Penny-wise Beauty

Three beauty recipes you've gotta try

Buying beauty products is fun, but making them is even better. Here is the lowdown on how to make your own masks and scrubs with ingredients you can find in your very own fridge. *

1. C leansing Oatmeal and Honey Paste
Soothe acne-prone skin with this easy at-home recipe. Oatmeal calms reddened skin and absorbs excess oil, while honey, a natural moisturizer, is known for its healing properties. The lactic acid in yogourt naturally exfoliates dead skin cells.

What you need:
- 1/2 cup oatmeal
- 1/4 cup plain yogourt
- 2 tablespoons honey

How to make it: Combine ingredients and mix in blender to make a paste. Leave on skin for 15 minutes. Store the remainder in a clean container. Can be used daily.

2. Pineapple and Olive Oil Mask
Olive oil is known for its moisturizing properties, while the acids in pineapple help gently exfoliate the skin.

What you need:
- 4 large pineapple chunks or 1/2 cup canned, drained pineapple
- 3 tablespoons olive oil

How to make it: Mix ingredients in blender until creamy. Apply and leave on skin for 15 minutes. Rinse with warm water and pat dry.

3. End-of-Summer Body Scrub
By the time September rolls around, your skin will need a thorough scrubbing to fade lingering tan lines. The lactic acid in yogourt gently rids skin of dead cells, and the ground almonds enhance the exfoliation process. Herbs like lavender and chamomile have known calming properties.

What you need:
1 cup plain yogourt
2/3 cup ground almonds
1/3 cup oatmeal
1/2 teaspoon of herbs such as lavender or chamomile (optional)
Essential oils (optional)

How to make it: Combine ingredients in blender and mix until relatively smooth. In the shower, smooth over body and rinse clean. Keep remainder of product in a clean, airtight container.

* These recipes may not be suitable for people with food allergies or highly sensitive skin.

By Anna Mattiuzzo

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