Beauty and the Environment

I guess it would be fitting for me to start this blog with some random Eco-beauty tips; since I am very random. :)
Let's start off with some of the best beauty tips I have found to date, that are environmentally friendly, cost effective, and beautifully beneficial.

1. Wash your face with honey.  Simply wet your face with warm water, massage with a tablespoon of honey, and rinse well. Or, apply it as a mask, and let it sit 15-20 minutes before washing it off.
http://www.benefits-of-honey.com/honey-and-skin-care.html

2. Use sugar as a facial scrub. Given that I do a lot of baking at home, I have access to raw and brown sugar on a regular basis. One tablespoon of sugar and some water can go a long way to helping slough those dead skin cells out of your way!
http://www.skincareresourcecenter.com/sugar-scrub.html



3. Use witch hazel as a toner. It’s natural, gentle, and alcohol-free, and won’t dry out skin like chemical-based formulas. Witch hazel refreshes your skin, and removes excess oils and impurities.
http://frugal.families.com/blog/frugal-beauty-witch-hazel-makes-a-great-toner

4. Moisturize with olive oil and those dry patches on your knees and elbows with be gone FOREVER!
http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf506644.tip.html


5. Shampoo with baking soda, and rinse with apple cider vinegar. This natural combo is a popular alternative to shampoo, known commonly as NO-POO. First, dilute a tablespoon of baking soda with enough water to make a loose paste, then massage it into your scalp. After rinsing it out, pour an apple cider vinegar and water solution over the ends. (TONS of no-poo recipes are available on the inter webs.)
http://www.naturemoms.com/no-shampoo-alternative.html

6. Make a facial with oatmeal. Mix dry oatmeal and water into a paste and spread it on your face. Let it dry, then rinse with warm water.Oatmeal can also be added to plain bath water to create a soothing soak while your mask dries!~
http://www.pioneerthinking.com/oatmealbeauty.html

7. Use tea tree oil or toothpaste for blemishes.Dab a bit on the inflamed spot morning and night. I personally like to dab on toothpaste on my blemishes after dinner and sleep with it on overnight-by morning the blemish is either gone, or not huge and red anymore.
http://www.myacneremedies.com/remedies/toothpaste-blemishes
http://www.christianet.com/acne/teatreeoilforacne.htm


8. Use a multi-purpose soap like Dr. Bronner's. Bar and Liquid form are both available and the peppermint hemp makes a great shampoo, body wash, and even tooth wash in one! (Plus you will smell DIVINE.)
http://www.drbronner.com/



9. DIY. Search the Internet, and you’ll find plenty of recipes for making your own soap, lotions, shampoos, facials, and cosmetics from natural (and edible) ingredients.
http://www.thedailygreen.com/green-homes/latest/diy-natural-beauty-products-recipes-461108


10. Use facial cloths made from scrap materials. My favorite washcloth is actually a piece of old flannel and it's the softest thing ever!
http://frugalfamilylife.com/frugal/frugal-green-make-your-own-reusable-washclothes/



11. Drink water. Water helps eliminate toxins from your body and gives you that healthy glow that everyone is desperately searching for.
http://www.healthy-skincare.com/benefit-of-drinking-water.html


12. Get adequate sleep! If you are sleeping well, you won't even need to THINK about concealer! (I gave mine up over 2 years ago.)
http://www.darkcirclespuffyeyes.com/sleep-fatigue-related-dark-under-eye-circles/


So, there are 12 simple suggestions to get you started! I challenge every person to try at least ONE of these in the next six months. :)
Let me know how it has changed your lifestyle!