Crazy Beauty Secrets That Aren't So Crazy

Let's face it us women are always looking for ways to enhance or maintain our youthful glow. I'm willing to bet that I'm not the only one who has tried some crazy things in the quest for perfection. Well here's a list of seemingly crazy things that packs a punch when it comes to maintaining that healthy glow from the inside out. The great thing about the tips I'm about to mention is that there all natural. 

Macadamia Nut Oil to Moisturize Your Scalp, Hair, and Skin

Macadamia nuts are high in palmitoleic acid, a naturally occurring fat found in your skin. When rubbed into the scalp and skin macadamia nut oil gives your scalp and skin the moisture it needs. Moisturized scalp means healthy hair. Try giving your scalp a relaxing massage once a week and you'll note a significant improvement. I love to do this when I'm doing my weekly hair deep treatments. If you've got incredibly dry skin then this is a must have. Trust me on this one. During the winter months my skin is incredibly dry, using macadamia oil relieves the dryness quickly. Macadamia oil is found in most health food stores.

Dragon Fruit to Reverse Skin Damage

This little delicious gem grows on cacti and contains lycopene, a red pigment also found in tomatoes. Lycopene is known for helping to reduce damage to the skin when exposed to the sun. Dragon fruit are also rich in cartenoids, another excellent antioxidant. I know, I know it looks odd but it's delicious and with the added benefits it's a win win situation.

Apple Cider Vinegar for Smooth Hair & Beautiful Skin

Apple cider vinegar helps to strip hair of built-up residue, such as from styling products or certain shampoos.  Create a simple yet effective concoction consisting of ACV and water. Use this is as a final rinse for beautifully soft and smooth hair. I also love to use ACV as a toner for my skin. If you're squeamish about the smell don't worry it disappears after a few minutes. 

  

Oranges & Lemon Juice for Soft Feet and Clear Skin

Research has shown that orange acids actually have a calming effect on the skin. Orange juice foot bath soothes and restores dry, callused feet. Combine the juice of a few lemons and oranges with essential oils in a basin of water to help calm the skin. Then, add a simple sea salt scrub to exfoliate the skin. Finally, add some lemon-scented lotion for extra moisture. Tada! Now you've got soft great smelling feet. 

                

Wine for Youthful Skin

Enjoyed in moderation, wine can actually be good for you, by helping increase good cholesterol, reduce heart disease and some cancers. It also turns out that the polyphenols that give red grapes their dark color can also help reverse the signs of aging. Eating red grapes helps the elastic properties of the skin by strengthening the cross-linking of collagen, thereby reducing wrinkles. For a quick wine facial  I combine a cup of yogurt, 2 spoonfuls of honey, and 4-5 tablespoons of wine for a powerful anti-aging mask. While my mask was working it's magic I leisurely drank some wine and nibbled on dark chocolate while my Spotify playlist took me away. Don't knock it till you try it.

   

Honey for Beautiful Hair

Honey is a powerful humectant that grabs onto and holds water. For a great hair mask, combine a little bit of olive oil, 1 egg yoke and honey. Coat your hair with the mixture and leave on for 30 minutes. Rinse away for soft and shiny hair. As someone who's hair requires ALOT of moisture I vouch for this DIY hair mask. Sounds gross but it works.  

Chili Peppers for Revitalized Feet

Soak those tired toes with chili peppers to stimulate circulation. After a long day is wearing heels and running around  this tip will give your feet the pick me up it deserves. Togarashi peppers, a type of Japanese chili pepper, contain a chemical that actually induces warmth. Mix them with warm water and soak your feet for 10 minutes to awaken and revitalize feet. Bonus for the Red Hot Chilli Pepper reference in the photo. =)

Coconut Oil for Healthy Skin & Strong Nails 

Used in many countries around the world, coconut oil contains strong antioxidants that help to soften the appearance of fine lines. Though it doesn't replace the need for SPF, it’s also a natural sunscreen and a wonderful way to reverse any type of skin damage from the sun. Simply rub this rich oil on for softer skin. Also, try rubbing some coconut oil on your nails and around the cuticles. You'd be surprised how much stronger your nails will be after a month or so. I use coconut oil on my skin, in my hair, and even in my coffee . Shoot, I even eat straight from the bottle. 

Garlic for Strong Nails

Yep, you read correctly. Take some chopped garlic and simply rub it on your nails and let it sit on there for about 15-20 minutes before your bath or add it to a bottle of clear nail polish. Let it “stew” for 7 to 10 days and then paint onto nails. This fortifying polish will make your nails super strong. Trust me on this one. I've always had brittle nails and this little trick worked miracles for me. Three of the top things that has worked for stronger nails has been using garlic, coconut oil, or using a good quality multi-vitamin. Right now I'm using a supplement called Hairfinity. I'll be doing a review on it within the month.   

 

Lemon and Sugar for Young Hands and a Clear Complexion

Our hands are one of the first areas of the body to show the signs of aging, so here's an all natural age busting scrub to combat aging hands. Create a thick paste by mixing sugar with a little lemon juice. Rub into hands. (Be sure there are no cuts on your skin or the lemon juice will sting.) The citric acid from the lemon helps to lighten dark spots on the skin, and the sugar sloughs away dull, dehydrated skin to reveal glowing, younger-looking hands. This scrub is also great for your elbows and knees. I've personally used this on my under arm areas and on my knees and have had great results. Of course strong chemical creams works quickly but if you're concerned with the potentially cancerous potions being absorbed into your body this is the perfect solution. 

There you've got it ladies. These are some weird sounding beauty tricks that all work exceptionally well. What are some of your odd sounding tips that are tried and true. Don't be selfish...sharing is caring.