5 Kitchen Cupboard Staples to Incorporate Into Your Beauty Routine
When it comes to self-care, the beauty industry is brimming with products that are marketed as miracle cures for our bodily woes. Many of these, however, contain toxins which have all-but-magical effects on both our health and the planet.
If, like us, you’ve been searching for the best natural, low-waste products to compliment your beauty routine, look no further. We’ve put together a list of five kitchen cupboard staples that have proven to be just as effective as their synthetic equivalents, without costing the Earth – like what we did there?
Many of these can be found in glass containers, which are easily recyclable, or bought package-free from zero waste stores. As with any other new beauty product, remember to do a patch test before slathering these onto your skin, just to be sure.
Honey
Raw honey is an acclaimed wonder potion, with some studies suggesting that the sweet substance even has glorious healing effects when applied to the skin. For those of us prone to the odd pimple (or three), it can be an effective spot treatment – plus, it smells heavenly. Apply like a face mask as a remedy for inflammation or massage into the scalp to add moisture, shine and promote hair growth. Remember to opt for the raw, unpasteurised varieties, that aren’t full of added sugar, for maximum effect.
Coffee grounds
For all the coffee lovers out there: ever wondered how to reuse those coffee grounds from your morning cuppa before tossing them? Not only is coffee a brilliant source of antioxidants, that has a soothing effect when applied to the skin, but its caffeine content is said to reduce the appearance of cellulite, as well as signs of aging. Mix with coconut oil for a gentle exfoliant, or massage directly into the scalp to remove product build-up and help stimulate hair growth. Leftover coffee can also be used as a rinse, once cooled, to moisturise and add shine to dull-looking hair, but is best reserved for those with darker tones as it can stain. If you’re not a coffee drinker, fret not. Check if your local coffee shop is willing to give you some of theirs or ask a friend – sharing is caring, after all.
Apple cider vinegar
Now, this one requires some trial and error and may not be suitable for every skin or hair type, but ACV can have wonderful benefits when applied topically. Its antifungal, bacteria-busting properties make it the perfect remedy for soothing an itchy scalp, reducing dandruff and eliminating the build-up of products when used as a diluted hair rinse – and no, there shouldn’t be any lingering vinegary smell once washed out, we promise. For those with oily skin, diluting a few parts water to one part ACV also makes a beautifully cooling toner. If you have particularly dry skin or hair, however, it’s best to stay clear of this one, as ACV can have a stripping effect, causing further dryness that none of us want.
Rose water
Okay, this may not be a staple in all homes, but we thought it was worth a mention. Rose water, hailed for its anti-inflammatory properties, is an inexpensive addition to any beauty routine that will leave you smelling gloriously floral all day. Use as a hair mist to calm frizz and add shine to your locks (also a great alternative to ACV rinses if you have dry hair!) or apply as a facial toner to soothe inflamed, acne-prone skin. You could even pop some in your next bath for the ultimate self-care ritual. Trust us, this one is a game-changer.
Oils
Would such a list be complete without the mention of oils? The practice of applying oil to skin and hair goes back centuries – think ancient Egyptian and Greek civilisations – and it really is no surprise that it has made a comeback in recent years. Natural oils tend to be full of goodness that can have a myriad of benefits for the skin and hair. As with honey, go for the unrefined varieties, as these contain the most nutrients. Coconut, almond and olive oil, in particular, all make effective facial cleansers, doing wonders for removing stubborn makeup and leaving skin feeling hydrated (as they naturally lock in moisture). When used as a deep conditioning treatment for hair, they can also help to soften and strengthen dry, brittle locks, not to mention add a wonderful shine. Although oils get a bad rep for being, well, oily, not all will leave you feeling greasier than a bag of chips; you simply need to find the right one for you. As they can be pore-clogging, however, ensure you remove the oil completely (through toning or a second round of cleansing) after use if your skin does verge on oily or blemish-prone, to avoid breakouts.
The verdict
This list is far from exhaustive, but it does prove that natural, low-waste beauty does not have to come at an extreme cost to our health, the environment or our wallets. And the best part? Our new favourite beauty product may just be lurking in the depths of our kitchen cupboards – very handy. Just remember to keep separate batches for kitchen and bathroom use, to avoid contamination between the two. Happy experimenting!
Layla Abdulaziz