How much do you spend on beauty products every month? The answer probably falls between “too much” and “way too much”. Luckily, there are some great beauty uses for objects that you likely have in your house right now. Using household products for your beauty routine not only saves money, but also saves your body from harmful chemicals that may be lurking in your favorite products. Here are 5 household objects that you can incorporate into your routine today.
Avocado Oil
Avocado oil is a super healthy replacement for traditional cooking oils, and it is currently taking the world by storm. Although it is primarily used as a heart-healthy substitution for monounsaturated fats, there are ways to use avocado oil in terms of your beauty routine. Avocado oil is great for restoring moisture in both skin and hair, and creating some simple products from the superfood is a great way to add some much-needed moisture to your life. For a simple conditioning mask that will leave your locks luscious, try adding avocado oil, another neutral oil, lemon juice, and some drops of essential oil into a blender, apply generously to your hair, and let it sit for 2-4 hours. Wash as usual, and you should have a shiny, healthy looking head of hair for the week.
Honey
Honey is a delicious substitute for processed sugars that lurk in our favorite foods. It’s great in desserts, as a marinade, and simply as a sweet treat in your morning coffee. But honey also has some amazing anti-bacterial properties that make it perfect as an addition to your skincare routine. Honey’s thickness and enzymes prevent bacterial growth in open wounds, as well as maintaining much-needed moisture for the healing process. These properties are great for fighting breakouts: combine raw honey with a dash of cinnamon, and apply liberally to your face. Leave this for around 20 minutes, and when you wash, you’ll find soft supple skin that is resistant to breakouts.
Green Tea Bags
Drinking green tea is absolutely amazing for you because of its antioxidants and tannin levels. When you’re done with your cup, however, don’t throw away those tea bags. The tannins left in your used tea bags are still ripe for use when you have super puffy eyes or other affected areas of inflamed skin. Take two wet green tea bags and rest them underneath your eyes for 10 minutes, and your puffiness should be drastically reduced.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has been heralded as a miracle to everything from weight-loss to cancer; while it may not have the benefits previously imagined, it still has a great use as a cheap and natural toner! Use 1 part raw apple cider vinegar to 2 parts water to diffuse, and then apply to your skin with a cotton pad: make sure to stay away from your eyes. This homemade toner contains no added chemicals found in store-bought products, and it will completely flush your dead skin cells. Perfect for prepping to apply makeup!
Baking Soda
Baking soda has many uses in cooking applications, as well as natural cleaning solutions for around the house. In addition, baking soda can seriously improve your dental game. Baking soda can get rid of pesky yellow stains if used every other day along with your normal dental care routine. Simply mix baking soda with water until it forms a paste, then brush gently onto the surface of your teeth. Make sure to brush again afterward with toothpaste, as leftover baking soda can begin to erode the enamel of your teeth. This routine should produce pearly whites that will leave your dentist gawking.
There are plenty of common household objects you can incorporate into your daily beauty routine. Next time you’re looking for a new product for your skin, teeth, or hair, consider opening your pantry before stopping by the drugstore: you may be surprised at how much potential your shelves hold.