I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream...For Beety Cheeks?!

Imagine being in a room jam-packed full of women and shouting out, “What is the one makeup staple that you simply can’t do without?” It wouldn’t be surprising if countless different responses were uttered because the preferences of a woman are about as unique as the blueprint of her face. Some might declare “mascara!” while others will insist that it’s a trade-off between lipstick or eyeliner...but then again, you’re likely to hear every conceivable variation in between. Who really knows what the very best, most essential product is – the answer is really in the mind of the beholder...

When I scrutinize myself in the mirror while asking the very same question, I envision my face resembling that of Dracula’s main squeeze (unless I apply a little bit of color on my cheeks). I’m no sun goddess, that’s for sure. Years ago, in my quest to seek out the most ideal, natural-looking cheek flush, I was drawn to Benefit Cosmetics wildly-popular rose-tinted lip and cheek stain called Benetint. Talk about imparting a healthy glow -- this stuff leads the crowd and the company knows it (based on their clamoring base of fans and hefty price tag). It’s a highly-pigmented liquid, so a little goes a long way, and it sure does make you look like a sweet little blushing rose, but who can really bite off the $28 price tag?

Well, um, where’s the green punch line in all of this? What if you could wake up your cheeks and lips by creating your own version of this precious fluid – all for just pennies on the dollar using just TWO readily available ingredients? You can, and the process is ridiculously simple. First, either harvest a fresh beet from your garden or purchase one at the grocery store – during the winter season, a bunch of beets (3) averages $1.00 for conventionally-grown or approximately $2.69 for organically-grown. Also be sure to purchase a container of vegetable glycerine – an average 4 ounce bottle generally costs under $3.00. There you go...you have all of the supplies you need.

Ready to hit the kitchen? Okay -- just make sure you slide on some rubber gloves because things are going to get a little messy. Scrub a generous-sized raw beet and grate 3 tablespoons of it (equivalent to 1 ½ ounces or 45 grams) into a double-boiler pot. Okay, you can remove your gloves now! Incorporate an equal amount of vegetable glycerin (3 tablespoons/1 ½ ounces/45 grams) into your pot and simmer both ingredients on the lowest temperature setting for 15 minutes. Once the mixture is completely cool, strain out the beets and pour the tinted mixture it into a clean, recycled glass jar that you have already sterilized.

Tah-dah – you’re ready to glam yourself up! This homemade lip and cheek stain is long-lasting, good for delicate skin, and guaranteed to perk up your face in seconds flat. If you want a shortcut version of this, just mix 1 tablespoon of beetroot powder in a small resealable container with 1 tablespoon of vegetable glycerin and 1/2 teaspoon of olive oil or vitamin E oil and apply with a lip brush. Please let me know if you try either recipe out – I’m anxious to hear what you think. Personally, my cheeks (and lips) are tickled beet!