These at-home beauty remedies won’t break the bank.

If you’re a girl on a budget (or on the go), heading to the spa every month and forking out small fortunes is simply not an option when it comes to looking good.

We know the struggle! That’s why we’ve found a few age-old tricks to get you looking gorgeous for a fraction of the cost: Look no further than your kitchen cupboards for products that double as DIY beauty treatments. Not only are they natural and cost effective, but they’ll have you feeling refreshed and flawless in the comfort of your own home.

1. For your lips: Cinnamon lip scrub

Having huge, full lips is one of the biggest beauty trends right now. If you love the pouty look but aren’t keen on painful injections or something permanent, how about experimenting with something that’s not only less invasive but that’s probably been in your cupboard this whole time? Cinnamon! This spice is an effective lip enhancer as it tingles and irritates the skin just enough to leave your lips looking plump and healthy.

What you’ll need
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• Pea-sized dollop of Vaseline
• Pinch of sea salt (optional)

How to do it
1. Mix the cinnamon and Vaseline until it’s well blended.
2. For additional exfoliation, add sea salt to the mixture.
3. Use your finger to coat the scrub over the entirety of your lips then rub your lips gently in circular motions with a soft-bristled toothbrush for 30 to 40 seconds. It’s normal to experience a tingling sensation.
4. Leave the mixture on your lips for 3-5 minutes, remove with a damp washcloth then apply a lip balm to moisturise.

2. For your eyes: Tomato

Late nights, stress, or constant work in front of a screen are the most common causes for unsightly dark eye circles under the eyes.

The acidity in tomato is a miracle worker when it comes to removing these pesky little blemishes. The lycopene antioxidant contained in tomatoes acts as a natural bleaching agent and lightens discolouration. Plus, vitamins A, B and C offer moisturising and regenerating properties that will ensure the delicate skin beneath your eyes remain soft and supple.

What you’ll need
• 2 slices tomato
• 1 tsp lemon juice

How to do it
1. Place a slice of tomato under each eye, covering the dark circle. Gently massage the tomato
2. Let dry then rinse off.
3. With a pestle and mortar, grind the same tomato slices into a thick paste.
4. Add the lemon juice and combine.
5. Apply the paste beneath your eyes and rinse off after a few minutes.

3. For your lashes: Castor oil

A set of volumised, long lashes is the ultimate accessory. It enhances the focal point of your face – the eyes – and adds a smouldering effect to even the most basic outfit and makeup look. If extensions and falsies aren’t really your thing, raw castor oil is a natural alternative. Rich in vitamin E, healthy fats, calcium and magnesium, castor oil promotes growth and leaves your lashes thick, long and healthy.

What you’ll need
• Eyelash brush
• Cotton bud
• 1 tsp castor oil

How to do it
1. After removing all your make-up and completing your nightly beauty routine, dip the brush into the castor oil and comb through your lashes, making sure to spread the oil from the root to the tip.
2. Use the cotton bud to glide oil along your lash line then head to bed – the oil will work its magic overnight and you’ll be able to see a noticeable difference within as little as two weeks

4. For your hair: Mayonnaise

Having healthy, lustrous hair is a goal for any day of the week but between straightening, curling irons and conditioning, this process is often way more complex than it needs to be. Not to mention, Brazilian blowouts are costly and time consuming. We’ve revived the mayo hair treatment for softer, shinier and smoother looking hair. This condiment contains some healthy hair ingredients such as lemon juice, vinegar and essential fatty acids and vitamins that boosts shine and locks in moisture.

What you’ll need
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• Shower cap or plastic wrap
• Shampoo

How to do it
1. After washing your hair, apply the mayonnaise on your freshly cleansed, damp hair, focusing on the tips.
2. Place a shower a cap on your head or wrap your hair in plastic wrap – this will increase the absorption rate of the mayonnaise into your hair.
3. Leave on for 15–30 minutes then cleanse thoroughly with a gentle shampoo.

5. For your teeth: Activated charcoal

All those coffee runs and sugary drinks to keep you energised during the day may have an adverse effect on your pearly whites. If you’re in need of a teeth cleaning and whitening (which we all know is super expensive), activated charcoal is an unbelievable home remedy. This substance is highly absorbent and thoroughly removes stains by pulling toxins from the mouth. Your teeth will feel smoother and cleaner, and your mouth will be fresher after just one use.

What you’ll need
• 1 activated charcoal capsule (available from most pharmacies and health stores)
• Toothbrush

How to do it
1. Open up the capsule to remove all the charcoal.
2. Dip a clean wet toothbrush into the charcoal and brush your teeth in small circular motions for 2 minutes. You can concentrate additional force on areas you’d particularly like to whiten. Don’t be alarmed when you open your mouth and it’s completely black – it may be rather scary-looking but the charcoal will not stain your teeth and is completely safe to ingest.
3. Rinse thoroughly after brushing.

AUTHOR Farah Khalfe | PHOTO CREDIT Pixabay