Time to DIY with these beauty treats

Love your budget and go natural with these easy and super affordable beauty treats from Christina Sukop of the Natural Nerd blog.

Natural Eyeshadow

Don’t expect too much from DIY makeup. The coverage will not be the same as store-bought cosmetics. At the same time, the effects are still pretty – especially if you like a natural finish. Plus, it’s quick to make.

What you’ll need:

- 1 tsp bentonite clay (faithful-to-nature.co.za; R49)

- Organic cocoa powder (add according to the colour intensity you want)

The How-to

Step 1:

Using a pinch at a time, add the cocoa powder to the bentonite clay until you have your desired colour. If you want a grey-grey colour, exclude the cocoa powder and only use the bentonite clay.

Step 2:

Store in an airtight container away from moisture to avoid clumps from forming.

Step 3:

If you want a stronger brown colour, start with cocoa powder as your base and lighten it accordingly by adding the bentonite a little bit at a time. The bentonite will help your eyeshadow to stay put. Lightly dust on your shadow, building it up as you work.

Exfoliating coffee and sugar scrub

If you love the delicious aroma and instant wake-up effect of freshly brewed coffee, you’ll love this scrub. Just like that cuppa Joe it revives dry skin, smells yummy and takes about the same amount of time to make as your morning cup.

What to know:

Work upwards in a circular motion in the direction of your choice, and wash off (this will take a little extra time). Then revel in silky smooth skin.

What you’ll need:

- 4 tbsp ground coffee beans (can substitute with sea salt or Epsom salts)

- 4 tbsp brown or white sugar

- 4 tbsp olive, sunflower, coconut or sweet almond oil

- 1 tsp cinnamon (optional)

- 10 drops essential oils for fragrance (optional)

The how-to

Step 1:

Blend all the dry ingredients together.

Step 2:

Combine oils, then add to dry ingredients and mix well.

Step 3:

Store in an airtight container away from direct sunlight. Make sure water doesn’t get into the jar, as this will shorten the shelf life.

Protective eye serum

Your eyes are the first part of your face to show signs of ageing and fatigue. Take care of them with this home-made marvel – the nourishing oil and detoxing tea will help lighten age spots and dark circles.

What you’ll need:

This will last two months if used daily

- 90ml sweet almond, argan, jojoba, or coconut oil

- 1 tbsp vitamin E oil

- 30 drops chamomile essential oil

- 10 drops sandalwood essential oil

- 5 drops carrot seed essential oil

- 2 teabags green or rooibos tea

The how-to:

Step 1:

To infuse oil with green tea, warm it over a double boiler and submerge the teabags. Simmer until warm, but not boiling. (Boiling the oil will destroy its nutrients.) Turn off the heat, but allow the oil to continue simmering over the hot water for as long as possible (at least one hour). When the water in the double boiler is completely cool, replace it with more hot water until enough time has passed for the green tea to infuse.

Step 2:

After infusing, remove teabags and squeeze out any oil.

Step 3:

Allow the oil to cool, mix in vitamin E and essential oils, and pour into an airtight container.

Step 4:

Take a drop or two and pat it on.

Healthy hair spray

The spray is not the kind you use for styling, but rather give your locks a healthy boost from a vitamin shot. Essential oils have many special properties, so use the chart here to customise the recipe according to your hair type.

What you’ll need:

- 100ml distilled water

- 20 drops rosemary essential oil

- 5 drops carrot seed oil

The how-to:

Step 1:

Add all the ingredients directly into a spray bottle.

Step 2:

Shake well before each use

Step 3:

Spritz on daily for best results

Find your best essential oil: