Turn Your Leftovers Into DIY Beauty Products

Estimated Read Time: 4 minutes

Did you know that food waste in the United States is estimated to be between 30 and 40% of the total food supply… Globally, around 33% of the world’s food produce (that’s about 1.3 billion tons) is lost or wasted, too.

This got us thinking. We believe in the power of plants, that’s why so many natural ingredients find their way into our products here at Cel… But, could our leftovers become our next go-to beauty products?

What About An Avocado Face Mask or Banana Hair Mask?

Avocado Face Mask

Instead of throwing your browning avocados in the trash, treat yourself to a face mask! They’re rich in amino acids and can help your skin retain moisture.

Simply mash up your avocado (removing the skin and stone), and add one tablespoon of honey. The mixture should form a paste. Apply the mix to your face and leave on for 10-15 minutes. Then, wash off the mixture with warm water and pat your face dry. Your skin should feel smooth and hydrated!

Banana Hair Mask

Banana has an abundance of nourishing properties that can help rejuvenate frizzy, damaged locks. Loaded with magnesium, potassium, essential vitamins and silicon, bananas aid in preventing dandruff and promote strength in the cuticle layer of the hair, which may help it shine. It’s a natural conditioner too, so hair can get it’s bounce back! That’s right, your leftover banana can be magic for your mane!

Simply take 1 ripe banana and 2 tablespoons of olive oil! Blend your banana until there are no chunks left, then add the olive oil and mix well. Then, transfer the mixture to a clean bowl.

Section your hair off, and apply the mask from root to tip, and try to cover your entire scalp and length of hair. Once covered, tie your hair in a loose bun and put on a shower cap to stop it dripping. Alternatively, a towel around your shoulders may do. After 15 minutes or so, rinse the hair through with lukewarm water, and then shampoo and condition as usual with your favourite, hypoallergenic wash duo.

What about an Egg White Face Mask? Or A Lemon Scrub?

Egg White Face Mask With Lemon & Honey

When you have too many eggs, you can always hard boil them and use them in salads or sandwiches to help them last a little longer.

However, eggs are a powerhouse of biotin which is known as the nutrient for skin, hair and nails. So, why not try an egg based face mask with your left over eggs and get that biotin hit topically?

Eggs, lemons and honey all work together to tighten and unclog your pores, as well as brighten your skin. Whisk one egg white, one teaspoon of honey and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice together in a clean bowl. It may feel a little watery, but that’s OK.

Next, spread over your face, avoiding your mouth and eyes. Leave it to work for 5 - 10 minutes and then wash off with warm water thoroughly. Pat your face dry, and apply your moisturiser.

Honey Lemon Sugar Scrub

We dread to think how many lemons we’ve let go to waste, here at Cel! They’re so easy to forget about in the fruit bowl, as they're not a fruit you tend to snack on.

Lemons can be a great skincare addition though. Lemon is a natural source of Vitamin C which is effective in evening out skin pigmentation whilst helping boost collagen levels, and it is also a natural astringent meaning it can help tighten pores and brighten your complexion!

For this glow-inducing scrub, you will need 1 tablespoon of honey, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1/2 lemon and 1 tablespoon of olive or coconut oil.

Squeeze your 1/2 a lemon and mix it with the olive/coconut oil in a clean bowl. Then, add the honey and mix together until it’s a good, sturdy consistency. Next, add the sugar and mix in. Feel free to add a little more of each ingredient as you see fit.

You can use this scrub on your face and body. When applying to your body, rub in to the skin in a circular motion for several minutes before rinsing off in a lukewarm shower (and hey, don’t forget your feet!).

When applying to your face, make sure to avoid your eyes and be really gentle with the circular motion application. If any does get in your eye, rinse with cool, clean water.

Cel Pro Tip: A Honey Lemon Sugar Scrub can help brighten yellowing nails too, as well as assist in promoting their strength. So, spend a little time massaging this mixture into your cuticles and nails on your feet and hands.

What About A Greek Yogurt Hair Mask?

Greek Yogurt Hair Mask

Keratin is the protein that makes your hair long, strong, sleek and shiny. So, next time it’s looking a little lacklustre, dry or frizzy, try reloading your mane with protein via your excess greek yogurt!

Take 1/2 cup of yogurt (natural or greek), 1/2 cup of olive oil, two eggs and 1/2 cup of honey. Mix them all together in a clean bowl until you achieve a creamy, thick texture. Wet your hair and apply the mask all over your scalp and the lengths of your locks.

Leave for 5 – 10 minutes before rinsing thoroughly with lukewarm water, and then washing as usual with Cel’s natural, cutting-edge stem cell shampoo and conditioner duo.

Have you seen Cel’s new sustainably sourced packaging?

Our popular Microstem Shampoo & Conditioner duo set has a whole new look! This excellent pair is not only great for your hair, but great for the planet too as they're both now sporting a fully recyclable aluminium body (at present, only available in the US).

Aluminium is one of the most recycled and most recyclable materials on the market today! Nearly 75 percent of all aluminium produced in the U.S. is still in use right now.

In addition, because of its weight, aluminium is lighter to ship around the world than any other material, so that means there is less carbon being released during shipping. Plus, we’re using less components to help cut down on packaging waste. By eliminating the extra cap and unit carton Cel is lessening its waste footprint!

Check out our amazing Microstem Shampoo & Conditioner, and treat yourself to a nutrient-loaded, ethical, hair-growth boosting wash now! 

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