Several months ago, BirdyMoola challenged herself to create an at-home day spa – and she succeeded beautifully.

Birdy’s retreat looked gorgeous and relaxing and perfect for the Moola with plenty of time on her hands… but that Moola isn’t me. I’m off to a wedding this weekend and I’ve got about the busiest week in history between now and the I-do’s.

Even if I did find spa music relaxing (rather the opposite; I find it weirdly agitating), setting aside several hours to zen out to Enya and the cetaceans before Sunday would be next to impossible. But time-crunch or no, my skin, face and hair need some love before the wedding… and my wallet needs a break.

Here’s the plan, my pretties

Rather than shell out for a fancy new exfoliating gel, a face masque and a tub of deep conditioner, I’ve set myself a challenge. I’m going to make three all-natural beauty treatments for under £5. What’s more, given my sticky schedule, I’m going to do it in less than thirty minutes – from measuring and mixing to slathering and rinsing.

I’ve taken a nod from Birdie and visited SpaIndex.com, home to stacks of recipes for 100% edible beauty treatment recipes. SpaIndex points out that skin absorbs anything it comes into contact with, and suggests a single rule: If you wouldn’t eat it, don’t wear it or use it on your skin. Fair enough!

Birdy provided two recipes: chamomile milk bath and strawberry hand and foot exfoliator. As I don’t have time to languish in the tub, the chamomile soak is a no-go. And what with it being October, strawberries are unlikely to work with my strict budget.

My three uber-oola, no-fuss beauty recipes

I think the key to getting this done well, quickly and on-budget is using easy recipes that double-up on real, good-quality ingredients.

For the body: lemon and brown sugar body scrub

¼ cup coarse brown sugar
1 cup grapeseed oil (you can use olive oil instead)
¼ cup grated lemon peel

1. Mix together all ingredients.

2. Gently rub on your body in a circular motion. Concentrate on rough areas like elbows, knees and heels.

3. Rinse with water.

Brown sugar is a good exfoliator

For the face: avocado dry skin masque

1 egg yolk
½ avocado

1. Beat the yolk of an egg until it is light and frothy, then add a well-mashed half an avocado, blending until smooth (you may want to use a blender for this).

2. Cleanse your face thoroughly and then spread the avocado mixture over your face and neck; let the masque sit for about 20 minutes.

3. Remove the masque with warm water and a face cloth, followed by a rinse of cold water or a mild skin lotion.

Avocadoes are intensely moisturising

For the hair: avocado and coconut milk deep conditioner

This simple recipe has been recommended to me by several people and at least one beauty magazine. Here it is:

½ avocado
½ cup coconut milk

1. Mash the avocado to a smooth paste and then slowly mix in the coconut milk. The consistency should be fairly conditioner-like.

2. Work the treatment through your hair and then wrap your hair in a shower cap or a warm towel.

3. After 15 or so minutes, rinse thoroughly and shampoo to remove any residue.

The shopping list

I have coconut milk and brown sugar in the cupboard, but I’ll need eggs, olive oil, a lemon and an avocado. I expect I should have no problem getting this for under £5… now to do it all in less than 30 minutes.

I’ll report back later this week!