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Witch Hazel is a shrub that has been used throughout the ages for medicinal purposes. It’s available over the counter in many different forms such as creams, lotions, moistened pads, and astringents. Here are some remedies you might find useful.

Puffy eyes: Witch Hazel is an anti-inflammatory used in a ton of different over the counter topical treatments. In fact, it is used in hemorrhoid cream, this is precisely why hemorrhoid cream is said to take away under eye bags.

Skin irritation: It can also be used to treat minor insect bites, cuts, poison ivy, varicose veins and burns.

Facial Toner: I like Witch Hazel astringent by Skin Renewal. It’s 98% natural Witch Hazel and non-toxic. It wipes away dirt and oil that cleanser leaves behind.

It’s anti-inflammatory agent keeps skin taut as well. This non-toxic toner retails for only four bucks at Sally’s Beauty Supply.

Egyptian Magic

Egyptian Magic is an all purpose skin cream made with olive oil, beeswax, honey, pollen, royal jelly, and propolis extract. Here are a variety of ways to use it:

Hair balm and texturizer: It is an amazing hair balm when used on dry hair before curling.

First separate tiny sections, rub a small amount of the balm with fingertips and apply to the section before wrapping in a curling iron.

The beeswax, pollen and royal jelly combo burns off, while the olive oil and honey penetrates into the hair follicle. The balm also acts as a texturizer, keeping curls intact.

Wrinkle treatment: After cleansing, rub a tiny amount of the balm into oil. Apply gently by tapping it onto wrinkles. It goes on greasy, but absorbs quickly. You will wake to matte skin.

Scar removal: The makers of Egyptian Magic claim the balm removes scars in nine weeks. Although it might not take the estimated nine weeks, your scars will fade with repeated use.

Foot balm: For an intensive heel conditioning treatment before going to bed, rub a generous portion of the balm onto heels then put socks on and go to bed. The balm will penetrate your dry feet while you sleep and your heels will become softer after repeat treatments.

Antibiotic Ointment: Honey contains a natural anti-biotic stronger than most over the counter topical treatments. Applying a small amount of the balm to minor cuts or burns will help heal and condition your skin.

A very small amount is needed for the above applications, so the 4 oz jar is worth every penny of the 28 dollars it retails for.

Body Oil Rub by The Salt Project

Body Oil Rub by The Salt Project is an absolute go to product for soft skin. It’s made by a one-woman boutique owner in the Bay Area who makes a line of bath products.

The Body Oil Rub is made of Mediterranean Olive Oil, infused with a range of highly fragrant, long lasting scents which can be directly applied to the skin as a lotion or used as a bath infuser.

Tanning oil: Oilve oil is packed with antioxidants, Vitamin E, and Provitamin A. It naturally protects against UVA rays and sunburns while moisturizing skin, making it subtle for tanning. Because it’s all natural and non-toxic, I recommend using this instead of cream based tanners. It won’t dry as quickly and it’ll prevent burns.

Mosquito repellent: Olive oil is a natural mosquito repellent.

Bath infuser: Add a few drops of the oil rub to your warm bath water. It’ll release its scent and penetrate your skin – leaving your skin softer and fragrant. Four stars for an at home spa treatment tool.

Hair serum: If you have dry hair, rub a very small quantity to dry hair before styling for extra texture and hold.

Lotion: Rub the oil directly on your skin after showering. It will absorb slower than a lotion but the fragrance will last all day and soothe shaving irritation.

Ulta’s 3-in-1 Shower Smoothies

Ulta is a one stop skin care, cosmetics, fragrance and hair care retailer that carries both department store and drugstore brands. It offers free gifts with most purchases and offers their own product line.

Their 3-in-1 Shower Smoothies are a shampoo, body wash and bubble bath combo product.

It’s made in 12 scents that are so fragrant, you’ll be tempted to taste – not really, but they really do smell scrumptious.

They’re available in a 24 oz. bottles and retail for 15 bucks.

You’ll love them, I promise!