Seven Natural Beauty Tricks From Your Kitchen

There are many natural beauty tips, tricks, and recipes that you can make at home, and your kitchen contains all the ingredients you’ll need.

1. Oil Cleansing

Use olive, coconut, or almond oil with Castor oil to clean your skin instead of a harsh soap. This will cleanse your skin naturally and keep from pulling out natural oils. My personal blend is 25% Castor Oil (don’t use straight!) and 75% sweet almond oil.

How to do it: Rub a small amount of oil onto dry face and massage into skin for several minutes. To remove, soak a clean washcloth in steamy water and place on face until it starts to cool. Gently use the washcloth to wipe your face until the oil is gone. Softest. Skin. Ever!

2. Natural Bronzing

Until I switched to eating healthy, I never tanned well at all! I used to try all kinds of natural “bronzers” and self tanning lotions (cringe on the ingredients!) in hopes of golden skin. Now, I’m excited to be able to tan easily, but for days when I want a slightly more bronze look, I head to the kitchen…

How to Do It: Mix cocoa powder, cinnamon and arrowroot (optional) until you get a shade you like. For me, this was at least half cocoa powder, about 30-40% cinnamon and a little arrowroot, but experiment to get your skin tone. Store in a small jar or container and brush onto skin for an instant bronze look. Bonus: it smells good! You can also mix this into lotion for a liquid version!

3. Food Facial Mask

No need to drop a lot of money at the spa for great skin, just rub breakfast on your face instead! Many foods are also beneficial for your skin too!

How to Do It: Use honey, plain yogurt or whipped egg whites by themselves or in combination for a great toning facial mask that leaves skin glowing.

4. Naturally White Teeth

Use strawberries (I know they are red!) and baking soda as a highly effective and natural teeth whitener. Oil pulling (swishing oil in the mouth and then spitting) is also an effective way to whiten teeth.

How to Do It: Make a paste of equal parts mashed or pureed strawberries and baking soda. Put in mouthguard or tooth tray and leave on teeth for up to 30 minutes. Repeat a couple times a week until your teeth are as white as you want. To speed things up, swish with 1 TBSP of olive oil each night for 20 minutes and then spit and brush well. This supposedly helps remove toxins too, but I can certainly vouch for its whitening capabilities!

If you don’t want to try this way or are allergic to strawberries, activated charcoal makes a great natural tooth whitener too.

5. Natural Hair Conditioner

For an occasional hair strengthening treat, mix up some other breakfast foods into a natural hair mask. This certainly isn’t one for everyday use, but it makes hair shiny and smooth and even works on really curly hair (according to a lucky friend with lovely curls!)

How to Do It: Mix one banana and one avocado and puree until smooth (great way to use over ripe bananas and avocados!). Add essential oils if Banana isn’t your fragrance of choice. Comb through clean, damp hair and put a shower cap on. Leave on for at least 15 minutes and rinse out in the shower. Go sign up to audition for a hair commercial!

6. Sugar Scrub

Sugar is not good for your body. It is, however, great for your skin! Since your skin doesn’t metabolize and store glucose or fructose like your fat cells do, sugar is a great way to tighten and smooth skin! Sugar scrubs in stores are expensive! Sugar scrubs in the kitchen are not!

How to do it: Mix equal parts of white or brown sugar and olive or almond oil and add essential oils of choice (optional). To exfoliate skin, rub the mixture onto skin and massage in for a couple of minutes. Rinse off with warm water. Enjoy! Here is a full recipe.

7. Natural Microdermabrasion

Ever seen those ads for microdermabrasion (not even sure I’m spelling it right!). Well, they look expensive and I’m leery of the chemicals they might contain. No worries though… the kitchen can help! Baking soda is a very effective natural and gentle abrasive that pulls off dead skin cells and makes skin glow!

How to Do It: Wet face with warm water. Pour some baking soda into hands and massage into your face for at least 3 minutes. It will sting a little (its called abrasion!). Rinse with warm water and pat dry.

What is the strangest thing you’ve tried in the name of beauty? Share below!

Some easy natural beauty tricks from your kitchen including homemade face masks, hair conditioner, tooth whitener and more.

About Katie Wells

Katie Wells, CTNC, MCHC, Founder of Wellness Mama and Co-founder of Wellnesse, has a background in research, journalism, and nutrition. As a mom of six, she turned to research and took health into her own hands to find answers to her health problems. WellnessMama.com is the culmination of her thousands of hours of research and all posts are medically reviewed and verified by the Wellness Mama research team. Katie is also the author of the bestselling books The Wellness Mama Cookbook and The Wellness Mama 5-Step Lifestyle Detox.

Comments

98 responses to “Seven Natural Beauty Tricks From Your Kitchen”

Lelecano

November 12, 2012

I have used coconut oil for my daughters bum when she was a baby and it kept her clear of diaper rash. Although now she has excema below her bum on the back of her legs, I use coconut oil but it doesn’t seem to be enough. Any tips on excema?

Reply
1. Wellness Mama
  
  November 12, 2012
  
  Usually allergy related… is she eating foods yet?
  
  Reply
  1. Lelecano
    
    November 12, 2012
    
    Yes she is 3 1/2..
    
    Reply
    1. Wellness Mama
      
      November 12, 2012
      
      Shea butter or magnesium mint also help, but I’d look in to GAPS or an allergy program. My son’s cleared up completely with dietary changes
      
      Reply
    2. Allyson Turner
      
      October 12, 2013
      
      Try Miracle 2 Soap full strength. It is completely natural, non-toxic, etc. and has so many fabulous uses.
      
      Reply
Cheryl

September 4, 2012

Just wondering, why is it bad to use straight castor oil? I am new to the ocm and have been massaging a little straight castor oil on, then top it with more coconut oil or olive oil to dilute it a bit. Is that ok? Or maybe I should get another jar and mix them together in their proper ratios?

Reply
1. Wellness Mama
  
  September 5, 2012
  
  It might be a little harsh for the skin if used straight… haven’t tried it, but if it starts to irritate your skin, it would probably be best to mix first..
  
  Reply
Wan

July 9, 2012

I use coconut oil as a moisturizer after washing my face at night. I have acne, so many times washing my face irriates it a little too much. Coconut has antibacterial properties to protect, and moisturizes : ) I’ve also heard it’s great as a hair mask, I’ll be trying that next!

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Aysha Julie

June 15, 2012

Your site if fabulous. Thanks for all the info, we are ditching the chemcials and I’m even trying to go no poo! My husband and I have started to use Tuna (you giys might know it as Nopal, a type of cactus in the aloe vera family) as a facial cleanser and body wash. It seems to be naturals soap and has wonderful grainy bits in it too so you do actually feel clean too. My skin has never felt and smelt better.

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Jennifer Long

June 13, 2012

Thank you for all these tips! I am very intrigued with the oil cleansing. I followed the link you shared, and have a question: It says to do it regularly, but not frequently. What does that mean? Not every night? If so, what would you use to cleanse when not using the oils? Thank you!

Reply
1. Wellness Mama
  
  June 13, 2012
  
  Once your skin adjusts, a warm washcloth will work in between oil cleansing, or I use microfiber now, which removes all dirt and bacteria without stripping natural oils.
  
  Reply
Melanie Thomassian

June 11, 2012

I used coconut oil on my babies cradle cap, and it disappeared with just one application. Great post, love these suggestions.

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Ursula

May 21, 2012

My daughter had a bad case of rosacea in her early twenties, and despite all sorts of harsh medicated products it did not improve. I told her to wash her face with full fat organic plain yogurt, nothing else, and it healed in a week. Rinse it off with tepid water, not cold. When she has a flare-up now (which is rare) she just goes back to yogurt and it works every time. If you have a problem with rosacea, you might want to try this.

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Naire

May 20, 2012

Do you have any suggestions for acne prone skin? I have tried prescription stuff as well as Proactive. I am 31 almost 32 and I feel more insecure then I did when I was a teenager.

Reply
1. Wellness Mama
  
  May 21, 2012
  
  Are you eating wheat and dairy? I used to have acne also and it went away completely when I removed wheat from my diet. I’ve also seen other cases where it was caused by an underlying food allergy. Also, fermented cod liver oil and gelatin internally might help.
  
  Reply
  1. Alisha Gallmeier
    
    January 30, 2013
    
    Good advice. I didn’t realize that my acne, which was chronic for about 20 years, was actually a reaction of my body trying to get rid of the toxins in my body. I changed to a good fat diet, no sugar, no grains (like the food plate you recommend), and after a few eruptions to sweep the toxins, it cleared up. Good food is amazing. We always treat it topically, but it’s usually within.
    
    Reply
2. Melanie
  
  September 21, 2013
  
  Im 47. Nothing EVER worked for me until a couple months ago. I had a very bad bright red rash, (a reaction to a medicine that was prescribed), that covered my face, neck, & chest. I didnt wanna leave the house!! Of everything I googled I chose 3 things to do. (1) I wiped down the rash daily with a dilution of organic apple cider vinegar (oacv) & water (50:50). (2) I drank an oacv “cocktail” first thing in the morning, everyday, on an empty stomach. (I can give you the recipe if you wanna try it). And (3) I applied a 50•50 mixture of honey and cinnamon (ceylon) to the rash, everyday, for 20 minutes. Everything must be organic. Non-organic ingredients are stripped of beneficial stuff when its processed and wont work. The rash was stubborn, it took a good 2-3wks to go away. But when it did, not only was the rash gone, my face was unbelievably clear! My gosh, I wouldve killed for this recipe in HS!! My mom spent so much money on so much stuff that only made my face worse. And the whole time, there was this cheap, easy solution. Now I know everyones body is different. This was a miracle thing for me. I hope it is for you too, if you decide to try it.
  
  Reply
Amy Stadler

May 15, 2012

Thanks for all these great tips! i definitely need to try the natural hair conditioner because every store bought item i have tried just doesn’t work!! i am not a fan of bananas but if it works i could learn to love them!!

not sure if anyone else mentioned this but another great facial scrub is oatmeal and honey. it gets a little messy (when the honey warms up from your body temp, honey dripping everywhere!) but leaves your face feeling GREAT!

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Destinee Fiecko

January 20, 2012

Hello! According to http://oilpulling.com/index.htm , the only oils that you’re supposed to use for oil pulling are cold-pressed or refined oils. The ones they recommend are sunflower oil and sesame oil. Maybe recommending olive oil is the reason some people are experiencing pain of the teeth and gums? Thanks for the tips though! I’m new to your blog and am finding it very informative! Thanks for everything you do!

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Zabwan

November 27, 2011

Thanks for a great post, I’m thrilled to have found your blog! I intend trying several of your ideas. I have a very sensitive dry skin, and have been making my own toner for some time (half rosewater, half witchazel, 1 tsp glycerine, bottle and shake well), and I love sweet almond oil and coconut oil as moisturizers. I’m going to try your oil cleansing 🙂

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Lauren Trussell

August 24, 2011

Quick question on the oil cleansing for face – is it ok to do this every day? I’ve read it should only be done once per day max or even only every few days, especially for sensitive skin. If I work out in the morning and need to wash my face before work, is there a natural wash I can make at home for day? Or to use in general if I can’t tolerate OCM too often?

Reply
1. Wellness Mama
  
  August 24, 2011
  
  I use OCM every few days and just use natural bar soap in between, which seems to work great!
  
  Reply
2. Lauren Trussell
  
  August 25, 2011
  
  Ok, perfect. Thank you, Katie!
  
  Reply
  1. Lauren Trussell
    
    August 26, 2011
    
    Another idea I found and have been using for the past few days is a natural almond oil cleanser. You mix 1 teaspoon honey, 1 teaspoon sweet almond oil and 2 tablespoons organic whole milk. My almond oil has a few drops of lavender essential oil mixed in and it makes the cleanser smell lovely. I pop it in the microwave for just a quick second to mix the honey in well. Pour the liquid into your hands and massage into face for a couple of minutes, then rinse and pat dry. Soft and smooth and very gentle for sensitive faces like mine! This quick cleanser works for me on off nights from OCM.
    
    Reply
Ryan

June 20, 2011

I use coconut oil or organic unrefined shea butter for moisturizer, and I brush with either coconut oil or baking soda. Sometimes I will use apple cider vinegar as a conditioner. I tried using raw apple cider vinegar for a toner like you suggested in a different post, but holy cow the fumes burn my eyes and mouth and nose! I’m careful not to get it around my eyes, or right under my nose, but those fumes are strong and no matter what I do it burns for a minute after applying. Am I the only one with this issue??? I’d like to use it for my toner, but It’s just really hard to get over that burning after I put it on. Any ideas?

Reply
1. Wellness Mama
  
  June 20, 2011
  
  Have you tried diluting with water? If you have any chamomile or
  lavender flowers (dried or fresh) you can make an infusion with these
  in water and mix half and half with the vinegar to dilute it. You can
  also just dilute with water and it should make it more mild. The only
  caveat… once you dilute, it is better to store in the fridge.
  
  Reply
2. Amanda Kay Carr
  
  August 17, 2012
  
  I don’t know if the vinegar works well, because I hate the smell of it also. I use straight witch hazel for toner and it works great. Hope this helps.
  
  Reply
3. Ralitsa
  
  October 26, 2012
  
  Undiluted apple cider vinegar burns your skin. I use one cup of green tea mixed with 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar and few drops of lemon juice as a toner.
  
  Reply
4. Alison G.
  
  May 2, 2013
  
  I had the same problem when I first used the Apple Cider Vinegar as a toner. I wet a cotton ball with Rosewater then add a few drops (6-10) of the ACV with a glass dropper. Works great and doesn’t burn! Also, I’ve been washing my face with ground Oatmeal, Almond Meal and buttermilk powder mixed with Rosewater, witch hazel, baking soda, a little carrier oil (jojoba oil, grapeseed oil, or sweet almond oil or a mixture there of) honey and a couple drops of essential oils. (I use Thyme, Lavender, Rosemary, tea tree, Chamomile (Blue or Roman) or a mixture there of). I know it sounds like A LOT but my face has never been smoother and my pores have never looked smaller!!! Oh also, after washing my face with this mixture I use some baking soda as an exfolient. After that is when I use the ACV with the Rosewater.
  
  Reply
  1. Nicole Dachille
    
    August 18, 2013
    
    Sounds wonderful:) Could you please post your recipe so I can properly make it too?
    
    Reply
    1. Alison G.
      
      August 20, 2013
      
      Sure 🙂 I don’t use exact measurements but it goes something like this…
      
      SOLIDS
      1/4 cup ground oats
      1/4 cup Almond Meal (Bob’s Mill or you can grind almonds)
      2 Tbsp Baking Soda
      1/2 tsp Activated Charcoal
      
      LIQUIDS
      3 Tbsp Rosewater
      2 Tbsp Witch Hazel
      1 tsp Honey
      1/4 tsp Oil (I only add this sometimes so it’s optional and you can use any oil that is best for your skin)
      Essential Oils (see below)
      
      I add the solid together then the liquids. If it comes out too thin just add more ground oats. If too thick add more Rosewater. For the EO’s I add 4-6 drops Tee Trea, 3-4 drops Lavender, 1 drop Roman Chamomile, 1 drop Thyme, 1 drop Neem.
      
      Now, like I said, it’s not an exact science when I do it. Sometimes I only add the Tea Tree. Sometimes I add a big pinch of bentonite clay. Sometimes I don’t put the honey or the carrier oil. It all depends on what my skin is doing at the time. Hope this helps! Let me know if you have any questions 🙂
      
      Reply
      1. Alison G.
        
        August 20, 2013
        
        Oh I forgot…. in the SOLIDS I sometimes add the powdered Buttermilk. I get the kind in the packets and I use 1/3 of the packet. That comes out to about 1 Tbsp. Sorry!!
      2. GIANGEET
        
        September 12, 2013
        
        GOOD 4 U ALLISON! THROUGHOUT THE YRS I HAVE MADE VERY SIMILAR MIXES FOR BOTH FACE & BODY, VARYING THEM AS TIME GOES BY. AND THEY ALL WORK WONDERS. IT’S AMAZING HOW BIG BUSSINESS MAKES US BELEIVE THAT WE HAVE TO BUY THEIR PRODUCTS FOR WHATEVER REASON THEY GIVE US. BUT WE KNOW BETTER. IT’S A LOT HEALTHIER TO USE NATURAL HOME-MADE FRESH PRODUCTS. AND WE CAN ACTUALLY PRESERVE THEM W/ NATURAL PRESERVATIVES LIKE ASCORBIC ACID (FROM VITAMIN C), GRAPESEED EXTRACT, VITAMIN E, ETC. PLUS IT’S FUN TO MAKE OUR OWN STUFF
Donna

June 19, 2011

I like using grapeseed oil on my legs when they are dry. Be careful about staining if you use too much though.

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Emily

June 19, 2011

I’ve also read that the pit in an avocado is great for massaging the bottoms of your feet. Bonus! And olive oil is also good for moisturizing the skin.

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Jeanne G.

June 18, 2011

Coconut oil is great for scalp massages and helps your hair grow, if you want it to get longer. You can use a small amount as a leave in or more as a deep conditioner– but you have to wash it out (probably with shampoo) if you don’t want to look greasy. At least if your hair is like mine. I have heard it doesn’t show in thick, dark hair, but mine is thinner and light brown.

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Kim

June 18, 2011

That oil pulling hurts my teeth; what do you think that’s about? I stopped using commercial toothpaste about a year ago. I use baking soda and some sea salt (Himalayian ?) and essential oils for taste. My teeth are not sensitive any more!!!

Reply
1. Ryan
  
  June 20, 2011
  
  I haven’t done oil pulling exactly like you’re supposed to, but I often rub some coconut oil on my teeth and let it sit there for a few minutes before brushing my teeth, and you’re right, I started noticing my teeth hurting a little and being more sensitive. Anyone know why this would be? I want to try oil pulling, but I’m nervous about my teeth hurting…
  
  Reply
  1. Wellness Mama
    
    June 20, 2011
    
    I’ve heard of some people having this reaction to oil pulling. It
    could be that it is pulling a lot out and making them sensitive, or
    that you need to remineralize them first. Have you tried a toothpaste
    with calcium in it for a while first to help strengthen teeth?
    
    Reply
  2. Ashley Nicole
    
    October 31, 2014
    
    Oil pulling may seem like a simple thing to do, but honestly, if you drink a lot of soda or have an unhealthy diet in general, it will open up your teeth to more sensitivity. I tried it a few months ago because I wanted a more natural inexpensive toothpaste alternative, but I was drinking a lot of soda, and eating a lot of processed foods. My teeth started to hurt, and I developed a mouth ulcer in a really stupid place to have one (right where my bottom row of teeth slides across my lip). So I gave up. THEN I read this article by a doctor about all of the things that you are supposed to avoid while doing oil pulling (I can’t find the link, but will post if I find it). I finally got up the self-control to give up soda, and the sensitivity is gone and the mouth ulcers haven’t come back. The important things are to avoid a lot of processed, sugary foods that you shouldn’t eat anyway, and rinse well after using the oil, then brush, and FLOSS. My teeth are a little whiter, but I’ve made several eating changes, so I’m not sure it’s the coconut oil that has done it all, but my teeth definitely feel cleaner after oil pulling than conventional toothpastes. I use Spectrum coconut oil. It tastes terrible, but my mouth doesn’t taste like a sewer after.
    
    Reply
Megan Ciampa

June 18, 2011

I love the ideas! I have started using more natural items as cleansers and such, especially coconut oil as a moisturizer. Before I got pregnant, the oil-cleansing method did not work very well for me, so I switched to using baking soda as a cleanser, apple cider vingear as a toner, and coconut oil to moisturize, and tea tree oil for spot treatment. Once I got pregnant though, the baking soda was too drying, so I just use a creme cleanser from Aveda (not as natural, I know!) and coconut oil to moisturize. My skin is probably better than it ever has been in my life! If I could find a more natural cleanser, I would switch…

Reply
1. Wellness Mama
  
  June 20, 2011
  
  Have you tried a handmade bar soap? A lot of people have good success
  with that for facial cleansing.
  
  Reply
  1. Megan Ciampa
    
    June 20, 2011
    
    I’ll have to try it again. The last one I tried was a little too drying and at this current point in time, I need something the cleans but really moisturizes. I’ll look again!
    
    Reply
    1. Wellness Mama
      
      June 20, 2011
      
      look for one made with food grade oils like coconut and olive and
      make sure they put the glycerin back in during the process so it
      isn’t drying.
      
      Reply
      1. Marsha
        
        September 25, 2013
        
        I use your homemade shampoo as a face and body wash also. A lot of cleansers cause major breakouts on my face, but your shampoo followed by cider vinegar rinse, sea salt spritz and coconut oil as a moisturizer do a good job. Not breakout free, but VERY minimal and I think that is just because my face is adjusting
    2. Sara
      
      September 1, 2013
      
      Chagrin Valley makes nice ones to combine with the apple cider vinegar to balance the pH 🙂
      
      Reply
    3. Amanda
      
      September 17, 2013
      
      I make a homemade bar soap that has sea kelp, coconut oil, hazelnut oil, bentonite clay, and tea tree oil in it and it works great on acne prone skin. I formulated it for my sister who had spend a lot of money on proactiv and stuff like that, we haven’t used anything since.
      
      Reply
      1. Courtney Pearce
        
        October 17, 2013
        
        Now that is a recipe that I would love to have… Would you be willing to share the recipe?
      2. Alexa
        
        June 14, 2015
        
        I’d love to have your recipe too! 🙂
      3. Amy Junkins
        
        May 31, 2016
        
        Can you give me the recipe? I have always had terrible acne and am so tired of it.
  2. michael harris
    
    May 7, 2014
    
    nice
    
    Reply
2. Tiffany Kruger
  
  May 11, 2013
  
  Did you use pure essential tea tree oil, or some kind of mixture?
  
  Reply
3. yvonne
  
  October 27, 2015
  
  Hello
  Though it’s now 2015 nearly 2016 l have just read about your trying to find a good face cleanser.
  l massage Coconut oil on my face /neck, wipe off with a very warm flannel, spritz with a homemade spray of Rosewater Witch Hazel,drop of Lavender /rose oil, Vit E,
  Hope this helps
  yvonne x
  
  Reply
Daria

June 17, 2011

I’ve heard of mixing baking soda and peroxide as a tooth whitening paste, but never strawberries! Very interesting. Certainly cheaper than the gels you can buy from dentist for hundreds of dollars.
Also I may try the oil cleansing. I found out recently that I have rosacea so I have to be careful with my cleansers, so this seems like an all natural treatment that would be good for it. The only thing I’m not sure of is the steaming part, as rosacea flushing will be more promenient with hot water and I’ve been trying to use only cold water on my face. I will look into it.

Reply
1. Rose Mudd
  
  November 8, 2012
  
  A better safer whitener is activated charcoal. Strawberries are acidic and as a result can strip the enamel from your teeth where as charcoal just absorbs the tannins that are staining your teeth.
  
  Reply
  1. Sara
    
    September 1, 2013
    
    Charcoal doesn’t have the best taste, just a warning (neither does baking soda) 😛 I once was poisoned as a kid (ate the wrong leaves in the garden) and had to eat activated charcoal. Not a good memory.
    
    Reply
2. Deb
  
  March 14, 2015
  
  Seabuckthorn oil & soap has cleared up my roscea. I buy it online and use sibu brand name. It will look like it’s getting worse but work thru it to clearer skin.
  
  Reply
  1. Carol
    
    March 2, 2016
    
    Hi Deb, a year after you wrote your post but relevant today. My 16 yr old son just started using Seabuckthorn seed oil (2days so far) for his Rosacea and he is much redder and blotchy since starting. You are the only reference I have found online about using the oil for Rosacea and having it get worse before getting better. Do you remember how long it took you before you started seeing an improvement over the worsening? Are you still using it for your Rosacea? I sure hope you get notification of this message. I’d love your input. Rosacea is a life disruptor. Carol
    
    Reply
Robyn

June 17, 2011

Thanks for the tips — I never would have guessed about the strawberries being good teeth whiteners. I’m definitely going to try that one! Actually, I plan on trying all of these.

Reply
1. Ralitsa
  
  October 26, 2012
  
  I use baking soda and lemon juice instead of the strawberries. Only once a week, otherwise you are destroying your teeth enamel.
  
  Reply
  1. Ariana
    
    March 18, 2015
    
    How??
    Do u just squeeze lemons?
    
    Reply
  2. Hazel
    
    August 12, 2015
    
    I was wondering if raspberries would work instead of strawberries
    
    Reply
2. Dianna
  
  March 4, 2015
  
  I have read that Catherine Zeta-Jones uses strawberries for teeth whitening.
  
  Reply