Beauty from the pantry

Want to try the latest in natural beauty? Well, look no further than your pantry. The food you eat nourishes, nurtures and heals the body, helping it to work to optimal efficiency. But everyday foods can also soothe and beautify the skin, hair and nails.

Oats, apple-cider vinegar, baking soda, raw sugar, coffee and almond milk are just a few staples that can be made into beauty products that are plentiful, affordable and natural.

The business of beauty is complex, with corporate giants and global companies vying for a share of the lucrative skin, haircare and cosmetics market. There is a bewildering array of lotions, powders, gels, ointments, botanicals, infusions, serums and capsules to choose from. Take a stroll into your local pharmacy or cosmetics store, check the ingredients list on some of the products — and chances are you’ll see natural ingredients like argon oil, honey and natural fruits included. In some cases there can also be a whole lot of synthetic additives, including emulsifiers, preservatives, thickeners, moisturisers, colours and fragrances.

Many cosmetics and manufactured beauty products are touted as concealers,