It’s amazing how much money you can spend on beauty products. I was a Sephora devotee for many years. Then I became an adult and started thinking more intentionally about where my money was going. For me, Sephora Road was a one-way ticket to Broketown.
And not only did I want to save money, but as I got older I also wanted to use products with healthy, natural ingredients. I’d made some of my own natural products for around the house, such as laundry detergent and all-purpose cleaner, but DIY beauty products just seemed too overwhelming. I tend toward perfectionism, so for a long time, I just avoided it.
Inspiration
Then one day I came across the book Skin Cleanse – The Simple, All-Natural Program for Clean, Calm, Happy Skin while scrolling through Instagram, and I instantly reserved it from the library.
This book. Is. So. Good.
Written by the founder of S.W. Basics, a natural skin/beauty line based out of Brooklyn, it’s an extremely down-to-earth, encouraging primer for getting into natural health and beauty products! I highly recommend it.
Two Great Recipes
These are two recipes I’ve tried from the book and absolutely love them. They are super simple and use ingredients you easily can find either a) in your pantry or b) at Target or your local natural health store (like GNC).
Deodorant Cream
I absolutely love this deodorant. I’ve found little success with “natural” store-bought deodorants. This is super easy to apply (and feels so good!) and it keeps me un-smelly all day, even after a workout!
- 3 tablespoons coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons corn starch
- 2 tablespoons baking soda
- 8-10 drops favorite deodorizing essential oil (lavender, tea tree, cedar, lemon, clary sage, lemongrass)
Gently melt coconut oil in a small pot. Whisk in powders. Add essential oil, a few drops at a time, until you reach your desired scent/intensity. Once thoroughly mixed, place in your jar of choice, and pop it in the fridge for 15-30 minutes until set.
It will last a couple of months.
Foaming Face Wash
The author says you don’t need to wash your face every day with a super soapy, foamy face wash, so I don’t use this daily. I use it after a good workout (so every couple of days).
- ½ cup of unscented castile soap (like Dr. Bronner’s)
- 2 tablespoons jojoba oil
- 10 drops tea tree oil
Pour your soap and oil into a bottle with a lid or pump, then add the tea tree oil. Seal and shake well – It’ll get bubbly, but also beautifully creamy and luxurious. Let it sit overnight before using, and shake before each use. Apply as you would your regular cleanser – it will make a thin, sudsy soap.
It will last a few months; just make sure to keep water out.
You can do it!
I still buy things from places such as Sephora or Ulta, but only a select few things. And I know not to just pop in there to look around. It’s too tempting.
I totally encourage you to try your hand at making your own beauty products. Save money, live better, and be proud of yourself – You can do it!
What about you? What are your favorite DIY beauty recipes? Would love for you to share them in the comments below!
Amber Adrian is a thirty-something wife and (new) mama trying to live well and be frugal in Minneapolis, MN. She blogs about mindfulness and intentional living at alternativegrace.com.