My favorite beauty shop?
From the time I was young, it’s been the kitchen.
Nowhere is nature’s innate capacity to heal and beautify more evident.
Apple-cider vinegar tones my skin and makes my hair shine.
Honey acts as a natural anti-aging and antibacterial cleanser.
Sugar and salt slough off dead skin cells.
Cucumber and mint enliven.
Oats calm irritation, and coconut and olive oils provide deep hydration.
Create your own body and beauty products as a gift for yourself or for others.
In a small bowl or mortar and pestle, mash cucumber and mint into a pulp.
Squeeze the liquid out into a second bowl and discard the pulp.
Add sugar and melted coconut oil to the liquid and mix until fully incorporated.
Apply to clean, damp skin using circular motions to exfoliate the skin.
Rinse off completely, then towel dry.
Makes about 2/3 cup.
Use immediately, or refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
The coconut oil will harden in the fridge; bring scrub to room temperature before using.
Rosemary and sage oils, steeped in nourishing coconut oil and cocoa butter, help to jump-start skin repair.
Melt coconut oil and cocoa butter in a small saucepan over low heat.
When the oil is hot to the touch, add sage and rosemary.
Strain out the leaves and discard.
Pour the liquid into an 8-ounce glass jar, two 4-ounce jars, or four 2-ounce jars.
Place lids on the jars and refrigerate overnight to harden.
Remove from the fridge the next morning and keep in a cool, dry place.
Makes about 1 cup.
Store in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.
(Alternatively, place in a small bowl; mash with a fork until smooth.)
Apply a thin layer to clean, damp skin.
Let dry, then rinse off and moisturize as desired.
Oily skin types may not need additional moisturizer.
Makes enough for 2-3 applications.
Should be used immediately.
A touch ofapple-cider vinegarleaves skin fresh and toned.
Strain out the lavender and discard.
Let the steeped lavender water come to room temperature, then mix in vinegar.
Pour the toner into a spray bottle and spritz it on to refresh the skin.
Use on clean skin, after washing and before moisturizing, or for a mid-day pick-me-up.
Makes about 12 ounces.
Store in a cool, dry place for up to 3 months.
A touch of olive oil restores any lost moisture.
Add oil depending on hair jot down.
(Use less for fine, oily hair types, more for thicker, dryer hair.
Very oily hair types may omit the oil.)
Apply to damp hair from ends to scalp, combing through to integrate.
Pull hair back and let the mask work its magic for 10-15 minutes.
No shampoo or conditioner is necessary, but if any oily residue remains, shampoo to remove.
Makes enough for 1 system.
Store in a cool, dark place for up to 2 weeks.
While the oatmeal bath mixture is completely edible, we don’t recommend actually eating it.
Transfer to an airtight container or bag.
Bathe as you like, rinse thoroughly, towel dry and moisturize normally.
Makes about 2 cups.
Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months.
