Beauty Food: You Are What You Eat

Like many young girls fresh out of college, I moved to NYC with dreams of becoming a magazine editor. After three months of pounding the proverbial gum and cigarette-strewn pavement, I landed my first real job. I was a writer and editor for a series of hair and beauty magazines for about six years, and it was an absolute blast. I interviewed celebrity hairstylists, scored tons of free products and was treated to nice lunches and free highlights. It was kind of an ideal job for a 20-something girl, and my mom still calls me little Carrie Bradshaw. The truth is, I have always felt a lot more like Andrea Zuckerman.

Today's post is a throwback to my first job and the kinds of articles I used to write. Whether you're looking to cut down on the chemicals you put on your skin, trying to save a few bucks or just need a quick fix until you can run to the drugstore for your regular product, you'll be amazed at how many DIY beauty remedies you can create from stuff you probably already have in your fridge. Here are just a few:

Yogurt-Cucumber-Parsley Mask

Puree 1 tbsp cucumber and 1 tbsp parsley in blender. Mix in 1tsp yogurt, then spread evenly on clean skin. Leave mask on for 15-20 minutes to refresh skin, rinse, then slather on moisturizer.

 Cranberry Lip Balm

Mix 10 fresh cranberries, 1 tbsp sweet almond oil, 1 tsp honey, and 1 drop of vitamin E oil in a microwave-safe bowl and heat mixture until it just begins to boil. Stir well and crush berries. Cool for five minutes, then strain through a mesh sieve to remove fruit. Stir the mixture, and when completely cooled, transfer to a small plastic or tin container.

Moisturizing Egg & Olive Oil  Conditioner

Beat one egg yolk until its thick and white, then stream in 1/2 tsp of olive oil and mix well. Stir in 3/4 cup of lukewarm water, then massage into clean, damp hair. Rinse after 10-15 minutes.

Citrus Teeth Whitener

Mix together 1 tsp lemon juice and 1 tsp salt, then take the inner part of an orange peel and rub teeth with the mixture to make them white and shiny.

 Exfoliating Oatmeal Scrub

Mix uncooked oats with a little lemon juice and olive oil for a gentle exfoliating face scrub. Use just enough oil to make the oats damp, not soaked, for best results.

Clarifying Shampoo with Lemon Juice

Combine 1 ounce olive oil, 1 egg, 1 tbsp lemon juice and 1 tsp apple cider vinegar in a blender and mix. Apply to hair and rinse (discard any leftovers).

Brunette Color Booster

Brew a cup of coffee, let it cool completely, then leave on hair for 20 minutes to warm up brunette tones.

Be good to your skin from the inside out...

 Drink green or black tea: They boast acne-fighting antioxidants and phytonutrients.

Eat more salmon: Its healthy omega-3 fatty acids reduce the body's production of inflammatory substances, decreasing clogged arteries and preventing lines and wrinkles. 

Include flax seeds in your diet: Also packed with omega-3 fatty acids, flax seeds can help make hair thicker and stronger.

Eat more citrus: Vitamin C supports the production of collagen and promotes supple, glowing skin. Deficiencies in vitamin C can cause easy bruising.