When it comes to beauty, we are all for it. But beauty has become more expensive and more artificial over the years. For a change, try bringing out your natural beauty at home instead.

Cosmetic companies don’t always play fair. They say that their products are natural but that may not be the whole truth. The ingredient label lists some natural compounds but in the final formula, fillers and preservatives can far outnumber the amount of natural components. This can lead to skin irritations.

Using your own beauty products keeps you from having to deal with the cosmetic companies and their “claims.” Natural beauty is a dying art. In ancient times, cosmetics (face paint as they called it) and medicines had natural origins. Today, these things are created from formulas in the lab. Improvements in these industries meant artificial ingredients. For makeup, your skin could be affected.

There’s nothing wrong with starting over without preservatives. Natural beauty recipes use vegetables, herbs, fruits, and flowers as their base. Whatever you buy, try to stick with ones that have not been treated with weed killers or insect sprays. These chemicals could make their way into your beauty regimen.

1. Lemons – They are useful for more than a cool drink on a hot summer day. Lemon juice functions as an astringent and a skin lightener. Wash a lemon and use one half to rub over your face to pull out impurities and excess oils. Lemon smelling hair spray can be created using lemon juice that has been reduced in a saucepan and reconstituted with water.

2. Roses – they smell great and add softness to the skin. Use natural rose petals that are free of insects and chemicals and add them to a hot tub of bath water for a naturally fragrant bath. Make your own rose water (steep roses in water) and combine with coconut milk for a bath skin treatment.

3. Strawberries – They make the best shortcake and fruit glazes. The seeds are murder on your bridgework but great for removing dead skin. Combined with coarse salt and olive oil, strawberries and their seeds make a perfect natural exfoliant for the body.

4. Bananas – Who knew they were good for more than making bread? The main vitamin in bananas is potassium. It works in the body to balance our water composition. On the face, it can do the same thing. Crush a banana and combine in a blender with egg white and plain yogurt to create a facial mask to remove excess oil and impurities.

5. Honey – Bees can appreciate this treatment. Natural honey contains antibacterial properties that are good for your skin. Create a facial mask by using raw honey and cooked oatmeal or honey and vinegar. Vinegar is also an astringent that works for oily skin. The oatmeal provides nourishment for dry skin.

Your kitchen and garden can add to your personal beauty. Avoid harmful chemicals by turning to wholesome fruits, vegetables, and plants to create beauty recipes to help your skin.