Beauty Advice From La Cocina: Cooking Up True Beauty

A well-stocked pantry isn’t just a plentiful source of delicious and healthy meals – it’s an endless supply of at home, do-it-yourself beauty that won’t break the bank. Here’s some beauty advice for creating your own concoctions in su cocina, one pantry ingredient at a time.

Citrus

Limón, cal, and pomelo: all have their own unique benefits, but can for the most part be used interchangeably. Citrus is praised for its high Vitamin C content as well as its ascorbic acid, making it a great natural toner and cleanser.

Nail Treatment

Soak your nails in lemon juice for ten minutes before rinsing them and massaging with coconut oil (be sure to do this before trimming any cuticles, or you might have some very sore fingers). The acid will help to lighten and brighten your natural nail color, and the Vitamin C will help strengthen your nail bed!

Scalp Treatment

Combine four tablespoons coconut oil with one tablespoon each of fresh lemon juice and grapefruit juice. Use a nylon brush to gently brush the mixture over your scalp, parting your hair when needed. Work in sections, covering your entire scalp. Use your fingertips to give your whole head a massage (or get a friend to do it). We promise, it’ll feel amazing! Then let it rest for 20 minutes. Wash hair and enjoy your dry skin-free scalp and newly stimulated hair follicles.

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Avocado

Aguacate is often used in home beauty remedies because of its high fat content. Avocado is loaded with healthy oils, so whether you’re eating it, slathering it over skin, nails, or hair, you’re going to be getting some seriously good use from it.

Hair Mask

Mash together a ripe banana, along with a tablespoon of honey and a whole avocado. Slather it over wet and already washed hair, then comb through, being sure to coat every luscious lock. Tie or wrap up your hair and cover with a cap to keep the heat in. Let your hair soak up the avocado goodness for 20 minutes before rinsing it out. ¡Bravo! Instant hair mask from the kitchen!

Facial

Combine half an avocado with a tablespoon of coconut oil (or, for a little extra scent, use a tablespoon of almond oil). Spread evenly over your face and neck and allow to sit for about 10 minutes before gently rinsing away with warm water. Enjoy you delectably soft skin!

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Coffee

 Coffee makes a wonderful beauty ingredient and is wildly versatile. Whether you’re using used grounds, whole beans, or brewed café itself, coffee will do wonders for your beauty routine!

Body Scrub

Combine one cup ground coffee, 1 cup sugar, 1/2 cup coconut oil, and 1/2 tablespoon cinnamon. (Yes, this is for a big batch! You can scale the recipe down as needed). Store in an airtight container and use 1-2 times a week when you shower. Disfruta as the coffee and sugar exfoliate your skin and the coconut oil leaves you silky smooth!

Face Mask

In a medium-sized bowl, combine 1/2 cup ground coffee, 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, one cup whole milk (or almond milk if you prefer), one tablespoon lemon juice, and one tablespoon honey. Add milk slowly, especially if you prefer a thicker face mask. Apply to skin and let dry, approximately 20 minutes. Wash off and enjoy your amazing smelling skin! Note that any extra can be stored in the fridge for 3 days.