If your kitchen cupboard is full of zillions of spices used barely more than once and your fridge, has a manky lemon and very little else in it, you might not think you’ve got all the makings of some genius beauty regime DIY hacks. But you have! Believe us! Here’s some genius hair and make up tips to try with the stuff that’s been hanging around in your kitchen for ages…
**Try the fruit bowl facial
**
No really. Bananas are packed with Potassium and Vitamin C and strawberries contain Salicylic Acid, a key active for calming acne-prone skin. So blend five or so strawbs with a banana and a handful of oats (yep incidentally porridge is also bursting with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds that soothe itchy, dry and irritated skin), with two tablespoons of honey until you have a thick paste. Apply to your face for 10 minutes before washing off and taking a look at your hot self in the mirror. Clever.
**Stinky feet? Baking powder's the answer
**
Never known what to do with that baking powder you bought to make fairy cakes for your niece once and has been gathering dust ever since? Turns out it’s a great tool for neutralising the odour-causing bacteria and natural acids that build up on your feet. Dissolve one tablespoon in a pint of water and soak feet for approximately 15 minutes twice weekly.
**Green tea ice cubes... genius
**
If the bags under your eyes have reached epic proportions try freezing some ice cube trays of green tea. Why? Cos this stuff is way full of flavonoids which have been proven to both wage war on ageing and also soothe skin conditions like rosacea and psoriasis. Massage the cubes onto tired, puffy eyes to boost circulation and reduce swelling.
**Mushy avocadoes make a great moisturiser
**
There’s always that half an avocado left rotting in your fridge. Don’t waste it. Because avos are a brilliant source of fibre, vitamins anti-oxidants and great omega fatty acids that not only do great things for your insides, but also protect, repair and soften skin, too. Apply the mashed green stuff to dry knees and elbows, or even sunburn for a fruity hydrating treat that really works.
**Cornstarch works as dry shampoo, too!
**
Cornstarch makes the perfect dry shampoo. It’ll absorb the oils around your scalp just as well as any aerosol, plus it’s unbelievably cheap. Have dark hair? Mix it with a bit of cocoa powder and it will go virtually undetected. And no, it won’t smell of chocolate.
Stock up on yoghurt that’s just about to go off. Really.
Natural yoghurt contains an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that promotes skin exfoliation – and is often boasted about in many expensive skincare products. Simply apply plain, organic yogurt to your face, let sit for 10-30 minutes (depending on the sensitivity of your skin), and rinse off. Yes, you’ll look a bit stupid in front of Netflix, but might just be worth it.
**Go bananas for a homemade hair mask
**
OK, sorry about that lame pun. But seriously packed with vitamin A, C and E, as well as natural oils, bananas can pack a punch when used on dry, damaged strands. Blend banana thoroughly in a blender or food processor (making sure there are no chunks) and apply the mixture on wet hair. Leave on for 20 minutes, rinse, then treat yourself to a banana split because your hair looks phenomenal. Add coconut oil to the mix for even more moisture.
READ MORE: Ten Minute Beauty Tips From The Vlogging Legend That Is Tanya Burr
Who needs expensive make-up remover when you’ve got extra virgin olive oil?
Admittedly, extra virgin olive oil isn’t that cheap either. But it does make a gentle and effective make-up remover. Simply apply on a cotton pad or your fingers and massage the oil onto your face to remove dirt and makeup. Not only is this solution all natural, olive oil is rich in anti-aging properties. Oil too thick? Dilute with water in a separate container and simply shake before each use. No more excuses for not taking your slap off before bed.
Like this? You might also be interested in:
Kristen Stewart Wants You To Know She Doesn't Take Her Make Up Off. Ever.
Women In India Just Got The Right To Work As Make-Up Artsits After A 60-Year Ban
Follow Mari on Twitter @sarimantos
This article originally appeared on The Debrief.