6 DIY Beauty recipes straight from your kitchen cupboard

Isn’t it funny how we crave all-natural formulas in our beauty products but never consider why we’re buying pre-packaged cosmetics in the first place? Although many beauty items are formulated in certain ways to increase shelf life, chances are that the bare ingredients are already in your home, bursting with qualities we strive for in our skincare routines. 

By creating your own beauty products at home, you can cut down on the plastic waste of shop-bought items, tailor your own ingredients and create thoughtful gifts for friends and family. As with any product, be sure to patch test for potential allergies first, and should any adverse reaction occur, be sure to remove quickly and effectively with plenty of water.

Known for its anti-inflammatory qualities, turmeric is great in more than just a curry.

For a simple face mask that will reduce blemish redness and lighten dark spots, mix one teaspoon of turmeric, 1½tbsp of honey and two tablespoons of Greek yoghurt, and then apply to the face as you would any mask.

The lactic acid in the yoghurt will aid the removal of dead skin cells and also lessen the chance of skin staining from the turmeric.

Left the mask on a little too long? No bother—a quick cleanse with water should remove any leftover yellowish hue.

 

Good enough to eat, a sugar lip scrub is a much cheaper and eco-friendly alternative to the traditional exfoliating balms sold in high-end stores.

Combine a teaspoon of sugar (the exfoliating agent) with half a teaspoon of olive oil (the moisturising agent) and, if desired, add a couple of drops of essential oil or syrup to flavour.

We love adding rosewater, cocoa powder or some fruit puree to our scrubs. Simply massage gently into the lips to remove dead skin, before rinsing and drying. The result? A perfectly smooth pout.

 

Is your hair feeling the strain after a long, dry summer? Full of monounsaturated fats, the humble avocado is your ticket to glossy, well-nourished locks.

Combine one mashed avo with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of honey and 2-3 drops of lavender oil. Apply to damp hair, focusing on the ends rather than the roots (unless your scalp is especially dry).

Leave on for at least 20 minutes before rinsing well with water and shampoo to remove any lingering residue, and air dry.

 

For tightening tired skin on a budget, green tea and grapefruit are both hero ingredients, without the drying effect of alcohol that is normally present in pre-packed toners.

Steep two green tea bags in a mug of hot water for ten minutes until cooled, then add in a few drops of witch hazel and the juice of half a red grapefruit.

Apply with a cotton ball, leave to dry and then rinse off with warm water. Chockfull of vitamins A and C (the grapefruit) and UV damage-reducing antioxidants (green tea), you’ll look five years younger in no time.

 

Ditch the fake lashes and grow your own with homemade eyelash serum. The recipe couldn’t be easier—just mix one teaspoon of castor oil and half a teaspoon of coconut, gently massaging into the lash line with a cotton bud.

Take care to use tiny amounts to avoid getting oil directly in the eye. Best used daily, the mix can be stored in a dropper bottle, and works just as well on eyebrows as it does eyelashes.

 

Easier to apply than traditional powder, cream blush has taken the beauty world by storm in the last decade. Make your own with the humble beetroot—slice as thinly as possible, then dehydrate on a low setting in the oven for several hours.

Once your slices are dry (but still pink), grind to a fine powder using a mill or coffee grinder, filtering out any large pieces with a pestle & mortar and cheesecloth.

Once you’re satisfied with the consistency, add small amounts to shea butter, increasing the amount until you’re happy with the tone of pink.

Apply sparingly, and blend well to create a natural, feminine finish.