Sunday, March 11, 2012

Make It Yourself - Green Beauty Envy


The best part about being green (even if you're not Irish or Kermit the Frog) is that it encourages the do it yourself spirit. I feel more accomplished and appreciative when I'm stimulating my creative crafty side while doing something good for the environment ... BONUS!  It's as simple as knowing that I haven't contributed to the packaging nightmare in our landfills. There are countless ways to make a difference but to start, here are a few of my favorite DIY beauty tips that really work and can save you lots of $$$!


Olive Oil as a Moisturizer
Olive Oil is a wonderful treatment for hair but also works well to remove eye makeup while moisturizing your lashes encouraging them to grow longer. (In place of expensive Latisse). To exfoliate, dab olive oil on your face and scrub with course sugar or salt before rinsing. One use that you may not have considered is using olive oil to shave your legs when you're in the shower. Just purchase a small spray bottle and use it as a natural lubricant when shaving. Rub in a bit more after shaving to soften the skin and don't forget your notoriously dry elbows!


Baking Soda Shampoo and Deodorant
To clean your hair consider using baking soda for a change instead of shampoo. It will absorb oil and and loosen dead skin on the scalp. For deodorant, sprinkle baking soda on a damp washcloth and apply to your underarms to keep fresh all day. Baking soda neutralizes odors instead of covering them up, absorbs perspiration and doesn't contain harsh chemicals like aluminum which is found in most commercial deodorants that blocks pores. 


Add Shine to your hair with Vodka
Add a shot of vodka to your deep conditioner or for a totally natural approach add it to mayonnaise, egg yolks, avocado or honey with a few drops of your favorite essential oil. Leave in for around 15 minutes before rinsing. Clear alcohol has an acidic pH that helps get rid of the build up left from other products on the hair cuticle! It's a homemade clarifying rinse that will remove dulling product build up and reveal your shine!


Make your own Pore Strips
Natural pore strips without the chemicals can be made easily with only 2 ingredients! Unflavored gelatin and Milk. Mix 1 TableSpoon of each, pop it in the microwave for 10 seconds and apply on your skin wherever you want to remove dirt and oil. Wait 10 minutes and peel off. Added bonus is that you can use it everywhere on your face, not just your nose! 


If you struggle with the DIY approach but want to make a difference simply reduce. You're probably using more product than you need to. According to Fitness magazine the sizing you actually need is:


Eye cream: The size of a mini M & M per eye. Too much clogs pores.
Foundation: The size of an Altoid. Too much looks fake anyway.
Shampoo/Conditioner: The size of a marble. Too much coats the hair shaft accumulating and dulling the hair.
Face or Hair Serum: The size of nickel. Too much will look greasy.
Mousse: The size of a golf ball. More and your hair will be too stiff.






To learn more model's secrets to looking your best and taking your best photos check out my new book Face This: Real advice from real models, photographers and makeup artists on how to become Picture Perfect! Available for just $7.99 on Kindle, Nook and iTunes. Also as paperback from Amazon.com

3 comments:

  1. My hair so dull and so dry. I tried many shampoos but It didn't work. I liked your tips to adding a Vodka in deep conditioning. Nice idea. I really apply it.

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  2. Wow so many how remedies. I use olive oil as a moisturizer after shaving and it works very well. I want to try the pore strips, only 2 ingredients and very easy to do.

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  3. I am wondering if you include all of these homemade beauty products in your book "face this"?

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