Your Ultimate Guide on Easy and Useful Homemade Beauty Recipes Part 2

Can’t get enough of going au naturale? Read on for part 2 of our ultimate guide’s list of natural facial toners, facial astringents, facial moisturizers, and hair care, as well as other helpful skin fixes that may come in handy.

Facial Toners

There is a great debate whether toners are really necessary or not. Some swear by it, while many beauty experts feel that a good cleanser should do just what a toner intends: to remove all residual traces of dirt, makeup, and oils. To each his own, and if you’re a fan, here are some must-tries made with nature’s best:

A.  Green Tea Facial Toner

We’ve told you about tea’s health benefits and its antioxidant properties, and how to use it to decrease the puffiness of your eyes after a long night of no sleep, but it’s also great for calming irritated skin. Green tea tones are perfect for those who run on the sensitive side. Simply dissolve 2 teaspoons of powdered green tea in 1 cup of boiling water and add ¼ cup of witch hazel and 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. When it has cooled, apply all over face and neck with a cotton ball.

B.  Watermelon Vodka Toner

Vodka is not just for drinking (well at least not all the time)! Blend together 1 teaspoon of clear, unflavored vodka, 2 tablespoons of fresh watermelon juice, and 2 tablespoons of distilled water. Be sure that the watermelon has been strained and there are no pulps in it. Rinse off after use.

C.  Lemon Water Toner

For people with oily skin, combine ½ cup of lemon juice, 2/3 cup of witch hazel, and 1 cup of water. This can be stored in a jar and lasts a couple of weeks, but be sure to shake well before each subsequent use.

D. Peppermint Facial Toner

For a cooling and invigorating toner, steep 1 peppermint tea bag in 1 cup of boiling water for 10 minutes. Afterwards, combine it with ¼ cup of witch hazel and 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. Store the excess in the fridge and shake well before using.

Facial Astringents

Harsh chemicals from acne gels and products can leave your skin dry and lackluster. Try these homemade remedies to soothe and ease your skin:

A.      Apple and Pear:

Grate 1 of each in a bowl and mix with 1 teaspoon of antibacterial honey. Apply all over your face then rinse after 15 minutes.

B.      Witch Hazel:

A powerful and effective astringent against blemishes, mix 2 parts witch hazel with one part water then rinse after 5 minutes.

C.     Cinnamon and Honey:

Cinnamon is a powerful anti-acne ingredient, so just mix two parts honey and one part cinnamon for a 10-minute treatment. Rinse well after with warm water.

D.     Garlic:

If you can stand the smell (and you’re not a vampire), peel and mash a clove then apply directly onto acne. Wipe and wash afterwards with warm water and a face cloth.

E.      Mustard Powder and Milk:

Dissolve some mustard powder into some milk and apply you’re your face. Wash after about 15 minutes and pat your skin dry with a face towel after.

F.      Baking Soda:

Baking soda is great for loosening and getting rid of blackheads. Simply mix equal parts soda and water, then massage all over your skin. Wait about 10 minutes, (or until completely dry), before rinsing with lukewarm water.

Facial Moisturizers

aloe vera mask for skin

Hydrating and nourishing your skin, as well as locking in all the nutrients, moisturizers should always be the last step in your all-natural beauty regimen.

Your skin produces its own natural oils, but during the cleaning process these are all sloughed off along with the dirt and grime of the day. It’s important to replace and replenish this.

Moisturizers are especially important during the night, when your skin is resting and repairing itself. Make sure to apply liberal amounts so that you wake up with healthy, glowing skin the next morning.

A.      Avocado Moisturizer:

Don’t throw the skin out! After using the meat of the avocado for your masks and cleansers, you can you can use the inner layers of the avocado peel by rubbing it onto your face. Leave this on for 15 minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water.

B.     Lemon and Rosewater Moisturizer:

This recipe makes a moisturizer for normal skin and can last about a month and a half when stored. To make this, slowly heat 15 grams of beeswax, 25 ml of almond oil, and 25 ml of jojoba oil in a double boiler until creamy and smooth. Pour mix into a container and set-aside until it cools. Clean out the boiler then put 70 ml of distilled water, 2 tablespoons of rosewater, and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice. Bring this to a simmer. Add the first mixture and combine until it is thick, creamy, and opaque.

C.    Aloe Vera Moisturizer:

Great for any kind of skin type, aloe vera can be combined with different kinds of oils for different types of skin needs. For oily skin, mix 4 teaspoons of aloe vera gel with 1 teaspoon of grape seed oil. For combination skin, mix the gel with almond oil. For dry skin, avocado or extra virgin olive oil works wonders along with it.

D.   Jojoba Oil Moisturizer:

Jojoba is good for acne-prone and oily skin. Fill a 1 oz. bottle two thirds of the way with this, 3 drops of carrot seed oil, and about 7 drops your choice of essential oil. Lavender, rosemary, or peppermint is great for acne-ridden skin. Rose is ideal for dry and mature skin. Lemongrass is good for brightening and toning. (Note: use only about 4 drops for peppermint. It’s especially strong)

Hair Care

 Woman with wet hair

 

A.    Fruit Smoothie Hair Mask:

In a food processor, blend together ½ a banana, ¼ cantaloupe, 1 tablespoon of yogurt, 1 tablespoon of aloe vera oil, ¼ an avocado, and the contents of a vitamin E capsule. Massage into the roots and leave for about 15 minutes before rinsing. Aloe vera in particular is great for thickening and strengthening your hair

B.    Egg and Olive Oil Hair Mask:

Beat together two eggs, a teaspoon of baking soda and 4 tablespoons of olive oil (baking soda is great for removing hair-product buildup and can also be added to your shampoo for a cleaner scalp). Thoroughly apply this into your hair and scalp for 10 minutes before washing it out.

C.    Hair Strengthening Conditioner:

Combine an egg yolk, 1 teaspoon of baby oil, 1 teaspoon of aloe vera, and 1 cup of water for hair that doesn’t break as easily. Massage into scalp for about 7 minutes to maximize absorption.

D.   Apple Cider Vinegar Conditioner:

Mix 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and 4 cups of water to soften and shine your locks. Leave for about 5 minutes before rinsing.

E.    Honey, Coconut and Avocado Conditioner:

A blend of 1 cup of coconut milk, 2 teaspoons of honey and one puréed avocado makes a nourishing and cleansing treat. Leave on for 15 minutes.

F.     Decadent Honey Conditioner:

A mix of 1 tablespoon of yogurt, 2 tablespoons of honey, 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise, and 1 beaten egg makes for an enriching hair moisturizer.

G.   Vinegar Hair Shine Wash:

Is your hair looking lackluster and dull? Wash it occasionally with white vinegar to give it some sparkle again.

Helpful Skin Fixes

A.    White Vinegar Pedicure:

If you’re looking to give yourself a pedicure, mix equal parts of white vinegar and water for an effective foot soak. Vinegar’s acidity is great against dead skin as well.

B.    Sunburn Soothers:

Aloe vera gel soothes and heals burnt skin, while a mix of 2 teaspoons of buttermilk and tomato juice also provides some much-needed relief. A combination of cucumber juice with glycerin and rose water is great too.

C.    Wrinkle Busters:

Coconut oil, and cucumber juice help fight the onset of crow’s feet and laugh lines. Rub your liquid of choice onto skin daily. A purée of ripe banana also keeps skin looking youthful. Leave on for 20 minutes before rinsing.

D.   Puffy Eye Helpers:

Green tea teabags soaked in milk overnight help bring the swelling down. Classic cucumber slices are staples, but if you don’t have some on hand, refrigerate some raw potato slices. Leave any of these on top of your eyes for about 5-7 minutes.

E.    Dark Circle Erasers:

To reduce the remnants of a restless night from your face, put a freshly cut fig over your peepers for 30 minutes. No fig? No problem. Grate some raw potato and wrap it in some cheesecloth. Place wraps on eyelids for 20 minutes. Rinse after then apply some refrigerated eye cream to sooth your skin.

F.    Sealed with a Kiss:

Are you a smoker? Avoid discolored lips while helping them stay soft and supple by putting lemon or coriander leaf juice on them.

G.   Skin Softeners:

Feeling rough patches of skin on the soles of your feet, knees and elbows? Mix an ounce of honey, glycerin, 1 egg white, and 2 teaspoons of aloe vera gel to hydrate and soften rough skin. A blend of glycerin, 1 tablespoons of tomato juice, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice also keeps skin touchable.

If you’ve missed part 1 of the series, click here to find your best recipes for success of facial scrubs, cleansers, facial steams, and masks.

Want to know the most important ingredients you should use to make your own homemade beauty recipes catered perfectly for your skin’s needs? Click here for part 3 of our ultimate guide’s must-haves for your next shopping trip.

We’d love to hear from you, so tell us what’s your favorite recipe by hitting the reply button below, or tweet us at @YouQueenMag with pictures of your favorite recipes for success!

Cover photo: taliamarcheggiani.com

About the author

Niccole Somodio

Niccole is a blogger based in Madrid, but is frequently in America and Asia as well. She's owned a private catering company, been a private language tutor, and a personal assistant.

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