Although the days are starting to feel longer and pajamas have become my go-to outfit choice, I’ve also been feeling extra creative and artistic. I’ve had to become innovative in more ways than one, but especially when it comes to my beauty and spa routine. Truly, I’ve never missed going to the salon so much.
The secret to staying on top of beauty treatments is in items many of us already have in our kitchens. Foods we use every day has properties and ingredients that are great for skin. If you feel like you could use a pick-me-up, or just want to try something new, then here are five at-home treatments you can DIY during a free afternoon or long weekend.
- Oatmeal Honey Face Mask
-
Oats are the holy grail of DIY skincare. The four most recognizable benefits are moisturizing, defense building, pore cleansing, and fighting dryness. Plus, oats are full of healthy fats that your skin craves.
Honey is also great for your skin because, as Medical News Today states, it has a lot of anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, and healing properties. With these two superfoods combined, you have a quick and easy face mask to rejuvenate your skin with a boost of moisture.
This face mask is equal parts old-fashioned oats and hot water (about 2 tbs. each), and half the amount of honey (1/2 tbs.). Leave the mask on for 10 minutes, and then remove it with a warm washcloth.
- Luscious Lip Scrub
-
One of the most under-treated areas of your skin has to be the lips. Many people, including myself, just moisturize every day—but is that enough? Like the rest of your skin, the lips need exfoliation too.
This exfoliating lib scrub by Honest Beauty is so simple and so worth it. You’ll just need three ingredients: brown sugar (2 tbs.), honey (1 tbs.), and coconut oil (1 tbs.). Mix the honey and oil together for a thick but smooth consistency, before adding in the sugar. Apply and leave on for one minute before removing it with a warm washcloth.
Your lips will thank you. The best part is, the leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks!
- Puffy Eyes Be Gone
-
Puffy eyes are my least favorite issue to deal with. They can be uncomfortable, and they seem impossible to get rid of—especially when you have trouble sleeping or feel more stressed than usual.
You’ve probably been told to use cucumbers or under-eye face masks, however, a really helpful fix is to use is tea bags. When used as a cold compress, Medical News Today states that tea bags can reduce dark circles, redness, and bags under the eyes. This is because cold tea helps vessels constrict and calm irritations.
A warm tea bag compress can reduce inflammation and dry eyes. I’ve used both a warm and cold compress before, and have found that my eyes feel less tired and irritated after use! If you have some extra time on your hands, this is a hack worth checking out.
- Soothing Foot Soak
-
It seems that everyone’s new favorite activity is long walks and at-home workouts. This is a great way to get exercise, but it can make your feet tired and sore. My go-to for relief is an Epsom salt soak.
Epsom salt is great for achy feet, but if you want to add in a moisturizing routine, a honey coconut milk foot bath will leave your feet soft for days. Start with a cup of honey and a cup of coconut milk. Dissolve the two into a small bowl of boiling water, and once the water has cooled down to be comfortably warm, transfer to a small tub and add a dash of cinnamon (for scent). You can always add in your Epsom salt here as well. Soak for as long as desired!
Afterward, if you’re still craving more moisture, try using lotion or petroleum jelly on your feet. Cover your feet with socks and let the lotion set in for at least 20 minutes, but you can leave it in overnight.
- All-Over Coffee Scrub
-
Last but not least, I introduce you to the best all over exfoliator ever. Coffee scrubs are awesome, but did you know how easy they are to make on your own? If you look on the back of your product, you’ll find that the four main ingredients are just equal parts coffee and sugar (brown or granulated), a tablespoon of coconut oil and a splash of vanilla.
Like the previous DIY hacks, coffee and sugar help exfoliate the skin while coconut oil keeps it moisturized. Also, like the lip scrub, you can store the coffee scrub in a mason jar in the fridge to keep it fresh! I have used this hack many times, and have had the same results as any exfoliator I’ve bought in-store.
These DIY beauty treatments are simple ways to give your skin and your spirit a boost. Most of these items can be found in your kitchen, and can be used for multiple recipes on the list. Plus, you can feel good about doing your part to reduce waste from purchasing products.