So, about all of those times you told yourself you were going to try a new DIY beauty product or a body detox…. yeah, not the easiest promises to keep while the semester is still chugging along. That’s what Thanksgiving Break is for – why else would QU bless us with an entire week off when the holiday only lasts for 24 hours?
Winternships and seasonal jobs haven’t started yet (so you’re bored & broke), and finals are rapidly creeping around the corner (so you need to take as much relaxation time as you can). This week flies by – don’t let it pass without taking advantage of all the amazing things you can do for yourself before splurging on turkey and Black Friday sales.
So, where do you start? Here, of course, with this list of easy, cheap, and seasonally appropriate projects to put you at the top of your game before the last two grueling weeks of the semester.
Make your own lip scrub to reverse the side affects of having to walk to class in the cold all of those times. Mix 1 teaspoon of coconut oil, 1 teaspoon of raw honey, 1 ½ – 2 tablespoons of raw/granulated sugar, and a bit of lemon juice until it thickens up. Apply the mixture in a circular motion with a soft toothbrush or your finger, and rinse it off, finishing up with a layer of your favorite lip balm. Store extra in the fridge to use another day! (via pinkpistachio.com)
Create homemade bronzer with this recipe, to ensure you’re skin is tinted to the perfect shade this season – and not to mention, without any chemicals or mythical cosmetic ingredients! Combine the following in an empty compact: cinnamon, nutmeg, cocoa powder, cornstarch or powdered sugar, and lavender, rose, or rosemary essential oil. The measurement of each ingredient depends on your skin tone and the color that you’re looking to achieve. A word of advice: apply lightly!
(via crunchybetty.com)
Cook up some body wax so you can avoid the salon prices and mysterious waxing kits at the drugstore. This is also the perfect time to experiment with hair removal products, considering we won’t be in tanks or bikinis for quite a while! Mix 1 cup of sugar, 1 cup of honey, and juice from ½ a lemon in a saucepan, then heat it up I the microwave for 2 minutes (stop it every 30 seconds to stir). Let the concoction cool down, transfer it into a glass jar, and DON’T apply until it’s reached room temperature! (via tipnut.com)
Detoxify your body without enduring a hunger-ridden juice cleanse. All you have to do is soak in a tub full of the following for 30 minutes: hot water, 3 pints of hydrogen peroxide, and two ounces of ground ginger (one reviewer stated that she actually smelt beer among the toxins leaving her body!). Also, drink a lot of water before, during, and after the soak, in order to replenish your body. (via beautybets.com)
Mix up this soothing (and delicious) face mask. There are tons of these out in cyberworld, but I recommend this Dr. Oz approved one because the ingredients are super simple AND it boasts anti-aging qualities (they say you should start anti-aging regimens when you turn 20!). All you have to do is mash up half a banana (ripe bananas give the best results), mix with ¼ cup of yogurt and 1 teaspoon of honey, cover your face with it and kick back for 15 minutes before rinsing. (via pantryspa.com)
Clean your makeup brushes even if your pricey cleaning solution has run out. Something that is totally easy and works great for me is simply mixing some shampoo (I use one “pump” of it from my huge Pantene bottle, if you need a measurement guide) with warm water in a cup. Swirl your brush around in the mixture, and watch all of the leftover makeup leave the bristles. If you’re cleaning more than one brush, use separate cups for each one. It’s best to do this before you go to bed so that the brushes can air dry over night.
Degunk your scalp by removing product buildup and getting rid of the flakes and dry skin caused by cold weather. This recipe not only cleans out these gross side affects, but it also helps your hair grow faster. Mix 4 tablespoons of softened coconut oil, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon grapefruit juice, part your hair down the center, and apply the mixture with an application brush in 1-inch sections. Massage concoction into your scalp, and finish up with a good old shampoo & conditioner. Voila! (via themotherhuddle.com)