Creams, lotions, moisturizers, shampoos—body care is expensive! Especially for those of us who want to the avoid potentially toxic chemicals found in many conventional body-care products. The great news is that nature provides us with affordable and effective alternatives—after all, who hasn’t heard of Cleopatra’s alleged natural beauty regimen, which included milk and honey baths and essential oil perfumes? We love offering natural DIY beauty tips throughout the year in Mother Earth Living, and many excellent blogs provide the same kind of recipes on a weekly basis. Here are a few of my favorite recipes from the blogs of natural health pros. Mix away and enjoy!
Coffee Body Scrub by Campaign for Safe Cosmetics
The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics is a fabulous organization fighting the use of toxic chemicals in makeup. The group’s site is an excellent source of information and, as an added bonus, they also have some great recipes for DIY body care. Try this invigorating coffee scrub!
• 2 cups coarsely ground coffee
• 1/2 cup raw sugar or sea salt
• 2 to 3 tablespoons massage oil
Mix all ingredients together. Take a hot shower to moisten your skin and open your pores. Using wide, circular motions, rub the coffee exfoliant onto your skin with strong, even pressure. Shower off, pat skin dry and apply a thin layer of your favorite body lotion. Read more.
DIY Dry Shampoo by In Sonnet’s Kitchen
Certified holistic health coach Sonnet offers delicious recipes for food and body care on her blog. Here’s a simple DIY dry shampoo.
• 2 tablespoons arrowroot powder
• 2 tablespoons organic cacao or cocoa powder (omit if blonde)
Combine ingredients and store in a small container. Use a makeup or blush brush to apply a small amount of dry shampoo to the roots. Then, working in sections, brush powder through hair until it blends in with hair and oil is absorbed. If needed, apply a bit more and repeat. Read more.
Luxe Homemade Facial Oil by Vintage Amanda
Certified health coach Amanda offers excellent recipes and advice on her blog. Here is her recipe for a home version of a rich face oil.
• 50 milliliters (about 2 ounces) of carrier oil
• 15 drops of essential oils (either 15 of 1 oil, or 5 drops each of 3 different oils … just make it 15 drops total)
• 1 vitamin E capsule (optional)
Put a few drops of oil on your hands, rub your hands together gently and massage into your face, concentrating on the drier areas. I like to do a few minutes of facial massage in the evening when I apply the oil. Relaxing! Read more.