Funds are low; we’re in a (gulp) recession. I know the establishment is not using the ‘r’ word, but call it what you may… we’re going broke! But, you never have to sacrifice beauty no matter what’s happening – you can stay beautiful by just getting stuff from your kitchen. They’re in there anyway.

Items like cornmeal, brown sugar, olive oil, milk, oatmeal, yogurt and baking soda are usually on your shopping list. So they can be part of your beauty regimen. Remember, if you’re allergic to any of them, don’t use them.

For the face:

Honey Mask: A natural antibiotic, honey will help to kill bacteria in your pores, moisturize and give vitamins to the face. Just smooth honey on your face, and let it sit for 10 minutes. Rinse off with warm water and moisturize if needed. Or you can make a scrub!

Oatmeal Honey Scrub: Mix about 1/2 cup of plain uncooked oats with three tablespoons of honey. Apply to the face and let it sit for 10 minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water.

Milk & Cornmeal Scrub: Milk works as a cleanser and softener while cornmeal works as an exfoliator. Combined, they are great for the face. Mix about 1/2 cup of cornmeal with 4 tablespoons of milk and apply to face. Keep on for five minutes and rinse with lukewarm water.

Yogurt Mask: Yogurt is good for all types of skin. It softens, soothes redness and tightens pores… all while gently deep cleaning. Be sure to use plain yogurt that’s natural and unflavored and apply to your face like a mask, of course avoiding the eyes and mouth. Leave on for ten minutes and rinse off with warm water. Moisturize.

For the body:

Brown Sugar & Olive Oil Scrub: This works to exfoliate skin – getting rid of dead skin and moisturizing the new skin underneath. It also increases your skin's circulation and may improve the look of cellulite. Combine 3 parts brown sugar to 1 part olive oil and apply before you shower. Use hands to gently scrub all over the body. Rinse under warm water. No need to moisturize afterwards.

Olive Oil: This all-purpose, rich, but non-irritating moisturizer is excellent for the skin. You can use it on dry areas like the elbows, knees and heels. Apply to skin after a shower and rinse off excess.

Baking Soda: Another all-purpose, exfoliator and skin softener is the highly affordable Baking Soda. To use it as an exfoliator, just make a paste with about a teaspoon of baking soda, a bit on your usual cleanser and some warm water. Apply to skin, avoiding eyes and mouth, and gently rub with your fingertips in a circular motion. Rinse thoroughly with warm water, pat dry and moisturize.