DIY beauty tips and tricks with bicarbonate of soda

Here are some clever beauty hacks that wont cost an arm and a leg!

Baking Soda Face Mask

What you’ll need

• Juice from 1/2 lemon (or 1-2 drops of lemon essential oil)
• 1-2 tablespoons of baking soda
• 1 teaspoon of honey

Step 1: Mix

In a small bowl, mix together lemon juice (or essential oil), baking soda and honey. You want a paste-like consistency. If it’s too runny, add more baking soda. If it’s too thick, you can thin it out with a little water.

Step 2: Apply to face

Remove all makeup and dirt with a gentle face wash and pat skin dry. Gently apply the mask mixture to your face using your fingers or a makeup brush. Be careful not to scrub.

Step 3: Relax

Let the mask sit on your face for about 5-15 minutes. You might feel some light tingling and tightening. 

Step 4: Rinse and Moisturize

Remove the mask with gentle circular motions using warm water and a soft washcloth. Finish with your favorite moisturizer.

DIY Natural Deodorant

Baking soda doesn’t just mask odor—it actually absorbs it. Many natural deodorants rely on baking soda to banish odor without harmful chemicals. Make your own DIY deodorant at home: Mix four tablespoons of baking soda with four tablespoons cornstarch. Stir in six tablespoons of coconut oil to form a spreadable paste. Add a few drops of essential oils to add fragrance. This will keep indefinitely in a jar; apply with a finger as needed.

Zap Odors

The proverbial box of baking soda in the back of the fridge is a pro at soaking up strong smells. You can actually zap smelly shoes with a sprinkle of baking soda! You can also use baking soda in the laundry hamper or to deodorize your workout bag between uses.

Relief for Irritated, Itchy Skin

Have a minor rash or pesky bug bite? The alkaline level of baking soda helps to neutralize toxins, which can relieve itching. Wash the bite with soap and water. Then, blend baking soda with enough water to form a paste and apply directly to the spots. (Mix with witch hazel for extra soothing relief.) Cover with a bandage and let the baking soda work its magic.

Easy Splinter Removal

Don’t dive after a deep splinter with tweezers! This easy trick coaxes the splinter out on its own, resulting in less irritation. Make a soak by dissolving 1/4 cup baking soda in a cup of water. Then, soak the affected area until the splinter is easy to remove.

Migraine Pain Relief

To relieve migraine pain, and even nausea that can accompany a migraine, try drinking a glass of water with one teaspoon of baking soda stirred in. Or, if you’d rather try a topical approach, a soak in a baking soda-laced bathtub can provide relief.

Clean Brushes and Beauty Tools

Let baking soda loosen the gunk on combs and makeup brushes, no scrubbing required. Combs, brushes, makeup applicators and other beauty tools are easy to clean in a baking soda bath. Mix four tablespoons baking soda with a quart of water and leave to soak overnight. Rinse and wipe clean.

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