DIY Beauty Straight from Your Pantry

It’s easy to get caught up in purchasing expensive products with fancy ingredients and packaging, but did you know that some of the best skincare products may be hiding in your kitchen? That’s right! Your best medicine cabinet can actually be your kitchen pantry. With a few simple ingredients, you can easily whip up your own natural skincare in the comfort of your home. Here are a few recipes you will fall in love with that will smooth, brighten and tone your skin. These DIY beauty products make great gifts for the holiday season too, so be sure to make enough to share with friends and family!

HIBISCUS TEA AND ROSE WATER TONER

Hibiscus is known for it’s ability to cleanse and balance the skin’s delicate pH. It’s rich in alpha hydroxy acids that naturally exfoliate and amino acids that provide a tightening effect to the skin, without stripping natural oils. Vitamin C brightens the complexion while fighting free radicals. Rose water has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce the redness of irritated skin.

Ingredients:

–    6 ounces distilled water

–    3 bags organic hibiscus tea

–    1 ounce witch hazel

–    1/4 cup organic rose water

–    1/2 teaspoon vitamin C powder

Bring six ounces of water to a boil, then turn off heat and add three organic hibiscus tea bags. Steep for 20 minutes. Remove teabags. Add one ounce of alcohol free witch hazel, rose water and vitamin C powder. Transfer to a small spray bottle and use within two weeks. You can refrigerate for a longer shelf life. Use this toner morning and night after washing your face.

PUMPKIN, PAPAYA, HONEY MASK

This is a powerful enzyme mask for all skin types that dissolves dead skin cells, reduces inflammation, prevents acne, tightens pores, softens lines and combats free radicals. It’s rich in phytonutrients, alpha hydroxy acids, antioxidants, vitamins A, C, K, E and healing minerals such as Zinc.

Ingredients:

–    15 ounce can of organic pumpkin purée

–    v3/4 cup raw organic honey

–    1/4 cup ripe organic papaya (mashed)

–    Dash of nutmeg and cinnamon

Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Only a small amount is needed for your mask, so the rest can be added to an ice cube tray, frozen, then transferred to a freezer ziplock bag for future individual use. Just take one cube out when needed, allow to thaw, then apply to face. Mask can be left on for 10 to 15 minutes. Rinse with cool water and a gentle cleanser. Can be used twice per week.

OATMEAL, CANE SUGAR, HONEY AND LEMON SCRUB

For those that love manual exfoliation, this scrub is for you! Not only does it stimulate circulation, but it also leaves your skin hydrated, brighter, silky soft and with a beautiful glow!

Ingredients:

–    1 cup organic fine cane sugar

–    1/2 cup organic oatmeal

–    1/2 cup organic jojoba oil

–    1/4 cup raw organic honey

–    1 tbsp organic lemon juice

Pulse oatmeal in a blender until a flour is made. Mix all ingredients together in a bowl and transfer to an airtight jar or container.  Apply scrub to face and use gentle and light circular sweeping motions across the skin (your fingers are just the vehicle to move the scrub around, so do not press hard into skin)  to remove dead skin cells. Rinse and follow with a gentle cleanser. Note: this is also a fantastic treatment for chafed, dry lips! Can be used two to three times per week.

YOGURT, HONEY, LEMON MASK

I love this alpha hydroxy acid and probiotic rich mask for brightening skin tone, reducing sun spots and keeping breakouts at bay. Yogurt contains lactic and gently dissolves dead skin layers, while nourishing  the skin with probiotics. Lemons contain citric acid and loads of vitamin C which smoothes, brightens and lightens the complexion. While honey is healing, hydrating and antibacterial. A beautiful combination.

Ingredients:

–    1 tbsp whole organic Greek yogurt

–    1 tbsp organic raw honey

–    1/2 tsp organic lemon juice (or 1/4 tsp for sensitive skin)

Combine all the ingredients and smooth mixture over your face. Avoid contact with the eye area. Leave the mask on for 10 to 15 minutes. Rinse off with cool water. Can be used two to three times a week.

COFFEE GROUND SCRUB

It tightens and tones while increasing circulation and providing antioxidants to the skin. When applied religiously, it has been shown to reduce cellulite!

Ingredients:

–    1/2 cup organic coffee grounds

–    1/2 cup raw cane sugar

–    1/4 cup organic extra virgin coconut oil

–    1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Mix dry ingredients and combine in a bowl. Melt the coconut oil if solid, allow it to return to room temperature and add to the mixture. Transfer contents to an airtight jar or container. In the shower, apply your scrub to areas with cellulite. Massage the scrub onto skin in a circular motion before rinsing. Repeat every time you shower for best results!

WHIPPED COCONUT BODY BUTTER

This super light and fluffy moisturizer will delay the occurrence of wrinkles, as coconut strengthens skin with its rich content of vitamin E. Plus, its antiviral and antifungal properties will quickly soothe and heal irritated skin as well. Apply after showering and it will leave you smelling lovely with satiny-soft, hydrated, healthy skin!

Ingredients:

–    1 cup organic coconut oil

–    6-10 (or more) drops of your favorite essential oils for fragrance

Put all ingredients into a mixing bowl. Coconut oil must be in solid form in order to whip. Mix on high speed for six to seven minutes or until whipped into a light airy consistency. Spoon mixture into an airtight jar. Store at room temperature or in the refrigerator.