3 Kitchen Staples That'll Transform Your Beauty Routine
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The following post was originally featured on HipLatina.
A well-stocked pantry isn't just a plentiful source of delicious and healthy meals — it's an endless supply of at-home, do-it-yourself beauty that won't break the bank. Here are a few ways to produce your own concoctions in su cocina, one pantry ingredient at a time.
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Citrus
Limón, cal, and pomelo all have their own unique benefits but can, for the most part, be used interchangeably. Citrus is praised for its high vitamin C content as well as its ascorbic acid, making it a great natural toner and cleanser.
Nail Treatment
Soak your nails in lemon juice for 10 minutes before rinsing them and massaging with coconut oil (be sure to do this before trimming any cuticles, or you might have some very sore fingers). The acid will help to lighten and brighten your natural nail color, and the vitamin C will help strengthen your nail bed!
Scalp Treatment
Combine four tablespoons coconut oil with one tablespoon each fresh lemon juice and grapefruit juice. Use a nylon brush to gently brush the mixture over your scalp, parting your hair when needed. Work in sections, covering your entire scalp. Use your fingertips to give your whole head a massage (or get a friend to do it — we promise, it’ll feel amazing!) before letting it rest for 20 minutes. Wash hair and enjoy your dry-skin-free scalp and newly stimulated hair follicles.
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Avocado
Aguacate is often used in home beauty remedies because of its high fat content. Avocado is loaded with healthy oils, so whether you’re eating it, slathering it over skin, nails, or hair, you’re going to be getting some seriously good use from it!
Hair Mask
Mash together a ripe banana, along with a tablespoon of honey and a whole avocado. Slather it over wet and already washed hair, then comb through, being sure to coat every luscious lock. Tie or wrap up your hair and cover with a cap to keep the heat in. Let your hair soak up the avocado goodness for 20 minutes before rinsing it out. ¡Bravo! Instant hair mask from the kitchen!
Facial
Combine half an avocado with a tablespoon of coconut oil (or, for a little extra scent, use a tablespoon of almond oil). Spread evenly over your face and neck and allow to sit for about 10 minutes before gently rinsing away with warm water. Enjoy your delectably soft skin!
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Coffee
Can you say no to café expreso? We can’t. Fortunately, coffee makes a wonderful beauty ingredient and is wildly versatile. Whether you’re using used grounds, whole beans, or brewed café itself, coffee will do wonders for your beauty routine!
Body Scrub
Combine one cup ground coffee, one cup sugar, 1/2 cup coconut oil, and 1/2 tablespoon cinnamon (yes, this is for a big batch! You can scale the recipe down as needed). Store in an airtight container and use one to two times a week when you shower. Disfrutar as the coffee and sugar exfoliate your skin and the coconut oil leaves you silky smooth!
Face Mask
In a medium-size bowl, combine 1/2 cup ground coffee, 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, one cup whole milk (or almond milk if you prefer), one tablespoon lemon juice, and one tablespoon honey. Add milk slowly, especially if you prefer a thicker face mask. Apply to skin and let dry, approximately 20 minutes. Wash off and enjoy your amazing-smelling skin! Note that any extra can be stored in the fridge for three days.