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Look good on a budget: All-natural spring beauty products

Amrita Singh Frugalista
Published Monday, April 28, 2014 6:49AM EDT Last Updated Monday, April 28, 2014 10:26AM EDT

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FACE SCRUB

Grind 1/4 cup of almond and 1/4 cup oatmeal into a fine powder. Put a pinch into palm of hand, add a little bit of water (or milk) to create paste, then rub gently onto face. This can be messy so be sure to work it into a paste so it's more manageable. Can also add the powder to existing cream cleanser and boost its exfoliating properties.

Almonds are known to moisturize and heal. In fact, mandelic acid is an alpha hydroxy and it comes from almonds. Oatmeal is an excellent cleanser and flushes your skin of toxins -just as it flushes your system of toxins when you eat a bowl of it for breakfast.

DIY MAKEUP WIPES

Cut a roll of strong paper towel into half. Place a half roll upright into a plastic container with lid. Mix 2 Tbsp olive oil, 2 Tbsp baby shampoo and 5 drops of tea tree essential oil with 2 cup boiled water. Pour liquid over top paper towel roll. Let soak for a minute and then remove cardboard insert. Pull out sheets of soaked paper towel and use as makeup wipe.

Olive oil and baby shampoo work beautifully to gently remove makeup. Tea tree oil is an astringent and helps clear away blemishes, it's also an antimicrobial and will combat mold to help wipes last longer.

DIY PORE STRIPS

Gentler and a more natural option to the gelatin pore strips that some beauty experts are making at home. Cut up paper towel into strips that will fit over your nose. Beat one egg white with fresh ground pepper so it's frothy but still in liquid form. Apply a thin layer of egg white onto nose and place paper towel strip on top. Apply several more coats of egg white over top paper towel strip. Let dry for at least 20 minutes. Peel off strip, rinse nose and dry. Store leftover egg white in the fridge and use for in your next omelette!

Egg will tighten pores and remove dead skin, plus act like gentle glue and pull out surface clogs. Black pepper stimulates blood flow and acts as a detoxifier.

ALL-NATURAL BRONZER

If you want to give your skin the occasional glow and bronzing effect...use cocoa powder. A light dusting of the powder adds a subtle layer of bronze to your skin. This can be a messy affair so make sure you apply the powder before putting on your good clothes!

Sprinkle a bit of cocoa into a lid or shallow dish. Dip makeup brush into the powder, tap off excess, and apply onto face. For my skin tone, I like to use dutch-processed cocoa. If you have a fairer complexion you may want to stick with natural cocoa. Both can be found at the bulk store. You can also add a dash of cinnamon to play around with shades.