text: Many people will know the feeling of spending hundreds of pounds on so-called 'miracle' products that claim to solve all-manner of beauty woes. While most of these products end up collecting dust in the back of a drawer, beauty has seen an insurgence of natural alternatives, with all-purpose ingredients such as coconut oil taking over in their place. One woman has promised to revolutionise beauty regimes with her creation of more than 100 products, all organic and natural, that can be concocted in your own kitchen. Fifi M. Maacaron's book, Natural Beauty Alchemy, contains over 100 ingredients which treat all-manner of skincare ailments such as acne, oil and dryness . Fifi M. Maacaron uses full-fat cream cheese in a face mask, which supposedly quenches the skin . Fifi M. Maacaron, 36, is a pharmacist and natural skincare expert who believes that natural alternatives are the way forward, especially in the midst of gimmicky expensive products. Maacaron, from Newport News, Virginia, created her book, Natural Beauty Alchemy, not only to showcase that there are inexpensive alternatives to store-bought products, but also to explain many myths surrounding skincare. For example, while cream-cheese is usually more used to seeing the top of a bagel, Maacaron proposes another use for it. Her Winter Rescue Mask is specially formulated for dry and weather-beaten skin and contains full-fat cream cheese. The 36-year-old author explains that the richness of the cheese will quench the skin and help protect it against weather-induced dryness. Apple cider vinegar has been cited as a great cleansing agent, and is included as an ingredient in the Subtle Bubble Shampoo . Sesame oil is another beneficial natural ingredient, containing antioxidants and is well-tolerated by most skin types, even the most sensitive ones . Apple cider is used in several of the recipes, in a toner for acne-prone skin and also in a shampoo - the acidic nature of the ingredient working as a great cleansing agent. Other recipes suggest alternatives to everything from cleansers to foot creams to even perfumes, which use a spread of natural products including green tea to rinse hair, potatoes for a face mask and coffee grounds for cellulite. Natural Beauty Alchemy was born when author Maacaron went on the search for a perfect product, and was shocked by the falsity of some store-bought products. She says: 'As I entered into my 30s, I felt that my skin needed more care. 'As a pharmacist, I read ingredients labels and many times I'd study each facial cream in the 'green and natural section' and come out empty handed and shocked at the extent of dishonesty and fraudulent marketing.' The natural skincare expert began formulating recipes herself and became a go-to for her friends and family. Honey and lemon juice are other products that are regularly featured as beneficial natural skincare ingredients . She explains: 'I reached a point where I was becoming a reference to friends and family and many would ask me for recipes. 'I've tried all of the recipes because I formulate them. I am a big fan of coconut oil and I include it in many formulations.' Maacaron's overarching argument simply rests at the fact that she finds natural products superior to store-bought products. She explains: 'In organic homemade products, skin irritants such as synthetic fragrances and dyes are left out. This helps soothe skin and avoid breakouts and makes us really love, enjoy and trust what we're applying on ourselves. 'Nature is pretty much a powerhouse with a lot of effective ingredients that do provide obvious results. I've seen people glow in just a week after switching to natural products. Many of them look younger, without fillers or botox.' Weather aggression is always noticeable, not only on hands, legs, and lips, but also on the face. This mask contains full-fat cream cheese, which will restore some of the skin’s lipid mantle and help protect skin against weather-induced dryness. The remaining ingredients will boost skin’s vitality and revive it. While wheat germ oil is extremely nourishing, moisturizing, and anti-aging, grapefruit juice will load your skin with antioxidants and vitamin C for a refreshed and younger-looking skin. Adding egg white is optional but strongly recommended if you wish to have proteins in your mask, as well. Prepare this formula when your skin feels dry and tight, or routinely during winter and harsh weather months. Ingredients . Instructions . 1. Allow the cheese to soften at room temperature—do not microwave. Flatten with a fork, and then add remaining ingredients one at a time while mixing with the fork. 2. Spread with a spatula on clean face and neck, directly or between double layers of precut gauze strips. (Prepare the gauze strips ahead of time by laying gauze in double layers and cutting four rectangles for the forehead and neck and four circles for the cheeks.) 3. Lie back or sit in a reclining chair and wait 15–20 minutes before removing gauze pads and rinsing off. 4. Repeat this mask on a weekly basis to sustain results and protect the skin. Follow with the application of daily moisturizer and a sunblock. This formula will transform concentrated liquid soap into a smooth and balanced hair shampoo. The argan oil restores shine and luster to dull hair. Ingredients . Instructions . 1. Mix the rosemary infusion and the vinegar. Then pour it into the soap base, in a thin stream, whisking very gently to prevent foaming. Blend in the argan oil, slowly, still whisking until all ingredients are well blended. 2. Use as a regular shampoo. This toner is named for its two key ingredients: vitamin C and cider. The acidic nature of apple cider allows skin to get rid of surface dead cells, while the vitamin C in lemon juice is a skin brightener that also acts as a powerful antioxidant; it can reverse sun damage and reduce wrinkles, for a more youthful look. Combined with the astringency of neroli and witch hazel in this formula, they will reduce oily secretions and help achieve a glowing and clearer skin. Ingredients . Instructions . 1. Start by dissolving the honey in ½ cup water. Add the remaining ingredients one at a time, mixing continuously. Then transfer to a bottle. 2. Shake well before each use. Using a cotton ball, apply to the face and neck in the evening. Rinse in the morning and wear sunscreen daily. This unscented oily serum is especially formulated for intolerant skin; it’s suitable for most skin types, however, and is a powerful moisturizer, packed with antioxidants. Sesame oil is a skin-friendly oil, well-tolerated by most skin types, even the most sensitive ones; it contains sesamol, which has antioxidant properties, as well as unsaturated essential fatty acids and many minerals such as magnesium, calcium, and iron. Grape seed oil is also a strong source of antioxidants and is a dry oil that absorbs quickly. This formula is kept simple by calling for ingredients that can be found in most grocery stores. Ingredients . Instructions . 1. Pour the oils into a glass bottle with a dropper, finishing with the vitamin E drops. 2. Close tightly and shake to blend the oils. 3. In the evening, after cleansing, and while the face is still moist, apply 2–3 drops to your hands, rub them together, and massage this serum onto your face and neck.
target: Fifi M. Maacaron, 36, from Newport News, Virginia , is a pharmacist .
  Natural Beauty Alchemy has over 100 recipes for natural products .
  Has organic recipes for face, hair and body that all can be mixed at home .