Natural Beauty with Tomatoes

Studies have shown that tomato consumption has been associated with decreased risk of various cancers including breast cancer, and a warrior against heart disease and neurodegenerative diseases. Tomatoes contain lycopene which is known as one of the most powerful natural antioxidants, and which has been shown to improve the skin's ability to protect against the harmful effects of UV rays. The natural acids in tomatoes helps balance the skin and get rid of excess oil. Their vitamin content also proves beneficial skin in helping to repair and brighten dull damaged skin. For these reasons, tomatoes are a terrific ingredient to use in our kitchen-makeovers.

For acne skin, rub a tomato over the affected areas of the skin and let the juices set for at least 30 minutes before rinsing with cool water. The juice of the tomato has an astringent-like property that helps fight bacteria. This should be done at least 3 times a week.

If you have combination skin with acne, try a tomato, mint, and honey mask. You will need 1 tomato, ¼ cup of fresh mint, and 1 tablespoon of honey. Mash the tomato into a  pulp. Chop the mint leaves and add to the tomato pulp. Lastly, fold the honey into the pulp and mint mixture and apply to the skin, leave on for 15 – 20 minutes and rinse with cool water. The juice from the tomato pulp will help to fight the bacteria and the honey will help to seal in moisture. This mask should also be applied at least 3 times a week in order for you to see the benefits.

If you have large pores, try a tomato and lime mask to diminish the appearance of your pores. You will need 1/2 tomato, and 1 small lime. Mash the tomato into a pulp. Squeeze the lime juice into the pulp and apply to the skin, leave on for 15 - 20 minutes, and rinse with warm water. This mask is also useful to get rid of, and prevent, blackheads.

If you have oily skin, try a tomato and avocado mask. You will need 1 tomato and 1 small avocado. Mash the two together creating a thick paste. Apply the paste onto your skin, leave on for 20 - 30 minutes, and rinse with cool water.

For irritated or sun-burned skin, try a tomato and yogurt mask. You will need ½ tomato and 1/4 cup of plain yogurt. Dice the tomato and blend with the yogurt. Place in the refrigerator for 2 – 3  minutes. Once cooled, pat the mixture onto your face, gently massaging as you go along and be sure to avoid the eyes. Leave on for 10-15 minutes and rinse with warm water. This will cool your skin and leave it looking bright and feeling soft.

For a soothing and overall skin brightening experience, draw yourself a tomato and buttermilk bath. You will need 4 cups of buttermilk and 3 tomatoes. Strain the juice of the three tomatoes and mix with the buttermilk. Add the mixture to your bathwater and relax as the buttermilk soothes your skin and the tomato juice repairs and brightens your skin. Be sure to rinse with warm water and apply your favorite overall body lotion afterwards.

Remember, Pretty Girls’ Pantry always loves to hear your feedback about your experience with our pantry makeovers, or answer any questions, so E-mail us at prettygirlspantry@gmail.com and let us know. In the meantime, don’t forget to check back with us next week for another installment of natural beauty fixes straight from your pantry.

Natural Beauty with Lemons

Lemons are high in Vitamin C. As we learned last week, Vitamin C is vital in the defense against free radicals. Because of the Vitamin C content and because of their natural fruit acids, lemons can be used to help refresh and rejuvenate your skin.

The fruit acids found in lemons can help to eradicate dead cells from the skin. It is for this reason that lemons can be used to help “lighten” darker patches of skin. It’s important to remember that we all have differing levels of skin sensitivity, and while some of the recipes may not cause dryness or reactions to your skin, the Pretty Girls’ Pantry highly recommend doing a patch test before applying the solutions completely onto your skin. The acids in lemon have been known to have a bleaching effect when combined with exposure to the sun. We recommend that all of these solutions be applied in the evening when the skin will not be exposed to sun light.

For dry hands and feet, try a lemon and brown sugar exfoliating scrub. You will need 2 whole lemons, and 1 teaspoon of brown sugar. Squeeze the juice from the lemons and combine with the brown sugar. Apply vigorously over hands or feet. Rinse with warm water and apply a lotion. We at Pretty Girls’ Pantry prefer a peppermint lotion to help invigorate the skin. You should do this once a week to keep your hands and feet feeling and looking soft.

If the skin on your knees, elbows, and the back of your heels are dark or rough, try a lemon, honey, and olive oil mask. You will need 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 lemon, and 1 teaspoon of honey. Squeeze the juice out of the lemon, mix it with the olive oil and honey and apply to those patches of skin. Leave the mask for 10 -15 minutes with warm water. Remember lemon causes photosensitivity; so do this in the evening or do not expose yourself to the sun for a few hours after the treatment.

You may have noticed when you use some nail polish that your nails develop a yellow stain. To remove that stain use a cotton ball soaked in lemon juice. Leave it on for 5 minutes, then rinse and apply lotion.

For oily skin try a banana honey and lemon mask. You will need 1 banana, 1 teaspoon of honey, and 1 lemon. Mash up the banana, add the honey and then squeeze the lemon over the mixture. Apply over your face and leave it on for 10 minutes. Rinse with warm water. This will lock in the natural moisture while banishing the excess oil.

For skin with blemishes, try a lemon yogurt mask. You will need 1 lemon and 1 cup of plain yogurt. Squeeze the lemon juice into the yogurt and mix it thoroughly. After you’ve mixed it, place it in the refrigerator for 15 minutes. Then apply to your face and leave on for 10 – 15 minutes. Rinse with water.

Finally, for overall oil control, toxin release, and as a breath refresher drink water with lemon throughout the day.

Remember, Pretty Girls’ Pantry always loves to hear your feedback about your experience with our pantry makeovers, or answer any questions, so E-mail us at prettygirlspantry@gmail.com and let us know. In the meantime, don’t forget to check back with us next week for another installment of natural beauty fixes straight from your pantry.

Natural Beauty with Strawberries

Strawberries contain a range of nutrients, including vitamin C. They also contain phytonutrients and antioxidants, which fight free radicals. In terms of skin care this is excellent news because free radicals may lead to cell damage which can result in premature aging. Strawberries have a purifying effect which makes the fruit versatile in its use. This week, we’ll discuss various methods of using strawberries and other all natural ingredients to enhance our beauty.

If you have acne or oily skin, try a strawberry yogurt mask. To obtain the full benefits, don’t buy strawberry yogurt, use fresh strawberries to make the mask. You will need ¼ cup of fresh sliced strawberries and ¼ of plain yogurt. Take some of the strawberries and mash them up, then fold them into the yogurt. Take the remaining strawberry slices and also fold them into the mixture. Place in the refrigerator for 2 – 3 minutes. Once cooled, pat the mixture onto your face, gently massaging as you go along and be sure to avoid the eyes. Leave on for 10-15 minutes and rinse with warm water. This will leave your skin looking bright and feeling soft.

For normal skin try a strawberry, almond and honey mask. You will need ¼ fresh strawberry slices, ¼ unsalted ground almonds, and 2 tablespoons of honey. Mash the strawberries, and then add the almonds and honey. Pat the mixture onto your face. Leave on for 10-15 minutes and rinse with warm water. This will leave your skin looking bright and feeling soft.

To tighten and tone your skin, try a strawberry, coffee, and honey mask. You will need 5 or 6 medium sized strawberries, 1 tablespoon of espresso coffee grinds, and 1 tablespoon of honey. Mash up the strawberries until they are smooth, because of the quantity of strawberries for this recipe, you can mash them up in a blender until they are smooth. Then add the coffee and honey. Place the mixture in the refrigerator for 2 – 3 minutes. Once cooled, pat the mixture onto your face, gently massaging as you go along and be sure to avoid the eyes. Leave on for 10-15 minutes and rinse with warm water.

For a brightening facial wash, try a strawberry and almond facial scrub. You will need ¼ fresh strawberry slices, ¼ unsalted ground almonds, and 2 tablespoons of baking soda. Mash the strawberries, and the baking soda creating a paste, and then add the almonds. Splash some warm water onto your face, then take the paste and gently rub onto your face as you would any other facial scrub, and rinse with warm water. This will leave your skin looking bright and feeling supple.

Strawberries can also help take care of our hands and feet. For a foot and hand scrub you will need 6-8 strawberries, 2 tablespoons of olive, and one teaspoon of sea-salt. Mash the strawberries and then add the oil and salt, making a paste. Massage the paste onto the feet your feet or hands, rubbing vigorously go along. Pay special attention to the areas where you’re prone to calluses. Leave the paste on for 10-15 minutes and rinse with warm water.

Lastly, strawberries can also be used to remove stains from your teeth. You will need 1 fresh strawberry and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda. Mash the strawberry and mix-in the baking soda. Use your toothbrush or your finger to spread the mixture onto your teeth. Leave on for 5 minutes, and then brush thoroughly with toothpaste to remove the strawberry paste. This should be used once a week; if you have sensitive teeth, once every other week.

Remember, Pretty Girls’ Pantry always loves to hear your feedback about your experience with our pantry makeovers, or answer any questions, so E-mail us at prettygirlspantry@gmail.com . In the meantime, don’t forget to check back with us next week for another installment of natural beauty fixes straight from your pantry.

Natural Treatments for Mild Cases of Dandruff

Dandruff is a condition that affects many men and women. Contrary to popular belief, dandruff is rarely caused by an allergic reaction to chemicals in hair gels/sprays, oils, improper hygiene or the right or wrong shampoo. Dandruff has been shown to be the result of three factors: (1) Skin oil; (2) a fungus that exist in the scalp known as malassezia yeasts; and (3) individual susceptibility. Malassezia occurs normally on the scalp, and often without causing problems. Stressors such as hormone imbalances, stress, immune suppression, illness, or increased oil production can cause the yeast to grow and develop into a mild inflammation that produces excessive dead skin cells. The dead cells mix with oil and clump together, making them appear white and flaky. Left untreated this can be very serious. In this week’s installment, we’ll discuss a couple of fixes for mild cases of dandruff.

Tea tree oil has been shown to have anti-fungal properties, which can help control dandruff and give you a healthier scalp and flake free hair. To incorporate tea tee oil into your shampooing regimen, you will need organic tea tree oil and your usual shampoo. While in the shower, pour your usual amount of shampoo into the palm of your hand and add 2 or three drops of the oil into the shampoo. Mix the two well by rubbing your palms together and apply thoroughly to your hair. You will instantly feel a tingly sensation on your scalp. Leave the shampoo in your hair for 5 minutes and then rinse. You will want to do this 3 times a week and you should see results within 2 weeks.

Another way to treat mild cases of dandruff is with Listerine. The original, amber-colored Listerine, has various ingredients that help fight fungus and works like an antiseptic. For this quick fix, all you’ll need is a spray bottle, pour the Listerine into the spray bottle and take it into the shower with you. After you shampoo your hair, but before you apply conditioner, spray Listerine onto your scalp and let it sit in your hair for 5 minutes and then rinse thoroughly.

Another little known way to treat dandruff is with beets. This works best for dark hair.  You will 5 – 6 need whole white beets, a spray bottle, and a shower cap. Boil the beets in water. Once boiling remove the beets from the water; feel free to munch on them as a snack or in your favorite salad as you let the beet water cool down. Once it has cooled place into a spray bottle. Spray the beet water onto your scalp, pleace the shower cap over your hair, and leave overnight. Initially you will want to do this every night until you begin to see results, usually within 2 weeks, and then you can continue this treatment 2 or 3 times a week.

Lastly, don’t forget to try out last week’s apple cider vinegar rinse, which will certainly cleanse the scalp and help to restore to the natural ph balance.


All the suggestions in this installment are for mild cases of dandruff. If you have red or broken skin around your scalp or on your scalp, it is recommended that you consult with a physician.

Remember, Pretty Girls’ Pantry always loves to hear your feedback about your pantry makeover experience, so e-mail us at prettygirlspantry@gmail.com and let us know. In the meantime, don’t forget to check back with us next week for another installment of natural beauty fixes straight from your pantry.

Reader question: Lighter Skin

Hi. I read your blog about how to lighten your hair naturally. Now I am also looking for a natural way to lighten your skin, or make my cheeks more red. Is there any way to do it naturally?

Skin, eye and hair color is something  which is defined by your melanin. Melanin is genetic, and while there is nothing that can be used to change your melanin, there are various cosmetic methods that are used to achieve what is generally known as “skin bleaching”. These procedures generally require some form of melanin inhibitors and are administered by a skin professional. Nature does not provide any one specific item that will make your skin whiter. Nature does, however, provide various items which can make your skin healthy, supple, and because of the overall health and luminosity of your skin, it will appear that your skin is lighter.

Exposure to the sun changes our skin depending on our melanin. A darker skin will generally absorb UV rays and thus not burn as easily as lighter skin. All skin tones however are affected by age, lack of proper care, and sun exposure which results in damage.  This will make the skin appear uneven and blotchy.

The healthy glow and rosy-cheeks appearance of your skin is based predominantly on your diet and skin care routine. You should make an effort to limit the amount of sun exposure as well as use an SFP on your skin, regularly. There are several methods which you can incorporate into your daily routine to help improve the overall health and appearance of your skin. At the end of the day always wash your face to remove all makeup and dirt buildup. Use a cold water rinse when washing your face and always use a toner to help reduce inflammation followed by a moisturizer. Below are several techniques you can use to help refresh your skin:

Exfoliation is a procedure that helps rid your skin of your dead cells and thus will give you a fresh dewy look. One method to exfoliate is to use 2 tablespoons of sugar (the grainy brown sugar is preferable, but white sugar is fine) and 1/3 cup of baby oil or olive oil. Pour the sugar and oil into a bowl. Take a handful of the mixture and rub it on your skin, don’t rub too hard as you don’t want to pierce the skin. This should be used 2 to 3 times a week depending on your skin sensitivity. This works on face and body, for a body scrub you will need to adjust the measurements accordingly. Remember to follow up with a toner, Witch Hazel is an astringent that is good to use as a toner. After you exfoliate you will notice that your skin looks fresh and feels more supple. The removal of the dead cells from your skin might also give you the appearance of a lighter complexion.

You can also use a mask to help add brightness to your skin. A honey and lemon mask will go a long way towards polishing and moisturizing your skin. Mix 1 tablespoon of honey and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice. Apply on the skin and leave on for 10-15 minutes.

Another mask that will help polish your skin is an almond, milk and honey mask. Soak 4 almonds in milk overnight. Grind into a fine paste and mix the paste with 1 tablespoon of honey. Apply on face and neck and leave on for 10 – 15 minutes. This can be done twice a week.

Lastly, the juice of a potato helps to even the tone of your skin. Take the ends of the potato and rub them on your face. Leave on for 10 – 15 minutes and rinse. This is gentle enough that you can apply it on your skin every day.

I hope this helps you. Remember we love your feedback so be sure to let us know how you benefitted from our pantry makeover at prettygirlspantry@gmail.com.

Natural Treatments To Keep Hair Healthy and Soft - Part II

What would we do without our hair spray, gel or mousse? These products make our hair do what we want it to do. Although necessary, these products are often the culprits of residue build-up which leaves dull looking hair. This week, we’ll discuss how an apple cider vinegar rinse can help to remove residue buildup, help relax the cuticle and give you beautiful light-reflective hair.

By incorporating an apple cider vinegar rinse into your weekly beauty routine, you will help stimulate your scalp, promote a better ph balance, remove build-up which clogs the hair follicle, and at the same time, you will be helping rid your scalp of various bacteria, including the bacteria that cause scalp dryness which leads to dandruff.

This treatment requires you to use your measuring cups. You will need apple cider vinegar, a spray bottle (you could recycle an empty shampoo bottle), and filtered water (if you don’t have filtered water try filtering your own water by using a coffee filter).

Mix 1/3 cup of vinegar with 4 cups of water. Place the mixture into the spray bottle and take to the shower with you. Once a week, after you’ve shampooed but before you condition your hair, saturate your hair with the vinegar mixture. Leave on your hair for approximately 15 minutes, rinse thoroughly and condition your hair.

You can take this rinse one step further and infuse it with different herbs for a more refreshing experience, which can also enhance color by bringing out the natural highlights in your hair. Some of the more commonly recommended herbs to use with an apple cider vinegar rinse:

• For dark hair: Parsley, Rosemary

• For light hair: Chamomile, Marigold

• For red hair: Henna

• For oily hair: Lavender, Thyme

• For dry hair: Marigold

• For dandruff: Thyme

To make your own natural herb hair rinse place 2 tablespoons of the dried herb or herb mixture into a muslin bag if you don’t have one, you can use a coffee filter, just be sure the filter is tightly secured at the top. Place in a bowl and pour 2 cups of boiling water over the herbs and infuse for at least 2 hours. Allow the liquid to cool, add 2 cups of apple cider vinegar and mix well. Now you’re ready to pour your mixture into a spray bottle and head for the shower. You can use the rinse after you shampoo but before you condition, or as a leave in conditioner after you’ve thoroughly shampooed and conditioned your hair.

Pretty Girls' Pantry always loves to hear your feedback about how you benefited from our pantry makeovers. E-mail us at prettygirlspantry@gmail.com and let us know. In the meantime, don’t forget to check back with us next week for another installment of natural beauty fixes straight from your pantry.

Natural Treatments To Keep Hair Healthy and Soft

Many of us can remember our mother walking around the house with mayonnaise in her hair, slices of cucumbers on her eyes, or oatmeal on her face. Well, our mother was on to something, because when it comes down to it, nature and your kitchen pantry are all we really need to continue looking fabulous. Keeping our hair, skin, and nails fresh, healthy and radiant doesn’t mean we have to shell out big bucks at the salon, spa or at local makeup counter. In a time when we, as consumers, are more cost and eco-conscious, it helps to know that there are many natural fixes to give us all the pampering we crave.

In this week’s installment we’ll discuss how to add moisture and shine to hair. To restore dull, tired, frizzy and dry hair, try Mayonnaise. Mayonnaise is a moisturizer for your hair and scalp. A treatment of mayo in your tresses once a month will help restore softness and shine to your hair.

For this treatment, all you need is a plain old shower cap, two or three towels, depending on the length of your hair, and a jar of good old mayonnaise. Begin by putting the three towels in the dryer on high heat. Divide your dry hair into equal parts and work the mayo from the scalp to the ends using a wide-toothed comb. If you have oily hair, apply the mayo about 3 finger-lengths away from the scalp. Continue doing this until your hair is thoroughly coated. Place the shower cap on your head making sure all of your hair is underneath it. Take one of the towels from the dryer and wrap it around your head, covering the shower cap. Leave this towel on for 10 minutes and repeat the process with the second towel. If you have longer hair, use the third towel. At the end of the 20 or 30 minutes, thoroughly rinse the mayo out of your hair and then just wash it as normal. I recommend using cold water. The cold water seals the cuticle and helps your hair to lock the shine. If you have dry hair, you might want to try this treatment twice a month.

Another natural fix, to restore moisture and shine to your hair, is olive oil. For this you will need olive oil and a shower cap. This is an overnighter, so be sure to do it just before you go to bed. Divide your dry hair into equal parts and work the olive oil from the scalp to the ends using a wide-toothed comb. Again, if you have oily hair, avoid the scalp by applying the oil about 4 finger-lengths away from the scalp. Continue doing this until your hair is thoroughly coated. Place the shower cap on your head making sure all of the hair is underneath it, and sleep on it. The next morning rinse the oil out of your hair and wash your hair with cold water.

If you prefer not to sleep with the olive oil, you will need to heat the oil in the microwave, be sure it’s warm, not hot as it will burn your scalp. Follow the same process as the mayonnaise treatment with the hot towels. This works the same as the hot oil treatments you might get at your salon or beauty supply store.

Check back with us next week for another installment of natural beauty fixes straight from your pantry.