Just because our economy is suffering, doesn’t mean your beauty routine has to.

There’s tons of stuff you can whip up on your own for little or no cost.

Over the last couple of months, I’ve been compiling a list of my favorite recipes to help you get through this GFC (Global Financial Crisis…what the cool kids are calling it). Here goes:

Face: Try this simple but very effective exfoliating mask that my facialist Danette Vives shared with me.

Combine 1 tablespoon sugar, honey, and lemon and massage onto face for 3-5 minutes, then rinse face with water 10-12 times.  Apply once a week for a great exfoliation.

Bonus: The scrub tastes really good.

Tip: Danette says to always blot not rub your face dry with a towel to prevent strain on the skin.

Puffy Eyes: Skip the pricey eye creams and try this bewitching solution.

Fill a small bowl with witch hazel (which can be purchased at Target or Walgreens). Soak two cotton pads in the bowl and place in the refrigerator for a couple of hours or overnight. Before applying make-up, place the chilled pads on your eyes for 3-5 minutes to reduce dark circles and puffiness. Works like a charm!

Bonus: Witch Hazel helps reduce black heads and it’s all natural!

Age Spots/Discoloration: Microdermabrasion treatments can cost a pretty penny, but they aren’t the only way to combat age spots. A good friend told me about this one, she swears by it.

Peel and cut a small red onion into halves. Rub directly onto the affected area. Repeat regularly till the spot fades.

Dull Hair: Before you go booking an appointment for a deep conditioning treatment, try this easy and practically free fix. I read about this on Glamour.com over a year ago. What stood out to me was the fact that dullness isn’t always caused by dryness, sometimes it’s just a result of product build-up.

Mix half your regular amount of shampoo with an equal amount of baking soda and lather up. Condition and dry as usual. Use whenever needed.

Dry Hair: If you hair is truly dry, try this tried and true hair mask.

Whisk together two whole eggs and 4- 5 tablespoons of olive oil. Apply to damp or dry hair (I’ve heard both), keep on for 15-30 minutes (longer if you can stand it), then rinse and shampoo as usual.

Alternative: Going to spend a day chilling by the pool or on the beach?  Comb some olive oil through your hair and tie it up in a bun. (Avoid the roots) Leave on all day for a great deep conditioning. Your hair may feel a bit greasy after shampooing, but don’t worry, it will look great once it dries.

I hope you enjoy these, let me know if you have any great homemade beauty recipes up your sleeve.

Drop me a line at ladylex@ineedprettythings.com.