In an attempt to flatten the Covid-19 curve, Malaysians are advised to stay at home as much as possible. While grocery runs and other important trips outside are still allowed, other concerns are put on the backburner.

These concerns usually pertain to our regular facials and spa treatments, which have slipped down the priority list and been put on hold for the foreseeable future.

But not to worry, these seven ingredients will come in handy when you need a little glamming up or maintenance at little to no cost at all. What’s even better is that they are all available right in the safety of your pantry!

1. Eggs

Instead of spending hundreds on store-bought facial masks, you can easily make your own with eggs. Yes, the same eggs you cook for breakfast every now and then!

A DIY egg white face mask is touted to tighten and tone your skin, reduce excess oil, and even provide anti-ageing benefits, so there are really more reasons to love this kitchen essential.

Method: Separate the one egg white from the yolk and apply to a clean face. Leave the egg white face mask on for 10 to 20 minutes, then rinse it off with cold water.

2. Oatmeal

Oatmeal is suitable for all skin types, and even for the most sensitive skin because of its anti-inflammatory properties. Just in case you’re skeptical, oatmeal is one of the main ingredients for baby lotions as it is nourishing and soothing to the skin.

Method: Take five tablespoons of ground oatmeal and add water to make a smooth paste. Apply the mixture onto your face evenly and wait for 20 minutes before washing it off.

3. Turmeric

Besides being a vital ingredient in chicken curry, turmeric does wonders for your skin. It possesses anti-inflammatory properties that can help calm redness, reduce the appearance of scarring, brighten skin and even help fight acne.

Method: In a small glass bowl, mix turmeric, honey and unflavoured yoghurt. Once combined, apply the mask to a clean face. Let the mask sit for 15 minutes and rinse with warm water.

4. Brown sugar

Why fork out the cash for an expensive lip exfoliator at retail stores? You already have the ingredients for a tasty and homemade lip scrub in your kitchen pantry!

Brown sugar is an excellent and inexpensive way to get rid of dry and chapped lips in no time at all. Plus, they taste good, which is a plus point.

Method: Mix two tablespoons of brown sugar along with a teaspoon of olive oil and apply the paste to your lips for at least a minute. Scrub away to get rid of any dry and rough patches. Once done, wipe off the scrub to see and feel the difference.

5. Tea bags

Suffering from swollen, puffy eyes? The next time you’re preparing your afternoon cup of tea, don’t forget to save the tea bags, especially if they are black tea and green tea.

These two types of teas contain flavonoids and tannins, which provide antioxidants and anti-inflammatory effects.

Method: Once the tea bags have been steeped, squeeze the liquid out, and then place the bags in the refrigerator for a few minutes to cool. Whenever you need some de-puffing, apply the tea bags to your closed eyes for 10 to 25 minutes.

6. Coffee

For some, mornings are not complete without a steaming cup of coffee. But, did you know that coffee grounds can also be turned into a delicious-smelling scrub for the body?

The sand-like texture of coffee grounds makes it a great exfoliant in homemade scrubs. The grounds work to gently remove dead skin cells, which helps to rejuvenate the skin and boost circulation.

Method: Mix together ground coffee, brown sugar and melted coconut oil until well combined and enjoy your delicious smelling spa right at home.

7. Honey

Besides its role as a classic topping for pancakes and a healthy substitute in desserts, honey has a long-standing role in natural beauty remedies.

Raw, unpasteurised honey has the most potential for topical application on the skin and its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties help in treating acne, dark spots and burns. You can also enjoy soft lips all day with a homemade lip scrub made of sugar, oil and honey.

Method: Mix honey, lemon and baking soda for an anti-acne mask, or keep a jar of honey handy to dab on acne, chapped lips, burns and minor cuts.

Keep in mind that everyone’s skin is different, so be aware when trying out new products, even natural ones like these.

Always remember to conduct a patch test to check for any allergies.

Once you’ve figured out what works and what doesn’t work for your skin, lie back and enjoy your homemade facial and spa session!