Homemade Beauty Products for Mother’s Day
This Mother’s Day, instead of giving dear mom any number of gifts that may contain harmful toxic chemicals, such as flowers sprayed with pesticides, a fashionable brightly colored purse that is laced with lead, or even a singing card from Hallmark, celebrate your love for her in a way that doesn’t threaten her health or pollute the environment.
One popular Mother’s Day gift idea meant to generate some TLC is a day at the spa, or for those more budget-conscious, an assortment of therapeutic beauty products. However, too many personal care products may contain chemical ingredients linked to cancer and hormone disruption, and even some products that claim to be “organic” are deceptively mislabeled. A non-toxic and eco-friendly alternative is to make the products yourself! Below is a list of very simple recipes for homemade beauty products that, if made with organic ingredients, are non-toxic. Give your mother a basketful as a gift, or make enough for the both of you and enjoy a rejuvenating and healthy day together!
Brown Sugar Body Scrub
The brown sugar in this classic DIY body scrub serves as a great skin exfoliant. It is a very easy recipe and is much cheaper than the versions found in many cosmetics stores.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of raw organic brown sugar
- ½ cup of organic olive oil. Almond oil can also be used.
- A few drops of favorite essential oils for fragrance. Peppermint oil and vanilla work well.
Instructions:
Pour the brown sugar into a small bowl, and add in the olive oil until the sugar is fully moist. Mix the sugar and oil together. Add in the drops of essential oils. Store the scrub in a reused jar with a lid or in another sealable container, and use it in the shower with warm water.
Coconut Oil Moisturizer
Pure organic coconut oil all by itself can serve as a fantastic moisturizer straight out of the jar. However, if you don’t want to just hand your mom a jar of coconut oil and claim that it’s a lotion, you can add in some fanciness with this recipe.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of organic coconut oil.
- A few drops of favorite essential oils for fragrance. Lavender is a good choice.
Instructions:
Put the coconut oil and essential oils into an electric mixer or food processor. The coconut oil should be in a solid state and should not have melted too much. If it is melted, put the jar of coconut oil in the refrigerator before you try to blend it. Mix well until you achieve a light consistency similar to lotion, usually a few minutes. Store in a reused jar with a lid or in another sealable container. Keep in a cool place so the oil doesn’t melt.
(Expired) Yogurt Facial Mask
This recipe works well for all skin types. The lactic acid in yogurt is great for smoothing and tightening skin, and the honey serves to soften and moisturize. For extra green points, this is also a nice way to use up any expired yogurt sitting in your refrigerator, although it’s at your discretion if you want to tell mom about that part. Popular variations include adding in blended cucumber or cooked oatmeal in equal parts to the yogurt. The recipe makes enough for one facial mask.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of organic plain, whole fat yogurt.
- 1 tablespoon of local organic honey.
Instructions:
Combine the yogurt and honey in a small bowl. Spread the mixture onto the face, and rinse off with cold water after 15 minutes.
Avocado Hair Mask
Avocados are rich in essential fatty acids and vitamins that help hydrate and nourish the hair and can also stimulate hair growth. The olive oil and honey work to add extra moisturizing benefits. For shorter hair, use only half of the recipe. And make sure to rinse well!
Ingredients:
- 1 medium organic avocado.
- ½ cup of organic olive oil.
- 1 tablespoon of local organic honey.
Instructions:
Place all the ingredients into a small bowl and mash and mix together until blended well. Apply to damp hair by massaging the mixture first into the scalp and then down to the ends. Leave on for 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse out well with warm water.