Homemade Facial Recipes

Nothing's more satisfyingly exquisite than a pampering facial treatment. But giving your face a superb treat in an upscale spa would mean burning a hole on your pocket!

Interestingly, it is possible to whip up your own moisturizing facial mask and scrub using ingredients that are readily available in your kitchen. Here are some examples you can try:

Oatmeal Facial Scrub

• Mix 1/4 cup finely ground oatmeal, 1/4 cup finely ground cornmeal, 1 teaspoon honey, and one teaspoon fresh milk. Make paste. Rub in circular motions over face and neck, avoiding the eye area. You may leave mixture on face for 10 minutes. Rinse with water.

Hair Care 101

Hair -- every woman's crowning glory. With age and technology comes a pageant of hair products -- from shampoos to conditioners, from dyes to highlights, from treatments to toupees. Gone is Maria with her coconut oil. Along with these beauty enhancers, however, is the danger of damaging hair and turning it into a clowning tragedy instead.

Damage to the hair is usually caused by heat (irons, blow dryers, curlers, heat lamps, etc.), chemicals (color, perms, relaxers, poor chemicals, etc.), or poor diet (lack of proteins and essential fatty acids). Damaged hair stays as is until it grows out or is cut off.

Below are tips to help you prevent hair damage:

• Do not blow-dry hair completely. Leave a little moisture. If you really can't live without blow-drying your hair, just flip it upside down and dry only the roots on low heat.
• Never brush wet or damp hair