Beauty on your kitchen shelf

Skin and the care that we give to it is always a matter of concern. Consider your kitchen to be a market for your beauty products and try out these tips that are used in the kitchen daily.

Potatoes
There is a particular compound in potatoes that helps to reduce swelling and puffiness. Using a vegetable peeler, shred a small amount of potato, let it chill in the fridge for a while, and then place the chilled potato under your eyes for 15 minutes. When you remove them, you will find less puffiness under those eyes and it also helps in reducing dark circles if used regularly. You can also use a potato slice instead of shredding them but shredded potato is definitely more effective.

Eggs
Eggs are often used in cooking and baking, but can also be applied on the face to help ward off wrinkles and to potentially tighten sagging skin. By applying egg whites directly onto your skin, you can give yourself an effective facial without spending a lot of money. Egg whites can be used as a mask to make the skin tighter and firmer.

• To make your own firming mask, separate two eggs into egg whites and yolk.
• Whip the egg whites with a fork for 10 seconds, and then spread the egg whites over your skin with your fingers.
• Leave the egg whites on your skin for 30 minutes, or until they dry completely.
• Wash the dried egg whites off your skin using warm water.

Depending on your skin type here is one mask that with slight variations can be used by everyone!

Cinnamon
Mix a little Cinnamon powder to your favourite lip-gloss to turn it into a lip-plumper. It can also be used to help dry out acne and exfoliate dull, tired skin by making a facial mask out of honey and cinnamon. Cinnamon is a very strong spice so a little quantity goes a long way.

Oatmeal
Oatmeal is an excellent natural scrub and is easily available in the kitchen. It helps in removing dead cells from the face, imparting a fresh look.

• To prepare an oatmeal pack, mix ½ cup of oatmeal with ½ cup milk and make a paste.
• Clean your face with normal water and then apply the pack evenly on your face.
• Allow the pack to rest for 10-15 minutes and then rinse off with warm water while scrubbing your face with the pack in circular motions.

You can also throw in some other very beneficial ingredients like banana! Here is a tutorial for that.