life & style
B E A U TY
“Avocado is rich in vitam
ins
and proteins that help nourish,
repair, and hydrate dull,
damaged hair,” says Celeste
Lutrario, vice president of
research and development
for Burt’s Bees. Olive and sweet
almond oils are lightweight and
contain essential fatty acids to
strengthen hair
and restore shine. “When
massaged into the scalp, this
combination w
ill reduce dry
scalp and flaking, and amplify
hair’s luster,” says Lutrario.
to
make
Avocado Hair
Treatment
Half an avocado, mashed
/4cup olive oil
/ cup sweet almond oil
Combine all the ingredients and
m
ix well into a paste. Brush on
wet hair, paying special attention
to the ends, and let it sit a
m
inimum
of 30 m
inutes while
you relax. Then shampoo and
condition as usual.
TO
buy
Burt’s Bees Avocado
Butter Pre-Shampoo Hair
Treatment, $9
The
Lowdown
on DIY
■ TEST CONCOCTIONS on
your forearm first and wait
an hour or two to check for
allergic reactions.
■ STORE recipes made w
ith
perishable ingredients in an
airtight container. Keep it in
the refrigerator for no more
than a week. Scrubs that are
sugar- or salt-based will keep
up to a month if stored in
airtight packaging.
■ EXTEND THE FRESHNESS
of DIY m
ixtures with ingredients
such as vodka, witch hazel,
vinegar, and lemon juice, which
are natural preservatives.
■ AROMATHERAPY OILS are
sensitive to light and
temperature. Keep those
m
ixtures in dark, sealed bottles.
138
®ArDens
MAY
2009 BETTER HOMES A
l
Cleopatra was a legendary devotee of m
ilk-and-honey
baths. Clearly she was on to something. Honey
naturally attracts and retains moisture yet is gentle,
which makes it the ideal ingredient for all, including
those w
ith sensitive skin. Here’s a modern-day beauty
bath from
the National Honey Board.
to
make
Foam
ing Vanilla Honey Bath
1 cup sweet almond, olive, or sesame oil
/2cup honey
/2cup liquid soap
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Place oil into a bow
l, then carefully stir in remaining
ingredients until fully blended. Store in a clean
plastic bottle and shake before using. Add to running
bathwater.
to
buy
Perlier Honey Cream
Bath, $19
