I saw this segment on The Early Show on ABC this morning - awesome ideas! This article I wanted to share with you guys directly from
The Early Show website - Check it out for more information!
Under-Eye Cucumber Tightening Treatment
Cucumber acts as a cooling agent and reduces puffiness, while the witch hazel and cornstarch tighten, and the aloe vera gel moisturizes. Anyone looking for a more "awake" look will benefit from this treatment!
INGREDIENTS:
1 tablespoon witch hazel
1/2 cucumber, chopped
1/4 cup aloe vera gel
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 cucumber slices
METHOD:
Mix witch hazel, chopped cucumber, and aloe vera in a blender or food processor. Add cornstarch to thicken. Chill in refrigerator for 1 hour. Smooth under eyes (or entire face and neck) and place cucumber slices over eyes. Let sit 10 to 15 minutes. Rinse and pat dry. Follow with moisturizer.
*Can also be used on entire face and neck
Honey Oatmeal Facial (MY FAVORITE!)
Honey has a high antioxidant level, naturally cleanses the skin, and rejuvenates and nourishes, helping to fight fine lines and wrinkles. Its use in skin care dates back to Cleopatra, who used to apply it to her skin to achieve a deep glow. The oatmeal doubles as an exfoliant and an anti-inflammatory, soothing the skin, while the yogurt naturally moisturizes.
INGREDIENTS:
1/4 cup old-fashioned oatmeal
1 tablespoon honey
3 tablespoons plain yogurt
METHOD:
Finely grind the oatmeal in a blender or food processor. In a small bowl, combine the honey and yogurt. Stir in the oatmeal and mix well. Smooth over face and neck. Let sit 10 to 15 minutes. Rinse with warm water and follow with moisturizer.
Shiny Hair Rinse
This rinse is great for removing build up of styling products and restoring hair to its natural luster. Apple cider vinegar is rich in alpha-hydroxy acids and will act as a softener to the skin of the scalp as well.
INGREDIENTS:
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
1 quart water
METHOD:
Combine vinegar and water in a pitcher or jar. Shampoo and rinse. Pour mixture onto hair, massaging into hair and scalp. Rinse thoroughly and condition as usual.
Avocado Hair Mask
The natural oils of the avocado combined with the olive oil with help strengthen your hair and make it shinier and will also help repair dry scalp or problems with dandruff. By wearing a shower cap while the mask is on the hair, the body heat created will intensify the results. Avocado contains collagen-building properties as well that help with fine lines and wrinkles, so this can also be smoothed onto the skin.
INGREDIENTS:
1/2 avocado
1/4 cup olive oil
METHOD:
Use a food processor or a fork to mash the avocado to a smooth consistency, free of any big lumps. Stir in oil until well combined. Apply to wet hair, massaging from scalp to ends, and put on a shower cap, tucking hair inside. Let sit for 20 minutes. Rinse, shampoo and condition as usual.
Chamomile Milk Bath
When the weather starts to get cold, the skin becomes drier, making this the perfect, soothing soak. Milk contains lactic acid, which gently exfoliates, removing dry skin, and also has vitamins A and D, which nourish the complexion. Chamomile tea is soothing and has anti-itch properties when applied to the skin. Refrigerate the tea bags after they've been steeped, and apply to puffy eyes for a quick eye treatment.
INGREDIENTS:
1 cup boiling water
5 chamomile tea bags
2 cups powdered milk
METHOD:
Steep tea bags in boiling water for 15 minutes. Remove tea bags and stir in powdered milk to create a paste. Add to running bath water. Soak for at least 10 minutes.
Coffee Body Scrub (SO COOL! GOODBYE CELLULITE!)
Coffee grounds and salt act as exfoliants, and the caffeine in the coffee is a natural tightening agent. When applied regularly, it can help temporarily reduce the signs of cellulite. The olive oil moisturizes, and skin is left soft and supple.
INGREDIENTS:
2 cups leftover coffee grounds
1/2 cup sea salt
3 tablespoons olive oil
METHOD:
Mix all ingredients together. In a hot shower, use circular motions to rub the coffee exfoliant all over the body, paying special attention to problem areas. Use strong, even pressure. Rinse, pat skin dry and moisturize.
Peppermint Foot Treatment
Take good care of your feet between pedicures so that you won't need to get them as often. Soak feet in warm water and go over heels and any dry spots with a pumice stone. Then massage feet with this peppermint foot treatment. Peppermint stimulates the circulation in the feet and provides relief.
INGREDIENTS:
Unscented Body lotion
Peppermint essential oil
METHOD:
Add a few drops of peppermint essential oil to your favorite body lotion. Massage into feet. Elevate feet for 10 minutes to relieve pressure.
I'm going to try a couple of these out! Let me know if you do too, and how it turns out!
xoxo, M.
