Yes, we agree, nothing can beat a pampering session at the hands of a beautician in a salon or a spa, with creams, lotions and gels that are designed for your specific skin tone and requirement. But that is not always the only option; more so if you are seeking nature-inspired products or have time to experiment with some tried and tested natural beauty aids.
With the sun limiting outdoor action and giving you reasons to stay put indoors, especially during the weekends, this is, perhaps, the right time to give home spa a try. Here is an easy guide to get you started:
A Chocolate Affair
Give your face a chocolate touch with this all natural chocolate face mask that can be whipped up in the confines of your kitchen. All that you need to prepare this mask are 100 grams cocoa powder, 3 tablespoons heavy cream, 2 teaspoons of cottage cheese, 3 ounce honey and 3 teaspoons oatmeal powder. Mix all these ingredients together and apply it on your face. Leave it for 10 to 15 minutes before rinsing it in warm water to give your skin a soft and silky feel. This mask is ideal for normal skin.
Sugar, Sugar Baby
Exfoliate with a sugary scrub just like in spa and get your skin feeling silky smooth and sweet. To make your sugar scrub, mix together one cup brown sugar, one cup oats and one cup olive oil. Apply this gently on your dry skin in slow circles. To avoid messing up the bath during the scrub process, place a plastic sheet or some newspaper under your feet. Use it to scrub all over your body before getting into the shower.
Coffee Time
For all those who love to wake up to the smell of coffee, here is a wake up scrub from coffee grounds to start the day right. Simply mix together a quarter cup of olive oil, one teaspoon vanilla extract, one cup brown sugar, few drops of essential oil and half a cup of used coffee grounds from your pot of freshly brewed filter coffee. Blend it well and store it until use (it stays fresh for more than two weeks if refrigerated). Apply the coffee scrub to wet skin in circular motion and follow it up with your regular bath. You are coffee ready!
Hand Care
Hands, especially fingers, are known to take the brunt of household chores, especially dish washing. But that’s no reason to fret, as your kitchen can quickly provide you with a spa like remedy to soften them. Take some cold cream into a bowl, add two drops of tea tree oil in it, along with lavender oil and olive oil. Now blend in a banana; ensure that it is smooth before applying it liberally all over your hands and cuticles. Place your hands in rubber gloves to give the concoction time to work its magic. Wash the banana mix off and feel the natural softness of your hands.
Lip Care
Every little change in the weather can leave its telling mark on your lips. Although lip balms have proven to be effective in combating cracks and dryness, you might want to whip up your own formula to stay naturally hydrated. You would require one tablespoon beeswax pearls, one tablespoon pure shea butter (or olive oil), two tablespoons almond oil and ten drops of essential oils to make four tins of balm. Place the beeswax, shea butter and almond oil in a double boiler and stir continuously until the ingredients are liquefied. Remove it from the boiler and blend in the essential oils. Pour it into your prepared containers and let it cool until it solidifies. Store in a cool dry place and use as required.