Many common foods can be used
as cosmetics with surprisingly good results. So no matter your motivation (you
want to save a few dollars, up your green quotient, or just find a novel way to
pass the time), here are 10 cosmetic uses for food that are just as good, if
not better, than their store-bought counterparts. (A word to the wise: If you
have sensitive skin or processed hair, try these remedies on a small patch of
skin or hair first.)
1. Tea Bag Eye Rejuvenator. The
quintessential home cosmetic remedy is using cucumber slices on the eyes to
reduce puffiness. While that certainly works, brewed black tea bags are even
more effective. Place them on your eyes (which should be closed, of course) and
let the tannins work their magic—aboutfive minutes should do the trick.
2. Baking Soda Teeth Cleaner. Mix one teaspoon of baking soda with a quarter teaspoon of hydrogen
peroxide for one of the most basic forms of tooth care that exists. It’ll clean
your teeth (some would argue better than store-bought toothpaste), but you’ll
be missing out on the minty freshness. Of course, you could just go totally au
naturel and gnaw a bit of spearmint for that.
3.
Egg White Mask. You can either save your leftover egg whites for an omelet or angel food
cake, or use them for your next
facial. Just one white, beaten until smooth, is enough to cover your face. As
with other masks, let it dry completely, then rinse off. It will leave you
feeling refreshed, and your skin will be noticeably more taut.
4. Oatmeal Face Wash. Oatmeal has
calming properties that soothe the skin and help reduce redness. It can be used
in a variety of ways, from a body wash to a mask, but the most basic is this
simple face wash: Mix together equal parts warm honey and lemon juice, then
stir in three parts instant oatmeal until it turns into a paste. Apply to your
face, then wash off with warm water.
5. Vinegar Hair Cleaner. Swap your
conditioner for vinegar twice a month and you’ll get rid of any nasty buildup,
as well as improve your hair’s silkiness and shine. Seriously. Don’t use dark
or expensive vinegars; stick to cider or white wine vinegar for less strain on
the wallet and better results. But don’t do this more than a few times a month
or you’ll risk drying out your hair.
6. Honey and Brown Sugar Scrub. Fill a jar
about two-thirds full with honey, add a scoop of brown sugar and one halved
vanilla bean, and mix. Keep this in the shower and use it as a body scrub that
will leave you smelling nice and feeling smooth.
7. Lemon Juice Lightener. Beach-goers have been doing this for years to lighten their locks. Just
combine the juice of half a lemon with a handful of leave-in conditioner (which
is less goopy than regular conditioner), spread on your hair, and comb through,
then wash out. (Note: Highlighted or color-treated hair should be spared this
homemade remedy, which could make your hair look brassy.) Many people also
apply lemon juice directly to age spots to bleach them out, though this should
be avoided on sensitive skin because lemon juice
is highly acidic.
8. Coffee: Scrub and Shine-Maker. Your leftover coffee grounds can clog your drain or,
if you’re feeling adventurous, be used as an invigorating scrub. For more
details, check out this
CHOW Tip.
Needless to say, avoid doing this if you have sensitive skin. Leftover brewed
coffee can also be mixed with some coffee grounds and conditioner to help
increase shine in dark hair.
9. Oil Moisturizer. Take a page from many a Mediterranean grandmother: Olive oil works
fabulously as a lotion. Use too much and you’ll smell like pasta, but in small
doses it works wonders as a daily lotion or massage oil. If olive oil isn’t
your thing, sesame oil (regular not toasted), peanut oil, almond oil, and argan
oil work too.
10. Cornstarch Bath Powder. Superabsorbent and extremely fine, cornstarch is the kitchen equivalent of
baby powder and can be used in the same way. Combine it with a few leaves of a
nice-smelling dried herb (rosemary, lavender, or sage, for instance) and pulse
it in the food processor until evenly mixed. Sift out any large stray leaf bits,
transfer to a container with a shake top (like an old baby powder bottle), and
use to freshen up anything from your body to your sneakers.
http://www.chow.com/food-news/55097/10-cosmetic-uses-for-everyday-foods/
