Thursday, May 31, 2012

The Budget Beauty Episode 2

The Canvas

First, like an artist getting ready to paint a masterpiece, we must first prep the canvas.  To do this, we must start with a fresh, clean face.  Follow your normal skin cleansing routine.  Now, let’s add a twist.  If you don’t already, be prepared to exfoliate your skin.  There are a lot of products on the market that will do this.  Here a natural alternative to store bought products.
Lemon Sugar Scrub
1 T Sugar
Juice of ½ lemon

Place the sugar in your hand or bowl.  Add enough lemon juice to form a paste.  Apply to face in upward circular motions.  Make sure to pay special attention to areas around the nose.  Be very careful and DO NOT get this in your eyes.  Let the product work for you.  You do not want to scrub so hard that you irritate your skin.  Rinse well with warm water.  Your skin should fell soft and smooth.  Now, apply your favorite moisturizer.

My favorite moisturizer is Neutrogena Oil-free Moisture for sensitive skin.

Sugar granules are slightly small and less abrasive to the skin.  Sugar is also a natural humectant which means it attracts moisture.  This is why sugar is used for this and not salt.
Lemons are also great for the skin and server as both a toner and astringent.  The fruit’s acids loosen the “glue” between dead skin cells, and the cells fall away, leaving your face very smooth and soft.  Lemons also have a bleaching effect.  Do not use the scrub and go into direct sunlight without protection.

The Lips

Exfoliating your lips not only helps the skin hold more moisture and prevent chapping, it also makes your lips silky smooth and kissable and helps your lipstick stay on better.  Here’s a great all natural scrub for your lips.

Honey Lemon Lip Scrub 
1T Sugar
Honey

Place the sugar in a container.  Add the honey 1 teaspoon at a time until you get a consistency you like.  If you like, you may add a couple drops of olive oil or lemon essential oil.  Get a small amount of scrub on your finger.  Put it on your lips and rub in a circular motion.  Once you have completed this process, rinse your lips with warm water; apply your favorite lip moisturizer, lip balm or just plain petroleum jelly. 

Store your product in an airtight container.