Skin
--Don't buy expensive moisturizing creams. Instead, look for creams made with jojoba, apricot or avocado oil. The difference can be as much as $100 or more for the same size container.
--If you're still plagued with acne, try this at-home remedy from herbalist and author Dina Falconi: Combine a quarter cup of water, a quarter cup of 80-proof liquor and 20 drops each of sage, grapefruit and lavender essential oils. Apply to the problem area.
--Skip the toner and instead use a cleanser and an SPF 30 cream or serum.
--Make a trip to the grocery store and buy a lemon or cucumber. Use lemon juice to fade age spots. Cucumber slices applied over each eye will ease puffiness.
Find out how to take five years off your face--all in the comfort of your own bathroom.
Makeup
--Cheap makeup works just fine, especially foundation, eye shadow and mascara.
--If you must buy the expensive eye shadow, choose one or two colors that look great on you and stick with those without trying to match your eye shadow to your wardrobe.
Personal Hygiene
--Make your own deodorant by dusting baking soda under your arms.
--Moisturize your skin with olive oil. Apply it to your hands and feet at night and then cover them with gloves or socks. You can even try Crisco!
--Baking soda mixed with hydrogen peroxide can be used as toothpaste. It kills bacteria, cleans surface stains and even makes your teeth appear whiter.
--Dab some petroleum jelly on your teeth before drinking red wine, coffee or tea to protect them from staining. Added bonus: The petroleum jelly will also keep lipstick off your teeth.
Hair
--You can make your own shampoo by combining six to eight ounces of an herbal tea, three ounces of liquid castile soap (buy it at a health food store), a quarter of a teaspoon of vegetable oil and up to 60 drops of an essential oil.
--Mayonnaise and olive oil can moisturize dry hair. Rub both into hair while it's dry and wrap it in a warm towel. Let it sit for 20 minutes and rinse thoroughly.
--Want more shine? Rinse your hair in beer.
--Use less of your store-bought shampoo. You can even add water to shampoo and conditioner to make them last longer--and both will still work just fine.
(Source: The Associated Press)
