How to Make Homemade Beauty Products

Beauty products represent a billion dollar industry. While it's fun to indulge in some much-needed pampering, the rising prices of many beauty treatments and products are enough to make you cancel spa day. What's more, many beauty products contain synthetic ingredients that even Einstein could not pronounce. The good news is that you can enjoy all natural homemade beauty treatments for pennies--in the privacy of your own home.

Things You'll Need

• Sea salt
• Sugar
• Essential oils
• Fragrant herbs like peppermint
• Oatmeal
• Almond oil
• Coconut oil
• Vegan Shortening
• Agave nectar
• Avocados. bananas, apples or pears
• Plastic or glass airtight containers
• Flower petals, hijiki flakes (optional)

Instructions

1. Storebought bath scrubs can cost as much as $30. To make a more economical version that works just as well, simply pour fine sea salt or sugar into a plastic container (perhaps recycled from purchased bath scrubs). Saturate with almond oil and scent with a few drops of your favorite essential oil(s). Some lovely scent combinations include lavender/vanilla, lemon/peppermint and sandalwood/rose.

2. Homemade facial masks are simple to make using ingredients that you probably already have on hand. Spread these masks on your face, let them dry (this should take about 15 minutes) and then rinse well. Follow with toner if your skin is oily.Choose a mask for your skin type:Dry or aging skin: Mash half an avocadoNormal skin: Mash half a banana with 1 tablespoon of agave nectar Oily skin: Using an immersion blender, mash 1 apple or pear into a pulp, along with 1 tablespoon of agave nectar

3. Easy Peppermint Facial Scrub* 1 tbsp. rolled oats* 1 tsp. dried peppermint* 1/2 tsp. course saltToss ingredients together and add enough water to form a paste. Wet your face, then take a heaping teaspoon of the scrub and rub it into your skin, gently exfoliating using circular motions. Rinse very well, then finish with a dab of witch hazel if your skin is oily. Cover and store unused portion in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Makes enough for 3 to 4 applications.

4. Relaxing Bath Oil* 1/2 cup of almond oil* 1 tsp. of your favorite essential oil(s)Optional additions: Flower petals, herbs, seaweed (hijiki)Makes enough for 2 to 3 baths. Mix all ingredients vigorously in a sealed mason jar. Add about 3 tablespoons to tepid bathwater and relax. Be sure to do the spot test before using the essential oils.

5. To make natural vegan lip gloss: Mix about 2 tbsp. of vegan shortening or cocoa butter with a few drops of your favorite essential oil. Good oils to use for lip gloss include peppermint, vanilla, and apricot. Store in a recycled lip gloss pot.

Tips & Warnings

• Since natural beauty products do not contains preservatives, make only small amounts and use them up quickly.

• Store unused portions in the refrigerator for a few days.

• Before using any homemade beauty products, be sure to do a test dab on your inner arm to ensure that you are not allergic to any of the ingredients. This is especially important if you have sensitive skin.