apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

The incredibly simple but very refreshing and relaxing epsom salts and baking soda bath (equal parts of both; at least a cup of each). Mix in a bit of essential oil if you like.

I use the sugar and olive oil scrub as an all over exfoliator. I try to add some lavendar oil just because it tends to smell a bit too "foody" without it.

I tend to use salt and olive oil rather than sugar. it makes your hands incredibly soft.

also, egg white facials.

Greek yogurt a dollop of honey a bit of lemon juice makes a wonderful face mask. You can use regular yogurt, but the Greek stuff stays on better. The lactic acid in the yogurt gently exfoliates and brightens (even if you have sensitive skin) and feels really soothing if you use it straight from the fridge. The honey is moisturizing and has antibacterial properties (use the raw stuff, if possible) which is good for acne. Lemon juice brightens a bit too, due to the citric acid. You can skip the lemon juice if you're on the sensitive side.

Oh, and you can add a tiny bit of brown sugar or cornmeal for exfoliation.

I'm inspired! many thanks

Pure honey as a facial masque- leave it on for 10 minutes, then rinse with warm water.

Mix a little honey into your conditioner and it will make your hair shiny and smooth

Mix equal parts water and apple cider vinegar, and rinse your hair with it after shampooing and conditioning for a purifying, shine-creating treatment.

I use a sugar cube dipped in honey to exfoliate my lips. Just rub in little circles and it works wonderfully! Your lips have never felt this soft:)

Like jfinteriors, I'm a big proponent of a bit of sugar and a bit of olive oil, particularly for my hands in the winter.

The reason to use sugar rather than salt? The scrubbing benefits seem to be about the same, but sugar doesn't burn if you have split skin from a hangnail or something.

Coffee scrub (caffeinated). Use 3tbsp coffee grounds 1tbsp salt (optional)
Brew coffee, put grounds (and salt if used) in a bowl. Use grounds within 20mins of brewing before oxidation occurs. Use as body scrub in the shower.

I think you can use sugar instead of salt here too.

Afterwards you can drink the coffee :)

For a great face exfoliate mix a little salt in with honey till it's just thick enough to not drip from the spoon.

Put it on your face and leave it for about 5-10 minutes.

Wash it off in warm water by rubbing your face using the salt to exfoliate.

I have never had my skin feel as nice and soft using store bought products as I have with this simple mixture!

This is great. Thank you all so much. I needed a good exfoliant.

For soft and shiny hair, mix 8oz of goat's milk with one ripe avocado. Mix all together in a blender. Apply mixture to dry hair massaging from scalp to ends and leave for 30mins. Rinse and shampoo/condition as usual.

I've posted this in another section, but I just can't gush about it enough.

I use UNCOATED ASPIRIN made into a paste with a tiny bit of water, it falls apart easily. Keep it in a container with a lid in the shower and you can use it before shaving, straight, and get the smoothest legs (or face for the dudes) ever.

I occasionally mix a small handful of the paste with sesame oil, but I like it better applied separately. It's like 2 in 1 shampoo, never as good as two products.

The key is UNCOATED aspirin. I buy giant bottles from Walgreens for 4 bucks. Coated with never dissolve into a paste.

If someone does try this, please post and let me know what you think.