There’s something special about making your own beauty products. You know exactly what’s going into them and how much of each ingredient you’re putting in. Plus, doing things by hand allows you to fully embrace and enjoy the moment. It’s personal. It’s creative. And with just a little time, you can easily make your beauty routine a little cleaner.
To get you started on your quest for cleaner beauty, we’ve gathered four recipes that are quick, easy to create and call for ingredients you’ll likely have on hand. Have fun!
4 DIY Recipes for Beauty
Hydrating Sugar Scrub
Combining the gentle exfoliative properties of sugar with the ultra-moisturizing power of coconut oil, this quick and easy scrub will reveal healthier, irresistibly smooth skin. And, with just the right amount of your favorite essential oil, it will create a spa-worthy experience every trip you take to the tub!
Ingredients
- 1 cup white sugar
- ½ cup melted coconut oil
- 5 – 10 drops essential oil (peppermint leaves a heavenly tingle on your skin; lavender is great for relaxation)
- Large glass mason jar (with airtight lid)
Directions
Add sugar to mixing bowl, then carefully whisk in melted coconut oil. Whisk in essential oils until thoroughly combined. Scoop mixture into jar and seal with airtight lid. Store in bathroom cabinet and enjoy this little luxury at your leisure.
How to use
Scoop out a palm-full, and gently massage into your skin in a circular motion. Rinse off, pat dry, then, for a finishing touch, spritz your skin with rosewater to help lock in moisture – and leave your skin with a fresh, gorgeous glow.
Nourishing Berry Balm
Our lips sometimes get overlooked when we’re caring for our skin – but with this berry-licious homemade lip butter, you’ll leave those dry, flakey lip woes behind! With this special combination of beeswax, a moisturizing carrier oil, nourishing vitamin E and (our secret) a natural color pigment, you’re not only hydrating and repairing – you’re also creating a signature lip color all for yourself!
Ingredients
- ¼ tsp. natural pigment (such as strawberry or beet powder)
- 1 tsp. grated beeswax
- 3 Tbsp. olive oil (or coconut oil)
- 1 drop vitamin E (which will help to nourish lips and act as a natural preservative)
- Small tin or glass jar with a lid
–> For more on natural food coloring, read How to Make Natural Food Coloring.
Directions
In double boiler, melt beeswax with olive oil/coconut oil and vitamin E on low heat. Stir in pigment until combined, then pour mixture into tin or glass container (with lid) and allow it to set and solidify.
How to use
Apply generously to lips (and even your cheeks!) throughout the day for a hydrating pop of color.
Simple Solid Perfume
Forget intense chemical smells that can irritate your olfactories. With this all-natural solid perfume, you can create your very own favorite fragrance, and save money skipping those expensive perfumes. While jojoba oil hydrates and nourishes your skin, beeswax seals in your unique essential oils scent.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. grated beeswax
- ¼ cup jojoba oil
- Few drops essential oil of choice (cedarwood and sandalwood are divine!)
- Medium-sized tin or glass jar with lid
Directions
In double boiler, melt beeswax and jojoba oil. Carefully stir in essential oil, then pour into tin or glass container and allow it to set.
How to use
Swipe a bit of solid perfume across your wrists, neck and decolletage for a nose-pleasing and unique all-natural scent.
*Be sure to do a patch test on your skin to make sure you don’t react to the essential oils, which can be very potent!
Volumizing Dry Shampoo
Store-bought dry shampoos can sometimes leave your hair feeling dry. But, by making it yourself, you can keep wash days to a minimum while keeping your hair looking and smelling fresh. Cornstarch helps to add natural volume, while essential oils (like tea tree) can promote hair growth. And, you can even color match to blend with your natural hair color!
- For blondes, use arrowroot powder
- For brunettes, use cocoa powder
- For redheads, use cinnamon
- For black hair, use charcoal powder
Ingredients
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- ½ – 1 Tbsp. powder (adjust to match your hair color)
- Essential oils of choice (eucalyptus and peppermint are naturally antimicrobial – plus they will make your hair smell great)
- Container with lid
Directions
In bowl, whisk together cornstarch and your color-matched powder. Drop essential oils into the mixture, whisking the whole time (add more or less depending on desired potency). Transfer powdered mixture to container, seal and store in bathroom.
How to use
Dip old makeup brush into powder and apply it throughout your hair, all along the roots. Rough up your hair, then brush it to thoroughly work in the dry shampoo. The application can get a little bit messy, so be sure to wear an old t-shirt while applying (and then set aside some time for a quick wipe-up around the sink afterward).