Guest Post: Julie Gabriel , Author of The Green Beauty Guide

How to Find Winter Skin’s Rescue without Breaking the Bank

By Julie Gabriel

Author of THE GREEN BEAUTY GUIDE:Your Essential Resource into Organic and Natural Skincare, Hair Care, Makeup and Fragrances

The Green Beauty Guide took me three years to complete, from start to finish; it took me fifteen years to get rid of acne; it took me just one winter on a budget to sum up the most efficient, money- and time-wise, skincare routine for sallow, pale, winter-weary skin.

Here are ten amazing green basic ingredients that cost cents to obtain yet can make million dollar difference in your skin condition this winter.

1. Olive oil: massaged into dry, parchment-like hands and especially cuticles; used to saturate cotton wool balls and wipe off makeup; to massage itchy, dry skin all over the body; to layer under your moisturizer for an extra dose of antioxidants and good fatty acids.

2. Sugar: makes a lightweight body scrub, essential to achieve that holiday glow naturally. Simply mix with olive oil and rub using light circular motions.

3. Castile soap: liquid olive oil soap is very low in skin irritants and can replace a shampoo and even facial cleanser for sensitive skins.

4. Potatoes: use the lack of sunshine during the winter time to naturally lighten skin discolorations using raw potato puree which is rich in vitamin C and naturally whitening enzymes. You can place potato wedges under your eyes to combat dark eye circles - great post-party remedy!

5. Yogurt, especially plain Greek variety, makes an excellent cleanser with mild exfoliating action. It’s very safe for the most delicate of skins.

6. Honey is a time-tested cure for chapped, cracked lips. Apply organic honey in the evening to wake up to smooth, yummy lips.

7. Egg yolks can be massaged into wet hair to strengthen the scalp and prevent hair loss.

8. Sea salt mixed with plain filtered water (1 tablespoon per 3 oz) makes a great styling mist for hat hair. Lightly spray the sea salt solution over dry hair and work it well under hand dryer - but avoid very hot air that can damage your hair!

9. Pale peach loose mineral shimmer added to your regular face cream can enliven the most sallow, dull complexion. Choose the shimmer that is free from bismuth oxychloride and silica.

10. Diet rich in magnesium, essential fatty acids, vitamin C and beta-carotene naturally feeds your skin from inside, so feel free to indulge in dark chocolate, salmon and other fatty fish (ideally, organic), oranges, mango and carrots.

*Thank you to Julie for graciously offering to write a guest post on Winter-Friendly Recipes. I hope that everyone tries one of these great tips.

I tried using the Honey for chapped lips. My son notoriously suffers with chapped lips every winter. I applied honey to his lips at bedtime last night and he awoke to a less reddened area on his skin. He tends to chap the skin above his lips so that may take another application to resolve. His lips were definitely improved!

Make sure to visit the TLC Book Tour stop from yesterday featuring Julie's book, The Green Beauty Guide. You can read my review, and enter the Giveaway contest to win a copy of the book. Check out the details HERE.