Being a college student has taught me a lot of important survival skills including how to save money without sacrificing health. Before college and mom-hood I used expensive beauty products, many of which weren’t all that healthy for my skin and hair. Then came the baby and, subsequently, college. My old beauty products were just not financially feasible anymore. I had to find other ways to achieve my desired look. There are a million money saver beauty tips and tricks out there, but after much research and many home trials I’ve narrowed it down to some of the most beneficial and cost effective.
Egg and honey mask: I’m not going to lie, it feels pretty gross, but keep your eye on the prize! If you have dry or normal skin mix one egg with one teaspoon of honey, thoroughly mix and apply to face. Leave on for about 20 minutes and rinse with warm water. If you have oily skin, only use the egg white and honey. And of course don’t use this treatment if you’re allergic to these products. (I had to say it).
Vitamin E oil: This stuff is your friend. Vitamin E is a major ingredient in many expensive skin and hair products. It’s moisturizes, strengthens and detoxifies. Vitamin E is great for scar, stretch mark and minor burn treatment (such as sun burn). It can be added to your shampoo and conditioner (or applied by itself) to make your hair more lustrous and resistant to breakage. Vitamin E oil can help speed healing time for cold sores; it can be added to a bath and it can even be rubbed on your face. When left on overnight, vitamin E oil can help to treat wrinkles. Vitamin E oil is very inexpensive and easy to find. When taken in pill form, vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that helps to eliminate free radicals and strengthen cells (but should be taken cautiously with blood thinners, always consult a physician before starting new supplement regimens).
Soak Nails in Lemon Juice: Soaking nails in lemon juice will make them healthier and stronger. This is also a great treatment for those who have yellow nails as a result of smoking or nail polish removal. About two tablespoons in a bowl of warm water, soak for about 10 minutes, rinse. It’s as simple as that.
Toothpaste Zit Treatment: For the occasional zit, don’t buy an expensive medicated cream to dry it out. A dot of toothpaste left on overnight will work just as well.
Coffee for cellulite reduction: Yes, it’s weird, but clinical studies (as well as my own tests) show that it really works. Just get all warm and wet in the shower (warm water will open pores), then rub coffee grounds all over your problem areas and leave on for about 20 minutes. I wrap myself in plastic wrap for this time to allow for maximum sweating and detoxification.
Cold Water on Face: This will help to eliminate the early morning puffiness of eyes. It works just on good as many of those expensive under eye creams. A cold rag for a couple minutes can be used for more serious cases.
Vitamin C for EVERYTHING: Vitamin C can and should be eaten every day and can be applied directly to the skin. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that will help to eliminate free radicals and it is a key ingredient in the production of collagen. As a result it reduces wrinkles and help to protect skin against pollutants and sun UV rays. Not to mention, vitamin C is a strong guard against cancer cells of most types.
Vitamin C is also a friend to your hair in that it helps to prevent hair loss, breakage and premature graying. It assists in keeping your hair healthy soft and shiny (the good kind of shiny).
Drink Lots of Water: I know you’re not living under a rock and you’ve heard it a million times, but it really does wonders for your skin and hair. Drinking the recommended amount of water daily will help to smooth your skin while bringing it to its utmost softness and clarity. Your hair will also grow healthier, softer and stronger as a result of the detoxifying hydration.
