Save money this month with these easy tips.
Effective home-made body lotions can be tricky to create, so give your skin a moisture boost with a mask. Avocado is packed with oils and fats that soften up rough patches, especially on knees and elbows. Mash and apply to the affected area for 10 mins, before rinsing with cool water (hot can dry it out further).
Create the ultimate Cupid’s bow by drawing an ‘x’ in the center of your upper lip with lip liner before applying the rest of your color.
Married to your black kohl and mascara? Try a new color! It doesn’t have to be anything bright, but a navy, plum or grey can make your eyes pop. Keep shadow neutral to avoid an unflattering clash.
Feeling sluggish this month? Don’t just drink coffee, wear it! The caffeine hit will stimulate your skin. Mix 1tbsp coffee granules, 1tbsp cocoa powder, 1 tsp whole milk and a drop of honey to bind. Apply the mixture to your skin and leave on for 10 minutes max, before rinsing.
Before you put on your slippers, try this scrub with mint leaves to invigorate your tootsies. Tear up a couple of leaves and mix into a paste made with 1tbsp sugar (the coarser the better) and 1tsp olive oil. Massage into feet then rinses with cold water.
We all know lavender helps us to relax, and it’s super-easy to make your own sleep potion. Take a couple of dried lavender flowers (pick fresh and leave to dry in the sun for a day). Add to 1tbsp plain yogurt and 1tsp clear honey. Mix and apply to your face or chest and lie down for 10 minutes, before rinsing.
Aloe vera is a brilliant anti-inflammatory and can ease sunburn, but it can soothe an itchy scalp, too. Take the gel from inside the leaf (cut from the plant and squeeze out), apply to your roots and rinse with cool water after 10 minutes.
Chapped lips? Exfoliate gently with this remedy. Take your normal pot of lip balm or Vaseline and add a touch of brown sugar, to smooth away any dry, flaky patches.
Left with a rash after hair removal? Soak a cotton ball in whole milk and apply to the affected area for up to 10 minutes, before rinsing with cold water. Milk helps to calm down inflammation.
Green tea is said to contain antioxidants that inhibit the bacteria that cause pongy odors in your mouth. Sip regularly throughout the day (and keep brushing your teeth as normal).
In season right now, tangerines and clementines are a brilliant source of vitamin C which, applied topically, helps brighten a dull complexion. Use a zester and add the peelings to a mix of ½ tsp olive oil and ½ tsp salt and gently massage into your skin, before rinsing well.
Got root regrowth? Rummage in your make-up bag for a shadow to match your hair color and use a brush to paint it onto your roots, layering up to get more coverage.
Give your fingertips a breather from winter shades. Orange peel rubbed daily – flesh side down – on to nail beds helps to gently lift stains.
Brow products can be pricey, but be inventive with your current stash to tame yours into submission. Take a clean mascara wand and roll it in an eyeshadow that matches your hairs, and sweep through to create more definition.
Dirty make-up brushes? There’s no need for a specialist brush cleaner. In a bowl, mix some shampoo with water to create a lather for your brushes. After washing, rinse well and leave to air dry.