Make Your Own Beauty Products

Did you know that grapes can soothe and cleanse your skin? That bananas soften and smooth your skin and honey cleanses, tones and hydrates? Well, these natural products can do just these things, and for a fraction of the cost of purchased cosmetics! You can use these and other ingredients to create your own beauty products. Allow all facials and moisturizers to sit 10-15 minutes before rinsing with warm water.

Steps

1. Make a perfect facial scrub from grapes. Mash a handful of grapes. Strain them to separate the pulp from the juice. Remove the skins and mash the pulp and juice with 1 tablespoon of almond flour.

2. Make a facial mask with honey and bananas. Make sure the bananas are not overripe. Mash 1 banana with 3 tbs. honey.

3. For a skin softening bath, add 1/4 cup honey to the water.

4. Apples and pears are mild astringents. Make a quick mask by grating a large apple or pear and mixing it with 1 tbs. of honey.

5.Use aloe-vera gel as an astringent for oily skin. Aloe vera gel is also great for thickening hair. Massage it into your scalp then leave it for 15 minutes before rinsing. Mix it with glitter for sparkley, softening body gel.

6. Add a tsp. of baking soda to your shampoo. It helps remove hair-product buildup. Baking soda can also loosen blackheads. Combine equal parts soda and water and rub the mixture into your skin, let sit until dry, then rinse.

7. Mix 1 tbs. sugar with a few drops of olive oil for a sweet facial exfoliant. This can be mixed in larger quantities for full body exfoliation.

Tips

* Try adding a few drops of your favorite essential oil to some of the above products.

* Mix and match some of the above ingredients to create your own natural beauty products.

* Search online for more natural beauty recipes and tips.

Warnings

* If you are allergic to bee pollen, you may be allergic to honey. Do not use any of the above containing honey if you are at risk for allergic reaction.

* Never use any of the above products if they contain an ingredient you are allergic to.

* Always read the instructions for use of essential oils very carefully as some may react with others and most should be used in very specific quantities only. Test for allergic reactions first (or ask the pharmacist for more information) and if pregnant, a child or immuno-suppressed, only use oils with a physician's agreement.