When I was in my twenties, I lived a life full of friends, fun, and little-to-no cash. Since my life consisted of work all day, dance and flirt at night, I needed to look my best, but at a low cost. I would often use household products or recipes handed down from my abuelita for all kinds of DIY beauty regimens. The common thread in many of these secret recetas was…
HONEY.
Yup, you heard me right, I said honey.
Honey, it turns out, is so much more than just an ooey, gooey, sweetener made by bees. It’s secret beauty elixir made from nature that you can use for your skin, nails, and even your hair. Here are 10 brilliant ways to use honey in your beauty routine…
Face
Almond and Honey Face Scrub
This is an old tried and true recipe, but I want it to be shared with so many more people so you can feel its glory. Simply combine 2 spoons of almond powder + 2 spoons of honey, mix, and rub into your skin in a circular motion. Leave it on a few minutes to absorb all the honey goodness, then wash off. Do this daily for skin that glows.
Cucumber Honey Facial Mask
I’ve seen this on lots of spa menus, but my abuelita handed me down a recipe that is similar to this Cucumber Honey Mask. The only difference is my grandma told me to leave the skin on the cucumber. I think it’s just a personal preference. The scent alone is well worth a try.
Honey-Based Facial Cleanser
I went to an event a couple years ago where they actually showed me how to whip up this cleanser. It’s kinda like baking a cake; it smells sweet but the results are glowing, purified skin, instead of a few extra calories on your hips.
Make Your Own Lip Balm
THIS is awesome. As somewhat of a Chapstick addict, the chance to make my own lip balm that smells and tastes like honey is a home run. Plus, kissable lips are always awesome.
Skin
Moisturizing Treatment
I swear, this is good enough to eat. Well, technically you can eat it, but your skin will really thank you for this easy moisturizing treatment you can do daily.
Hair Removal Wax
Waxing is probably my least favorite activity of all time (well, not of all time, but it’s up there). However, this “body sugaring” at least takes the pain out of digging into my wallet for that torture and doing it at home solo, or with a really good friend that doesn’t care how loud I scream.
Nails
DIY Honey Cuticle Cream
I haven’t gotten a chance to try this homemade cuticle cream yet. But my friends that have swear by its benefits. Now that fall is coming, my cuticles will need all the help they can get, so I’ll be making this with my next empty mint container.
Honey Nail Strengthener
My abuelita used this one twice a week and when I started giving myself manicures, this recipe became vital to my nail upkeep. You need: 2 tablespoons of honey, 4 tablespoons of warm (not hot) olive oil, and a whisked egg. Mix all the ingredients well and dip your bare nails into it for 10-15 minutes. After, wash your hands with warm water only. Your nails will strengthen, making manicures last longer.
Hair
Honey Olive Oil Hair Mask
If you have dry or frizzy hair, like me, then you’re going to want to memorize this easy hair mask for frizzy hair. Now, I never imagined putting honey in my hair, because hello…sticky! But this worked in a mid summer Miami work trip, so now, I swear by its power.
Honey Avocado Revitalizing Hair Treatment
Does your hair just need a boost or do you have dry, dull ends? I’ve heard about the magic of avocado on your hair, but add some honey, like in this avocado and honey hair mask, and you have yourself some superstar hair.
image: shutterstock
