Due to popular interest, our Recession Proof Beauty series continues where we left off — organic, homemade face treatments.

Today, we will focus on scrubs.

Exfoliation is essential to anyone’s skincare regimen, yet often the most hyped over-the-counter scrubs are costly and anything but chemical-free. The recipes below are not only all natural; they are cost-effective. Most importantly, they are fun to prepare in your own kitchen and leave you with tingly clean skin as a refreshing result!

Note: The scrubs listed work for all skin types, unless stated otherwise.

General Scrub Procedure

1. Tie hair back.
2. Wash face.
3. To open pores, steam face over hot water or press warm cloth to skin for a few minutes.
4. After preparing scrub, apply it to face (and neck if desired). Avoid eye area.
5. Optional: Use a facial loofah, sponge, or brush to maximize exfoliation.
6. Rinse off with warm water.
7. Enjoy results!

Basic Baking Soda Scrub
Perfect for everyday use.

2 to 3 Tbsp. Baking soda
Small amount of water

Mix the ingredients into a paste.
Using a circular motion, apply to face and gently scrub.

Basic Cornmeal Scrub
Slightly more potent than the baking soda scrub, this works best on a 2 to 3 day interval.

2 to 3 Tbsp. Cornmeal
Small amount of water

Mix and apply in the same manner as baking soda scrub.

Rose Almond Face Scrub
To brighten and soften skin.

1 tsp rosewater
1/2 tsp almond flour or finely ground almonds.

Mix into paste and apply.

Oatmeal Scrub
A stimulating, thoroughly cleansing 3-in-1 scrub!
Smooths, tones, and hydrates.

1 Tbsp. ground oatmeal (use steel cut oats, not instant)
1 tsp. lemon juice
2 tsp. yogurt

Combine and apply.
Optional: let your scrub double as a mask! Let it sit a few minutes before scrubbing and rinsing.

Azuki Bean Scrub
Banish your blackheads. Especially effective for combination and oily skin types.

½ cup dried azuki beans

Grind beans. (Having a small coffee grinder set aside specifically for beauty recipes is a wise idea).
Add a little water to the mixture and apply.

Milk and Honey Scrub
Maximize or minimize its moisturizing effect at will.

Choose your dairy:
1 tsp Skim Milk (Oily skin)
1 tsp 2% Milk (Normal or combination)
1 tsp Cream (Dry)

1 tsp honey
1 tbsp ground almonds

Banana Scrub
A very finely textured, delicious-smelling scrub. Can double as a mask.

2 tsp mashed banana
2 tsp rolled oats
1 tsp milk
1 tsp honey

Honey Sugar Scrub
If you have ever used a body sugar scrub, you know how amazing they are. Work the same magic on your face!

1 tsp. of honey
1/2 tsp. of sugar (either cane or brown — both work well)

Blend in bowl. Apply.
Rinse very thoroughly, as this recipe can be slightly sticky.

Care 2.com’s Healthy & Green Living shares this amazing (and Thanksgiving appropriate!) body scrub concoction (which also works wonders for the face):

Pumpkin, Sugar, and Spice Scrub
1/2 cup cooked or canned pumpkin, pureed
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon

Blend in a bowl. Apply mixture to face (and body, if you really want to indulge yourself).

The Green Beauty Guide offers this organic recipe:

“Eat Your Greens” Facial Scrub
2 tsp organic wheat bran
2 tbsp organic oatmeal
2 tbsp olive oil soap, finely shredded
1 tsp dried parsley
1 part dried lettuce

Shave your favorite plant oil-based soap.
Grind parsley and lettuce with pestle in mortar. (We have tried this – you can also blend it in a processor).
Add soap shavings and mix thoroughly.
Whisk in the oatmeal and wheat brand and continue stirring until thoroughly mixed.

There are few things more frustrating than spending a half an hour getting a manicure or painstakingly giving yourself one just to have your nails break. Or when your nail polish chips before the end of the afternoon. Or maybe there are more irritating things, but when faced with a chipped nail or nail paint, few will spring to mind.

To avoid chipping polish, make sure you apply your manicure correctly. Start with clean, dry nails. Buff them before you apply anything and make sure that any old polish is completely removed. Next, apply a base coat. Use long strokes starting at the base of nail and go all the way out to the tip. Start in the middle of the nail and then fill in the sides with similar long strokes. After that dries, apply one thin layer of nail polish and then another coat after that dries. The emphasis is on ‘thin’ layers. Thick layers tend to chip easier. After the second layer of nail polish has dried, apply a top coat to seal it. Re-applying a top coat every couple of days will help preserve your manicure with minimal effort.

Regular nail maintenance, whether or not it is followed by 4 or 5 rounds of polish, is necessary to keep your nails looking good. Keep them trimmed in a nice rounded shape that mirrors the half moons at the base of your nail, push back the cuticles, and apply a clear coat of polish if you like. Don’t bite them! Use a nail file if they need shaping and if you prefer longer nails, paint underneath with clear polish once a week.

A FEW TIPS:

Add a few of these tricks to your nail care repertoire and you will see your nails grow stronger and longer than they have ever been before.

* Massage your nails: Yes, even nails need a massage, and we don’t mean the cuticle; we’re talking the actual nail itself. Massage stimulates the blood flow in your nails just as it does in every other part of your body, which keeps them growing and healthy.

* Avoid acrylic nails: They only make your real nails weaker. The goal is to get to where you need less maintenance – not more. Acrylic nails are pretty high maintenance – not to mention expensive.

* Drink lots of water: Water is nature’s magic elixir. Brittle nails, like dull hair and dry skin, start with dehydration. You will eliminate the problem at its root by supplementing any other nail care with a good 2 liter bottle of water (at least) every day.

* Moisturize your hands regularly : Some use nail creams tailored specifically for the purpose of moisturizing your nails. Other use hand cream and make sure that their nails are liberally covered. Still others swear by soaking their hands in olive oil. Whatever you prefer, do it often. Your hands need hydrating inside and out and your moisturizing potion of choice will take care of the outside the way water takes care of the inside.

* Calcium and vitamin D : A regular serving of yogurt and non fat milk will give you the calcium necessary to keep your hair, teeth, and nails growing healthily. The vitamin D usually comes along with it as it is necessary for your body to process the calcium. Take a multi-vitamin daily just to be on the safe side.

Many of us neglect our lips without giving it a proper attention and a well planned lip care.

Because of this at times we need to face some problems which really become a matter of concern.

Beautiful lips are undoubtedly a point of attraction.

Lip care makes it possible for you to achieve those fabulous and healthy attractive lips in a most simple way!

Lip Care is Very Easy!

* Moisturize! Yes, like your skin your lips too need moisturizing. During winter they become a real problematic if left unattended or neglected. So this winter or for that matter whenever you feel your lips are dried up you can use this lip care tip to overcome the problem. All you need to do is give your lips a good lip balm protection. Lip blam also gives protection to your chapped lips.

* Never bite the skin on your lips. I know you do this very often but in this process you not only hurt your self but also damage your lips. It is hard to give but yet possible. Give it a try! Stop licking your lips this makes your lips to get dried up very easily.

* Sunscreen Lip Balms for Soft Lips! Use lip balms which have sunscreen factor in winter or summer. For that matter any season this should be made a habit as this gives a good protection for your lips. Go for natural lip balms, they have proved to give better results.

* Now for the lip make up tip from our lip care regime. If you want your lip stick to stay longer then apply your lips with a transparent powder. To avoid your lips from damage from lip stick caused apply a thin layer of Vaseline before you start applying lipstick, this will help your lips keep moist and avoid from dryness thus preventing cracking.

* Brush Your Lips! Surprised yes you can do this like you brush your teeth to remove flakes but very gently. Very useful lip care tip for dry lips.

* Test for Right Amount! In order to Test whether you have not overdone or applied more lipstick you can simply put your forefinger in your mouth and close your mouth slowly pull out your finger, lipstick on the finger is the excess one which has come out. Good Lip Care Tip isn’t it?

* Now for the perfect lip line! Keep in mind that you can well define your lips giving them a proper shape by using a lip liner. To get that perfect lip line out of your lip liner don’t forget to put it in glass of water for about few minutes then use it to apply. This process will make the lip liner firm and thus easy to apply.

So you are with perfect lip care tips for those peppy, soft and sizzling lips!

The beauty of the neck is often flawed by dark patches and spots around it; especially the nape of the neck is more prone to darkening. This could be due of pigmentation, dead cells clinging to the surface of your skin, dirt and grime which gets embedded in the skin because of dust and pollution and neglecting neck care. Skin allergy caused by constant wearing of ornaments around your neck could also be the culprit. It is all the more embarrassing if this discoloration is too distracting. And if this marked difference between the skin colors of the face and the neck makes you overtly self-conscious, don’t just sit back, do something about it.

A crepey neck can be improved by regular cleansing, and by scrubbing with a soft nail-brush (try the plastic bristled ones) to work away dead skin and improve the circulation. Also cream it lavishly for softness and smoothness.You could also bleach the skin around your neck to improve its color.

Want to try your hand at some home-based treatments for your darkened neck? Then treat it with some of these packs made from mundane household items from your kitchen and bathroom.

* Dip a towel in hot water. Wring the towel to squeeze out excess water. Now dab this towel over the darkened areas so as to give steam to your neck, almost like a sauna.

Repeat several times. This not just lightens the skin discoloration but also slightly melts the fat around your neck.

* Grind fenugreek (methi) leaves to a fine paste and extract its juice. Mix this juice with besan (gram flour) or powdered sprouts of your choice. Apply liberally on your neck and let it stay for 15 – 20 minutes. Then wash off.

* Apply Rice Kanji water over darkened areas of your neck for about 15 minutes. You could even apply this to any of your darkened areas such as armpits, under your thighs etc.

* Using light strokes with the palms of your hands, massage your neck with fresh, preferably home made butter for 5 minutes at least once in a week. Use upward movements and don’t pull or stretch the skin unnecessarily.

* Mix vinegar with a coarse powder of wheat grains. Apply for about 15 minutes and then wash off.

* Take the squeezed half of a lemon and sprinkle table salt and turmeric over it. Rub this lemon over the darkened areas of your neck.

* Mix multani mitti (fuller earth) with rose water and apply it on your neck and wash off after 15 minutes.

NAIL ART IDEAS

create-your-own-nail-care-spa-at-home If you thought you have heard everything about nail art then you need to read this article. Nail art is going all the more trendy. You can glue dried flowers, beads or a piece of your favorite fabric on to your nails.

These ideas not only provide elegance to your nails but also strengthen, repair and lengthen the nails. The whole process is not time consuming and does not require professional help. This piece of art remains intact for up to 4 – 6 weeks.

NAIL ART IDEAS

So gear up and put your creativity to work on the canvas of your nails?

Step By Step Process
1. Outline the shape of your nails on a paper leaving the outer edge longer than the actual size.
2. Now place these shapes on the fabric you have chosen and cut them out.
3. Wash your hands and pad them dry.
4. Apply a cost of adhesive agent to the nails or if the adhesive is not available then a thick coat of a transparent nail polish will also work.
5. Now place the cut out fabric pieces on the nails polished with the adhesive before it dries up.
6. Smoothen out the creases and press lightly and let it dry.
7. When it dries completely with the help of a scissors cut the extra fabric and give shape to the nails.
8. Finally apply a coat of the transparent nail polish and we are done.

How To Select The Fabric
1. Silk:
It is very popular and stylish. It is very fine and has a strong weave. It gives the finish of a French polish.

2. Linen: It is much thicker than silk. It stays opaque even after the adhesive is applied. Remember to apply a layer of nail polish colored or transparent on it.

3. Organza:
It is stiff yet light so it is easy to cut and shape. It stays on for days without needing to be touched up.

Georgette, chiffon or cotton or any fabric can be used. Only thing to be kept in mind is that it should not limp or hang lose.

Choosing The Color And Design
Gone are the days of baby pinks and conservative colors. Today gold, red, green and blue are in. Cyber colors and textures are taking over. The secret here is to match colors and designs with your outfit. If you are wearing club wear type, splash out with floral textures. You can also try gold, green for an earthly feel. Do not forget the tribal and animal prints.

Find Many Nail Art Ideas Gallery

NAIL ART IDEAS

Lip liner is optional but if you use it, it should go on first. Don’t use liner darker than your lipstick, because if the lipstick fades and the liner doesn’t, you’re left with just an outline. Use neutral or lipstick-matched liner.

Starting at the center of your upper lip, draw a line to each outer corner, following the edge of your natural lip line.

Fill in color all over lips if you want extra holding power for your lipstick.

*Hint: Chill lip pencil in the refrigerator for a few minutes to make sharpening easier.

Lipstick

A dusting of powder or bit of foundation beneath lipstick can maximize its staying power. Either can dry lips, though, so use a creamy formula lipstick.

Stretch your lips and starting at the center of top or bottom, glide color to corners. Blot, reapply and blot again for longer-lasting color.

*Hint: A lip brush gives you the most precision in applying lipstick.

This method requires only a little extra time and forethought but no extra materials. Two-Toned Henna Patterns are applied in 2 or 3 steps. The major design elements should be planned out before you begin to apply the henna. When considering the pattern to be used, designs with many ‘closed’ elements lend themselves particularly well to two-toned henna. Look for patterns which have variation in width of line for added depth and elegance. The variation in line width will break the image up and can be used to draw attention to one element or another

We prefer letting the henna set on the skin overnight, however 6-8 hours is sufficient. For continuity, we will only suggest overnight.

1. Apply the outline of the entire pattern.Wrap the paste in medical tape or seal with lemonade and let sit on skin overnight.

2. In the morning remove the wraps and the first application of paste

. Apply henna to the elements you wish to give added depth, interest, variety, and color.

Consider the balance of the entire design carefully. You want to create a balance of light and dark areas. Be conscious of the weight of each line and do not allow the fine details to be overwhelmed or disguised by the medium

Allow the second application of henna to remain on the skin for 3-10 minutes, depending on the quality of henna and the

A little lemon juice will remove all traces of paste leaving clean and crisp lines. Do not use water to remove the paste, as it will interfere with the dye quality.

5. 24 hours after all henna paste has been removed.

The stain will continue to deepen and darken over the next 48 hours

6. 48 hours after the paste has been removed.

The stain will have gradually deepened to a richer red-brown

Enjoy your elegant new henna