Top Beauty Products to Make Yourself, and What to Leave to the Pros

Using nontoxic organic beauty products should be a no-brainer by now, as we all know that what you put on is as important as what you put in.  Today you can effectively swap out any conventionally produced, toxin-laden product for a safer version that looks and acts just like its synthetic loaded counter-part.

Yet, many still opt for simpler skincare and go homemade.  While this is an easy and cost-effective route, there are certain products that need to be created, manufactured and packaged by professionals to provide the results and safety we all want and need.  Whipping up an exfoliant or cleanser is do-able and even fun.  Hair products and makeup are a completely different ballgame.

While I have never been much of a DIYer when it comes to skin and hair care, I have come up with a few home brewed concoctions that are very useful and enjoyable.  The following list comes from my trials (and errors) in the kitchen while whipping up homemade beauty products.  All ingredients are organic where available.

Top 3 Beauty Products to Make Yourself

1. Face and Body Scrub:  You can make a wonderful scrub for face and body with just a few ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen cupboard.   Sugar is an excellent exfoliant, just mix with olive or grape seed oil to your desired consistency and there you have it.  Your skin will be fresh, glowing and moisturized.  Just remember to be gentle.
2. Facial Mask:  Plain yogurt is another great exfoliant, and though not abrasive like sugar, is still pretty potent.  Mix ¼ cup yogurt with two tablespoons grape seed oil and a teaspoon of honey.  Apply to skin and allow to dry somewhat, around 10-15 minutes.  Rinse off with warm water.  This plumps and firms the skin.  Even my sensitive skin loves this treatment.
3. Grape Seed Oil Cleanser:  Using oil as a cleanser may seem counter productive, but it works like a charm in dry winter months.  Oil binds to dirt and makeup, cleansing the skin of impurities without stripping away moisture.  Simply massage oil into skin and rinse with a warm wash cloth.  You may follow with toner if you like.

Top 3 Beauty Products Best Left to the Pros

1. Shampoo:  Creating a product yourself that is fit for cleansing the hair and leaving it soft and shiny is difficult at best.  In my experience with homemade products, the one area I did not find pleasant or worth while was hair care.  A raw egg mask may provide shine but I found the feel and smell to be disgusting.
2. Deodorant:  You actually can make your own deodorant using baking soda, alum or cornstarch.  While some folks are happy with its effects, I find these to be irritating to skin and hard on clothing.  Most nontoxic deodorant manufacturers carry an unscented product, if no scent is what you are after.
3. Make Up:  Obviously, producing your own mineral foundation and blush, mascara and eyeliner would require tools, materials and skills beyond most of our means.  But, there is nothing wrong with mixing a bit of pure mineral blusher with your favorite lip balm for a hit of color.

So, don’t be afraid to mix it up in the kitchen.  A combination of professionally manufactured and homemade beauty products result in a well balanced beauty regimen.

More to read on homemade beauty products:

Handmade Soaps: Health and Happiness for You and the Environment

Ten Ways To Green Your Bathroom–And Keep It Fabulous

Image credit:  churl at Flickr under a Creative Commons license.