How can my favorite multi-purpose (beauty) product enhance your
grooming routines? Read on. (More than a dusted off
Redbook list, these applications for baking soda are a
compilation of research, polls and personal use, the last indicated
by an *).
WHERE TO BUY? FOR HOW MUCH?
- Baking Soda is ubiquitous. It does not vary by
brand nor fall into different price brackets. It's reliable and
will always come to the siren call of your beauty needs.
- It's available. You can purchase it at
supermarkets, bodegas, drug stores and gas station mini-marts.
- The price is right. Drugstore.com offers
buy-one-get-one for $2.99.
HAIR
- Remove buildup. Mix a small palm-full of
baking soda to your shampoo to remove buildup from conditioners,
mousses and hairsprays.*
- Dry shampoo. No time for a
shampoo? Baking soda can be used as a dry shampoo when your hair is
oily. Sprinkle some on your hair, comb through then quickly fluff
your hair with a blow dryer.
- Chlorine-damaged tresses. Mix 1/2 teaspoon of
baking soda with 1 pint warm water.*
- Combs and brushes. Remove product and oil
buildup by soaking your utensils in a bowl of warm water with about
3 tablespoons of baking soda. You can also add a splash of
bleach.*
SKIN
- Facial Exfoliant. In the palm of your hand,
mix some baking soda with your facial cleanser to make a gentle
exfoliant. Use circular motions to apply gently then rinse as usual
for very soft skin.*
- Rough skin. This also works for the
rough skin on elbows and feet. Make a thick paste with baking soda
and water (about 3 parts baking soda to one part water) and scrub
away.
- Shaving. A solution of 1 tablespoon baking
soda in a cup of water works as a pre-shave product of aftershave
rinse for men with sensitive skin.
MOUTH
- Tooth polish & whitener. Baking soda
toothpastes have been long-time shelf staples for a reason.
The baking soda works to freshen breathe and whiten and polish teeth. Dip a damp toothbrush in baking soda and brush away. My personal twist, dip a toothbrush with toothpaste in baking soda for mouth cleaning times two.*
- Toothbrush. Soak your tooth brush in a mixture
of water and baking soda and let it soak overnight.*
NAILS
- Soft cuticles. Scrubbing your nails or toenails with a nailbrush (or old toothbrush) dipped in baking soda will soften and gently exfoliate cuticles.
Have any other beauty tips that incorporate baking soda? Or perhaps another ingredient from your kitchen cabinets or refrigerator? I'd love to know. Who knows, before long I could be making lipstick from cherries, shampoo from apple cider vinegar and conditioner from mayonnaise!
- Olivia Kuhn-Lloyd, Intent.com
