Do It Yourself

Pampering yourself doesn’t have to put a strain on your pocketbook. The next time you’re longing for the spa or the salon, head to your kitchen instead. You don’t have to be a top chef to master the following DIY beauty recipes. All you need is a few minutes and some everyday ingredients. And, voila…a more beautiful you!*


Eliut Rivera's Cucumber & Olive Oil Shine-Boosting Hair Treat
Heat, sun, and sweat can do a number on your hair. This rich mask, from the celeb stylist who counts Penélope Cruz among his fans, helps return your mane to its former soft and shiny self.

1 cucumber
1 or 2 tablespoons olive oil (depending on length of hair)

Puree cucumber and olive oil in blender or food processor. Comb mixture evenly through hair, concentrating on ends. Let set for 15 minutes. Rinse thoroughly, shampoo twice, and condition as usual.


Naturopathica's Skin-Softening Avocado Mask
This quick-fix moisturizer from the famed East Hampton spa thwarts dry skin fast.

1/2 avocado
1 egg
1 tablespoon plain yogurt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional; adds extra moisture)

Blend all ingredients together. Apply to face. Leave on five to ten minutes and rinse well.


Raechel Cunningham's Mojito Scrub for Rough Hands
This cocktail-inspired scrub, from aesthetician Raechel Cunningham of New York Laser & Aesthetics, leaves hands smooth enough to raise a glass confidently in public.

1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 small lime
3 to 5 mint leaves

Chop mint leaves and squeeze 1/2 lime into bowl. Combine remaining ingredients. Massage into palm of hand, working the product around. Also makes a great cuticle treatment.


Sweet Lily's Grapefruit Vodka Pedicure
This grapefruit-vodka foot treatment from the Tribeca-based natural nail spa sounds good enough to drink, but we suggest you whip up a second batch for your drinking pleasure.

1 gallon grapefruit juice (no pulp)
1 sliced grapefruit (pink or yellow)
2 limes (1 sliced in wheels, the other halved)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 shot glass of vodka

Pour 1/4 cup sugar into small bowl and place lime half on top. Heat grapefruit juice on stove or in microwave until warm (not hot). Pour heated juice into a large basin, add shot of vodka, and garnish with sliced grapefruit and lime. Soak feet for a few minutes. Then, dip a lime half into the sugar and squeeze out a bit of the juice. Use lime to gently apply sugar to feet in a circular motion to exfoliate rough skin. Repeat with remaining sugar and the other lime half. Rinse well. Follow with foot lotion and polish.

*Before you start: do a patch test to make sure you aren’t allergic to any ingredients.

Recipes courtesy of Style.com.