DIY How to Get Rid of Dark Elbows and Knees

Happy Friday beauties! Today's DIY is all about how to get rid of dark elbows and knees. I know that people with darker skin tones (like myself) have this problem. I not only have dark elbows but also dry elbows to top it off.

Here's what you need:
- Lemon
- Baking Soda (If you use Option 2 below)

Option 1 (I saw my mother doing this, she's a great inspiration!) - Take the lemon and cut it in half. Place your elbow on the slices for 15 minutes. Then repeat with another lemon with your knees.

Option 2 - Squeeze out the juice from the lemon into a small bowl. Then add 1/4 cup of baking soda into the bowl to make a paste. Apply this mixture to your elbows and knees and let it dry for 10 minutes. Then rinse off in the shower.

DIY Cracked Heel Remedy for Smooth Feet

Happy Friday beauties! I haven’t had much “me” time in a while since I’ve been working weekends and every time the weekend rolls around I tell myself that I need to get a pedicure so I can get rid of my dry, cracked heels. But why waste $30 per pedicure and wait around to have someone else do it for you when you can do it yourself! Everyone knows I love a good DIY!

What you need:
- Water
- Epsom Salt (or Milk)
- Vaseline (or Olive Oil)
- Socks
- Scissors

In a large bowl filled with warm water, add Epsom salt or milk (this if full of magnesium which helps to draw out dryness). Soak your feet in the water mixture for 15-20 minutes. After soaking your feet, use a pumice stone to remove the dead skin.

As an added bonus, to lock in moisture, use a quarter-size amount of Vaseline or olive oil and slather onto your heel. Cut out the toe area off on the socks and wear the socks overnight. In the morning you will have soft heels!

DIY Oatmeal, Yogurt, Honey Facemask

We all know that facemasks you buy from the store contain chemicals and preservatives. Which is why I prefer to make my facemasks at home with all natural ingredients. This oatmeal-yogurt-honey mask will leave your skin feeling soft and smooth and will also brighten your complexion. Plus (as an added bonus) the ingredients can be found in your fridge and pantry.

What you need:
- 1/4 Cup Oatmeal (if you have a food processor I would grind the oatmeal into small pieces)
- 2 Tablespoons Honey
- 3 Tablespoons Plain Yogurt (Yes I used homemade yogurt, however, any plain yogurt is okay to use)

Here's what you do. Mix all three ingredients together then apply a layer to your face and relax for 15 minutes. And by relax I mean lay down as you don't want the mask dripping off your face. Rinse the mask off using warm water and a wash cloth by gently rubbing the mask off your face to let the oatmeal act as an exfoliant.

Oatmeal not only acts as a gentle exfoliant, it also soothes out itchy skin conditions and dryness. Yogurt contains enzymes and lactic acid to hydrate and soothe your skin. And lastly, honey contains antioxidants and heels infections.

DIY Lip Scrub

During the winter months my lips tend to get chapped easily and look dry. Even with chapstick and drinking plenty of water I sometimes have to go through extra lengths to keep my lips soft. What a better way to get fresh lips than with a homemade lip scrub? The best part is that I had all of the ingredients in my kitchen!

What you need:
- 2 Tablespoons Brown Sugar
- 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 Tablespoon Honey

Now here's what you do. Mix all the ingrediants together. Then apply a small amount to your lips. Rub gently into lips for about a minute or two. Then wipe off with a warm, damp cloth. Also as an added bonus you can store the extras in a closed jar.

DIY Tired and Puffy Eyes

It's that time of the year again when Accountants are staying late during the weekdays long after all the other departments have left to go home, working weekends, and also working holidays.  During this time of the year, my eyes tend to get a feeling of tiredness (I am guessing this is due to starring at my computer screen all day).  As I am a big fan of home remedies (since people tend to spend so much money on products, that they will most likely only use a couple of items) I have two home remedies which I always use.  Also as an added bonus, all ingredients can be found around the kitchen and are also inexpensive. Here's what to do!

Teabags - Brew two caffeinated teabags and then remove from the water. Put teabags into the fridge (or freezer) for a couple of hours.  Once teabags are chilled, remove from the fridge or freezer and put one on each eyelid for about 15 minutes.

Cucumbers - Another home remedy you can try is to slice two pieces of cucumber and place them over your eyelids.  Relax for 15 minutes and then remove.  You'll be refreshed and awake looking in no time!