DIY Beauty Products
During lockdown I have made the most of not being able to go shopping by creating beauty products at home, they have been using mostly kitchen ingredients. I have really enjoyed the experience as you can’t really go wrong and the effect of the natural ingredients has often made products that I prefer to the expensive shop bought alternatives.
First up is Body Scrubs, I’ve actually been making these for years with coconut oil and sugar but I’ve been experimenting with alternative ingredients and these are all in video - Body Scrub Facebook video
Next up is Lip Balms, my favourite new addition is that you can add tint and scent to your favourite products like Vaseline with a slice from your favourite lipstick colour & a drop of essential oil. Lip Care Facebook Video
If you can get hold of some beeswax you can make professional feeling lip balms minus all the extra ingredients used in shop bought versions. You can buy beeswax in pellets or in a bar, it can often be found in health food stores. There is a vegan alternative called Candelilla wax.
Basic Ingredients -
Heat a heaped teaspoon of wax and 2 teaspoons of chosen oil
The oils I choose to use are -
Almond Oil – Rich in Vitamin E & D, moisturizing, for sensitive skin.
Coconut Oil – Good moisturiser, natural glossy look & gentle scent
Avocado Oil – Natural SPF of 15, great source of antioxidants
Olive Oil - Good moisturiser (best is the medical version that is available at the pharmacy)
If you want to add colour you can use a thin slice of your favourite lipstick, if you want to add scent be sure to check that it is an ‘essential oil’ and add just a small drop after cooking so it does not evaporate. Pour into a container and leave to set.
Lip Scrubs
The best recipes I’ve sourced when searching has been https://helloglow.co/diy-sugar-lip-scrub-with-honey/
Be sure to read to the end where it gives ideas for customising your lip scrub
Beauty face masks
Firstly it is really important that you use on the day you make as they almost always contain fresh ingredients.
I’d also recommend a patch test before full application in case of any reactions but on the whole ingredients that you are able to eat and are good for you are also great for your skin.
I have saved the following as a one page printable ingredients list for ease HERE
A Cooling Mask
Cucumber is full of water for hydration and also contains vitamin C, this combination is great for skin that suffers with break-outs.
Avocado regulates oil production and its moisturising properties reduces fine lines
Blend half an avocado & 1/4 cucumber and apply to skin for 10-15 minutes and wash off with warm water
Cleansing Mask
Egg whites & Lemons have astringent properties which will tighten the skin and make enlarged pores much less obvious.
Honey boosts your skin's moisture levels, provide suppleness and take away that uncomfortable, taught feeling.
1 egg white
1 tablespoon of honey
A little squeeze of lemon juice
Apply to your skin (be careful not to eat any) and leave to 10 minutes and wash off
Calming Mask
Coconut oil is hydrating, honey contains antioxidants and lavender oil soothes redness
•1 teaspoon honey
•1 teaspoon coconut oil
•¼ ripe avocado
•2 drops of lavender oil
Ideally apply with a brush if you have one but if not use your hands and leave for 15 mins and rinse off.
Moisturising Mask
Rolled oats provide a exfoliating texture, Honey acts as a humectant to help moisturize your skin; it also has antibacterial properties to help treat acne. Avocado is moisturising.
•1/2 Avocado
•1 tablespoon of honey
•A handful of oats or oat bran (blended in a food processor)
Tip - If you have oily skin, include a splash of lemon juice to help clean away excess oil.
Pour honey over the oat powder and mix, add the avocado and mix thoroughly and apply soon after making and leave on your skin for 10 minutes then wash away.
Warming Mask
Combine 1/2 cup hot water and 1/3 cup oatmeal. Leave to settle for a couple of minutes and mix in 2 tablespoons of plain yogurt, 2 tablespoons honey, and 1 small egg white. Apply a thin layer of the mask to your face, and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes.
Competition Winners
Each fortnight I come up with a design challenge, recently I asked for new recipes for beauty products.
Here is Mo from Space for Craft entry. She made an eye mask from linseeds and homegrown and microwaved dried lavender
Then for a moisturizing face cream she used Shea butter with almond oil and some more dried lavender.
What a beautiful gift set.
Here’s Elsie’s entry to the competition
She used coconut oil, olive oil, strawberries, cucumber, and found lavender, mint, sage and margarum in the garden to put in too!
Doesn’t it look scrumptious!
Hair Mask Recipes -
Finally with the hairdressers closed there has never been a better time to apply hair masks to keep our hair feeling good and full of nourishment. Recipes I have tried are -
Strawberries + Egg Yolk + Olive Oil
Banana + Avocado + Coconut Oil
Honey + Pumpkin + Lemon + Yogurt
Apply to dry hair and leave for 10 minutes before and rinse off in the shower.
Getting the Spa feeling at home -
With all your DIY beauty products good to go, you also need the perfect environment for relaxing - bring the spa home! Over at Porch, Andrea has written a great article with her top tips on how to create your own at home spa - check it out here
I hope you like these recipes that have been sourced from various online websites and also simply tried at home by myself. Do tag us in pics if you try any out - #larkdesignmake