15 Beauty Hacks Using Foods From Your Kitchen

Nowadays we reach for complicated cosmetics that are filled with chemicals and compounds we don't recognize — and can't even pronounce — and these fancy products can easily cripple a bank account.

With all the crazy things we put our skin though each day, though, is it so silly to assume that putting even crazier things on our skin won't actually help it? 

Some ingredients such as eggs, olive oil, lemons, and even potatoes can naturally improve the look and feel of our skin and hair with natural properties. Some ingredients are hydrating and toning, while others fight acne and reduce the size and appearance of pores.

Find natural and effective replacements for a complicated beauty routine in the kitchen, and try these amazing food-based beauty hacks for yourself.

For strong, smooth, and shiny hair, try using apple cider vinegar.  It regulates pH levels, removes shampoo residue, and helps to prevent damage. While in the shower, apply it directly to wet hair for 10 minutes before rinsing; or mix one part cider vinegar with two parts warm water, and rinse your hair after washing. You can do the latter two to three times a week. 

Apple cider vinegar is antibacterial and antiseptic; the malic acid and natural amino acids help to balance pH levels and calm skin. A mixture of one part vinegar and four parts water makes an excellent toner. You can even dab the vinegar directly on problem areas to help acne, redness, and irritations.

The acid in lemons is an astringent that can help shrink the size of pores; avocados are hydrating and egg whites strengthen skin tissues. Mix one half of an avocado, one egg white, and one teaspoon in a blender, and apply the green face mask for 20 minutes.

Avocados are known for their moisturizing properties, so for ultra-soft hands, try this food-based treatment: Mix one tablespoon lemon juice (for aromatic purposes), one egg white, and two tablespoons rolled oats with a fourth of a pitted avocado. Massage onto hands and let sit for 20 minutes.

Make a paste of baking soda and liquid (like apple cider) to rid your head of dandruff. Dandruff isn't simply dry skin; it is a fungal irritation, and the components in baking soda can help to fix the pH balance of your scalp and exfoliate the dead skins cell away. 

This is a well-known beauty hack to reduce eye puffiness and redness, but does it really work? It turns out that diet is both the biggest culprit and remedy for puffy eyes, but cool cucumbers on the eyes will indeed help to lower swelling and quell irritations. 

Use this ingredient combo for strong and shiny hair: Mix together one egg yolk, one tablespoon of olive oil, and one cup of warm water, and apply the mixture to wet hair. Leave it on for at least 10 minutes before rinsing. Then continue with your normal shampoo and conditioning routine. 

Whip egg whites into a frothy mousse and apply to hair for rich and luscious-looking locks with healthy, hydrated follicles. 

It may sound strange, but cold potato slices placed on eyes for just 15 minutes can erase dark circles. 

The citric acid in lemon juice works as an exfoliant, and it has natural antibacterial qualities to help vanquish acne. The astringency shrinks pores and balances pH levels. Just squeeze fresh lemon juice on to a cotton pad and apply to face before bed. 

Manuka honey comes from the manuka bush found in Australia and New Zealand. The honey has incredible anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, making it a must-have for diet and skin care. Manuka honey can help fight acne and puffiness, reduce redness, and leaves your skin feeling wonderfully smooth.  Search for honey with high bio-active rating of 12+ and apply one or two tablespoons to your face, leaving it there  for about 10 minutes before rinsing.

For more honey beauty hacks, click here.

Yogurt can help to rejuvenate and soften skin; it is especially helpful after sunburns to help calm skin. Plus, it's antibacterial (see ya, zits!). Experts report that plain yogurt can also ward off discoloration and premature aging. For this mask, mix one tablespoon honey (try manuka honey), one tablespoon yogurt, and two tablespoons water. This recipe also calls for crushed rose petals and rose water, which have their own antibacterial properties.

Just place a small amount of olive oil on a cotton pad and gently rub away the day's make-up. It's cost effective and won't strip away your skin's natural oils. 

Satisfy your sweet tooth through osmosis, and uncover fresh new skin with a homemade sugar exfoliate. Mix sugar into a hydrating base of coconut or olive oil and emulsify in a blender. You can also add other aromatics and beneficial food-based ingredients such as coffee, cucumber, and lavender. But be wary of large, coarse crystals that can end up irritating the skin and create micro-tears. 

Simply take a balm of your choice onto your finger and dip it into fine sugar. Gently massage the balm and sugar mixture onto your lips; then wipe lips clean with a washcloth. Follow the treatment with a layer of balm for extra moisture.