I’ve always had a passion for science, so I’m especially fond of these homemade cosmetics chemistry kits. They’re sure to impress the recipient. You can find test tubes and science gear at some craft stores, or try looking in the yellow pages under chemical supplies. Another alternative is to use the tubes that beads or other small items come in, if you have them. Don’t forget, reuse is the highest form of recycling! MAKES 1 CHEMISTRY KIT
• 6 glass or plastic test tubes
• 6 corks or stoppers
• 1 test tube rack, or a small cardboard box with holes cut out to hold the tubes upright
• A few simple body-care recipes typed up on recipe cards
• Protective eyewear, rubber gloves or a white cotton apron
• Labels
• 6 (1-tablespoon) portions of different dry body-care ingredients
Here are a few ideas for ingredients to include and the types of recipes they can be used in. In addition to providing a few homemade cosmetics recipes from EcoBeauty, you should encourage the recipient to conduct some natural body-care experiments of her own devising!
DRY CLAYS, SUCH AS GREEN OR WHITE: Mix it up with a bit of water or yogurt for a facial mask.
BATH SALTS: Add them to a warm bath.
RAW SUGAR: Use it as a body scrub.
BLUE, WHITE OR YELLOW CORNMEAL: Use it as a face or foot scrub.
GROUND SUNFLOWER SEEDS: Use as a face scrub. Simply grind them in a food processor or coffee grinder.
DRIED CITRUS PEELS: Add them to baths, scrubs or foot soaks.
CLOVE BUDS: Chew them for a natural breath freshener, or add to a mouthwash.
FENNEL SEEDS: Chew them for a natural breath freshener, or add to baths.
DRIED FLOWER PETALS: Try petals and buds such as rose, calendula or lavender in baths, masks, powders and body scrubs.
Reprinted with permission from EcoBeauty: Scrubs, Rubs, Masks, and Bath Bombs for You and Your Friends. © 2009 by Lauren Cox and Janice Cox. Published by Ten Speed Press, an imprint of the Crown Publishing Group, Berkeley, CA. Photo Credit: Angie Cao.
Click here for the main article, Body & Soul: Shine Through to Spring with Natural Beauty Recipes.
