Whether you're feeling the effects of the lousy economy or not, it never hurts to save money. This week, I'll be bringing you a series called Recession-Proof Beauty. Expect money-saving tips on looking your best, including do-it-yourself treatments, cheap-chic products, and general advice for looking like a million bucks... even if you're counting every penny.

To start things off, I thought I'd tell you about the aspirin mask, a skin-softening, acne-fighting treatment that costs only a few cents. It's simple, cheap, and effective. Use it as an exfoliating paste, or leave it on your skin for about five minutes as a mask. Either way, you should see brighter, softer skin with less dullness. (That's because the effective ingredient in aspirin is chemically similar to salicylic acid, which helps exfoliate skin.)

For the super-simple aspirin mask "recipe," read more.

You will need:

  • Four or five aspirin pills. They must be uncoated, plain aspirin; Advil, Aleve, Tylenol, and the like won't work.
  • A tablespoon or two of lukewarm water
  • Honey or plain yogurt (optional)

Mix the aspirin with just enough water to make a paste. If you want a thicker mask, add a dollop of honey; if you prefer a more soothing mask, some plain yogurt can do the trick. Apply the mask in a thin layer on your face, then allow it to dry. Remove it by rubbing in gentle circular motions.

Please note: Some people are allergic to aspirin, so try a patch test on your forearm before spreading this all over your face.

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