Body Scrub
There’s no treatment quite as indulgent as an all-over body scrub. And while a DIY version may not have quite the same effect as you’d enjoy in a day spa, it’s only a fraction of the price. You can buy a wide range of gorgeous body scrubs for under £5, but making your own is the lowest-cost option of all, providing you have the right ingredients at home.
When making a body scrub, the most important thing is to use a coarse base, like salt or sugar, which will physically buff your skin. Epsom salts are a fantastic product to use for this because, when you’re not using them for a body scrub, they make a great addition to a bath, whether for relaxation or muscle recovery.
DIY Body Scrub Recipe
- 2 cups salt/sugar
- 1 cup oil
- Few drops of essential oil
Combine your salt or sugar with carrier oil in a ratio of 2:1, and add a few drops of essential oil to create your customised blend. Then, simply stand in the shower or bath and buff the mixture in circles over your skin.
Soothing Facial Mask
Whether you have sensitive, reactive skin or you’ve just caught the sun; a soothing facial mask is a great recipe to be able to whip together in times of need. One important thing to consider before applying a face mask to irritated skin is that it can become even more irritated if you apply ingredients that don’t agree with it. This is where DIY masks come into their own, as you know exactly what’s inside.
Here are three of the best face mask recipes to try when your skin needs soothing:
Oatmeal and Honey Mask
- 1 tbsp plain yoghurt
- 1 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp ground oatmeal (as fine as possible)
Combine the ingredients into a smooth paste, then apply to clean skin and let sit for 20 minutes. Wash off, then follow with your favourite nourishing moisturiser.
Aloe and Avo Mask
- 1 ripe avocado
- 2 tbsp coconut oil
- 2 tbsp aloe vera gel
Mash the ingredients together until they form a paste, then apply to clean skin and let sit for 20 minutes. Wash off, then follow with your favourite nourishing moisturiser.
Banana and Milk Mask
- 1 banana
- ¼ cup whole milk
- Few drops of rose essential oil
Mash the ingredients together until they form a paste, then apply to clean skin and let sit for 30 minutes. Wash off, then follow with your favourite nourishing moisturiser.
Pre-Pedi Soak
Feet are often at the bottom of the priority list, leaving them marred by dry, cracked skin. If yours are looking a little worse for wear, this next recipe is a must-try.
Vinegar has been shown to help soften skin and, when used as part of a pre-pedi soak, can make it easier to remove calloused, dead skin. Best of all, you can use any vinegar that you have in your kitchen cupboard, whether it’s apple cider vinegar or regular malt.
Vinegar Foot Soak Recipe
- 2 litres cool, not hot, water
- 1 litre vinegar
Combine water and vinegar at a ratio of 2:1 and leave your skin to soak in the mixture for 5-10 minutes. Follow by giving feet a light buff with a pumice stone if you have one handy.
Follow with hydrating foot cream, then use nail polish remover to get rid of any residue before applying nail colour in a vibrant summer shade.
Protein Boosting Hair Treatment
Last but certainly not least, hair treatments are one of the easiest DIY options of them all. By tailoring the ingredients based on what your hair needs, you can create a hair mask that is 100% beneficial to the health of your hair, with no hidden nasties.
In particular, many people find that their hair can benefit from an occasional protein treatment. The signs your hair might be crying out for protein are if it stretches, feels mushy or breaks while you wash it.
There are some great natural sources of protein, including avocado, coconut, egg, yoghurt and mayonnaise. So, depending on what you have available, you’re sure to be able to whip something up. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Egg and Yoghurt Hair Mask
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp yoghurt
Beat the egg and yoghurt until they form a smooth paste. If your hair is very dry, just use the yolk; if it’s oily, just the white, or if your hair is a combination, use the whole egg. Apply to your scalp and hair and leave for 30 minutes. Rinse out with cool water, and shampoo and condition as normal.
Mayo and Avo Hair Mask
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise
An ideal protein treatment for dry hair, mash ingredients and leave in your hair for an hour. Rinse out with cool water and shampoo and condition as normal.
There we have it, a great range of DIY beauty treatments that can be made from ingredients you have lying around your home. Did your favourite make the list? If not, share yours in the comments.
