Low Cost Beauty Regimen

With the economy the way it is today, money is an issue when it comes to your everyday staples. Beauty products are no exception. Cutting  back on some "not-so-necessary" supplies will save you money. Do you still want to feel beautiful but, don't want to spend a fortune on supplies. The cost of hair products alone is expensive.  When you add the cost of make-up, facial cleansers, bath supplies, etc your wallet gets smaller and smaller . Let's face it ladies... being beautiful cost money.  Well, not anymore. To cut down on expenses, here's a low-cost beauty regimen.

When it comes to hair, shampoo and conditioner alone will not do the trick. Buying special conditioners and hot oil treatments can put a damper on your budget. Those of you who have dry, damaged  hair because of using a hair dryer, curling iron, or flat iron on a daily basis can still have beautiful hair for a small fee.  An ionized hair dryer is a must-have ladies! They can be expensive but, you can find them for under $20. They leave your hair feeling soft, light, and oh-so-manageable.

Aside from your usual shampoo and conditioner routine, here are some great tips for your hair care routine.

For dry hair:  Once a week:

• Massage scalp with warm olive oil for 5 minutes before using shampoo & conditioner.
• Zinc supplements. The main cause of dry hair is a deficiency in the mineral zinc. *Always consult your doctor before starting a regimen of any vitamins or supplements.
• To add shine: Use a mixture of 4 cups warm water and 1 tsp. of honey. Shampoo and condition as you normally do. Then rinse with this mixture. Do NOT rinse out. Leave in hair. It does wonders.

For oily hair:  A must try home remedy.

• Get the blender out ladies! Puree carrots in your blender, yes carrots. Apply the mixture to your scalp and let set for 15-20 minutes and then rinse hair.

Face:
 

For a wonderfully soft, clean face here are two different masks.  The first is the HEY mask and the second is the OHM mask. After washing your face with regular soap, apply mask of your choice.  Do this twice a week and the results are just amazing.

HEY mask (honey, eggs, & yogurt)

Mix:

1 tbsp. honey

1 egg yolk

1 tsp plain yogurt

Apply to face and let set for 20-30 minutes. Rinse. The honey smooths the skin, the egg moisturizes, and the yogurt refines and tightens pores.

OHM mask: You can eat the leftovers with this one.
Mix:

1/4 Quick Oats (any brand. the cheaper the better)

1 tbsp honey

1/3 cup of milk

Heat in microwave for 2-3 minutes. Time varies depending on your microwave.  Let cool**. Apply to face and let set for 30 minutes. Rinse with warm water.
 

**Always test on your hand or wrist to make sure it's not too hot. If you make a double batch, you can eat some while your waiting for your mask to take affect.

Teeth:   An inexpensive way to whiten teeth:

• Brush your teeth with a baking soda paste before you brush with your normal toothpaste.

or

• Rub your teeth with the inside of an orange peel.

Nails:  Washing dishes, scrubbing toilets and tubs, etc. diminishes the natural moisture in your nails. Here's a simple, easy, low-cost way to replenish your nails' moisture balance.

• Soak regularly in a cup of vegetable oil.

or

• Brush on vegetable oil to each nail several times a week with a small, child's paintbrush.

Last, but most definitely not least, spoil yourself with a home spa treatment. Fill your bathtub up with warm/hot water ( whatever temperature is comfortable for you). Add some bubble bath, bath beads, or bath salts. You can get them really cheap at many different stores. Put on a soothing CD of your choice. Nature sounds are very relaxing. Line the bathtub with scented candles (please use caution with this step) and dim the lights or shut them off completely, and slip into total relaxation mode. Make sure that the kids are fast asleep and the phone is shut off so there are no interruptions.