These kitchen secrets are not only inexpensive but also do not have any side effects. Also the fact that you do not have to travel or make time for heading to the parlour is an added advantage. Just try these tips and you are sure to gather loads of oohs and aahas the next time you step out.

Shahnaz Husain, who has been propagating the use of ayurveda and kitchen secrets to look good for years together, recommends this daily home regimen for looking good. According to her this five-minute routine is quite an investment and is sure to give you good results. “Start by using either almond oil or pure coconut oil by warming it slightly and then applying on the hands and feet. Then take a tissue and wipe away any sticky residue from the hands and feet before going for your bath. Take the juice of two tomatoes and apply over the hands and feet. Leave it on for 5-10 minutes. Mix some coarsely ground dates into the remaining tomato juice and use as an exfoliator, removing all traces of dead cells from the hands and feet. Wipe off with a hand towel soaked in warm water. Then apply a good moisturizer and you are sorted for the day.”

For normal skin

• Rub papaya pulp on your face and neck. Let it dry. Then, wash your face with cold water and wipe dry. This will give your skin a nice glow. Use the skin of an apple as a skin cleanser.
• Boil some lemon grass in a small container and let it cool. Pour it in an ice tray and freeze for later use. Whenever you have to go for a party and your face looks dull just rub these ice cube on your face, neck and behind your ears. And you will see your face losing all the traces of fatigue accumulated.

For oily skin

• Mix 3 tbsp of wheat flour and water or rose water to make a thick paste. Apply on your face and let it dry. Wash with water and pat dry. This will remove excess oil from your skin.
• Take two teaspoons of raw milk and cucumber juice and two drops of lemon. With a cotton ball, apply the mixture on your face and let it dry. Then, wash with water and pat dry.
• Soak three to four teaspoons of whole masoor dal (red gram) for 12 hours. Grind into a paste and apply on your face and neck. Once it dries, wash your face with cold water. This will rob your skin of all the excess oil.

For dry skin

• Soak 2 tbsp khus khus or poppy seeds overnight. Grind it with just enough milk to make a fine thick paste.
• Apply this mixture on your face and wash it when it dries. This is sure to moisturise your skin and take care of the extra painful dryness. Applying some raw milk on your face and washing it after 10 mins will also do your dry skin a world of good and keep your skin supple.
• Make a paste of 5 tablespoons of raw peanuts with raw milk. Add ½ teaspoon honey to the mix. Now apply this peanut honey mix on your face and let it dry. Wash with warm water and pat dry.

For combination skin

• Mix some multani mitti with 8-10 ground mint leaves, some honey and some rose water. Apply for 10 minutes and wash with warm water. This will cleanse your skin and also give it a fresh look.
• Make a paste of a piece of nutmeg and rose water. Apply on your face and leave it for fifteen minutes. Wash with cold water.

So what are you waiting for? Just head to your kitchen for a more attractive looking you.

Pic: Benjamin Earwicker