Top 5 Best DIY Natural Skincare Remedies

 

 

While there are plenty of easy to purchase products on the market for skincare, often using the most natural ingredients will work just as well, if not better, on your skin.  Women have created and tried recipes for millennia to smooth, soften and perfect their skin, and many of the same food ingredients have been found to consistently work wonders.

These do-it-yourself natural skincare remedies are made with simple ingredients that you most likely already have in your kitchen, and allows you to create products at a fraction of the cost of purchasing in-store. 

Cellulite Be Gone

Ingredients:
1/2 cup coffee grounds
1 tbsp. olive oil

Directions:
1. Combine both ingredients in a bowl and microwave to warm for 10 seconds.
2. Standing over an easy to clean surface (I recommend placing either newspaper or paper towels beneath you) place as much of the mixture as you can over cellulite spots and wrap in plastic wrap.
3. Remove plastic wrap after 20 minutes and gently wipe mixture off your skin.
4. Repeat 2-3 times per week for 8 weeks for best results.

Puffy Eyes No More

Ingredients:
1 large egg white
1 tsp. Witch Hazel

Directions:
 1. Separate egg white from egg yolk and discard the yolk.
2. Beat egg white in a small bowl until stiff.
3. Add witch hazel to the egg and mix well.
4. Using a small makeup brush apply the mixture to puffiness around eyes.
5. Let application sit for 15 minutes then rinse off with warm water.

Bright and White Smile

Ingredients:
1 ripe strawberry
1/2 tsp. baking soda

Directions:
1. Mash the strawberry and baking soda in a small bowl.
2. Using fingers apply the mixture to your teeth.
3. Allow for it to sit for 5 minutes, rinse, and then brush as usual.

Face Exfoliant

Ingredients:
1 tbsp. brown sugar
1 tbsp. white sugar
2 tbsp. coconut oil
2 strawberries, mashed

Directions:
 1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well.
2. Using fingers gently apply exfoliant to face, massaging skin in small circular motions.
3. Rinse face with warm water.
4. Repeat 1-2 times per week or as needed.

Dry Skin Mask

Ingredients:
1/2 ripe avocado, mashed
1/4 cup honey

Directions:
1. Combine and mix the avocado and honey in a bowl and mix well.
2. Using fingers apply mixture to your face and allow to sit for 10 minutes.
3. Rinse face with warm water, a gentle face wash, and washcloth. 
4. Repeat once per week.

Let me know in the comments down below your experiences with any of these time-tested beauty recipes, and don't forget to share any tips and tricks!

Want MORE beauty and skincare videos?  Check out my YouTube!

    

SNAP ME! @AshleyEBeauty

Top 10 Ultimate Tips for Radiant Skin

1. Cleanse your face twice daily

Cleansing your face removes all impurities that tend to accumulate on the skin during the day and night.  Failure to do this one simple step can make any products you apply to your skin useless, as they cannot penetrate deeply into your clogged pores.  Cleanse your face before applying makeup and then again after removing makeup.  My long time favorite cleanser has been the Fresh Soy Face Cleanser.  The full size bottle is a little on the pricey side at $38.00 for 5.1 ounces, but one million percent worth the investment.

2. Apply a moisturizer after cleansing

Moisturizer will not only help your skin lock in hydration, but it will also seal into place any other skincare products you use beforehand, such as eye cream, anti-aging serum, or toner.  Acne-prone skin needs a moisturizer, even though it may feel counter-intuitive, and will help your skin heal because drying out your skin will actually cause it to over-compensate and produce more oil.  Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion has been a favorite of mine for years, which feels incredibly light on the skin but packs a punch when it comes to hydration.

3. Remove your makeup every night

Although it may feel tempting to skin this step, it is important and very necessary to continue to have healthy skin.  When you wear your makeup to bed you are not only clogging your pores with the day's makeup, but also with dirt and grime that accumulates daily on your face.  It also doesn't allow for your skin to recover from the free radicals and particles that land on your face every day, which causes a break down in the collagen on your skin and leads to the development of lines and wrinkles.  Mascara and eye liner, when left on your face for long periods of time, accumulate germs and can lead to infections.  

So what is the quickest solution to removing makeup?  Thankfully, you have many options.  The very first thing I do is I don't wait until bedtime to remove my makeup, and instead to do it right after I arrive home for the night.  I find I am not as tired at this point and I am more likely to freely expend the effort to cleanse my face.  For a medium-to-high-end product I recommend Josie Maran Bare Nakes Wipes, which are packed with natural and soothing ingredients that easily remove makeup and leave your face feeling fresh and clean within less than a minute.  For a drugstore product I recommend Neutrogena Makeup Remover Wipes, which are ultra soft and are great at removing even waterproof mascara.

4. Drink A LOT of water

Drinking enough water every day is skin hydration 101.  Check out this article from the Mayo Clinic on how much water you should be drinking on a daily basis and the health benefits. Add lemon to your water to act as an internal cleansing agent.  I carry around the Hydr-8 32 ounce water bottle with me everywhere I go every single day.  People always comment on how they love the "time stamps" on the side, which allows you to see when you need to drink more water.

5. Wear SPF every day

Applying a sunscreen of at least SPF 30 will protect your skin from harmful UV rays.  Even if you are stepping outside for only a few moments, sunscreen is not only the best thing you can do to protect your skin, but it is the only thing you can do to prevent premature aging.  Apply every morning as your last skincare routine step after your moisturizer and serums, and before you apply any makeup.  Apply every morning and reapply throughout the day as needed.  Any drugstore sunscreen will do the trick, although I prefer to use the NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 30 for those days I just need a little extra color on my face.

6. Use an at-home face mask once per week

Face marks will target blackheads and impurities, and draw out residue clogged deep inside pores.  Masks that contain clays in them are especially great at deep cleansing and removing impurities to leave you with the ultimate fresh and healthy looking skin.  A high-end favorite of mine has been the Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask, but there are plenty of drugstore alternatives to choose from, such as the cult favorite Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay, which is only $12.00 for a one pound jar on Amazon.

7. Use a sheet mask once per week 

Sheet masks have long been a staple in Asian beauty, but have just recently found more popularity on Instagram and in stores like Ulta and Sephora.  Sheet masks infuse the skin on your face with nutrients and come in a variety of styles and leave your face feeling refreshed and brand new.  One of my personal favorite is the Too Cool for School Egg Cream Hydration Mask, which you can also find in Firming and Tightening.

8.  Clean your makeup brushes

While it makes sense to clean makeup your makeup brushes, it is often a chore that is overlooked or put off until later.  However, taking the time to do this one step will not only ensure that your make up looks better once you've applied it, but also prevent your brushes from transferring any old face oils onto your face.  At a minimum you should be washing your brushes weekly, and at a maximum after every use.  

All you need is a bottle of Johnson's Baby Shampoo, apply a small amount to a wet makeup brush and swirl in the palm of your hand until all the excess makeup is removed, and then set on a towel to dry.  If you're looking for that quick fix I highly recommend Cinema Secrets Makeup Brush Cleanser, a professional grade cleanser that is quick drying and rinse free.  It cleans and conditions quickly, and is perfect for the person that wants to clean their brushes daily.

9.  Wash your pillowcases

Similar to washing your brushes, washing your pillowcases is one of those chores that needs to be done weekly to ensure healthy skin.  Pillowcases are notoroius for housing oil and dirt, and are often the causes of acne breakouts.  Pillowcases made from natural fabrics breathe better and transfer less oil, however nothing makes up for a good regular wash.  Word of caution: do not use fabric softeners on pillowcases, as they leave behind a waxy residue that is highly pore-clogging.

10. Exfoliate your body with a sugar scrub once per month

Exfoliating will help remove the dead skin cells that live on the surface of your skin and makes skin smoother and brighter.  Similar to using a cleanser on your face, it gets rid of debris and allows the rest of your skincare products to work their magic.  A high-end favorite of mine is the Josie Maran Argan Sugar Balm Body Scrub, which gently buffs away dead skin cells and impurities, then moisturizes with argan and coconut oil to leave your skin feeling smooth and soft.  While the drugstore has limitless options in terms of affordable body scrubs, I encourage you to make your own and try my recipe for DIY Coconut Coffee Body Scrub, a natural and easy alternative.

Interested in MORE skincare advice and tutorials?  Check out my YouTube!

    

SNAP ME! @AshleyEBeauty

DIY Beauty | How To Dupe LUSH Lip Scrub

As a professed Lush Cosmetics addict, I am always searching for fun and easy dupes of my favorite Lush products.  As beautifully scented and amazing as their products are, sometimes I just love to see if I can make the products myself.

During the Winter months a great lip scrub recipe is perfect for treating those dry, cracked lips that are in desperate need of some TLC.  Lip scrubs help remove excess dead skin cells to reveal the healthy skin beneath.

DIY Lush Lip Scrub: Ingredients

Small Lip Balm Container

Peppermint Extract

1/2 tsp. Granulated Sugar

1/2 tsp. Olive Oil

Optional: Food Coloring of Choice

DIY Lush Lip Scrub: Recipe

1. In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and olive oil.

2. Add a small drop of peppermint extract and mix into the sugar and olive oil.

3. Optional: Add 1-2 drops of food coloring of choice into the mixture.

4. Add mixture to your small lip balm container!

DIY Lush Lip Scrub: How To Use

1. Using clean hands use your index finger to scoop out some of the scrub.

2. Apply scrub to clean, dry lips using slow and soft circular motions for approximately one minute.

3.  Using a warm wet washcloth gently wipe away the scrub from your lips.

4. Apply a lip balm or moisturizer to lock in hydration!

DIY Lush Lip Scrub: Tips & Tricks

• If you choose to color your lip scrub, make sure to choose a light pink or "natural" shade, as it may stain your lips.
• Go to the Dollar Store for your lip balm container.  They have small plastic or acrylic containers, as well as cute tiny mason jars you can use.
• Choose a different "extract" to make different flavors.  Try almond, vanilla, or chocolate!

Interested in MORE Lush product dupes?  Check out my post for How To Dupe Lush Coalface!  Also, follow me on YouTube for more DIY beauty!

  

Snap Me! AshleyEBeauty

DIY Beauty: Amazing and Affordable Eye Makeup Remover

Makeup removing oils and solutions from beauty stores or drugstores may work great, but it is unnecessary to spend money on a pre-made product that you can easily make at home.  This eye makeup remover solution is gentle on the sensitive skin around your eyes.  The skin around your eyes is so delicate that even normal rubbing or wiping can damage its elasticity and cause wrinkles.  Take care of your skin, and your wallet, and make your own eye makeup remover!

 DIY Eye Makeup Remover: Ingredients

Small Empty Container

1 1/2 Cups of Water

2 Tbsp. Baby Shampoo (Tear-Free)

1/4 Tsp. Baby Oil

Large Round Cotton Pads

DIY Eye Makeup Remover: Directions

1. Your small empty container should have a secure lid.

2. Mix water, baby shampoo and baby oil together in your container.

3. Replace the lid and shake well!  Remember to shake up ingredients before each use.  The oil and water will separate between uses.

4. When you are ready to use pour a small amount of the mixture onto a cotton pad and wipe off your eye makeup.

Tricks and Tips

• Re-use containers that you were planning on recycling anyway, such as a baby food container or old hot sauce bottle, to use as your small empty container.  Remember to wash thoroughly as you do not want these food products going into your eyes.

• To avoid causing wrinkles to your under eye area with wiping and pulling, soak part of a cotton pad with the makeup remover solution and place gently over your eye makeup.  Allow this to sit for a few minutes to break up your eye makeup.  Gently massage your eye starting at the top of your lid to the bottom of your lashes in order to remove the makeup.

I love creating my own DIY beauty products because it saves me money to purchase the makeup that I really want.  Life is filled with trade-offs and choices and, fortunately, this is a very easy one!

I Want To Know...

What are some alternative or DIY products you use to save money in your beauty regime?

 

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DIY Beauty: 3 Simple and Easy Makeup Setting Sprays

Makeup setting sprays can be expensive and many contain ingredients that you may not necessarily want to be spraying onto your face on a daily basis.  These three do-it-yourself makeup setting sprays are all natural, and will leave you feeling good that you know exactly what is going on your face.  Even better is that they are inexpensive and can be made with easy to locate ingredients online and at your local grocery store.

Rose Water Makeup Setting Spray

1 Tbsp. Aloe Vera Gel

1/2 cup Rose Water

1. Combine Aloe Vera Gel and Rose Water into a spray bottle.

2. Shake until mixture is well combined. 

3. If you're as obsessed with Rose Water as myself, check out my DIY Rose Water Facial Toner.

Witch Hazel Makeup Setting Spray

1 Part Witch Hazel

3 Parts Water or Rose Water

1.  Combine Witch Hazel and water into a spray bottle.

2. Shake until mixture is well combined.

3. Rose water instead of regular water is perfect for those with dry skin.  Check out my 10 Tips on How To Achieve Healthy Winter Skin for even more dry skin tips and tricks.

Aloe Vera Makeup Setting Spray

3 Parts Warm Water

1 Part 100% Pure Aloe Vera Gel

1. Combine water and Aloe Vera Gel into a spray bottle.

2. Shake until mixture is well combined.

3. When you're ready to remove your makeup at the end of the day check out the products I use in my Nighttime Skin Care and Makeup Removal Routine.

DIY Makeup Setting Spray Tips

• Store mixtures in the fridge for long term use, or add a few drops of Vitamin E Oil to your makeup setting spray to extend its life and use.

• Add a few drops of Argan Oil to your makeup setting spray to aid skin that is extra dry, or for a dewy and glowing appearance.

• Infuse some fragrance into your makeup setting spray by adding a few drops of your favorite essential oil, such as Lavender or Pomegranate.

Using a setting spray after finishing your makeup is great for making your makeup last and look great all day long.  Instead of re-purchasing your Sephora setting spray, next time try out one of these comparable dupes!

Interested in MORE DIY Beauty?  Check out my YouTube!

    

SNAP ME! @AshleyEBeauty

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DIY Beauty | How To Dupe Lush Coalface

Lush Fresh Handmade Cosmetics has some amazing products.  One of my favorite products has always been their Coalface Cleanser, especially during those times I am breaking out and need a face wash that really deep cleans and exfoliates.

Why not be a little thrifty, get creative, try out a really fun DIY Dupe?

This recipe has only three ingredients: coconut oil to hydrate and moisturize, charcoal capsules to exfoliate, and baking soda to cleanse.

DIY Lush Coalface: Ingredients

1/2 cup Coconut Oil

3 Charcoal Capsules

1 tbsp. Baking Soda

DIY Lush Coalface: Directions

1. Grab a small bowl and small plastic spatula.

2. Place the half cup of coconut oil in the microwave for approximately 15-20 seconds, or until it is liquefied, and pour it into the small bowl.

3. Next, add in the contents of three charcoal capsules.  You can accomplish this by either untwisting the middle of the capsule, or by cutting off one end of the capsule.

4. Finally, add 1 tablespoon of baking soda to your mixture.

5. Using the small plastic spatula, mix and crush everything until you are left with a nice thick paste.  If you find that your mixture is too liquid, add more baking soda 1/2 tablespoon at a time until you are satisfied with the consistency.

6. Storage: place a lid on the small bowl and store in the refrigerator.  When you go to use the product again be sure to re-stir as ingredients may separate.

Ready To Apply!

You can use this recipe as either a face mask or a face wash.

As a Face Wash

1. Keep the jar of product directly outside the shower.

2. When you are ready grab a good amount with two fingers and apply in slow circular motions to your face.

3. It is ok if any ends up in your mouth, but do avoid the eye area.

As a Face Mask 

1. After you have finished showering pull your hair pulled back in a bun or wrapped towel.

 2. Using two fingers pick up a little product and start dabbing it onto your face, starting at the top of the forehead and working your way down to the chin.

3. Leave mask on for 10-15 minutes and wipe off with a warm textured wash cloth.

Interested in MORE DIY Beauty?  Check out my YouTube!

    

SNAP ME! @AshleyEBeauty

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