So Christmas has come and gone once again, leaving you with a few extra kgs and a scarily depleted bank account. (No? Just me?) Well, while luxe beauty treatments are all well and good, we’re here to tell you you can achieve the same results for a fraction of the price, just by taking a closer look at your pantry. To help you save the pennies and look after the pounds, we’ve done some trawling (and a bit of taste testing – hello brown sugar) to round up a handful of the best DIY beauty treatments. No chemistry degree required.
Brown Sugar & Coconut Oil Body Scrub
Ingredients: Brown sugar, coconut oil
The low down: This genius body scrub is easy-as-pie to whip up at home, makes the perfect gift, and not only softens, smooths and hydrates your bod, it smells like heaven.
The low down: The protein in raw eggs is said to rebuild the hair and repair split ends. Olive oil is a natural conditioner for healthy, soft tresses, and coconut oil increases shine, and is packed full of vitamins purported to help you reach Rapunzel-like lengths.
Pro-tip: cover with cling wrap or a plastic shower cap, then wrap in a warm towel to help the mask penetrate your hair.
The low down: This super simple DIY mask contains just TWO ingredients, and promises to smooth the skin and even out your skin tone, naturally.
Pro-tip: As with any new treatment, take it easy until you know how your skin will react. Start with a few minutes each time, before building up to the recommended 20 mins.
Ingredients: Coconut oil (are you convinced yet?), coffee grounds, cocoa powder, brown sugar, peppermint essential oil
The low down: This all-natural lip scrub smells like peppermint choc chip (!) and gently softens and smooths your smackers. The lip balm is also free from beeswax.
Pro-tip: This scrub and balm duo makes the cutest gift for a foodie friend.