DIY beauty tips are both affordable and spa-on
BY BETH ENGELMAN Mommy on a Shoestring November 1, 2011 10:16AM
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Winter skin 411
The weather may be turning cool, but that doesn’t mean you have to surrender to dull, dry skin. Try these skin-saving tips courtesy of dermatologist Dr. Brooke Jackson of the Skin Wellness Center of Chicago (www.skinwellnesscenter.org).
DIY bronzer: Winter skin often gets dull and dry making you look sallow. Perk up your skin by mixing a few drops of liquid bronzer into your daily moisturizer.
Soften your face: Soft colored lipsticks will help soften your face, as will wearing pastel tops such as blouses and shirts.
Puffy eyes: Keep green or chamomile tea bags steeped in your fridge for those mornings when you need an “eye de-puffer” STAT. Both types of tea are extremely soothing and can help reduce unsightly swelling or puffiness.
Dark circles: Avoid dark circles by skipping the overly aggressive eye creams such as those with alpha hydroxyl and retinoids. Instead use creams that contain Vitamin K.
Also don’t underestimate the power of a good concealer.
Article Extras
Updated: January 13, 2012 10:49AM
Get gorgeous without spending a fortune with these easy to make at-home spa treatments.
Aspirin mask
“Aspirin is not just for headaches,” says L.A. beauty blogger, Jenny Wu (www.goodbadandfab.com). Wu advocates using aspirin as a facial mask on days when you want soft and glowing skin. Why aspirin? It contains acetylsalicylic acid, which helps slough off the top layer of skin, which in turn keeps skin soft and prevents pores from getting clogged. Another bonus? Moisturizer absorbs better into the skin when exfoliated on a regular basis. To make your own aspirin mask, follow these simple directions courtesy of Wu.
You need:
2-3 uncoated aspirin tablets
Water
Aloe vera gel (optional)
Directions:
Grind the pills into a powder.
Add a few drops of water, until ingredients turn into a paste. Note: If your skin tends to be dry, add a few drops of aloe vera gel to the mixture.
Gently rub mask on dry, clean face, in a circular motion for 20-30 seconds, paying close attention to acne-prone areas such as the nose, cheeks, forehead and chin.
Leave the mask on for 10 minutes before rinsing off with warm water.
Add moisturizer if desired.
Cinnie-Orange
Facial Scrub
“Top Chef” alum Candice Kumai knows a thing or two about homemade goodness. The chef and author of Pretty Delicious (prettydeliciouscookbook.com/) has dedicated her career to cooking and eating well. When getting ready for a big event, Kumai mixes up this sweet smelling mask that leaves her skin feeling polished and looking radiant.
You need:
1 tablespoon of brown sugar
1 ½ teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 ½ teaspoons fresh orange zest
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Directions:
Combine ingredients in a small bowl until well mixed.
Apply the mask onto your face, being sure to avoid the eye area.
NOTE: You might feel a mild tingling sensation (which is normal) but if it’s at all uncomfortable, rinse immediately.
Rinse off with a washcloth and warm water.
Add moisturizer.
Moisturizing
Pumpkin Mask
This soothing mask is chock full of nourishing vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin A, Vitamin C and zinc. But be warned, it might leave you craving homemade pumpkin pie.
You need:
½ cup fresh or canned organic pumpkin puree
2 eggs (beaten)
2 teaspoons almond milk
2 teaspoons honey
Directions:
Combine ingredients until they form a thick paste.
Gently smooth the mask onto your face, being sure to avoid the eye area.
Leave on for about 15-20 minutes, before rinsing off with warm water.
Add moisturizer if desired.
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