DIY BEAUTY SOLUTIONS

GAZING INTO THE PANTRY WITH RENEWED CURIOSITY AND CREATIVITY? NOW’S THE TIME TO UNLEASH YOUR INNER BEAUTY CHEMIST. WE HIT UP ELLE EDITORS FROM AROUND THE WORLD FOR THEIR TRIED-ANDTESTED AT-HOME BEAUTY RECIPES

ELLE editors from around the world reveal their homemade skin saviours.

THE skin smoother

“Baking soda is my secret to beautiful skin. All I do is wet a cotton pad, then place some cleanser on top as well as baking soda. I then exfoliate my skin using gentle, circular motions and wash it off. I’m left with baby-smooth skin.” Velina Vasileva, ELLE BULGARIA

THE spot clearer

“Put an ordinary mint toothpaste plus zinc ointment or tea tree oil on a blemish overnight. The following day, it will have completely vanished.” Marta Krupinska, ELLE POLAND

THE calm-down-already fix

“Oatmeal contains beta-glucan, a soluble fibre that creates a thin film on the skin to help retain moisture. Place oatmeal onto a clean cloth and tie it into a ball with elastic. Then dip the ball into a sink of water and wring it out, repeating four or five times. When the water becomes cloudy, wash your face with it and let it air-dry. If you need to dry your face with a towel, use minimal pressure.” Petra Windschnurer, ELLE SLOVENIA

THE anti-ageing mask

“Mix half a cup of olive oil with two tablespoons each of aloe vera juice and rosewater in a clean ceramic bowl. Mix together with a wooden spoon. Apply generously to your face and neck, then rinse off after 15 minutes. You’ll be amazed at how soft your skin feels.” Mihaela Batinic, ELLE CROATIA

THE soft-all-over habit

“I dry-brush my body, or add a bit of oil (coconut, sesame or almond). The result: my skin is incredibly smooth and has a beautiful glow.” Marta Krupinska, ELLE POLAND

THE pout perfector

“A touch of olive oil mixed with a little brown sugar is all I use to gently exfoliate my lips — it also helps lips to better absorb lip balm. I just go freestyle when it comes to ratios.” Théo Dupuis-carbonneau, ELLE QUEBEC

THE smile brightener

“I swear by the Ayurvedic dental technique. This includes oil pulling for better breath, and it also helps me to maintain a healthy mouth and whiter teeth. I take a spoonful of virgin coconut oil, which I’ll swirl around my mouth for around 10 minutes before spitting it into the bin. Don’t spit it out in the sink — it’s oil and will negatively impact the water system. After that, I usually take turmeric and place it onto my toothbrush to wash my teeth. It’s also hygienic!” Anna Machová, ELLE CZECH REPUBLIC

THE scalp cleanser

“I’ve started exfoliating my scalp once a fortnight, and it has made the world of difference to my hair. My homemade remedy removes product build-up and dead skin cells, which ultimately leads to healthier hair. Mix one-part Himalayan salt with one-part olive oil and one-part lemon juice. Rub it all over your scalp before rinsing it out with warm water, then continue with your everyday shampoo and conditioner.” Marthe E Jakobsen, ELLE NORWAY

THE body zinger

“The caffeine from coffee can work wonders on your skin. I use coffee grounds mixed with coconut oil as a body scrub. The coffee grounds help to remove any built-up dirt and the coconut oil makes the skin super soft and hydrated.” Mallika Boonyuen, ELLE THAILAND

THE gentle scrub

“My at-home recipe is inspired by a traditional spa scrub and uses Himalayan salts. To make the scrub, I use sea salt and add essential oils, such as lemon, rosehip and lavender, or coconut oil. You can vary the quantities depending on how thick you want the scrub to be. Once the mixture is ready, gently massage into damp skin to exfoliate. Then wash off the scrub with warm water so the oils penetrate deeply.” Susana Blázquez, ELLE SPAIN

THE probiotic mask

“All you need is four tablespoons of cold, plain Greek yoghurt mixed with the contents of a probiotic capsule. Apply it to your skin with a cotton-wool ball, leave for 10 minutes, then rinse with warm water. The yoghurt contains enzymes that comfort the skin, while probiotics invigorate and make it glow.” Brooke Le Poer Trench, ELLE AUSTRALIA

THE shine booster

“My grandmother always said that hair is really precious. So, sometimes when my hair looks a bit dull and tired from styling, I use extra virgin olive oil – a Greek treasure that acts as natural conditioner for hair. When I’m in the shower washing my hair, I add a few drops of the oil into my conditioner and then I rinse it out. Afterwards, my hair is at its best: smoother, brighter and stronger!” Rozina Kouri, ELLE GREECE E