The best bit about making your own skincare is that it means you are only putting natural products on your face, and saving yourself a few bob at the same time!
This is the time of year when we all start to make some resolutions. To take better care of ourselves, get more sleep, look after our skin. You know the drill.
While you are thinking about these changes why not think about some organic and home-made beauty treatments. All made in your very own kitchen?
The best bit about making your own skincare is that not only will it save you money, it also means that what you are putting on your skin is completely natural and non-toxic.
1. Brown sugar body scrub
What you will need - Brown Sugar, Oil, Orange Essential Oil
Mix a cup of brown sugar with a good quality cold pressed oil (eg olive, almond or macadamia) into a paste, then add six drops of sweet orange essential oil. Apply in the shower – while skin is warm – using large circular movements towards the heart. Rinse off to reveal hydrated and heavenly-smelling skin.
2. Lip Scrub
What you will need- Sugar and Honey
To properly rock the bold, bright lipstick of your dreams, you first have to make sure you’ve got a clean, smooth canvas. Nothing deters lipstick like dehydrated, flaky lips.
All you need to do is combine a tablespoon of sugar and honey in a small bowl and mix. Once you've created a nice granulated paste, apply it to clean lips. Gently massage the scrub into the lips for a minute or so. Don’t rub the paste too hard or too long—you don’t want to chafe the skin! Rinse the scrub off of your lips with warm water and pat dry with a soft towel.
3. Toner
What you will need - Apple Cider Vinegar and Water
This slightly smelly concoction is like pure magic for your skin, as apple cider vinegar contains anti-bacterial properties that help slough off dead skin cells, instantly making your skin look brighter. Water works to dilute the acidity in the vinegar.
Mix one part apple cider vinegar with two parts water, then dip a cotton ball or pad into the solution and swipe across your freshly cleansed face.
4. Face Mask
What you will need - Avocado and Honey
If your face is in need of a little moisture, try whipping up a creamy avocado- and honey-infused face mask. Leaving the mask on for 10 minutes and rinsing it off with lukewarm water (never hot!).
5. Hair Mask
What you will need - Coconut and Avocado
While you’ve got that avocado handy from your face mask mixture, why not use the other half on a nourishing hair mask?
Mix two tablespoons of avocado with two tablespoons of coconut oil and mix well (in a blender, if needed). Comb the mixture through your hair and leave in for up to an hour. Rinse out with shampoo—washing twice if needed to get it all out — and follow with your favourite conditioner. Your hair will instantly look and feel shinier and healthier.
Laura Doyle, mum of 4. Kyle 9, Noa Belle 4, Briar 2 and Milla 12 months. Breastfeeder, co-sleeper, coffee drinker. Staying positive and inspired by the chaos of it all. Writer and blogger at www.lovelifeandlittleones.com.