Beauty: Tricks of the trade: home-made treats.

Byline: Text by Annabel Jones.

Organic products can cost a mint, but for just a few pence you could make your own. We've gathered a few top tips from the experts.

l Mark Constantine, founder of Lush, says: `Take a good quality basic shampoo and conditioner and add your own organic ingredients for a bespoke blend. For extra shine, take a teaspoon of organic rosemary and add to a cup of boiling water. Wait ten minutes, then pass through a sieve. Mix together two thirds of your shampoo or conditioner and one third of your solution.'

l Barbara Sergeant from Knots Elementals suggests: `Make the most of your herb garden - mash up marjoram and mint, infuse them in boiling water and inhale the steam. The marjoram is a good tonic and mint is a great digestive aid.' Barbara runs make-your-own skin care workshops from pounds 40. For further information, call 020-8941 0759.

l Margo Marrone from The Organic Pharmacy says: `For an easy, chemical-free exfoliating mask, use two or three tablespoons of green clay, one tablespoon of aloe vera gel or lavender floral water, one teaspoon tomato paste and one teaspoon billberry tincture. Mix until smooth. Apply to a clean face and relax for ten to 15 minutes.' All ingredients - apart from the tomato paste - can be ordered by post from the Organic Pharmacy on 020-7351 2232.