Natural Beauty

Women are drawn to home-made beauty products because they are chemical-free and easily available. A large part of our youth is spent worrying about our skin. My grandmother, a firm believer in home-made beauty products, encouraged me early on to use fruit and vegetable masks made from ingredients available at home. All i did was raid the kitchen and the refrigerator and make an applesauce and wheatgerm face mask that would soothe the skin, or an avocado (rich in Vitamin E), carrot (high in beta-carotene and antioxidants) and honey mask that moisturised the face. Even today, with so many different brands of skincare products flooding the market, there is no substitute for home-made beauty products.

Natural products such as fresh fruits, vegetables, honey, milk and yoghurt are eco-friendly and free from preservatives. Skin requires mild exfoliation, regular cleansing and moisturising to look youthful. The best way to do that, is to use home-made face masks. Papaya, carrot and banana are home-made products that aids to cleanse, tone and moisturise the skin. Take a small piece of papaya and massage it on the entire face (avoiding the eyes) and neck. Papaya is a gentle fruit, suitable for even the most sensitive skin. It exfoliates, cleanses and rejuvenates the skin. You can also massage two grated carrots on your face and neck. Rinse it off with cold water after 20 minutes. Carrot renews the skin and gives it a healthy glow. You can also use a small piece of banana to give yourself a face massage. It lightens the skin tone and has anti-ageing properties.

Every age comes with its own set of skin problems. During your 30s, skin tends to be oily and can suffer from random acne breakouts. Protect skin by cleaning it two to three times a day. During your 40s, your skin lacks moisture and you may have an uneven complexion. Rick moisturisers, such as banana mixed with honey, will keep the skin moisturised. In your 50s, you are heading towards menopause. Hence, it's important to keep your skin firm and rich by nourishing it with an avocado massage. Protecting your skin from the sun is also a concern. Use milk, yoghurt, honey or fruit and vegetable juices to give the skin even tone and protect it from the sun.

Water is also an often understimated beauty aid. It can help refresh and calm skin. Margaret Lorimer, managing director of L'Esprit Beaute, advices women to splash cool water on their faces 15 times before applying any kind of cream, serum or mask. Lorimer also believes in the use of natural ingredients.

HOME-MADE FACE MASKS

Peach Tightening Mask

** 1 ripe peach, peeled and pitted
** 1 egg white

Whip the peach and egg white in a blender until smooth. Gently pat the mixture all over your face. After 30 minutes, rinse it off with cool water.

Apple Mask For Normal Skin

** 1 ripe apple, cored and quartered
** 2 tbsp. honey

Chop the apple in a food processor. Add honey and refrigerate for ten minutes. Pat the mixture on your face in a light tapping motion, until the honey feels sticky. After 30 minutes, rinse it off.

Cucumber Mask for Oily Skin

** 1/2 cucumber
** 1 egg white
** 1 tbsp lemin juice
** 1 tsp mint

Puree everything and refrigerate for ten minutes. Apply the mixture to your face. After 15 minutes, rinse it off with warm, then cool water.

Strawberry Radiance Mask

** 1/2 cup ripe strawberries
** 1/4 cup cornstarch

Mix strawberries and cornstarch to make a paste. Apply it to your face, avoiding the delicate eye area. After 30 minutes, rinse it off with cool water.