My Nana is a legend. I know everyone thinks that about their own grandparent, but really, mine beats yours hands down. Over the years, she has imparted precious wisdom upon me that I shall bestow upon my own offspring one day. And what wisdom is that, I hear you cry. Why, ‘tis the wisdom of eternal beauty. Never again will I have to splash out on expensive treatments, lotions and potions. In my experience, they are an expensive waste of time anyway. Nay, I hold the key to the best, cheapest – and not to mention fun – beauty recipes ever, thanks to my Nana.

And they’re even more relevant now that the nasty little recession has hit us. Who needs Creme de la Mer when you can have Creme Caramel* slathered all over your face? It’s cheap, effective, and it sure beats some off-the-counter products I have tried in the past, I can tell you. Some have brought me out in spots, some have stung that bad that I thought a load of bees had invited themselves into my bathroom and had an unwanted party on my face.

Also, in a noticeably more environmentally conscious world, companies are going back to natural remedies and including ingredients such as lemon, avocado and even rice in their products. So if they can do it, why can’t we?

Wanna have a go? Grab some mates and have a good ol’ girlie day making beauty recipes in the kitchen. Here are some you could try:

* This was an example – I’ve never tried putting Crème Caramel on my face as an alternative to any beauty product. Some may have ended up on my cheek in an impromptu food fight, but that’s all.

Facemask for Oily Skin

Pop it all into a bowl and give it a good mix. Apply to a clean face and wait 10-15 mins. Wash off and pat face dry with a towel.

Facemask for Dry Skin

Mix ingredients together and smooth onto face. Leave on for 10-15 mins and relax. Rinse with warm water and pat face dry with a towel.

Fruit Sensation Hairmask

Smooth onto dry hair and leave wrapped in a warm towel or cling film (it’s less messy) for 15 mins. Rinse well.

Minty Fresh Hairmask

Smooth onto dry hair and leave wrapped in a warm towel or cling film for 15 mins. Rinse well with warm water followed by a quick shot of cold water at the end (for added shine).

Sugar Scrub

Combine the sugar and sweet almond oil in a large bowl and stir well. Add the lemon juice and stir again. Finally, add the honey and lemon essential oil and stir again to mix.

Scrubadub

Combine together and rub over body in circular motions to exfoliate dead skin. Rinse off in bath or shower.