Fabulous Facials at Home

Artichoke Facial

Artichoke conditions dry or damaged skin. It reduces flaking and restores suppleness. Enjoy making this recipe in your kitchen laboratory.

You Will Need:

1 fresh artichoke heart, well cooked, or canned hearts in water, not oil

2 teaspoons light oil (avocado, olive, or canola)

1 teaspoon vinegar or fresh lemon juice

Here's How:

1. Mash artichoke heart in a ceramic bowl. Mix in oil and vinegar or lemon juice. Stir well until a smooth paste is formed.

2. Massage on face and neck. Let sit 10 to 15 minutes. Rinse off with warm

Peachy Keen Complexion Cream

This wonderful, rich combination is easily made. You’ll find it helps give your complexion that fabled glow. And you can’t find anything like it in the stores.

You Will Need:

1 ripe peach

Heavy cream

Here's How:

1. Mash the peach by hand or puree it in a food processor.

2. Add enough cream to the pulp to give you a soft, creamy mixture. Spoon into a clean glass jar with a tight-fitting lid and store in the refrigerator.

3. Once a day, apply the mixture to your face and massage in.

Cucumber Astringent

Straight from your garden or the grocer’s counter, you can make this skin bracer in a jiffy. In summer you’ll find it a refreshing and light treat for your skin. But, any time of year, a simple cucumber astringent will perk you up.

You Will Need:

1 cucumber

Here's How:

1. Peel the cucumber and puree it in a food processor. Apply the puree to your skin using a cotton pad, gently swathing your face. Rinse off with cool water.

2. Refrigerate any leftovers in a clean, covered container. It should keep for a day or two.

Egg-White Toner

For the price of an egg, you can make a single-ingredient toner that leaves your skin feeling tight and silky smooth.

You Will Need:

1 egg white

Here's How:

1. Clean your face thoroughly using any natural cleanser.

2. Whisk the egg white just before applying it to your face. Leave it on for about 15 minutes.

3. Wash off with tepid water and pat skin dry.

Lemon Skin Toner

You can toss this toner together in just a few seconds from items you have in your pantry. Total cost: just pennies. Most toners purchased at the cosmetics counter run more than $6 a bottle.

You Will Need:

2 ounces lemon juice

4 ounces distilled water

3 ounces witch hazel

Here's How:

1. Combine all ingredients. Pour into a clean bottle or decorative cosmetics container. Shake well before using. Apply with a clean cotton ball.

2. Keep in the refrigerator indefinitely.