Monday, November 9, 2009

Good Enough to Eat Beauty Products

My husband makes fun of me for making all kinds of "potions" and trying out beauty theories I read.  I have several items that normally belong in the kitchen that have found their way to the bathroom.  It's usually quite economical and natural to use "foody" products in your beauty routine.  A run down of the items I get double and triple duty out of:

Baking soda:  Most people probably know several ways to use this for baking and cleaning.  I use it to exfoliate my face because it is not so abrasive.  I also make a baking soda and water solution that I pour in my hair after I rinse out the shampoo.  I feel like it helps remove any harsh shampoo chemicals.

Olive oil:  We know it is a "heart healthy" fat and gives great flavor to many dishes, but I also use it mixed with salt as a body scrub in the shower.  It exfoliates and moisturizes better than anything.  I find that I can't use it every time I shower because it can be drying to exfoliate with salt daily or even every other day.  I do it once or twice a week.

Salt:  See above.  I use it with olive oil to exfoliate.  I used it (with olive oil) just on my hands today and it was just what I needed after months without a decent manicure.

Vinegar:  Sounds pretty harsh, but I use it on my hair.  I used to use it straight up, but now since I have a cup in the shower for my baking soda rinse, I use the same cup to mix vinegar with water and rinse it through my hair after shampooing.  Many times I do it before conditioner, but sometimes after.  It really helps get product build-up out and keeps my hair shiny.

That's about it at the moment, but I am usually willing to try home remedies of any kind - beauty or otherwise.