coffee grinder. Add olive oil, castor oil and honey. Vigorously rub hands and feet with the paste. Rinse with warm water.
You'll need:

* 1/2 cup shelled walnuts
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 tablespoon castor oil
* 1 teaspoon honey

DIY beauty - hand

Hands Down Sugar Rub
A moisturizing sugar scrub for soft, pretty hands.

From cleaning and cooking, to plucking away on our computer keyboards or prying out gum stuck to the bottom our shoes, our hands take a beating. Give them some TLC with this easy recipe. The sugar cleanses and stimulates circulation, apricot oil moisturizes and lemon whitens and conditions nails.
Here's what you do:

Combine sugar, oil and juice from the lemon. Massage mixture onto clean hands, nails and wrists. Rinse, dry and follow with a hand lotion.
You'll need:

* 1/4 cup granulated sugar
* 2 tablespoons apricot oil
* 1/2 lemon

Sunny Side Hand Conditioner
Relief for dry hands.

This citrus-spiked hand oil replenishes moisture in parched, overly dry hands. Keep it next to the kitchen sink and rub onto knuckles frequently!
Here's what you do:

Shake the oils together thoroughly in small glass jar with tight-fitting lid. Massage small amount onto tops of hands and cuticles. For an overnight treatment, slather on oil and cover hands in cotton socks.
You'll need:

* 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil (organic preferably)
* 5 to 7 drops orange essential oil

Got Buttermilk Hand Soak
Soften hands with this sour concoction.

My secret to tasty, juicy grilled chicken is buttermilk. Pour it over raw chicken breasts and let them soak for a few hours before you throw them on the grill. Mmm, mmm! Problem is, what you do with the leftover buttermilk? Drink it? Ick! Here's a better option: Soak in it. The lactic acid in the buttermilk gently lifts dead skin while the milk fats condition.
Here's what you do:

Combine ingredients and soak hands in mixture for about 15 minutes. Rinse, dry and follow with a hand lotion.
You'll need:

* 1/2 cup buttermilk
* 1/2 cup warm water
* 1 teaspoon olive oil

Finger Food Mask
A hand mask for the masses.

The vitamins and rich emollients found in bananas and butter make for a perfect mask to sooth those dry hands. And it's almost good enough to eat (but we wouldn't recommend it)!
Here's what you do:

Mash the banana and mix in the butter. Rub the mixture into your hands. Relax for 10 minutes. Rinse, dry and follow with a hand lotion.
You'll need:

* One ripe banana
* 1 teaspoon room-temperature butter

DIY beauty - lip

Coconut Lip Balm
Zap dry lips with this hydrating balm.

A coconut oil base with soothing chickweed herb helps to counteract chapped lips.
Here's what you do:

Heat the coconut oil in a small bowl over the hot water. Add the tincture and stir. Place the flowers in the bottom of a small clear glass jar, pour the oil on tap and leave in a cool place to set. Apply to the lips.

You'll need:

* 2 tablespoons coconut oil
* 1 teaspoon chickweed tincture
* chickweed flowers to decorate

Peanut oil for dry lips.

It is the peanut oil in this lip salve that is so moisturizing. In addition, the raspberry leaves have an astringent property that is particularly good for cracked, dry lips. Use the salve within three months.
Here's what you do:

Place the leaves in a saucepan and cover with a little hot water. Leave to infuse for three hours. Heat the beeswax in a small bowl over a saucepan of simmering water. As it melts, add the peanut oil and mix thoroughly. Strain the infusion and leave the liquid to cool. Add sufficient infusion liquid to the beeswax to achieve a thin paste. Store in the refrigerator in a screw-top jar. Dap the salve onto your lips with a fingertip.

You'll need:

* 8 teaspoons raspberry leaves
* 2 tablespoons beeswax
* 2 teaspoons peanut oil

A tasty, soothing lip treat.

Want your say? Well keep a lid on it until you've balmed up with a little bit of this homemade lip balm!
Here's what you do:

Combine almond oil and beeswax beads and melt in microwave. Stir with spoon, and when cooled a bit, add essential or flavoring oil. Pour into lip balm jars, and when cool, label.
You'll need:

* 1/2 ounce beeswax beads (refined)
* 4 ounces sweet almond oil
* 2 teaspoons essential oil or food flavoring oil (pick out a tasty scent like tangerine or sweet orange)

DIY beauty - hair

Honey Hair Shine

Bring on the shine with this honey hair rinse.

Revive tired tresses with this easy-to-make honey hair mask. Recipe compliments of the National Honey Board.
Here's what you do:

Stir honey into warm water. Blonds may wish to add a squeeze of lemon. After shampooing pour mixture through hair. Do not rinse out. Dry as normal.

* 1 teaspoon honey
* 4 cups warm water
* Lemon (optional for blonds)

A deep conditioning treat for hair.
Here's what you do:

Place all the ingredients in a small bowl and mix thoroughly. Pour into a clean plastic bottle with a tight fitting stopper or lid. Apply a small amount at a time to slightly dampened hair. Massage scalp and work mixture through hair until completely coated. Cover hair with a warm towel (towel can be heated in a microwave or dryer) or shower cap; leave on to nourish and condition for 30 minutes. Remove towel or shower cap; shampoo lightly and rinse with cool water. Dry as normal and enjoy shinier, softer and healthier hair the natural way.

* 1/2 cup honey
* 1/4 cup warmed olive oil (use 2 tablespoons for normal to oily hair)
* 4 drops rosemary essential oil
* 1 teaspoon xanthum gum (available in health food stores)


Honey Hair Conditioner

Here's what you do:

Mix honey and olive oil. Work a small amount at a time through hair until coated. Cover hair with shower cap; leave on 30 minutes. Remove shower cap; shampoo well and rinse. Dry as normal.

* 1/2 cup honey
* 1/4 cup olive oil (use 2 tablespoons for normal hair)

Treatment for dry, brittle hair.

This is a deliciously simple, Vitamin E rich protein pack for dry, over processed hair.
Here's what you do:

Mash the avocado, and mix in the other ingredients. Spread throughout your hair and don't forget the ends. Cover with a shower cap, and leave on for 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse with cool water. Shampoo.

You'll need:

* 1/2 avocado
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 egg

Wash away styling product residue.

This great after-shampoo rinse replaces that soapy residue build-up in your hair with pure shine. Rosemary stimulates the scalp and promotes hair growth.
Here's what you do:

Chop rosemary and place it in a jar. Fill jar with apple cider vinegar and store in a cool dark place for one week, shaking jar vigorously once a day to disperse the rosemary. After one week, strain liquid, discard rosemary and return liquid to jar. When ready to use, dilute 1/3 cup of liquid in three cups of warm water and rub into freshly shampooed hair. Rinse thoroughly.
You'll need:

* 2 springs fresh rosemary
* 1 cup apple cider vinegar
* 3 cups warm water

Shine-enhancing treat for tresses.

This nourishing conditioner blends honey for shine, olive oil for moisture and essential oil of rosemary for hair growth.
Here's what you do:

Place ingredients in a small bowl and mix. Pour into a clean plastic bottle with a tight-fitting stopper. Apply a small amount at a time to slightly dampened hair. Massage scalp and work mixture through hair until completely coated. Cover hair with a warm towel (heated in a microwave or dryer) for 30 minutes. Remove towel shampoo lightly and rinse with cool water.
You'll need:

* 1/2 cup honey
* 1/4 cup warmed olive oil (2 tablespoons for normal to oily hair)
* 4 drops essential oil of rosemary
* 1 teaspoon of xanthan gum (available at health food stores)

DIY beauty - Nail

Ladies Who Lunch Nail Whitener

Brighten and lighten nails with this natural whitening treatment.

Better than a pair of little white gloves. Olive oil is very effective in treating brittle nails.
Here's what you do:

Warm the olive oil in saucepan over low heat. Dip your nails in the oil for 5 to 10 minutes. After dipping, massage each nail individually. Massage your hands using the remaining oil. Gently push back the cuticles with an orangewood stick and shape the nails using an emery board. Blot any excess oil. Rub the nails with the lemon juice to whiten them.

You'll need:

* 1/4 cup olive oil
* 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

Personal Polish
A fun way to mix up your own nail color.

Color Chemistry is easy. With some white nail polish as a base and eye shadow in any color, you can make custom-colored nail polish to match all your favorite outfits. Unless, of course, you favorite is plaid.
Here's what you do:

[1] Crumble some or all of the eye shadow into the envelope. Crush it into a fine powder. [2] Snip a corner off the envelope to make a tiny funnel. Open the nail polish bottle and slowly add the eye shadow powder to the polish, stirring with the applicator brush until you reach the desired color. You may need to cap the bottle and shake, shake, shake to get everything blended together. [3] Paint those paws and let dry. Makes one bottle of polish.


You'll need:

* Eye shadow
* Paper envelope
* Bottle of white nail polish

DIY beauty-face

Pineapple Power Mask
Pineapple enzymes to the rescue for dull, congested skin.

There's nothing like a fresh, juicy pineapple. You can grill it, toss a few chunks in a salad and plop a slice in a fruity cocktail. Oh, and you can make a heavenly mask out of it too. Pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain, which lifts dead skin cells and debris from clinging to your pretty face. Try this mask when your skin looks dull and lackluster.
Here's what you do:

Mix ingredients in blender until smooth. Apply a thin layer to face. Lay back and think tropical thoughts for 5 to 10 minutes.
You'll need:

* 1/2 cup fresh pineapple chunks
* 3 tablespoons cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil


Hunky Chunk Splash

A cooling after-treatment splash for sensitive skin.

Chunks of fresh cucumber blended with witch hazel and essential oils, make a cooling aftershave splash for your guy's sensitive skin.
Here's what you do:

Mix the water and cucumber in a food processor or blender. Pour the mixture into a bowl through a strainer. Add the remaining ingredients and stir. Pour into an air-tight bottle and use for up to one month.
You'll need:

* 1/2 cup distilled water
* 1/2 cup thoroughly washed unpeeled cucumber cut into small chunks
* 1/2 cup witch hazel
* 1 tablespoon apricot kernel oil
* 2 drops eucalyptus essential oil


Mean Green Moisture Mask
A refreshing, light mask for a hot summer day.

Baby it's hot outside. So hot it gives you the chills. No matter where in the country you are, summer heat can zap your skin of moisture and for those of us in arid climates, the results can be disastrous. For a surge of moisture with a cooling summer twist, try this cucumber and honey mask. Cukes are composed mostly of water but also contain Vitamins C and A and a mineral called silica that helps build connective tissue. Honey is a humectant, meaning it promotes water retention. Together, the pair offers a powerful hydrating punch to feed parched skin.
Here's what you do:

Puree the cucumber and a few drops of filtered water in a food processor until smooth. Strain the extra juice for at least 1 minute, transfer to a bowl and mix in a spoonful of honey. Let the concoction cool in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes and apply to a clean face and neck. Plop down in a comfy chair, slap thin cucumber slices over your eyes and think cool thoughts for about 15 minutes. Rinse and follow with moisturizer.
You'll need:

* one peeled and seeded cucumber
* organic honey


Berry Me Away Mask

A soothing strawberry facial mask that packs a mighty punch.

Perfect for the gal on the go! This easy, three-in-one mask whisks away dirt and dead skin cells while delivering skin-softening botanicals.
Here's what you do:

Combine ingredients in a blender or food processor. Gently massage onto face and neck. Leave on for 3 minutes. Rinse with tepid water and follow with a splash of cool water and your favorite moisturizer.
You'll need:

* 1 cup fresh strawberries
* 2 teaspoons baking soda
* 1 tablespoon honey
* 1 egg
* 1 tablespoon plain yogurt
* 1/4 cup almonds


Monster Mash Pumpkin Mask

Pumpkin is the active ingredient to cleanse your inner monster.

Packed with vitamins and anti-aging properties, pumpkins contain enzymes that when applied to skin, loosen the bonds that keep yucky dull outer skin cells clinging to the surface. Pumpkin also delivers a burst of nourishing and hydrating botanicals, leaving skin as smooth and glowing as a jack-o'-lantern.
Here's what you do:

Mash ingredients together in a bowl. Apply the mask to your face and neck, avoiding the eye area. After 10 minutes, rinse with warm water over a kitchen sink (this mask may be too thick for your bathroom sink). Finish up with your favorite facial moisturizer.

This recipe makes a lot and is best used within the week you make it. So go crazy with it! Smear it on your hands and feet and wrap them in plastic wrap for 15 minutes. Or, invite the girls over for a pumpkin beauty bash.
You'll need:

* 1 15 oz. can of pure pumpkin (organic if possible)
* 1 heaping tablespoon of honey


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Bohemian Oatmeal Masque

This one's a must to purify and revive skin!

The definition of Bohemian is a person, usually an artist or writer, who lives and acts free of regard for conventional rules and practices. We think anyone willing to smoother their face in oatmeal, egg and honey qualifies as a Bohemian too! Oatmeal is mild, soothing and acts as gentle exfoliator while the egg white tightens the skin and the honey draws in moisture.
Here's what you do:

Mix until you have a thick paste. Apply to clean skin and relax for 15 minutes. Rinse with tepid water and finish with a splash of cool water and a bit of your regular moisturizer.
You'll need:

* 2 tablespoons dry oatmeal
* 2 teaspoon honey
* 1 egg white

Comin' Up Roses
Honey and sweet oils nourish dry skin.

Treat dry skin with a surge of sweetness straight from the source. Honey combined with rose oil is an effective and gentle treatment for wrinkles and puffiness.
Here's what you do:

Combine honey, almond oil and rose oil. Apply to clean face and neck and relax for about 15 minutes. Rinse with tepid water and pat dry.
You'll need:

* 2 tablespoons honey
* 2 teaspoons sweet almond oil
* 3 to 5 drops rose essential oil

Blackhead Buster
Acne-busting parsley soothes breakouts.

Old-fashioned potato salad just isn't the same without a snip of fresh parsley. But what you do with a whole bunch of parsley when only need a snip? Use it clear your pores of course. Parsley has natural cleansing and softening properties that help naturally dislodge blackheads.
Here's what you do:

Wash parsley thoroughly and process in a blender or food processor just until smooth. Prepare a facial steam by bringing a pot of water to a boil, removing it from the heat and allowing it to cool slightly. Apply the green gunk to a clean face, focusing on areas prone to blackheads like forehead, hairline and nose. Drape a towel over the pot and steam your skin over the pot for about 5 minutes. Rinse off the mixture and use an exfoliating facial scrub to gently break up dead skin cells and dislodge blackheads.
You'll need:

* A fistful of fresh parsley

Cool as a Cuke Toner
A refreshing toner for soothing sensitive skin.

The refreshing, gently astringent qualities of cucumber make this a perfect toner for the delicate skin around the eyes. Store in a glass or plastic container in the refrigerator.
Here's what you do:

Cut the cucumber into thick chunks and puree them in a blender or food processor until liquefied. Pour the puree through a fine mesh strainer, reserving the juice and ditching the pulp and seeds. Combine the witch hazel and cucumber juice. Soak a cotton ball with the mixture and gently blot face and eye area.
You'll need:

* 1 small cucumber
* 1/4 cup witch hazel

Game Face Mask
French green clay soaks up oil in this facial mask.

Clay can soak up the yuck like nothing else. French green clay, which doesn't necessarily have to come from France, is highly efficient at drawing oils and toxins from the skin. It's also rich in minerals and phytonutrients. Mix up only enough for one use. Great for guy's skin!
Here's what you do:

Wet the clay with a small amount of warm, distilled water. When thick and creamy, mix in the oil. Apply to clean skin and allow to dry about 20 minutes. Rinse thoroughly and follow with a moisturizer.
You'll need:

* 2 tablespoons French green clay
* 2 drops of tea tree oil

Thanksgiving Green Bean Mask
A mask that calls on the power of green to revive your complexion.

Don't know what to do with those Thanksgiving leftovers? This quick concoction will give you the smoothest skin in just minutes! The lactic acid in sour cream helps soften and remove dead skin cells. And the green beans ... well, everything green is good, right? Actually, the texture of the green beans also works as a gentle exfoliator to remove dead surface cells and residue.
Here's what you do:

Using your handy microwave, cook beans in a small amount of water. Puree the beans and then mix them with sour cream. Apply mask to face and then relax for 10 minutes. Gently rinse off mask. And wa la – silky soft skin!
You'll need:

* handful of green beans
* teaspoon of sour cream

Egg on Your Face Mask

An oil-absorbing mask for a happy complexion.

For a firming date night face treatment, you can't go wrong with the power of egg on your face.
Here's what you do:

Whip egg white and lemon juice together until blended. Apply to face, avoiding the eye area, and let mask dry for about 15 minutes. Rinse and follow with a moisturizer appropriate for your skin type.
You'll need:

* 1 egg white
* juice of 1/2 lemon

Poker Face Peel
Oily skin buster.

This concoction is great for oily skin. Believe it or not, sour cream, rich in lactic acid will soften and remove dead skin cells. Give it a try!
Here's what you do:

Beat egg white until fluffy, add other ingredients and blend well. Apply and relax for 15 minutes. Rinse with warm water.
You'll need:

* 1 teaspoon grapefruit juice
* 1 teaspoon sour cream
* 1 egg white

Ginger Oil-Buster Mask
A treatment for over-oily skin.

Here's a great one for oily skin! In this recipe, buckwheat will cleanse and purify your skin. The ginger warms your skin, and might create a tingly and stimulated feeling. We love this mask, but please take caution as we do not recommend it for sensitive skin.
Here's what you do:

Mix ingredients. Massage gently onto the face. Relax for five minutes and rinse.
You'll need:

* 1 1/2 tablespoons buckwheat (soba) flour
* 1 1/2 tablespoons spring water
* 1 drop essential oil of ginger
* 1 drop essential oil of sandalwood

Honey (I Need a) Banana Split Mask
Bananas and oatmeal team up to unveil pretty skin.

This is a good mask for sensitive and dry skin. Oatmeal gently cleanses and heals, bananas infuse vitamin A, eggs offer lecithin as a natural skin emollient and honey maintains the natural acid you need for balanced PH.
Here's what you do:

Mix ingredients. Massage onto face in a slow, circular motion. Relax for 15 minutes. Rinse.
You'll need:

* 1/2 mashed banana
* 1/4 cup oatmeal
* cooked with milk
* 1 egg
* 1/2 tablespoon honey

DIY beauty

Your face
Cool as a cucumber

Our eyes get a raw deal - whether it's daubing them with every colour under the sun, staying up until the wee hours or staring comatose at computer screens for hours on end. There's a reason why so many eye care products contain cucumber - it's proven to reduce puffiness and calm irritation; go one step better by placing slices, straight from the fridge, on your peepers. Lie back and relax for five to 10 minutes.

Egg-traordinary

This simple concoction is great for oily complexions - and will make your skin feel quite tight and taut when you apply it. Simply mix one egg white with quarter of a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar - whisk together and apply to cleansed skin. Wash off after 10 minutes.

Banana mash

Is your skin feeling dry and irritated? Take a ripe banana and mash up with a fork with enough runny honey to make it into a pulp and apply liberally over you face, preferably after a warm bath and leave for 10 minutes.

Soothing yogurt

Plain yogurt is commonly used in Indian beauty regimes - popular for its ability to cool and soothe the most irritated of skins. Try applying it direct to a clean complexion if it's feeling sensitive or you've over-indulged on the sunbathing. Leave for 10 to 15 minutes, then wash thoroughly.

Tomato source

They're not just great in salads. The fruit acids in the humble tomato are great for calming oily skin and boosting dull complexions. Mash up a ripe, very soft tomato with a fork, apply to clean skin and leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse with warm (not hot) water.

Green day

They can be expensive, especially if they're just going to end up on your face, but avocados are great for soothing sensitive types and hydrating dry skin. Mash or blend a quarter of an avocado (with 2-3 teaspoons of coconut oil if you have it) until you have a smooth paste, apply liberally to the face and neck, then relax for 10 minutes. Remove with a soft, damp cloth.

Oat of this world

Our skin - both male and female - needs regular exfoliation to remove dead skin cells and combat dullness, but it can be harsh on sensitive complexions. Try this if you're allergic to shop-bought exfoliation products: mix two heaped tablespoons of oatmeal (finely ground oats) with 2 teaspoons of double cream and rub gently on to the skin using your fingertips.

Time for tea

Camomile tea is known for its calming properties on the inside of our bodies (calming digestion and aiding sleep) but if you don't drink it first you can also apply it directly to soothe irritated skin. Make it up as you would a regular cuppa - wait until it cools, douse some cotton wool and apply over the face.

Berry nice

This is another great natural solution to dehydrated or sensitive skin. Take two handfuls of ripe strawberries, which are packed with skin-friendly vitamin C - and mash together with a tablespoon of natural yogurt. Massage on to your face and leave for 10-15 minutes.

Venerable vinegar

Vinegar has been used for centuries to deal with skin problems like bites, stings and oiliness. Apply apple cider vinegar diluted (eight parts water to one part vinegar) directly to your skin with a cotton ball and leave for 10 minutes. Rinse thoroughly.

Oil slick

The ancient Greeks used to bathe in olive oil to boost their skin. We're not recommending you do that, but use in small amounts on problem dry areas. Leave for five to 10 minutes and then rinse. This can also be used on other areas prone to dry skin like elbows and knees.

Your body
The rough and the smooth

Is your skin looking a tad on the dull side? This is one to try when you've got some time on your hands. There's a bevvy of natural scrubbers hiding in the kitchen - like coarse brown sugar, oatmeal and rock salt. Mix a handful with a glug of olive or rapeseed oil and apply to warm damp skin in circular motions. Wash your skin (and the bath) thoroughly.

Oats so good

Oats are known to calm conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. They often appear as an ingredient in sensitive skin products as 'avena sativa'. Fill a clean sock or stocking with porridge oats, tie and place in your bath water for 20 minutes. And relax.

Milking it

Warm a cup of milk in the microwave for 30 seconds (or until warm, but not boiling). Soak your hands for five minutes to strengthen nails and hydrate stressed skin.

Home-made hair-care products

We've all had bad hair days. Or, at a pinch, bad hair months.

In an age of hi-tech complicated beauty regimes, what is the point of spending a million bucks on your hair when you only end up looking like ten, eh?

It's time to raid your kitchen for natural home-made hair-care products which actually WORK, dammit!

Healthy hair with egg and vinegar

We'll give you the strangest recipe first. Beer, egg and mayonnaise are an old favourite for luscious locks. Massaging two raw eggs into your hair is cheap as hell and worth it. It feels gloopy, but if you rinse with (eck) white wine vinegar afterwards then dry your hair you will find the egg has made your hair gloriously soft, shiny and supple. You will get compliments aplenty.

I tried this on a camping trip (in fact, wash with eggs, rinse with beer) as did my other companions, and we looked super-great. Try it, especially if your hair is unhealthy, and tell us the results...

Natural hair conditioners: Apple cider vinegar

natural: rinse hair with white wine or apple cider vinegar

In place of white wine vinegar, you can also try rinsing your hair in apple cider vinegar once a week. Use approximately 1/2 to 3/4 cup of apple cider vinegar diluted with half a cup of water. Shampoo and rinse first, then pour on the vinegar - let it sit about a minute and then rinse out the vinegar and then shampoo again and rinse very well so there is no odor of vinegar. Beauticians swear by it. The vinegar also removes all the old shampoo, conditioner, hair spray, etc. build-up in the hair - this create hard minerals which stick to your hair, and apple cider vinegar will clean them from your hair completely.

Tips: Don't let it get in your eyes (it stings) and watch out in the shower because it makes the floor slippery.

Natural hair conditioners: Coconut oil
Coconut oil will make your hair very shiny and silky. Use the end of a paint brush to apply it (okay, your hands) and work it through. Leave it on overnight (okay, a couple of hours) with a wrap over it. Wash thoroughly the next morning, but don't use conditioner or any other additive. You won't need to for a few days - your coconut hair will look and feel great. And it won't smell coconutty, either.

Hot-oil treatment for dry hair with olive oil (good for a dry scalp)

Olive oil helps repair split ends, heals dandruff, and makes your hair shiny, silky, and lustrous. Massage a few tablespoons of olive oil into scalp and hair. You can heat it first but putting it in a cup sitting in a saucepan of hot water, if you like. Cover your hair with a kitsch plastic bathing cap and leave on for 30 minutes or more, then shampoo as usual. Mamma mia!
Natural organic hairspray

To make a natural organic hairspray, combine 2 cups of water with the juice of one lemon (or an orange if you have dry hair) in a saucepan. Simmer until it comes to a boil. Cool and strain the mixture. Pour into a spray bottle. It can be used on wet hair to add body or applied to dry hair. The lemon will not significantly lighten hair.

Cleansing rinses

natural: rinse hair with white wine or apple cider vinegar

1. To remove shampoo residue, combine 1 cup of white wine or apple cider vinegar and a couple of tablespoons of dried rosemary. Simmer the mixture and stir, crushing the rosemary on the side of pan to release the fragrance. Strain and cool the mixture, then apply the vinegar/rosemary mix to your hair after shampooing. Voila! Gorgeous silky-soft tresses!

2. For light or blonde hair, combine 2 cups water with the juice of a lemon. Apply to hair for 10 minutes, then rinse.

3. For dark hair, combine 2 cups of water with 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar and 1 teaspoon oil of cloves.
Treat oily hair with carrots

Massage finely grated carrots into wet hair for 15 minutes before rinsing.
Treat dry hair with avocado

Massage mashed avocado into wet hair for 15 minutes before rinsing.