Five Beauty Products In Your Kitchen (Five For Friday)

I’ve got a post for all you hot mamas out there to keep you looking gorgeous using just what’s in your kitchen cupboard! 

 Let’s face it, beauty products are expensive.  Most of what we’re paying for is that pretty package or the fancy name brand.  The actual stuff it’s made of can sometimes be scary. Not to mention the fact they just don’t deliver on all the promises.  Every time this happens, we go out and buy something else to replace the last thing that didn’t work until we have a whole cabinet full of overpriced, chemical-laden crap that we don’t even use. 

Now, I’m going to give you a list of 5 of the best ordinary ingredients that can do extraordinary things for your appearance:

1. Crisco

Yes, I said Crisco.  Many people think that shortening=lard (animal fat). Actually, the main ingredients in Crisco are soybean and palm oils.  Both of these ingredients are well-known as being great for the skin.  Doctors at Duke University Hospital refer to it as “Cream C”.  Plastic surgeons often recommend crisco because it speeds healing.  Gynecologists have even recommended it for vaginal dryness. (I don’t know if I would go that far!)  It gets rave reviews on Makeup Alley.  many actually refer to it as their “Holy Grail” of skin care and claim that it moisturizes as well as Creme de la Mar (one of the most expensive creams on the market).  Women use it as a cold cream and a makeup remover, as well as an overnight cream.  It can also be used along with your usual moisturizer to help lock in the moisture. It relieves dry, itchy skin and helps with eczema.  It also make a great heat protectant for flat ironing hair.  It is unscented and you can whip it to give it a lighter feel and even add essential oils for fragrance.

2.  Baking Soda

I’m sure you’re probably aware of the whitening benefits of brushing your teeth with baking soda.  But did you know that it works great to deep clean pores and treat acne?  It is also makes a wonderful face and body scrub.  It leaves skin super soft.  Some people like to add it to shampoo once a week to cut down on product buildup and some use it regularly to control dandruff.  I have even heard of it used as a deodorant.  Baking soda has antibacterial properties so it’s perfect for cleaning skin, teeth, and hair.

3.  Coffee

You already love your coffee but now, you’re going to love it so much more when you can use it to reduce cellulite!  Use the grounds alone or make a paste with yogurt that you apply to thighs and wrap with Saran Wrap.  You can also use the grounds (best to use while still warm) as a facial mask to tighten, brighten, and refresh tired, dull skin.  Brew up some dark roast and use as a hair rinse after conditioning to add richness to brunette, auburn, or dark blonde hair. 

4.  Sugar

To get the softest skin ever, use regular granulated sugar.  Sugar produces glycolic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid, which is a well known ingredient in many skin care products.  You can make a homemade sugar scrub by combining 1 cup sugar and 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil (or other oil such as almond oil, coconut oil, or even baby oil)  and a few drops of your favorite scented essential oil.  The sugar rinses away clean with no stickiness.  All that will remain is baby soft skin.

5.  Extra Virgin Olive Oil

It's not just for cooking a healthy meal.  Some of the best hair care products I have ever used contained olive oil.  The same with skin care.  Why not just go straight to the source and save some serious money?  Make sure you get cold pressed extra virgin olive oil.  By not using heat, all of the nutrients, antioxidants, and vitamins are conserved.  It only takes is a few drops to tame frizzy hair and leave it shiny and soft.  Massage EVOO into your cuticles to help moisturize, repair, and protect.  You can use EVOO while shaving for silky smooth skin.  You can wash your face with olive oil because oil dissolves oil.  The oil will carry away unwanted dirt, oil, and other impurities and leave you with clear, dewy looking skin.  It actually helps clear up acne!  Use it as a makeup remover and it will condition your eyelashes too.  It is another one of those things that many women just swear by for moisturizing their skin and hair.    

Have you ever tried any of these natural beauty products?  Do you have one that is your "Holy Grail"?  

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