Four Foods that Double as Beauty Products

Using all natural ingredients in your DIY beauty recipes is an environmentally friendly alternative to all those chemical-laden products stocking store shelves at your local supermarket. Not only that, but using natural foods found in your pantry and refrigerator is often a financially superior option to expensive cleansers, creams and moisturizers.

Below are four foods that just about everyone has easy access to. In fact, it's possible that they're all hanging out in your kitchen at this very moment.

Banana - Hair Conditioner
Putting a banana in your hair may sound like something you'd do as a toddler, but it actually is an easy and affordable way to moisturize your locks. Combine one banana with half a cup of yogurt and mix it thoroughly. After wetting your hair, apply it like you would a conditioning mask and let it set for about 10 minutes. Rinse, shampoo and style as normal.

Extra virgin olive oil - Nail Moisturizer
Extra virgin olive oil comes in handy for all sorts of reasons. Many use it as a deep conditioner for their hair, but I'm also a huge fan of using it on my cuticles! Extra virgin olive oil truly makes your nails look shiny and new. All you have to do is apply a tiny drop to each cuticle and then massage into the skin. Then use an inexpensive nail buffer set to shape, shine and smooth. This trick is one of my favorites since it's easy, all-natural and cheap.

Sugar - Skin Exfoliant
Sugar's a sweet treat for your mouth, but it also does wonders on your skin! If you're in deep need of an exfoliant, all you have to do is add a spoonful of sugar to your soap or gel and then rub it into the skin. It swiftly removes dead and built up skin on callous-prone areas like the elbows, knees and legs. After a shower scrub, your skin will feel smoother and healthier. You can add a very tiny amount -- roughly 1/8 tsp. -- to your facial cleanser to create a facial exfoliant. Massage very gently into the skin, especially if you have a sensitive complexion.

Honey - Moisturizing, Anti-Aging
You already know that raw, local honey is good for you, but did you know that the sticky stuff also has anti-aging properties? Yep! Honey has the ability to absorb and retain moisture, which refreshes the skin and gives you that pretty, youthful glow. Slather a spoonful onto your face after washing and let it set for 10 to 15 minutes. Wash it off and revel in a moisturized, glowing complexion!

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