With the suggestions of my fabulous and ever-so-helpful classmates along with the (let’s go with frugal) student in me, I’ve decided to create a blog about the best beauty ingredients found in your kitchen. I’ve come up with 4 that may or may not surprise you. If you want to improve your skin and hair you can close your wallet and open your refrigerator instead.

The avocado: peel 1 ripe avocado and take the pit out. Mash with a fork until smooth and paste-like. Mix in the yolk of 1 egg along with 1/2 teaspoon of olive oil. Apply to hair, root to tips, and leave in for 20-30 minutes. Rinse and follow with shampoo and conditioner of your choice. Enjoy your glossy, moisturized locks!

Coffee beans: Caffiene has long been known to beauty products for its ability to reduce the appearance of cellulite, so why not exfoliate, de-cellulite, and awaken the skin, all in one? For this java scrub, just take 1/2 a cup of ground coffee beans, 1 tbsp brown sugar, and about 1 tbsp of olive oil and mix it all together. Use it as an exfoliator in the shower by rubbing it all over your body in small, circular motions.

Apple Cider Vinegar: Throw away your old toner, you don’t need it. Okay well maybe finish the bottle, but after that use apple cider vinegar instead! It’s a natural PH balancer which is what toners are designed to do. Mix it with water, less for oily skin, more for dry.

Sour Cream: Not just for your perogies. The full fat variety contains lactic acid which nourishes and smooths all skin types. This form of alpha hydroxyl acid is actually found in many high-end skin care products and can double as a very gentle face mask. Smear on liberally, and leave on for 20 mins before applying your favourite moisturizer.