My 5 Favorite DIY Beauty Recipes
When my family and I began transitioning to a zero-waste lifestyle, I was amazed by how much waste comes from conventional beauty and personal care products. With all the tubes, bottles, sprays, aerosol cans, and excess packaging, even the simplest of beauty routines can turn into an environmental nightmare. I decided to stop buying beauty products and began making my own!
You’re probably thinking, “I don’t have the time for that!” but trust me, doing it yourself can be quick and easy!
Making your own beauty products has huge advantages—you can control the ingredients you are putting in and on your body, save money, and reduce LOTS of unnecessary packaging waste.
Here are 5 of my favorite easy-to-make beauty products:
Deodorant— Check out my YouTube video on how to make your own deodorant.
Scrubs— Making your own scrubs could not be easier. All you need are two ingredients: sugar and oil. I use coconut or olive oil and add essential oils to make it extra beneficial. My recipe is adapted from this one.
· 1/2 cup fine granulated sugar
· A scant ½ cup oil of your choice (olive, coconut, jojoba, apricot, rosehip)
· 5 drops frankincense oil
Mix all the ingredients in a glass bowl and store the mixture in an airtight container. I prefer to store my scrubs in glass mason jars. Your homemade facial sugar scrub is ready to be used! Take a small amount in your hands and lightly massage the scrub on your body, face, and neck. Avoid the eye area. Rinse your face and neck with warm water and pat dry.
Makeup remover— This is the only makeup remover my daughter and I use, and it’s super easy to make and incredibly effective.
Lip Balm
- 3 Tbsp cocoa butter, grated
- 1 Tbsp high-quality olive oil
- A few drops of essential oil, like lemon, mint, lavender, or tangerine (my favorites)
- 1/2-1 tsp beet powder (optional)
Over a double boiler, melt the cocoa butter until it’s liquid. Stir in the olive oil and a few drops of essential oils. Pour into tins or jars, and let cool on the counter overnight.
Oatmeal face mask— Oats are a healthful ingredient for both inside and outside your body. Oats contain calming anti-inflammatory properties, so they’re helpful for anyone suffering from acne or itchy, irritated skin. They also contain a property called beta-glucan that can form a fine film on the skin, which helps clean the skin while locking in deep moisture.
- 1 Tbsp ground oatmeal
- ½ ripe banana
- 1 Tbsp plain yogurt
Use the back of a fork to mash and blend everything into a paste. Apply to the face and neck, and leave on for 15 minutes. Remove with warm water or a warm, wet washcloth.
