DIY beauty hacks

When we have a particular beauty issue that needs addressing, our reaction is generally to buy a product which can fix the problem.

However, have you ever considered looking in your kitchen cupboards first or stocking up on a few core ingredients to help you rather than having too many products that you may not use up?

Dr Nitasha Buldeo, founder of skincare brand Organic Apoteke, has given us the lowdown on how you can address certain issues yourself:

Dry handsDaiga Ellaby 5kjf U5yzi UnsplashYour hands are constantly exposed to the elements, making them one of the worst areas affected by dry skin. Give your hands a treat by giving them a moisturising soak twice a week.

Fill a small bowl with warm water and add buttermilk or plain live yoghurt to soften skin. Add a few drops of essential oil; lavender is a great choice as it helps to heal skin and smells lovely too. Soak hands for around 10 minutes, rinse and pat dry with a warm soft towel. Apply a generous application of hand cream, opt for one the doesn’t contain mineral oil, instead choose plant oil-based hand creams as these will keep your skin moisturised for longer.

Fuller lipsShahab Yazdi 5nzfcw30w3m UnsplashTo achieve fuller lips, mix honey with a few drops of peppermint oil. This causes tightening and lifting of the lips, instantly giving them a fuller appearance.

Dry skinErik Mclean Opwghqbpni0 UnsplashMany opt to consume olive oil orally to help with their skin, as applying olive oil directly to the skin can cause breakouts because the oil is dense and holds bacteria underneath the skin.

Olive oil makes a wonderful addition to your manicure routine, just massage the oil into your nails to soften cuticles.

DandruffFreestocks Rnpfyryqjhy UnsplashDid you know that apple cider vinegar can eliminate dandruff? Hair that looks dull, brittle, or frizzy tends to be more alkaline or higher on the pH scale. The idea is that an acid substance helps lower pH and brings the health of the hair back in balance.

To make an apple cider vinegar rinse for your hair, simply mix two tablespoons of the vinegar with water, then after shampooing and conditioning, pour the mixture over your hair and massage into your scalp. Leave for two minutes, and then rinse out thoroughly.

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