DIY Beauty Tips To Combat Winter Woes

Winter is coming up and many women dread the anticipated cold, dry weather, which can wreak havoc on a girl’s skin and hair. But before you head to the beauty stores and pharmacies and buy the likes of $30 moisturizers and $60 frizz fighters – just take a moment and walk to your kitchen.

A wide array of beauty products are already hanging around in your homes – you just have to find the right uses for them. A lot of the beauty products found in stores contain complex ingredients, some of which are toxic and even contain secreted animal ingredients. Even the ones labeled as “natural” are often far from it. So below are some beauty tips to combat the winter months and still look gorgeous while taking control of exactly what is being used on your skin and in your hair.

To keep dry skin at bay, products like grapeseed oil, olive oil, and apricot kernel oil can do the job. Grapeseed oil has a reputation for working as well (or even better) than the store bought lotions and creams that can cost hundreds of dollars. Holistic beauty experts agree that no matter the skin type, this oil is great because it’s not only high in vitamin C (which brightens the skin) but it also helps to reduce fine lines.

Another great beauty product to whip out is extra virgin olive oil, which provides intense moisture with rich antioxidants. There is also apricot kernel oil, which is lighter than the first two and absorbs fairly quickly. It’s also full of vitamins A, C, and E antioxidants which fight against aging and potential sun damage.

Winter woes do not end with the skin, however, as many women experience dry, frizzy hair that easily breaks. Don’t worry, there’s olive oil to the rescue. It contains mono-unsaturated fatty acids, which help to coat the shaft of your hair and helps to keep it healthy and protected. It coats the damaged outer layer of the hair and gives a silky, shiny, smooth result. It also helps to smooth out the dry and frizzy hair without the buildup of greasiness.

Beauty Tip 1: Olive Oil with Avocado and Honey

Take a ripened avocado, two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, and one teaspoon of honey. Mash out the avocado and mix all ingredients thoroughly and apply it to your dry hair. Throw on a shower cap and leave it for about 30 minutes, then wash with warm water and condition afterwards. This process makes the hair moisturized, soft and shiny – plus it helps to prevent dry scalp.

Beauty Tip 2: Honey face mask for smooth skin

Before taking a shower, mix two teaspoons of fresh lemon juice with two teaspoons of raw honey in a bowl. Hop in the shower and wash your face while letting the steam open up your pores. Then, once you’re through showering, dry your face and apply the honey lemon mask (avoiding your eyes). Leave on for 20 minutes and then rinse off with warm water, then finally splash some cold water on your face to close your pores. This mask, which is good to use once a week, will give your skin a healthy glow — and make it look bright and feel smooth and soft.

Beauty Tip 3: Sugar scrub with coconut oil or olive oil

A sugar scrub is great for exfoliating and adding moisture to those unwanted dry areas. Simply combine one part olive oil or coconut oil with two parts sugar and, if you wish, you can put 20-30 drops of your favorite essential oils. For winter, you might go with soothing scents like lavender, rosemary, or sage.

Beauty Tip 4: Shea butter, avocado oil, and vitamin E hand salve

Cold weather can cause your skin to become dry and cracked, but a simple recipe can keep your skin smooth through the winter months. Just mix together avocado oil, shea butter, and vitamin E and you’ll be golden on those chilly days.

Beauty Tip 5: Brown sugar and lemon juice with olive oil and honey — a winter treat for your feet

Mix into a smooth paste two tablespoon of brown sugar, one tablespoon of lemon juice, one tablespoon of honey, and one tablespoon of olive oil and set aside. Soak your feet in warm water for 10 to 15 minutes, then slather the mixture over each foot and gently scrub in a circular motion. This scrub nourishes the dry skin and removes the dead skin cells under your feet.

Beauty Tip 6: Luscious lips with coconut oil and beeswax

Melt two tablespoons of beeswax pellets in the microwave for three minutes, then add two tablespoons of coconut oil and 10 drops of an essential oil of your liking (one that’s safe to eat like peppermint). Stir together, put in a small jar and enjoy the benefits!