The recessionista’s top 10 DIY beauty tips

The economists can talk about green shoots as much as they want – all we know is no matter how much we scrimp and save, we still can’t afford Crème De La Mer eye balm.

So we’ve been rolling up our sleeves, and experimenting with ingredients we can source from our very own kitchens… avocado hair masque? Carrot cleanser? Peanut butter facial? You might smell like a sandwich, but you’ll be glowing with the radiance of a girl who’s saved her pennies.

1) Washing-up Liquid Detox Shampoo

Detox shampoos are one of those products we’ve never quite understood the point of – until we heard this tip. To strip away product build-up, pollution and the various other nasties that stop your hair shining, lather up with some good ol’ washing up liquid once every few weeks. Make sure you follow with a good conditioner though, or your locks could turn slightly brillo pad to match.

2) Dairy-licious Bath Milk.

If you’ve ever fancied yourself as an Egyptian princess, take a leaf out of Cleopatra’s book and add a carton of full cream to your bath water. According to experts, the dairy will calm skin’s lipids while the milk proteins help maintain its elasticity. Asp optional.

3) Strawberry Exfoliant

Cut a strawberry in half and rub the juicy side all over your face, let it sit for a few minutes then rinse with warm water. The fruit acids work as a natural exfoliant, stripping away dead skin cells and giving your complexion a brightening zing. Whether you eat it afterwards is up to you (we won’t tell anyone).

4) Talcum Powder Hair Refresh

Does anybody still use talcum powder? Its popularity may have waned sometime in the mid-90s (when people realised that using a towel then standing still for 30 seconds did more or less the same job), but we bet you still have some knocking around somewhere. It’s a great low-budget dry shampoo for those days when a little extra time in bed is just more appealing than washing your hair. Work it into the roots, leave for a few minutes, then brush out and swish like a pro.

5) Oat and Honey Face Mask

Goldilocks had some issues. Perhaps if she had given up on trying to eat the porridge and dunked her face in it instead, the bears would have been wowed by her soft skin and not felt the nedd to chase her into the woods. Perhaps. Back in the real world, try mixing up oats, water and a dollop of honey, spread it on your face, leave for 10 minutes then rinse. Not to dry, not too greasy, but juuust right.

6) Lemon Tan Corrector

Here at ShinyStyle, we’re still on a mission to convince you all that pale skin has the fashion edge. But if you must bust out the fake bake, avoid the congealed-gravy look by rubbing half a lemon over your knees and elbows after application. The acid is supposed to break down the tanning chemicals. You can also try whitening toothpaste, astringent toner, or just GOING EASY ON THE FAKE TAN IN THE FIRST PLACE.

7) Camomile Tea Rinse for Blondes

My mum used to use this one on me when I was about six. And once, Sean Deacon told me during PE that my hair looked really shiny. What more persuading do you need? Redheads can try cranberry juice, while beer and vinegar work well on everyone (the question is: pub or chip shop, which would you rather smell of?).
Haemorrhoid Cream on Under-Eye Circles

This one has been recommended by beauty editors and make up artists the world over, so it’s worth trying out. The ingredients work to reduce capillaries in the skin, shrinking those telltale morning-after bags. Of course the price you pay is in embarrassment having to ask for it in Boots (we like to pretend it’s for an aunt).

9) Toothbrush Exfoliator

An old toothbrush has a million beauty uses. Use it to brush away dry skin on your lips and face, or to groom your eyebrows into place with some Vaseline.

10) Beetroot Juice Lip Stain

This one reminds me of using red Smarties as a lipstick and nail varnish in primary school. Vampy purple lip stains have been all over the catwalks for the last few seasons, and while we can bet that the models at Dior hadn’t been feasting on beetroots (though it’s always nice to see them eating), nobody will know the difference on you. Unless you top it off with a mustard dressing, that is.