Beat the credit crunch with home-made cosmetics

Staying beautiful when you can't afford cosmetics is easy with the following tips.

Tip #1 – Make your own microderm abrasion product

Mix a few grains of sugar crystals in with your favorite skin cream and apply to freshly washed skin. Gently massage the cream in small circular motions around the face and neck area. Rinse with cool water and pat dry. Your skin will look almost as good as an expensive spa treatment.

Tip #2 - Extend existing foundation

Instead of using foundation straight out of the bottle, mix it with moisturizer. That way you take care of two birds with one stone. You continue to moisturize the skin - the most important treatment of all - and still add a touch of healthy-looking color. You may want to play with the mixture to get the ratio the way you want it; however, two parts moisturizer to one part foundation works well for most women.

Tip #3 – Ditch those under-eye bags and dark circles

Instead of throwing away tea bags after you brew your morning tea, put them in a zipper bag and place them in the refrigerator. When those nasty eye puffiness comes calling, lay down for about 10 minutes with the cool damp tea bags on your eyes. Tannin, one of tea’s main ingredients, works naturally to reduce puffiness and dark circles.

Tip #4 – Add natural highlights to your hair

If you can’t afford hair color, try highlighting instead, done the natural way. Mix one part lemon juice with three parts water. Put the mixture into a spray bottle and spray onto the hair, or paint on highlights using pure lemon juice and a small paintbrush. Then blow-dry or let your hair dry naturally in the sun. Be sure to condition it afterwards to keep hair from becoming too brittle.

Tip # 5 – Shine up that hair

Any number of items from coconut milk, to honey or even vinegar, will add vibrancy and shine when used during a hair rinse. A few drops of glycerine or olive oil applied directly to freshly washed and dried hair will also do the trick.

Tip # 6 – Make your own blush

Mix one cup of strawberries, raspberries, or cherries with a teaspoon of glycerin or liquid vitamin E. Blend thoroughly in blender. Mix a small amount of the berry mixture into your loose face powder to create a smooth creamy blush that will brighten any complexion. Add more berries if a deeper color is desired.

Tip # 7 – Rejuvenate skin with a natural toner

Cucumber does wonders for the skin whether you use it directly or just throw in your morning facial bath. Because the vegetable has amazing hydrating properties, it will give your skin the same youthful, beautiful glow as your favorite, more expensive, facial cream.