If you’re looking to get glowing this holiday season, there’s nothing better than a few handcrafted beauty products! Not only do homemade items allow you to control the ingredients, but they also make for thoughtful holiday gifts or a fun treat for yourself. Here are six beauty essentials you can easily make at home.
1. Holiday Sugar Scrub
A good sugar scrub is the ultimate exfoliating treat, and with a hint of holiday cheer, it’ll leave you feeling soft and festive!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup granulated sugar (white or brown)
- 2 tablespoons liquid castile soap
- ½ cup coconut oil (melted)
- 40 drops essential oil of your choice (get creative for fun holiday scents)
Instructions:
- Melt the coconut oil until it’s liquid but not too hot. In a bowl, combine the sugar, castile soap and coconut oil, mixing well.
- Add the essential oil if desired, stirring until combined.
- Transfer to a recycled plastic jar (not usually a fan of plastic but avoiding glass in the shower is safer) and label – it’s ready to use or gift!
2. Bronzing Dew Drops
Dew drops with a hint of bronze add a sun-kissed glow any time of year. This easy mix can be blended with your favorite moisturizer or worn alone for a subtle shimmer.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons marula oil (a nut oil) or grapeseed oil (for nut free)
- 1 tablespoon raspberry seed oil
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder (adjust for desired shade) or cosmetic grade mica powder
- Optional: 40 drops of essential oil for a sweet scent
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, mix the oils.
- Slowly add cocoa powder (or cosmetic grade mica powder), blending until you reach your desired color.
- Transfer to a small bottle 2 oz dropper bottle. Add EO and shake before each use and add a few drops to your face or body moisturizer for a glowy look!
3. Dry Shampoo
Dry shampoo is a lifesaver for busy days. This recipe is natural and will keep your hair looking fresh without the chemicals.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup arrowroot powder (I prefer this over cornstarch)
- 1 tablespoon baking soda
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder (for dark hair)
- 15 drops of essential oil (lavender, rosemary or peppermint for a fresh scent)
- Powder Spray Bottle (search online) or reuse a previous product packaging.
Instructions:
- Mix arrowroot powder (or cornstarch), baking soda and essential oil. If you have light hair skip the cocoa powder. For those with darker hair add-in cocoa powder.
- I purchased a Powder Spray Bottle. It is a Barber supply and accessory tool. It gives you the application similar to propelled dry shampoo without the aerosol.
- You can also apply to roots with a makeup brush, then work it in with your fingers or a hairbrush and store in a small jar. Either way, it is a lot more economical, and it gives a quick refresh to your hair!
4. Non-petroleum jelly (a must-have Salve for dry skin)
A versatile moisturizer, non-petroleum jelly can be used as a lip balm, hand salve, or on dry patches.
Ingredients:
- ¾ cup beeswax pellets
- ¾ cup coconut oil
- ¾ cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon vitamin E oil
- 35 drops of immune/protect/shield essential oil. It is made of blend of cloves, lemon, cinnamon, eucalyptus, and rosemary.
Instructions:
- Melt beeswax in a double boiler, then add the coconut oil and olive oil, stirring until combined.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Add essential oils and vitamin E.
- Pour into a small jar and let it set. I used a recycled pudding jar. Use it as a salve on any area that needs extra moisture. It can be used on your lips, but the following recipe is so much better for your lips.
5. Simply Amazing Balm
This simple balm recipe that’s natural, nourishing, and easy to make.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons beeswax pellets (for a firm texture)
- 2 tablespoons mango butter or cocoa butter (for moisturization)
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or sweet almond oil (for hydration)
- 20 drops essential oil (optional, for scent) – peppermint, lavender, or vanilla work well
- 1-2 drops vitamin E oil (optional, for extra nourishment and to extend shelf life)
Instructions:
- In a double boiler (or a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water), melt the beeswax, mango/cocoa butter, and coconut/sweet almond oil. Stir occasionally until fully melted and combined.
- Once melted, remove from heat and add essential oil and vitamin E oil if using. Stir well.
- Quickly pour the mixture into lip balm containers (tubes, small tins, or jars work well) while it’s still liquid. It will start to harden as it cools, so work quickly.
- Let the balm cool completely at room temperature or pop them in the fridge for faster setting.
- Once set, label your lip balms if you’d like, and they’re ready to use!
- This recipe makes about 10-12 lip balm tubes or 4 small tins. If you want balm for elbows, knees or other dry areas, utilize deodorant tubes for easy application.
- If you prefer a firmer balm, add a bit more beeswax; for a softer balm, add a bit more oil.
- You can experiment with adding a tiny bit of natural color, like beetroot powder, for a tinted balm.
Tips for Success
- Storage: Use clean, airtight jars and keep products in a cool, dark place.
- Ingredients: Choose organic ingredients whenever possible.
- Labeling: These natural products typically last around 3 months.
