A & E

It's easy to spend a fortune at the cosmetics counter in a department store, particularly when the products promise such appealing results. But it might be possible to achieve similar results with less-expensive grocery store items. Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom, a health expert who shares her tips online and on national television, recently offered suggestions about how to use simple food items to improve your appearance.

Even though these are everyday items, remember: Before you try them, talk to your doctor if you have allergies to them, or suspect you'll have an allergic reaction.

Vinegar: This all-purpose item can be used for everything from cleaning windows to dying Easter eggs. In addition, you can use it as a rinse to remove protein build-up in your hair.

Mayonnaise: Try using full-fat mayo to moisturize and condition your hair and skin. To condition your hair, massage it into your scalp and let it set for an hour before washing it out. To moisturize your face, rub it into your skin and let it sit for a few minutes before washing thoroughly.

Honey: Hollywood stars pay hundreds for in-spa facials that use honey to treat skin. Christopher Watt, a licensed aesthetician with famous clients, practically swears by skin treatments using honey. According to Watt, honey is a natural humectant that draws moisture into the skin. If you would rather not spend $200 on a professional facial, you can use this free recipe provided by the National Honey Board for spa-like facial treatments to do at home. Their Honey-Blueberry facial treatment calls for 1/2 cup honey, 1/2 cup blueberries and 1/2 cup plain yogurt. Blend all ingredients until smooth, and apply to clean skin. Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes, then remove using a damp cloth. You can find more recipes for facial and body treatments using honey at www.honey.com/honeyindustry.

Other tips from Fernstrom suggest using egg yolks as a facial masque to tighten and refresh skin. Beat one egg yolk, apply it to your face, let it sit 15 minutes and rinse thoroughly. Strawberries or cucumbers are recommended for puffy eyes. I've also read that using wet tea bags as eye compresses effectively reduces puffiness.

Many product companies offer beauty tips using their products, as well as recipes for homemade treatments.

I found tips for using ingredients such as avocados, papaya, basil and even bananas (www.dolenutrition.com).

The idea of mashing a banana and rubbing it on my neck and all over my face seems a little messy to me. However, if it works as well as the $200 spa treatment, I might be willing to give it a try.

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