1. Coffee Scrub for Glowing Skin
Coffee is way more than just an elixir to help you wake up in the morning. The coffee grounds can be used as a natural exfoliator and help banish dead skin, boost circulation, and even fight cellulite.
What you need:
- 1/4 cup of used coffee grounds
- 2 tablespoons of coconut oil or olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
How to use:
Mix the ingredients and gently scrub in circular motions on your face or body in an upward motion. Massaging upward helps promote lymphatic drainage, which is the body’s natural way of removing toxins and waste Coffee also contains caffeine, which has been shown to help reduce the appearance of cellulite due to its ability to act as a diuretic. Rinse with lukewarm water to reveal silky smooth skin.
Important things to note:
- Avoid areas around the eyes.
- Massage the scrub into the skin in circles, upward.
- Rinse thoroughly after use.
- If you have dry skin or want to see more results, use the scrub 2–3 times a week.
- If you have sensitive skin or simply want to feel smoother, use the scrub 1–2 times a week.
2. Classic Cucumber Eye Soothers
There's a reason why cucumber eye soothers are such a classic DIY beauty hack: they work! Stock up on cucumbers on your next grocery haul, and say goodbye to puffy eyes!
What you need:
- Slices of cucumber
- Access to a fridge or freezer
How to use:
In addition to adding chilled cucumbers to your salads, simply place the rest of the slices over your eyes for 10 minutes. The coolness reduces swelling, while the cucumber's antioxidants refresh tired skin. And if you can't find any cucumbers, don't sweatt—you can also use radishes, daikon, potato, or cold tea bags.
Important things to note:
- Wash the cucumbers thoroughly before placing them on your eyes
- Opt for organic cucumbers as that can further reduce the risk of pesticide exposure
- Always do a patch test on your skin first to check for any allergic reactions
- For extra results, massage the area around the eyes with an ice cube before or after the cucumber treatment
3. Dry Shampoo with Baking Ingredients
We've all been in a situation where we needed to quickly get our hair sorted out only to realize we a) have no time for a full wash and b) have run out of dry shampoo. With this easy DIY, your problem is solved! Here's a dry shampoo solution you can whip up with your pantry staples.
What you need:
- 2 tablespoons of cornstarch or arrowroot starch
- 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder (for darker hair)
- A few drops of essential oil for scent
How to use:
All you need to do is mix the ingredients and apply them to your roots using a makeup brush. Let it sit for a few minutes, then brush it out, and voilà! Your hair will look refreshed and ready to conquer the world. Optional: add some essential oil on your ends to improve the scent.
Important things to note:
- Don't let it sit too long; cornstarch can irritate sensitive scalps, causing redness, itching, and inflammation
- Cornstarch can leave more residue than dry shampoo, so make sure to brush it out thoroughly
4. Honey and Oatmeal Face Mask
It's Friday night and you want to turn it into a spa session. Here's how to do it with simple ingredients you can find in your kitchen. This honey and oatmeal face mask is perfect for soothing and hydrating your skin, combining their potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds: Honey is antibacterial, while oatmeal calms irritation.
What you need:
- 2 tablespoons of oatmeal
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- A splash of warm water
How to use:
Mix the ingredients into a paste, apply to your face, and leave it on for 15 minutes. Rinse off with warm water for soft, glowing skin.
Important things to note:
- Always do a patch test on your skin first to check for any allergic reactions
- Honey can contain contaminants like pollen or beeswax, so it's important to choose high-quality honey and check for impurities
5. Banana Hair Mask for Softness
One of the easiest ways to revive dull, dry hair is with a banana! Believe it or not, this nourishing mask will do wonders on cold winter days when your hair is in need of some love.
What You'll Need:
- 1 ripe banana
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil or coconut oil
- 1/2 ripe avocado
- 1 tablespoon of honey
How to Use:
Simply blend the ingredients into a smooth paste. Apply to damp hair from roots to tips and leave it on for 15-20 minutes. Rinse thoroughly and follow with a hydrating shampoo and conditioner. Result: Silky, hydrated hair!
Important things to note:
- Thoroughly rinse the mixture so you don't leave any residue
- Perform a patch test on your skin before applying a banana hair mask to your scalp to check for any allergic reactions
Final Thoughts
You don't have to spend a fortune in Sephora every month: try these easy DIY beauty hacks without all the chemicals and enjoy incredible results!
