Would it surprise you to learn that you don’t need to spend a small fortune on beauty products to look and feel good?  Think about it - before drugstores, before department stores and before cosmetic companies existed women were still beautiful, but resourceful.  Since there was no easy way to get the products you needed to take care of your skin women would have to use items they had readily available.  Here are three items you have in your home right now that you can use to take care of yourself.

Olive Oil.  You probably have it in your kitchen right now and cook with it every day, but you can also use it on your body as a moisturizer, conditioner and even a bath oil.  It is chemical free and gentle on the skin.  How can you use olive oil as part of your beauty routine?

• Use a mixture of olive oil and lemon juice at bedtime on your face to reduce wrinkles and moisturize your skin.
• Olive oil and rosemary make a great massage oil for sore muscles.
• Soaking your nails in olive oil for five minutes will make them stronger.
• Olive oil works as a great conditioner for dry hair, leaving it smooth and shiny.

Oatmeal.  Oatmeal is the base for a great facial.  Oatmeal works to exfoliate and moisturize your skin.  Here’s how you give yourself a great oatmeal facial.  You’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 package instant oatmeal
• ½ cup water
• 2 tablespoons yogurt
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 egg white

Mix the water and oatmeal, then add the remaining ingredients.  Apply a thin layer to your face and leave on for about 15 minutes, then rinse with warm water to get salon quality results.

Brush.  You know brushes are good for taking care of your hair, but did you know they are a great tool to use to get rid of dry skin?  Before taking your shower brush your skin to get rid of the dead cells and improve circulation.  Start at your feet and brush in small circles towards the top of your body.  When you get to the shoulders start the process on your back, moving towards the feet.  Use even, light pressure to get rid of the dead skin cells.  Once you’ve finished your brushing take your shower.