Is this natural beauty? In this day and age, it seems to be all about filters, edits, cosmetic surgery, perfectly sculpted eyebrows, and being ‘flawless’. The problem with that is, anything that doesn’t make the Instagram perfection scales is then seen as ‘less than’. It’s interesting though that natural beauty will still outshine even the most perfectly drawn on lips.
Natural beauty is something that we all have. That is why it makes it so special.
So instead of covering it up with 75 layers of foundation and contouring your face until it looks like someone else, here are some simple ways to bring out your own natural beauty.
Teeth
Over time, red wine, smoking, coffee and even tea leaves our teeth a little bit stained. In some cases, a lot stained. Here are a few ways that you can lighten your teeth naturally at home:
- Oil Pulling: sunflower oil, sesame or coconut oil for pulling are the best options. It involves swishing the oil around your mouth. The oils kill bacteria and reduce any inflammation you may have around your gums.
- Hydrogen Peroxide: a natural bleaching agent that helps kill bacteria (there is a theme here). Many chemical whiteners contain hydrogen peroxide. Of course, you’ll need to dilute it very well!
- ACV: Apple cider vinegar is a well known natural product for so many things. Use this as a mouthwash, and sparingly. The acid may erode your enamel. However, the antibacterial properties remove bacteria.
- Strawberries: Apparently, rubbing strawberries on your teeth lightly exfoliates and buffs off grim, making them look instantly brighter!
Hair
If you have years of hair damage in the form of heated appliances, or boxed dyes, you might need to give your hair a bit of love.
There is a ‘no poo’ movement that has seen people swap out their regular shampoo for co-washing, or using a bicarb mix. Many shampoos have so many chemicals in them, they just aren’t as good as they claim to be.
If you are looking for a deep conditioning mask, then consider a few of these mixes:
- Coconut oil and honey. Slather this on and leave in for half an hour or so. Add extra to the tips of your hair, and if you suffer from an oily scalp, use sparingly.
- Banana, yoghurt and honey. Mash this together and apply root to tip. Works wonders for frizzy hair.
- Egg white and Lemon. Mix up and apply to damp hair. Let it sit for around 45 minutes and then rinse and shampoo as usual.
Face
For a glowing complexion consider slicing a grape in half and rubbing it all over your face. Yes, it sounds a bit sticky, but the acids in the grape will exfoliate your skin and leave you with a beautiful glow.
For dry or puffy eyes, you could slice some cucumbers and lay a slice over each eye, or, brew some tea and let two tea bags cool down. Once cool pop them in the fridge, and when they are cold, place them over your eyes.
Spots can be zapped pretty quickly with some tea tree oil and arnica. The arnica is anti-inflammatory, and the tea tree oil is packed with antibacterial goodies.
Of course, you should be drinking plenty of water to hydrate your skin from the inside too. For dry patches, a dab of coconut oil will soak in pretty quickly, leaving no residue or scent.
If you want to get the absolute most out of your cleaners or hydrating face masks, then use them in the shower. Your pores are wide open because of the steam, and your skin will soak up every last drop.
Eyes
The skin around your eyes is really delicate. The minimum you should be doing is suncream and sunglasses. Just because it isn’t super sunny doesn’t mean you can get skin damage. If you wear glasses, then you might like to try switching it up a bit and using prescription contact lenses for a while.
Aside from the cucumbers and teabags, the best thing you can do is invest in a really good eye cream. Of course, try to only buy products with an ingredients list that you understand.
A simple but effective thing is just to rest your eyes during the day. We spend so long looking at screens on our computers and mobiles our eyes need a rest. Close them for ten or so minutes and let your mind wander off.
Nails
Our hands are incredibly hard-working, and it’s crazy to think that some of us just slather on a hand cream when and if we remember.
Set a reminder on your phone for a once a week nail soak. Simply soak your nails in olive oil for 5 minutes a week. It will infuse moisture into the area, making your cuticle soft and your nails gleam.
Elbows and Knees
If like many of us, you have dry or slightly harder skin on your knees and elbows, then this is for you!
Slice an orange in half, then rub your elbows and knees to soften up those rough patches. It does get a little sticky, but the results are worth it.
Skin
Dry brushing can really get your body working. It stimulates your lymphatic system to drain better, it chafes off dry skin, encourages blood flow and fires up the happy hormones, and helps skin tighten up in the process.
For getting rid of dead skin, mix up your own body scrub. A 2 to 1 ratio of carrier oil and sea salt makes a fantastic and effective scrub. You can add a few drops of your favourite essential oil if you want to. It will leave skin soft and very smooth.
It might be tempting to turn to harsh chemicals, acid peels, full coverage foundation and those photo filters. However, half of what you have in your kitchen can help you bring out your natural beauty in no time at all.
Of course, you should do what makes you feel happy – whether that is a mayonnaise hair mask or ombre eyebrows.
