Natural Cosmetics You Can Make at Home
When we read about all the chemicals and toxins that are present in the products we use in our cleaning supplies, it can be doubly shocking to discover that there are all kinds of toxic chemicals used in products we put on our bodies – especially our faces and lips. If you want to avoid chemicals but still want to use cosmetics, here are some ideas for natural cosmetics you can make at home. For best results, consider organic ingredients.
FACIAL MOISTURIZERS
Avocado Mask:
Take a half avocado, mash it up, add a splash of honey and a teaspoon of plain yogurt. Wash your face. Apply the mask. Wait for at least 60 minutes, then gently wipe off with a wash cloth.
Oatmeal Mask:
You’ll need ¼ c. of old-fashioned oatmeal, ¼ c. water and 2 tsp. honey. Grind the oatmeal in a coffee grinder or blender. Put the ground oatmeal in a container, add the water and stir until it’s blended. Then add the honey. Apply the mask to your face, wait about 15 minutes, then gently wipe clean. The oatmeal removes bacteria from the skin and is an excellent treatment for acne.
SCRUBS
Many experts recommend course Himalayan sea salt as the best for removing toxins, but really any salt will work. You can also use white or brown sugar. Popular bases include extra virgin olive oil or virgin coconut oil, but you can also add Vitamin E oil or Jojoba oil for added moisture and preservation.
Orange Scrub:
½ c. sea salt
½ c. brown sugar
¼ c. extra virgin olive oil
A few drops of orange essential oil.
Blend ingredients together, then rub over skin in the shower. Exfoliates and moisturizes.
Vanilla Coconut Brown Sugar Scrub:
½ c. coconut oil
½ c. brown sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Mix ingredients together, put it on and exfoliate that dry skin. Store in an airtight container.
Antioxidant Organic Coffee Scrub:
1 c. coffee
1 c. sugar or salt
½ c. coconut oil
½ tablespoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Melt the coconut oil and allow it to cool but not solidify. Mix in the other ingredients and store in an airtight container to use 1-2 times per week.
MAKEUP
Feeling experimental and want to delve into making your own makeup?
Bronzer:
Start with arrowroot powder. Mix cinnamon and cocoa powders until it’s a nice bronze shade that looks good with your skin tone. Put in a small shaker or airtight lid and brush on whenever you want to look sun-kissed without damaging your skin.
Blush:
Mix arrowroot powder, cinnamon, and cocoa powders with dried beet powder and hibiscus flowers to add a pink color. Put in an airtight container and dust on the face with a brush.
Lip Balm:
3T grated beeswax
5 tsp. carrier oil such as sunflower, castor or jojoba
6-7 drops essential oil
1 tsp. honey
Melt the beeswax and oil in a double boiler, stirring to combine. Remove from heat; add honey and essential oil. Mix thoroughly. Pour it into containers and allow it to sit for 20 minutes before pouring or moving.
Creating your own natural cosmetics is a fun and inexpensive way to assure that your beauty products are toxin free. It’s important to start out with a clean workplace, sterilize materials and containers, and be sure those containers are dry before you begin. Be sure to label ingredients if you decide to give a gift – even though it’s all-natural, someone with an allergy or sensitivity could have difficulties. It’s best to be on the safe side.