6 Homemade Beauty Scrubs For Radiating Skin

Exfoliating your skin is pretty common.Body scrubs are great!  Scrubbing away dead skin cells leaves your skin soft, supple.They leave skin feeling fresh and smooth as well as healthy and glowing. Treat yourself to a homemade spa experience with these natural, eco-friendly recipes for scrubs.

Cinnamon Ginger Body Scrub :

 Take half a cup each of vegetable oil and honey, and a quarter cup each of grounded cinnamon, ground ginger and soda. Also take 5 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Mix them properly to make a thick paste which will be reddish brown in color. Now apply this to your skin and massage gently. After a few minutes rinse it off with warm water.


Lemon and Sugar Scrub:
Squeeze a lemon and mix it in one tablespoon of granulated white sugar. Once the paste is ready, gently massage it on your skin for some time and then rinse it with war...m water. Brown sugar helps to get rid of dead skin, while lemon lightens dark spots and other blemishes. To add more goodness to this scrub, you can also pour some essential oil and honey in to it.


Vanilla and Brown Sugar Oil Scrub:
Mix 2 cups of brown sugar with 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract and half a cup of olive oil. Add 3 drops of rose oil to it and stir the mixture well. After the paste is ready, massage it on your face gently for a few minutes and then rinse it off your face with warm water.

Milk and Honey Scrub:
Take 1/3 cup of salt and 1 tablespoon each of honey, olive oil and milk. Mix them all to make a paste. Now damp your face with some water and then gently massage it on your face in a circular way. Rinse your face after 5 minutes. This helps to remove the dead skin from your body and will leave you with a radiating skin.


Almond and Oatmeal Scrub:
Mix half a cup each of finely grounded oatmeal and almonds and stir well. Store this mixture in a cool and dry container. Take one tablespoon of this scrub and add a... few drops of water or an essential oil to make a thick paste. Lightly massage the paste on to your skin. You can also keep it on for at least 15-20 minutes. And finally rinse it with lukewarm water for that perfectly glowing skin. Apply it at least 4 days a week. Oatmeal and almonds are rich in natural skin cleansing elements.


Coffee and Strawberry Scrub:
Mix one tablespoon of well-grounded coffee with a cup of mashed ripe strawberries, until you get a thick paste. Apply this paste to your skin and massage in circular motion for a few minutes. Then leave it on for 10-15 minutes, before rinsing it off. Strawberries will make your skin smooth, while coffee will help to reduce the stretch marks and get rid of cellulite.

10 Ways To Get Rid of Dark Circles Quickly

Dark discoloration of the skin under the eye is mainly referred to as dark circles. It is also known as dark rings or shadows. Some of the main causes behind the formation of dark circles are hereditary... aging, dryness of skin, too much crying, working for long hours before the computer, mental or physical stress, lack of sleep and unhealthy diet plan. Both men and women of different age groups can have dark circles. Dark circles are not a serious skin problem, but people often look for ways to get rid of dark circles as it usually make people look tired, exhausted, unhealthy and old. You can easily get rid of unsightly shadows under your eyes with the help of some simple and easy home remedies. Here are top 10 ways to get rid of Dark Circles fast.

Cucumber :

Cucumber is a very good astringent and has got skin lightening properties also. For quick treatment of dark circles you can always rely on cucumber. Get a fresh cucumber and cut it into thick slices and keep them in the refrigerator for half an hour. Now put the cucumber slices onto the affected skin area for about ten minutes. Finally wash the area with plain water. This remedy will have a soothing and refreshing affect on the skin. Another way to treat dark circles is to mix cucumber juice with lemon juice in equal quantities, then apply it with the help of a cotton ball over the affected skin. Leave for fifteen minutes and then wash it off with water. Follow this remedy for a week and soon the puffiness of the eyes and dark circles will vanish.


 Raw Potato:

There are natural bleaching agents present in potato that can help lighten the dark circles and get rid of puffiness around the eyes. Take one or two chilled potatoes and grate them to extract its juice. Now soak a cotton ball in the potato juice and place it on to your closed eyes. Make sure the juice covers the dark circles under your eyes as well as the eyelids. Allow the juice to sit for ten to fifteen minutes and finally rinse your eyelids properly with cool water and apply a cream. Instead of potato juice you can also use thick potato slice to remove dark circles.


Tomato:

Tomato has also got certain properties that can lighten skin color to a great extent. Take a teaspoon of tomato juice and mix it with one teaspoon of lemon juice. Apply this mixture on the dark circles in a very gentle manner and allow it to sit for ten minutes. Finally rinse it off gently with clean water. Follow this remedy twice a day to reduce the dark circles. Even drinking a glass of tomato juice with some mint leaves, lemon juice and salt can help a lot in getting rid of dark circles. But be sure to drink this solution immediately after making it for maximum result.


 Rose Water:

To get quick rid of dark circles you can take advantage of the incredible skin care properties present in rose water. Take cotton eye pads and soak them in rose water for a few minutes. Put these soaked eye pads on your closed eye lids for about fifteen minutes. Rose water will have a soothing effect on the eyes and it will also rejuvenate the skin around the eyes. This particular remedy can completely remove the dark circles if followed regularly twice daily for a few weeks.

Almond Oil:

Almond oil is another natural ingredient which is very beneficial for the delicate skin around your eyes. Regular usage of almond oil will lighten the skin color around the eyes. Take a little almond oil and apply it over the dark circles before going to bed and gently massage it. Leave it overnight and wash it off with cold water the next morning. Follow this remedy daily until the dark circles under the eyes disappear almost entirely. Apart from almond oil you can also use Vitamin E oil to eliminate dark patches of skin under the eyes.

Lemon Juice:

The bleaching properties of vitamin C present in lemon juice can also help to remove dark circles under the eyes. You can apply fresh lemon juice with the help of cotton ball around your eyes and rinse it off after ten minutes. Another option is to make a thick paste by adding one tablespoon of lemon juice to two tablespoon of tomato puree, a pinch of gram flour and turmeric powder. Apply this thick paste gently around your eyes. Rinse it off with clean water after ten to fifteen minutes. Repeat this process twice or thrice every week and soon the skin tone around your eyes will become lighter and eventually the dark circles will go away.

Cold Water:

Cold water can constrict the blood vessels under the eyes and help a lot to reduce eye puffiness and dark circles. Take a washcloth soaked in cold water or cold milk and put it directly over your closed eye lids for several minutes. Alternatively, you can also wrap a few ice cubes in a soft napkin and place it under your eyes. Instead of an ice pack, you can also use a bag of frozen peas, a chilled teabag and a cold spoon. Repeat the process three to four times daily for a few weeks.

Apple:

Apple can also be used to remove dark circles in a natural way. The tannic acid present in apple can lighten the skin tone. At the same time water soluble vitamins B and C, as well as potassium present in apple give the much needed nourishment to the delicate skin around the eyes. Take one ripe apple and cut it into thick pieces. Put the apple slices under your eyes and leave it for about half an hour. Finally you can wash the skin area with cold water and apply some cream. Another option is to make a paste of boiled green apple and then apply it under your eyes and after half an hour rinse with lukewarm water.

Mint Leaves:

Mint leaves can give cooling effect and remove dark circles in a very natural manner. Take few fresh mint leaves and crush them gently. Now apply the crushed mint leaves around your eyes and leave it for five to ten minutes. Then gently wipe it off with a clean and cold cloth. It is one of the effective home remedies for under eye dark circles. Another option is to add mint leaves paste to tomato juice and then apply this paste on the dark circles. Allow it to sit for a few minutes and then rinse the area properly with cold water.

Turmeric:

Turmeric has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and hence it can be used to remove dark circles. Take turmeric powder and mix it with pineapple juice to make a thick paste. Apply this paste to the affected area and allow it to stay for about ten minutes before wiping it away with a soft damp cloth. Besides removing the dark circles it will also make the skin around your eyes smoother and softer than before. This remedy should be followed daily until you get positive results.
 

DIY: Hair Conditioner at Home

Keep your hair beautiful naturally with these simple natural home made hair conditioner.

Vinegar Conditioner:

Ingredients:

• A teaspoon of Apple Cider Vinegar
• A teaspoon of Glycerin
• 1 Egg
• 2 Tablespoon Castor Oil

Directions:

Mix  apple cider vinegar and glycerin. Mix ingredients until smooth. Mix in a beaten egg. Add   caster oil. Thoroughly mix. Apply mask on the entire length of the hair. Place hair in

plastic cap and wrap your head with a towel. Leave mask on for 2 hrs. Wash hair using shampoo. The mask should be done twice a week for a month. After 1 month, apply 1 time every 2 weeks to keep hair in good condition.

 

 

Coconut & Lavender Conditioner:

 

Ingredients:

 

• 1 cup coconut oil (get organic if you can!)
• 1 teaspoon vitamin E oil
• 1 teaspoon jojoba oil
• 5 drops lavender essential oil

Directions:

Place all ingredients in a mixing bowl. Mix on high for about 8 minutes. Transfer into a container and you’re all set!  Apply a small amount of the conditioner to wet hair (after shampooing and rinsing, of course!). 

 

You can also use this as a moisturizing lotion to apply for your arms & legs.

 

 

 

Mayonnaise & Avocado Conditioner for Silky, Shine Hair:

 

Ingredients:

 

1/3 cup mayonnaise

1/3 cup mashed avocado

2 teaspoon sweet almond oil

Directions:

Pour mayonnaise, avocado and oil into a blender. Mix well until smooth and creamy. Use the conditioner before shampooing. Apply conditioner liberally to dry hair or very warm wet hair.Pull your hair into a shower cap and let the conditioner sit for at least five minutes. If your hair was wet, wrap a towel around the shower cap to help your hair retain heat. Rinse the conditioner from your hair, and then shampoo and rinse as usual.

Beauty Tips for Winter

 
Winter is here along with the cool breeze ; the days short and nights very long and it is also the time when most of us enjoy a holiday traveling with family and friends. During winter season, most of us experience extreme dryness in our skin no matter how much we take care of it.

 Here is a guide to protecting your most moisture-starved parts so you can stay soft and smooth all season long.

Skin Care:

Drink lots of water: Drinking water helps your skin stay young and wrinkle free.
People tend to drink less water during winters but it is highly important to hydrate your skin from within. Don’t leave your skin thirsty. Drink more water and help your skin retain its shine.

Bath with lukewarm water: Winter is the time when your skin and hair need maximum attention. Though the idea of piping hot water is very tempting, stick to a lukewarm water bath every day. Make sure you use a mild non-drying soap or a moisturizing soap to prevent your skin from getting dry and itchy. To retain the lost moisture from bathing, add a few drops of oil to the water that would be used in bathing.

Keep your skin moisturized: Choose a good, oil-based moisturizer to keep the skin moisturized and soft. Pay special attention to the exposed parts (and the most affected areas) like your hands, nails, feet and lips. Keep them well moisturized at all times. Moisturize your skin several times in a day Use various body oils or body lotion products containing avocado oil, primrose oil, almond oil, tea tree oil, mineral oil or glycerin daily to reduce the dryness on your skin.

DIY Face Mask:  An avocado mask is perfect for dry skin during winter. Mash the flesh of avocado with a fork, add a touch of extra-virgin olive oil, and apply this smooth, fragrant mixture onto your face. This nourishing mask will supply your skin with a whole range of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and softening agents to fight winter dryness.


Lip Care:

Winter is the season of chapped lips. Use a lip balm to keep your lips soft and supple. Lip balm with SPF works better. Use a good lip balm, preferably which contains tea tree oil as it helps heal painful cracks .Do not lick your lips. Applying petroleum jelly or butter is perfect to soften the lips.

Hair Care:

Dry freezing cold wind during winter season makes the hair texture dry. Here are some hair care tips for winter. 

• Dandruff is quite common during winter season due to dryness in the scalp. To avoid this try hot oil and lemon therapy at least once a week to get rid of dandruff.

• During winter season wash your hair with lukewarm water as hot water leaves your hair frizzy and static. 

• A deep conditioning to your hair once in a while is probably good during winter season.

• Warm two teaspoons of olive oil and massage it into your scalp. It will keep your scalp healthy; your hair will be shiny and free from breakage and frizz.

 

 

Amazing Hair Care Benefits of Castor Oil

Every once in a while everyone faces hair problems. Be it thinning of hair, dry scalp, hair loss, split ends or any other problem. But now you can bid farewell to all these problems with the help of castor oil. Yes, castor oil can do wonders for your hair. Read on to know the amazing hair care benefits of castor oil.

Although, using castor oil can be messy and it gets hard to remove it off, but due to its amazing benefits the extra efforts will surely be worth it. Castor oil is filled with some excellent vital nutrients such as vitamin E, minerals and proteins, which are required for healthy hair. It also has antibacterial and antifungal properties.

Combats hair loss: Hair loss is the most common problem today. Loss can be due to various reasons like hairstyling, infection and dandruff. But, with the use of castor oil this loss can be stopped. Just take some castor oil, and massage it to your scalp and roots. Wash it off, after leaving it for an hour or two. Ricinoleic acid that is present in castor oil helps to protect your hair and stimulates circulation of nutrient rich blood to your scalp.

Stimulates hair growth: If you want to grow your hair within a few weeks, then no other oil can be as good as castor oil. When you use this oil regularly on your scalp, it boosts blood circulation to the follicles, leading to hair growth. It even supplies omega-6 essential fatty acids that is needed to grow healthy hair. Apply the oil and leave it overnight, covered with a cap for deep penetration. Wash it off the next day.

Treats scalp infection: Scalp infection can cause major hair problems like bald patches, itchy scalp, etc. This can also stop hair growth. So, if you want to boast healthy, lustrous tresses, then it is really essential to treat the scalp infections. With castor oil’s antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties, you can fight pathogens and micro-organism causing these problems. Apply it on regular basis to make your scalp infection free.

Reduces split ends and hair breakage: Spilt ends and hair breakage are a sign of unhealthy hair. Since castor oil is filled with essential nutrients like vitamin E, amino acids, and omega-6 fatty acids, it can help you to put a stop to split ends and breakage. The oil penetrates deep into your scalp and smoothens out rough hair cuticles. So, spread the oil evenly on your hair and wash it after few hours. Since, castor oil is very sticky, you can also mix it with lighter oils like olive or jojoba for easier application.

Conditions and moisturizes hair: Natural omega-9 acids present in this oil helps to lock the moisture in your hair and scalp. So, it is a great conditioner for your hair. You should apply castor oil in your hair at least 15 minutes before using a shampoo. This will help to make your hair smooth and soft. You can also add castor oil to your favorite hair conditioner to soak in its benefits. Other than this, apply very little amount (one or two drops) of castor oil in your hair each night as a part of your daily hair conditioning routine.

Helps to get rid of dry scalp: Dry scalp can also lead to dandruff. But with the help of this oil you can get rid of both. The omega-9 fatty acids that are present in castor oil will nourish your hair and prevent dry scalp. Before washing, apply the oil on the affected area and let it stand for few minutes. You will see the difference after a few washes.

Makes hair dark and shiny: Almost everyone wants black and lustrous hair. But due to many reasons such as weather, chemical treatments and all, hair losses its shine. Castor oil can help to increase the shine in your hair. It has the ability to coat your hair shaft, and seal the moisture in. This leaves your hair with shinier and silkier surface. You can mix a small quantity of hair oil with your hair serum or mousse, and apply it evenly on your hair. You can also heat up some castor oil and apply it on your hair. Then wrap your hair in a towel. After a few washes you can feel your locks getting shinier.

Provides thickness to hair: Thin locks are a sign of damaged hair. Hair thinning can lead to hair loss. Castor oil not only prevents hair damage, but also helps in providing thickness to your beautiful hair. Regular use of this oil promotes thicker hair growth on your scalp. The essential nutrients and omega 6 and 9 acids in this oil are very good to enhance the quality of your hair.

Beauty with Lemon Juice

Here are a few easy beauty tips with lemon juice.

Healthy Nails - Soak your fingernails (or toenails) in lemon juice for 10 minutes. Then brush your nails them with a tooth brush or nail brush using a mixture of 1/2 white vinegar and 1/2 warm water and then rinse with warm water. This treatment helps your fingernails stay strong and bright! You may be surprised at how shiny and amazing your fingernails look!

Remove Blackheads - Rub lemon juice over the areas that contain blackheads right before you go to bed. Rinse your face with cool water when you wake up. Repeat this every night until blackheads are dissolved and gone. (The citric acid helps naturally dissolve the oils that form blackheads in your skin!)

Brighten Skin - Use fresh lemon juice on any area of your body, including your face, to brighten up and soften your skin. Simply rub a fresh lemon on this area before you go to bed. Rinse in the morning. You can also add 1/2 cup of fresh lemon juice to your bath water and soak for 20 minutes for an all over treatment.

Condition Hair - Dull, damaged hair will benefit from lemon juice! Combine 3/4 cup olive oil, 1/2 cup raw honey, and 3 tablespoons of lemon juice. Set aside. After shampooing your hair, towel dry your hair and work the lemon juice mixture in your hair by combing it evenly throughout your hair. Then cover hair with a plastic cap for a 1/2 hour. Shampoo and rinse your hair as usual.