Pamper yourself for cheap

We've all seen the pictures of people at the spa, their faces slathered in masks of various concoctions and slices of cucumbers over their eyes.

Well, allow me to do a little mythbusting for you.

The myth: Cucumber contains a special ingredient that helps to reduce swelling around the eye or bags under the eyes.

The fact: More than 90% of the cucumber consists of water. It is the cooling effect of the water in the cucumbers on eyes, together with increased humidity, that reduces the swelling. Some skin care products contain extracts of cucumber, which in high concentration may help to improve the hydration of the skin. Gentle massage also helps.

You don't need expensive products and you don't have to book a flight to an island resort to pamper yourself. You can find a lot of your own soothers right in your garden, especially if you're growing herbs. (This may be a great incentive for you to try your hand at growing herbs, even if you don't plan to cook with them.)

One of my favorites:

ROSEMARY-LEMON BATH TEA
Several sprigs of fresh rosemary (or you can use a few tablespoons of dried rosemary)
Pieces of lemon peel (or you can use a tablespoon of dried lemon peel) - or your favorite citrus fruit
A strong paper towel (I use Viva paper towels)
A twist tie or string

Place the rosemary and lemon peel in the middle of the paper towel. Gather up the sides of the paper towel to make a bag and secure with the twist tie or string.

Put the bag in the tub as you're running the hot water for your bath. Leave the bag in the bath while you're bathing.

It will be a relaxing and refreshing experience and will leave your skin softened and naturally fragranced. After the bath, you can toss the bag in the compost bin.

What about basil? It's not just for pesto. It makes a great toner, too!

BASIL FACIAL TONER (fantastic for acne-prone skin)
2-3 tablespoons fresh basil leaves (or 2-3 teaspoons dried)
1 cup boiling water

Steep basil leaves in water for 10 to 20 minutes. Cool, then apply to face with a white cotton ball. Keep tonic refrigerated. Recommended shelf life: 90 days.

And those popular facial scrubs / exfoliants? Try this homemade version:

CORNMEAL FACIAL SCRUB
2 tablespoons plain cornmeal
water

Mix cornmeal with enough water to make a thick paste. Gently rub on face and rinse off.

Looking for a mask instead? Here's a good one for all skin types, and it's gentle enough to be used daily.

HONEY OATMEAL MASK
1/4 cup plain yogurt or buttermilk
1/2 cup oatmeal
2 tablespoons of honey

Finely grind or process the oatmeal in a blender or food processor. Set aside.

In a small bowl, stir together honey and yogurt, and then add ground oatmeal. Mix thoroughly until a smooth paste consistency has been reached.

Smooth over your face and neck, leave on for fifteen minutes, and rinse off with warm water.

Last, but not least, a wonderful (and wonderfully simple) hand and body sugar scrub.

SIMPLY SWEET SUGAR SCRUB
2 Tbsp. oil (vegetable, olive, baby oil, mineral oil - your choice)
3 Tbsp. sugar (the coarser, the better - like unrefined sugar, i.e. "Sugar in the Raw")

Mix oil and sugar together into a paste. Rub gently into hands or body. Rinse well with warm water. Pat dry.