Why spend a lot of money on beauty products when you can create your own beauty aids by using items found in the kitchen? Below are several ideas to help you create your own easy beauty aids!

For Your Hair

•   Baking Soda: Did you know that rinsing your hair with baking soda once a week can remove build-up? Don't worry either did I! You can either add 2 tablespoons of baking soda to 3 cups of water, after shampooing your hair, rinse with the baking soda mixture and then condition as normal. You can also add a good amount of baking soda onto your shampoo right before you rub it in. The baking soda will clarify your hair and make it all shiny, smooth, and silky! Anyone can use this awesome little trick but it is especially useful for anyone who has hard water, product build-up, or lifeless hair that just hangs there! Give it a try, I know I will.
•   Eggs: I have actually heard of this trick before! Eggs can strengthen your hair and they make it shiny! All you need to do is to add a beaten egg to your shampoo, whip the egg up and pour some shampoo into it. Wash your hair like normal. Or you can whip one or two eggs and rub them into dry hair, cover and leave on 15 minutes then wash out. If you like to shower in extremely hot water, make sure that the eggs don't start to cook in your hair! That would just be a mess! If you have brittle or delicate hair, or if you just want to strengthen your hair, try this!
•   Maple Syrup/Molasses: I know, I know, why would you want to put something so sticky in your hair? Well what if I told you this sticky, sweet treat was actually good for your hair? Maple syrup or molasses, the real kind, not the mostly high fructose corn syrup kind, can add lots of moisture to your hair. All you need to do is pour syrup or molasses onto your hair. (If the molasses is too thick you can thin it with water). After you have added the syrup to your hair wrap with plastic wrap or a shower cap and leave on for 20 minutes. Wash as you normally do. Anyone with dry hair should try this.
•   Apple Cider Vinegar: Apple Cider Vinegar helps make a really healthy head of hair. Add 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to 2 cups of water, shake it well. After you have washed and conditioned your hair, rinse with the apple cider vinegar mix. You can then rinse with water or leave it in your hair; the scent disappears as your hair dries. If you want a little extra clarifying or if you have suffered from dandruff, oil scalps, or dullness try this out!
•   Olive Oil: Olive oil makes your hair softer and shinier! If you want to make your hair smooth and shiny put 1/2 teaspoon of olive oil in your palm and rub. Apply to the top of your hair moving downward. If you want to moisturize and strengthen your hair: Put 1/2 cup of olive oil in the microwave for 15 seconds, just until it is warm. Apply to damp, but not dripping, hair. Wrap with plastic wrap or with a warm towel for 20 minutes to an hour, then shampoo and condition as usual.

For Your Face

•   Bananas: Not only are bananas tasty and good for you, when applied on your face they can moisture your skin and make it look and feel softer! All you need to do is mash up a medium-sized ripe banana until it is smooth. Apply to your face and neck, let it set for 10-20 minutes and then rinse off with cold water!
•   Milk: Do you want the spa experience without the spa? Well try this easy mix of 1/4 cup powdered milk and enough water to make a paste. Apply thoroughly to your face, let it dry completely and rinse with warm water. Your face will feel fresh and rejuvenated!
•   Oatmeal: For a quick mask combine 1/2 cup hot—but not boiling—water with 1/3 cup oatmeal. Once this mixture has settled for two or three minutes add 2 tablespoons plain yogurt, 2 tablespoons honey, and 1 egg white. Apply the mixture to your face and let it set for 10 - 15 minutes. Rinse with warm water! Place a strainer in the sink before rinsing so you won't clog the drain with the oatmeal pieces.
•   Mayonnaise: Good on sandwiches and good for your skin? Who knew! Gently spread some mayonnaise on your face and leave it for 20 minutes, wipe it off and rinse with cool water. The mayonnaise mask will leave your skin feeling clean and smooth.
•   Mustard: Don't like mayonnaise? That's okay try using a mustard mask for a bracing facial that will soothe and stimulate your skin. Before you apply to your whole face, try a small area to make sure your skin won't be irritated. Use mild yellow mustard for best results.
•   Lemon: Need to exfoliate and moisturize your face? Mix the juice from 1 lemon with 1/4 cup olive oil or sweet almond oil together and you'll have a homemade facial!

Have you ever tried any of these ideas or have any of your own? Please share in the comments below!