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Summer is here which means ‘bye bye’ pale skin and hello glorious tan… and in Bahrain there is plenty of sun to make that golden dream a reality.
The joyful, sunny season does have its drawbacks too. It can leave skin dehydrated if not cared for properly and the heat can cause pimple breakouts, rashes, burns and other issues.
These pesky problems can be combated though with a little TLC and according to beauty expert Lady Baltazar you can do all that’s needed on a budget.
“One misconception about beauty and skin care is that we need to spend thousands of dollars just to look after ourselves,” she said. “We don’t! And sometimes, the best beauty solutions are right in front of us – literally.”
The US and Dubai-based lifestyle blogger shares eight natural remedies to look and stay flawless from the comfort of your kitchen.
1. BANANA + HONEY + LEMON FACE MASK
Bananas are filled with vitamins and minerals which help nourish, smoothen and brighten the skin.
Mix up a mashed banana with honey and lemon juice and then apply it to your face for about 15 minutes. The bananas will help absorb and retain moisture making your skin hydrated and the lemon juice adds extra brightening and lightening properties. This is a must-have to achieve glowing skin this summer. Afterwards, simply rinse off with warm water and voila watch yourself shine!
2. CUCUMBER EYE MASK
Cucumbers have a natural cooling effect. It helps reduce swelling and rejuvenates dull skin while helping you relax and hydrate the area around your eyes. All you need to do is cut the cucumbers into slices, refrigerate them for 15 minutes and then apply them over your eyes for about 10 to 20 minutes. This will reduce the puffiness around your eyes and any dark circles.
3. HONEY + SUGAR LIP SCRUB
Honey keeps lips moisturised and exfoliated as well as soft and hydrated. Mix sugar and honey into a paste and apply it on the lips using a toothbrush. Gently scrub for two to three minutes and then rinse with warm water. Use a lip balm after and off you go!
4. TOMATO + CUCUMBER TONER
Aside from treating large and open pores, tomatoes also help prevent signs of aging and act as a natural sunscreen preventing sunburn. Combine cucumber juice and tomato pulp and then apply it as a toner using cotton balls. Leave on for 10 minutes then wash off with warm water. It will tighten those pores for sure.
5. COCONUT + LIME BODY SCRUB
Coconut is a natural and gentle exfoliator. It helps remove dead cells and prevents flakiness giving a moisturised and hydrated skin. Plus, it leaves your skin smelling great too. Mix coconut oil, shredded coconut, plain white sugar and lime juice to make the scrub.
6. CORNSTARCH + DRY SHAMPOO
Who knew that cornstarch is a natural degreaser? When used as a dry shampoo mixed with alcohol, it can refresh the roots and combat odor while leaving the hair looking and smelling fresh. It’s very convenient especially for those days at the beach. Mix cornstarch, rubbing alcohol and water. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and spray into roots for instant hair revitalisation.
7. OLIVE OIL HAIR TREATMENT
Summer heat doesn’t just dry out your skin but your hair too making it brittle and frizzy.
Olive oil can help repair this damage leaving women with healthy hair that’s soft and shiny.
Simply massage olive oil into your hair, wrap it up with a shower cap or towel and leave it in for an hour before rinsing it off and shampooing it. Your hair will be soft and shiny like new.
8. OATMEAL + SALT + LEMON FOOT SCRUB
Summer time is sandal weather so keep your footsies looking and feeling soft to the touch using Oatmeal.
It acts as a great exfoliator and has anti-oxidant properties that can help treat dry skin while soothing and softening the skin.
Mix oatmeal, salt, lemon, baking soda and water into a paste and gently scrub into rough or dry areas. Then rinse off with cool water for softer and smoother feet.
Remember to drink a lot of water too and apply sunscreen before your bouts of fun in the sun.
