Raid nature’s beauty counter

Posted by Anita Brook at 10:17 on 2 Jun 2010

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With rising temperatures and exposed bits of skin, summer is a bit of a flirty time, when many of us want to look our best. But ‘best' in a natural way - piling on the slap somehow doesn't seem quite right (foundation dripping down a sweaty chin is never a good look.) So, how do you achieve that natural, effortless vibe, without breaking the bank?

Natural beauty really can be achieved in a natural way, and inspired by TV show ‘Grow your own drugs" (you can get the book from the ‘Book People' for a very cheap £4.99) I'm reaching for the blender. There are also a load of make-your-own beauty treatment recipes online - I found this site particularly useful: www.makeyourcosmetics.com.

Sun kissed flowing locks

The term ‘blondes have more fun' seems to come into its own in the summer, with lighter tones setting off the (fake) tan and pastel colours that all the shops are awash with. If you're leaning towards the fair side anyway, spritz on a bit of lemon juice - it's not an old wives tale  - but be sure to deep condition, as it could dry out your hair (you can even make this yourself with avocado and yoghurt apparently). Lemon's natural, cheap and Sun-In is so teenager in the 90's, so don't go there.

Bronzed and beautiful skin

Now we all know it's not big or clever to bake ourselves in the sun, so most importantly, with all this money you're saving on beauty tips, invest in a high factor sun screen. Lecture over. Before you reach for the fake tan, to get the best and most natural look, you must exfoliate first - especially on those dry elbows and knees.

Making your own sugar scrub is really simple - you just require sugar and then something that smells nice - mashed banana, strawberries, honey (this is also good for your skin). If you want to create something that lasts a bit longer and is really moisturising, try olive oil and an essential oil, such as almond or rose, to make it smell less like an Italian pasta dish.

Once you've scrubbed, before you tan, slap on some moisturiser, which you can also make yourself. Ingredients good for your skin include, honey, oats, and cucumber.

Cheat natural beauty

If you can't be bothered to get your pestle and mortar out and mash up your fruit bowl, there are a wealth of beauty bargains to be had online. Look Fantastic offers a massive selection of products, many of them discounted, or with freebies thrown in - check out its offers page for the latest deals.

With festivals, picnics and camping, summer is a time when many of us get down with nature - extend your inner earth mother to your beauty regime, you never know you may put away the expensive face serum forever.



 

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