Thursday, January 24, 2008

Beauty Bargain #2




You know that box of baking soda in your fridge that soaks up odors? Well it has so many more uses than that. It’s another one of those everyday products that can be used in place of lots of beauty products.

Toothpaste

Do you know that my dentist says it’s the brushing not the paste that is important. We can do without toothpaste but not without the daily brushing and removal of the food buildup around our teeth. So why do we spend hundreds of dollars a year on toothpaste?

Ya got me!

Baking soda can do the same thing. It neutralizes breath odor and whitens teeth. You can either mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda with 1 tablespoon of peroxide to make your own toothpaste or make your store bought toothpaste last longer by using half your normal paste and dipping your brush in baking soda for a whitening, deodorizing boost.

Hair Conditioner

Sometimes my hair gets buildup on it from all the products I use; hairspray, gel, other conditioners, shampoos, and it starts to feel lumpy and waxy. You can remove all the build up my mixing 2 tablespoons of baking soda into 1 teaspoon of your shampoo and washing. It will strip away the entire gunk that has been weighing your hair down and leave you with clean, shiny, light hair.

Refreshing Facial

Have you been cooking greasy foods or sweating a lot? You can make a thin paste of water and baking soda and wash your face with it to remove any impurities that have attached themselves to your skin.

Soft, Sweet Smelling Feet

If you’ve been on your feet all day and your tootsies ache, you can soak them in a tub of hot water with one cup of baking soda to soften the skin and prevent foot odors.

Homemade Mouthwash

For fresh breath you can mix 2 teaspoons of baking soda in a half glass of water. Swish and gargle for clean fresh breath.




5 comments:

justjuls said...

I love baking soda - and I did not know that conditioner thing - wow! Cool. And cheap!
BUT - I most offer a disclaimer on the brushing your teeth with it - you can brush your teeth - but you shouldn't do it all the time - as it is abrasive. It can seriously contribute to eroding your gums AND your tooth enamel. Just use it in moderation and with caution.
I know - I was using "baking soda" toothpaste all the time - and the dentist told me to stop because I was eroding my gums and making them very sensitive. It got better once I stopped.

Monds & Mayberry said...

Very cool! Thanks for posting these ideas.

EEEEMommy said...

I just bought a huge bag of Baking Soda at Sam's Club!!! :)
Seriously, I have a friend with severe chemical sensitivities due to slow carbon monoxide poisoning over a long period of time, and she uses baking soda for everything. It's all she CAN use!

I didn't know the conditioner thing either, but I've used vinegar as a rinse and it accomplishes the same.

Thanks again for the great tips!

carrie said...

I found out all these things recently on the last box that I purchased for the cat litter box. So Jackelope inspired me to put some in my bath water since he said it would make my water sparkly like the picture.

Well, sparkly no, but it did soften my very dry skin.

It does work!

Debbie Doo said...

Baking soda (1 cup) plus sea salt
(1 cup) makes a great bath spa. Add a few drops of lavender oil for the ultimate spa experience in you own home.
Hint: Sea salt is available in bulk for about 29 cents per pound.