I've always been a firm believer in Western medicine. My apartment is stocked with soothing hydricortizone creams, migraine medications and an entire shelf dedicated to cotton balls, Q-tips and toiletries. 

But after spending almost two years in college, I've realized that using natural remedies can have faster, better results and save a great deal of money.

Maybe you pulled an all nighter and you have to give a presentation that morning, or your hair has actually molded into one giant, crusty frizz ball after last night's paint party. 

Instead of relying on your incredible sample package of shampoo from Sephora, try making your own health and beauty products regularly. 

From cutting up old clothes to make hair ties, to making smoothies out of fruits and vegetables from friends' gardens, I have quickly learned how to save money.

Plus I was able to wake up from a night out ready and refreshed, thanks to a bottle of Kombucha, and simple facial scrub or tightening facial. Check out these homemade products that are both natural and wallet-friendly.  

1.  Sugar Scrub 

Forming a sugar scrub is the easiest recipe on this list. Making your own sugar scrub can be fun since you do not have to follow a recipe to get a great final product. Some makeup brands incorporate almond extract, vanilla extract or honey into their products, while others throw in a touch of food coloring to give coloring to lips. I use olive oil because the moisture really stays trapped in your lips and skin, and also add vanilla extract for flavor, with a hint of brown sugar to rid of dead skin. 

Tip: The type of sugar does not matter, but sugar and oil are the key ingredients in the scrub in order to really remove dead skin and moisturize the newly exposed areas. 

2. Under-Eye Cure

There are several natural remedies for dark or baggy circles under your eyes. I personally prefer using cucumbers and tea bags, and letting them soak while I take a short 30-minute nap. Other remedies include flour water, honey, olive oil, frozen cucumber compresses, tea bag compresses and ice, among others. 

3. Facials for Sensitive Skin 

Though I usually prefer doing egg white facials because they really tighten the skin, many cosmetic professionals suggest that oatmeal is one of the best natural remedies for sensitive skin. According to scientists with Aveeno skin care, oats moisturize dry or cracked skin, and soothe irritated skin. Because I have naturally dry skin, I use Aveeno Daily Moisturizing lotion, which is "fragrance free" and made with colloidal oatmeal. 

4. Dry Scalp Relief 

My hair stylist currently works on the Eminem and Rihanna Monster Tour and used to style Britney Spears during her previous tours. She advises that clients use steam and oil scalp treatments to relieve the scalp of flaky, excess skin. Many hair dressers do offer a "scalp streatment" or can at least recommend products with higher contents of (healthy) oils. 

Tip: Also see Miss Jessie's, OLIVE OIL extra rich for dry thirsty hair , Aveeno Oatmeal Shampoo

5. Crayon Lipstick

Although I've never tried crayon lipstick, it is highly recommended among make up professionals because it is toxin-free and cost effective. A package of crayons only costs 99 cents, while a single lipstick from Sephora can cost up to $50. 

6. Creaseless Hair Ties and Bands 

This tutorial will show you how to make creasless hair ties and head bands out of elastic bands. But making hair ties and head bands out of things you already own and may plan on throwing away saves time and money. I learned how to do this from my oldest sister in middle school, when she would cut t-shirts and Christmas ribbon to make "cool" head bands. Case in point: my cargo pants were completely falling apart last week, so I cut out the strings and formed two bows and two headbands. 

7. Edible Body Paint  

Need paint for a costume or outfit? Edible body paint can also spice things up for a date night. Either way, I suggest using chocolate ganache because: 1) Ganache is a sugary, savory, melted chocolate, that becomes addictive after one taste 2) it is easy to work with and 3) the preparation time is short. 

Martha Stewart's Chocolate Ganache Filling 

INGREDIENTS

1/2 cup heavy cream

3 1/2 ounces dark chocolate, finely chopped (preferably 70 percent cacao)

1/2 ounce (1 tablespoon) unsalted butter, softened

DIRECTIONS

Bring cream to a boil in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Pour cream over chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Let stand for 2 minutes. Add butter, then whisk mixture until smooth. Let cool, stirring often. Use immediately.

Tip: Also see Martha Stewart's edible finger paint. 

Reach Contributor Maya Richard-Craven here, Photos by Rebecca Orlandini here