There’s no doubt perfumes are one of the finer things in life, but they often come with a pretty hefty price tag.

You’d be forgiven for thinking those sweet aromas come from flower petals and plants too, as a large number of store-bought perfumes actually contain more harm than good – namely in the form of toxins.

Acetone, benzaldehyde, ethanol, methylene chloride…if you struggle to pronounce it, then chances are it’s in your favorite scent.

It’s time we brought perfume back to its natural roots, instead utilizing the healing power of nature to not only make us smell great, but feel fantastic too.

That’s why we’ve rounded-up a whopping 30+ DIY perfumes for you to try – plus, they’ll save you a pretty penny too!

1. DIY PERFUME FROM THE MERRY THOUGHT

The Merry Thought shares not one, but three different recipes for sweet-smelling perfumes. The key here is to place your mixture in a dark bottle and store it away from sunlight for 4-6 weeks.

This helps the scent to develop and mature, until you’re left with an incredible DIY perfume you’ll want to take with you everywhere.

2. HOMEMADE JASMIN ALOE PERFUME BODY SPRAY FROM HELLO GLOW

Inspired by the desire for a light summer fragrance, this perfume body spray is gently moisturizing, with an intoxicating scent.

Unlike alcohol, the witch hazel will lock in moisture without drying skin, while aloe vera provides hydration without any greasy residue. It’s the perfect scent that looks after your skin too!

3. DIY GLITTER PERFUME FOR YOUR INNER ROCKSTAR FROM SOAP DELI NEWS

All you need is jojoba or fractionated coconut oil, eco-friendly biodegradable glitter and a fragrance oil of your choice to make this DIY glitter perfume.

It makes the perfect gift for friends, family, and co-workers, plus you can customize it in any color of glitter that you can get your hands on!

4. HOMEMADE HIMALAYAN SEA SALT BODY SPRAY FROM THE CHIC SITE

You can use this homemade body spray anytime you need a little pick me up and it’s perfect for after the gym. The sea salt is rich in essential minerals and helps refresh and nourish your skin.

It simply uses Himalayan salt, vodka, vanilla essential oil, and water. So easy!

5. HONEYSUCKLE SOLID PERFUME FROM SOAP QUEEN

Solid perfume is convenient for traveling, or for touch ups throughout the day. This DIY Honeysuckle Solid Perfume has notes of tuberose, nectarine, jasmine and of course, honeysuckle, making it a beautiful aroma to adorn your skin with.

Plus, a small amount of Rose Gold Mica adds a hint of color to the perfume!

6. SANDALWOOD ROSE ESSENTIAL OIL PERFUME FROM AROMAHEAD

This beautiful perfume blend uses vanilla-infused jojoba, sandalwood essential oil, and rose absolute.

When placed in a small roller bottle, it can easily be stored in your handbag or car, ready to apply on-the-go. Plus, you can print your own pretty labels and give them as gifts to your loved ones.

7. DIY SOLID PERFUME IN VINTAGE COMPACT FROM THRIFTANISTA IN THE CITY

This is a wonderful idea about how you can repurpose old or vintage makeup compacts. You simply empty out the existing powder or makeup, before creating your very own solid perfume blend to fill it with instead.

This DIY uses ingredients such as beeswax pellets, carrier oil, and essential or fragrance oil. How clever!

8. DIY HAIR PERFUME FROM DOTERRA

There are plenty of recipes for body spray and perfume, but this wouldn’t be complete without a DIY hair perfume!

Make your tresses smell sweet with this blend of rose water, pure vanilla extract, ylang ylang oil, rosemary oil, sandalwood oil, lavender oil, and grapefruit oil. Then, in a fine-mist glass spray bottle, combine all of the ingredients. Shake and spray on your hair as desired!

9. DIY PERFUME GUIDE FROM LIFE N REFLECTION

This DIY guide will educate you on how to make perfume with essential oils, herbs, and flowers from your garden.

It also has a handy recipe you can use to make a gorgeous perfume, including chamomile flowers, dried rose buds, vodka, sweet almond oil, cinnamon essential oil, chamomile essential oil, and rose water.

10. FRESH FLOWER PETAL PERFUME FROM HELLO GLOW

This DIY perfume recipe has been designed with Mother’s Day in mind, but you can make it any day of the year (and for anyone!).

You simply use a cup of fresh flower petals of your choice, followed by 5 drops of an essential oil of your choosing, vodka, and distilled water. There are some scent recommendations in the tutorial to help you out.

11. DIY ‘HERS’ PERFUME FROM THE MERRY THOUGHT

The Merry Thought gives you not one, but three different perfume combinations that you can create yourself for everyday wear.

Placing the concoction in a bottle marked ‘Hers’ is the perfect way to avoid any accidental perfume swaps with your partner! Simply use more woody, masculine scents and place in a bottle labelled ‘His’ so no one misses out!

12. DIY FUN FRUITY ESSENTIAL OIL PERFUME ROLL-ON RECIPE FROM PRONOUNCE SKINCARE

Making your own non-toxic perfume is so easy. You just need a few ingredients and a roll-on bottle. This recipe uses citrus inspired ingredients for a perfume that’s fun, fruity, and completely uplifting!

Think sweet orange essential oil, mandarin essential oil, neroli essential oil, cedarwood atlas essential oil, and a liquid carrier oil of your choice.

13. HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN PERFUME WITH ESSENTIAL OILS FROM ASCENSION KITCHEN

This DIY tutorial gives you the ultimate lowdown on how to make your own perfume using essential oils.

It not only recommends some combinations based on the scent you’re after (i.e. woody, floral, citrus, etc.), but also thoroughly explains oil synergies, top, middle, and base notes, how to blend, and so much more. This guide is not to be missed!

14. DIY BLUE PERFUME FROM THE MERRY THOUGHT

Wondering how you can achieve that same dreamy shade of blue perfume? This tutorial shares the exact concoction with you, including valor (which is solely responsible for the blue hue), bergamot, frankincense, sacred mountain, and joy.

Then, add essential oils to your bottle. Top with fractionated coconut oil if it’s in a roller bottle or with witch hazel if it’s in a spray bottle. Voila!

15. DIY CARIBBEAN COLOGNE ESSENTIAL OIL ROLL-ON FROM MOUNTAIN ROSE HERBS

Have you ever wanted to make your own Caribbean inspired cologne? This one is a complex and spicy-sweet blend consisting of essential oils such as lavender, mandarin, sweet orange, and clove bud, as well as jojoba oil to serve as a carrier.

16. DIY SOLID PERFUME FROM ONE GOOD THING BY JILLEE

Instead of a spray, this perfume is solid, like lip balm, so it’s just as easy to apply. You simply swipe it on your wrists and/or neck! 

It also contains natural, identifiable ingredients that you can feel good about putting on your body, such as sweet almond oil, grapeseed oil, beeswax pastilles, vitamin E oil, and essential oils of your choosing.

17. ESSENTIAL OIL PERFUME FROM THE PRETTY BEE

This DIY perfume blend uses a mixture of sweet almond oil, vodka, vitamin E oil, distilled water, and other essential oils to not only make you smell sweeter, but also lift your mood – particularly during the colder weather.

You then sit it aside out of the light to let the scent mature. This can occur in 2 days or 6 weeks’ time, depending on your preferences.

18. GRAPEFRUIT + PEPPERMINT PERFUME DIY FROM A BEAUTIFUL MESS

Have you ever smelled the combination of grapefruit and peppermint before? It’s divine! This DIY perfume uses the two amazing scents, along with ingredients such as vanilla essential oil, and organic vodka or gin.

There’s also an alternative version that uses jojoba oil and fractionated coconut oil for those who prefer an oil to an alcoholic base.

19. A LONG LASTING, DIY VETIVER BASED PERFUME RECIPE FROM COLOR YOUR HEALTH

Vetiver is a relaxing and grounding scent, and in this recipe,  it is combined with the comforting smell of heart-warming and peaceful patchouli, as well as stress-relieving lavender.

Other tones include orange, lime, rose, and ginger. You then bring it altogether with alcohol and distilled water.

20. PATCHOULI OIL PERFUME RECIPE FROM THE BEST ORGANIC SKINCARE

Patchouli is well-known for its deep, earthy and musky fragrance, but did you know it helps reduce tension, insomnia, and anxiety while uplifting the mind?

It also helps alleviate particular skin conditions, including acne-prone skin types, eczema, inflammation, and cracked, chapped irritated skin, making it the perfect product to put in a perfume!

21. BOTANICAL PERFUME RECIPE FROM GARDEN THERAPY

This DIY perfume recipe runs you through four amazing combinations of scents: patchouli and bergamot, geranium, ylang ylang, and lavender, frankincense, jasmine, and orange, and cedarwood, lavender, and tangerine.

Then, you simply choose a carrier oil, such as fractionated coconut oil, grapeseed oil, sweet almond oil, or jojoba oil, and you’ve got yourself your very own perfume!

22. VANILLA BODY SPRAY RECIPE (3 WAYS) FROM MOMMYPOTAMUS

This vanilla body spray recipe has three different variations – one that blends vanilla with the sweet, tropical aroma of ylang ylang, another that contains a hint of sweet orange, and one that incorporates the rich aroma of coffee.

To make, you simply mix all the ingredients and pour them into a glass spray bottle. Then, store in a cool, dark cabinet.

23. HOMEMADE PERFUMED VANILLA OIL FROM JILLIAN IN ITALY

All you need to make this beautiful smelling perfume is vanilla beans, vodka and jojoba oil. The finished product has a really lovely deep vanilla scent that actually lasts for quite a long time, plus you can use it as a body perfume, room freshener and bath oil.

That’s three-in-one! The hardest part is having to wait the 4-6 weeks for it to mature before you can use it.

24. DIY ALL-NATURAL ESSENTIAL OIL PERFUME FROM BODY UNBURDENED

This easy guide will educate you in everything you need to know about making your own perfume using essential oils.

It uses two gorgeous scent pairings as examples, including lime, orange, cypress, and cedarwood, as well as lemon, grapefruit, ylang ylang, and vetiver. You’ll then want to combine these with beeswax pastilles and refined coconut oil to bring it all together!

25. DIY WOMEN’S PERFUME FROM OUR OILY HOUSE

Using essential oils for perfume is great, because not only are you smelling nice, but your body is also benefiting from the therapeutic benefits.

They can be used for assisting the mood, promoting natural energy, boosting the immune system, or helping with skin imperfections. This recipe uses a combination of juniper berry, lemon, peppermint, cardamom, and rosemary. Divine!

26. DIY PERFUME FEATURING YOUR FAVORITE ESSENTIAL OILS FROM POPSUGAR

This DIY perfume doesn’t just smell amazing, but it looks amazing too! The video tutorial will run you through how you can create your own version using dried rose buds, fractionated coconut oil, rose essential oil, jasmine essential oil, and frankincense essential oil. So easy!

27. DIY SOLID PERFUME TRIO FROM HELLO GLOW

One of the best things about essential oil perfume is that it’s not strong or overbearing like commercial perfumes. It’s subtle and has aromatherapy benefits too!

To make your own solid perfume, first combine a neutral-smelling oil (like almond or grapeseed) with beeswax pastilles, then slowly add your essential oils until you have a scent you love.

28. SPRING FLOWERS ESSENTIAL OIL BLEND FOR DIFFUSER OR BODY SPRAY FROM BEN AND ME

The great thing about this DIY is you can either use the combination as a perfume or place it in your diffuser to spread the scent around your home.

This recipe uses lavender, ylang ylang, German chamomile, and sweet orange for a powerfully floral blend with balancing citrus tones.

29. HOMEMADE HAIR PERFUME WITH ESSENTIAL OILS FROM RUBIES AND RADISHES

This recipe for hair perfume will have you loving how easy and simple it is to make! Spritzing a natural hair perfume is a great way to freshen up unwashed hair or to add a lovely boost to freshly cleaned locks.

This recipe uses essential oils of your choice, carrier ingredients such as vodka, witch hazel, aloe vera gel, or jojoba oil, and either distilled water or rose water.

30. BUSY MOM’S PEACE AND HAPPINESS PERFUME FROM BY OILY DESIGN

Creating a DIY perfume that’s good for your mind, body, and spirit is now easier than ever. This quick and easy recipe uses Citrus Fresh YL essential oil and Peace and Calming YL essential oil with fractionated coconut oil.

You then put it all in a roller bottle and voila! You’ve got your very own peace and happiness inducing scent.

Which Homemade Perfume Will You Make?

There you have it – 30 DIY perfumes using natural ingredients such as essential oils. Not only are these perfume recipes very quick and easy to make, but they’ll save your body from toxins and save your purse a small fortune in the long run!

These DIY perfumes also make wonderful gifts for loved ones, so if you’re a little stuck for inspiration next birthday or Christmas, why not make a batch? Your friends and family will be super grateful!

Now it’s over to you: which DIY perfumes will you be creating? What scents (or combination of scents) are your favorite?

Melanie

Melanie Clarke is the founder of Whim Online Magazine, an online magazine based in Australia that has a strong focus on whimsical + dreamy photography, as well as art and fashion content.

If anyone knows how to keep a gorgeous, glowing complexion, it’s someone who is constantly in the limelight. With photos being taken whether or not you’re ready for the spotlight, clear skin is a priority. Even if your big Hollywood break hasn’t come (and isn’t coming anytime soon), you deserve the VIP treatment.

Take it from the celebs who have some seriously stellar skincare advice.

Additional posts in our skincare series:

• Home Remedies to Fight Skin Pigmentation Problems
• 10 Ways To Keep Your Skin Firm Naturally
• 5 Worst Habits For Your Skin

1. Nightly makeup removal

A few celebs swear by this, and make it a rule to always, always wash their face before bed. This is especially important if you wear makeup daily. A gentle makeup remover can help the skin looking fresh and dewy. Gal Gadot says, “Before I go to bed, I take off all my make-up with La Mer Cleansing Oil and moisturise my face.” On the other hand, Lady Gaga will tell you she sleeps in makeup seven nights a week. Some people just have good genes! We think letting the skin breathe is essential. If you’re on a budget, a smear of coconut oil on a cloth or tissue works well – just make sure to wash up afterwards, and be careful around the eyes!

2. Hyaluronic acid

This common first aid item is used to treat burns, scars, and other wounds, but it’s also great for keeping wrinkles at bay when applied topically. Olivia Munn has a few skincare secrets, and one is eating lots of Japanese potatoes which are, apparently, a good source of the stuff. She’s not the only celeb trying to get in her daily dose of hyaluronic acid; Jada Pinkett Smith swears by the stuff along with tap water. Sometimes, it’s best to just keep it simple. Try this pure hyaluronic acid moisturising serum if you’re ready to hop on the bandwagon.

3. Wash with toner in the A.M.

Swapping out your morning wash for a morning tone could make a huge difference. While it’s really good for the skin to wash up at night after a day of exposure, our skin doesn’t need much in the morning – rather, it simply needs a refresh. Ildi Peaker – esthetician to models like Lindsay Ellingson and Irina Shayk – explains, “Most importantly, it will balance your skin’s pH so it is not too oily and not dry.” If your skin tends to lean one way or the other, it might just need a break. I always recommend witch hazel with aloe vera and rose petal.

4. Retinol

A good retinol-based product is a must-have for anti-ageing and smooth skin in general. This provides some restimulation for elastin to keep on keeping on, despite the fact that our bodies stop producing it after puberty. We like Paula’s Choice retinol serum with vitamin C for fighting wrinkles and uneven skin tone. Andreja Pejic says, “I use their Resist Anti-Aging Retinol Serum — but not every day because retinol is strong.” A consistent and sporadic retinol treatment can go a long way.

5. A good brush system

Gwyneth Paltrow provides a lot of holistic, natural living advice. Some of it is questionable, and some of it, we can really get behind. When it comes to skin, we believe in the power of a good brush system that you can use at home. She recommends the Clarisonic Mia2. This gentle cleansing brush goes above and beyond hands or a towel to remove dirt, makeup, and anything else from deeper within the pores, leaving you with an unbeatable clean every time. It contains two different speeds – one for daily cleansing, and one for occasional use to really get the job done and help exfoliate.

6. Use a good night cream

Nighttime is prime time for the skin to repair itself and come back to life. A good night’s sleep is often all you need to wake up feeling and looking good, but using a night cream can make a big difference. Naomi Watts gives her skin the TLC it needs with Dr. Colbert’s Soothe Night Cream, featuring hyaluronic acid, reducing inflammation, and reinforcing natural correction mechanisms of the skin. For a more affordable night cream, we recommend this one from BeeFriendly – it’s all natural and organic.

7. Aquaphor

If you’ve ever gotten a tattoo, you’re probably familiar with Aquaphor. Considering how a tattoo damages the skin initially, it makes sense that this stuff is fantastic for keeping the skin healed, restorative, moist, and scab-free. A little Aquaphor goes a long way, so it’s a fantastic, budget-friendly option that Emily Ratajkowski recommends for troublesome dry spots. She loves it – especially for travel – explaining, “I use it on my lips, or a little bit everywhere just to make sure my skin doesn’t dry at all because aeroplanes are terrible for that.” This is a great travel essential for keeping your skin fresh on the go.

8. St. I’ves Apricot Scrub

Who hasn’t used this stuff? It’s a common drugstore staple, and it’s been around for a long time. If you ask around, a ton of people swear by it. Jennifer Lawrence just so happens to be one of those people. She explains, “I exfoliate regularly and have found it to be an integral part of my skincare routine. I probably exfoliate twice a week. For my face, I use St. Ives Apricot Scrub, which I think many can agree is a go-to scrub.” If you needed a celebrity endorsement, you’ve got one! Bonus: this product is SUPER affordable!

9. Rosehip oil

Apparently, Miranda Kerr’s secret weapon is rosehip oil, but it doesn’t end there. While we can get behind this antioxidant-rich oil with fatty acids in the mix for a fresh-faced routine for acne scars, natural moisture, and more, Kerr goes above and beyond with leech facials. Basically, you place leeches on the face and as they move around, they redistribute blood. If you’re up for the challenge, just make sure not to use the same leeches twice. You can keep them at home as pets if you have a pond…

10. Eat your veggies

Penelope Cruz swears by gazpacho, a Spanish vegetable dish made with raw vegetables, water, and olive oil. This means it’s packed with nutrients that are healthy for the skin, water to hydrate, and fatty acids which help you absorb those vitamins and feed the skin further. You’ll get a good dose of tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and onion in one simple dish.

11. Bio-Cellulose Facial Treatment Mask

While not all of us have the budget of a celebrity, we had to throw in a product recommendation for this facial mask. The price is steep, but it might just be worth it. Priyana Chopra told People Style, “It’s the first thing that goes on my face before any make-up, and it makes anything I put on after look flawless.” If you’re after that flawless look, you can test the product for yourself. It’s rich with antioxidants and good for keeping the skin youthful. Purchase 111SKIN facial mask here.

12. Collagen eye masks

Collagen is undoubtedly one of the best supplements for the skin as it really helps it restore and renew. Bags under the eyes are one of the most pervasive skin problems we can face, though, as it’s quite obvious to us. Fortunately, there are some really great eye masks out there. This ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Hydro-Gel Eye Mask is recommended by celebrity makeup artist, Romy Soleimani, who worked with Cara Delevingne on the long, early morning starts during the filming of Suicide Squad, and she totally swears by it.

13. Use your SPF

Protection and prevention are the best ways to ward off unwanted skin issues. Sunscreen is a big, resounding yes whether you ask the celebs or you ask us. You can check out some of our favorite natural and safe sunblock options here for the kids and adults, or you can follow Poppy Delevingne’s advice and snag some Sisley Broad Spectrum Facial Sunscreen. This SPF 30 “has such a lovely texture and can be worn under make-up.” Poppy explains, “As soon as the sun comes out I put it on every morning.”

14. Take your supplements

We believe the one supplement you need for good skin (plus hair, nails, digestion, and more) is collagen. We’re also curious about this celebrity recommendation for the skin from Christy Turlington whose complexion says it all. She’s a believer in our inside-out philosophy, explaining, “I start my day by taking two Imedeen time perfection tablets. Caring for my skin from the inside out is what I am most interested in. Imedeen is all about delivering deep down nourishment where it matters most.”

15. Infrared sauna

Sweating it out is a simple way to get the skin working as a means for detox. Infrared saunas have loads of benefits, and clearer skin is just one of them. While you can buy one for your home, you can often find a spa or gym with a sauna for occasional use over time. Cindy Crawford does daily hot tubs and weekly sauna visits to keep her complexion glowing. A little heat therapy can do the body and the mind some good. Treat yourself – you deserve a spa day!

We hope you enjoyed this sneak peak into the daily lives of celebrities and their skincare routines. Make sure to share this with your skin-savvy, beauty lovin’ friends!

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Alex

Music, mountains, dogs, travel, food and friends.

In our first post of the skin care series, we talked about 5 worst habits for your skin. Today, we’re discussing how to keep the skin firm naturally. Whether you’re looking for effective ways to age as gracefully as possible, reverse damage you might have faced from previous bad habits or sun exposure, or looking to firm up after losing weight, these tips are scientifically backed.

As we age, the skin begins producing less elastin and less collagen which are both important for keeping that firm, toned look in the skin tissue. As a result, it’s important for US to aid the body in producing those things or adding certain supplements, external creams, moisturisers, and nutrients to the diet. Here, we discuss the top ten ways to fight wrinkles and keep your skin healthy, vibrant, and plump.

Additional posts in our skincare series:

• Home Remedies to Fight Skin Pigmentation Problems
• 15 Celebrity Tips & Secrets For Glowing, Healthy Skin
• 5 Worst Habits For Your Skin

1. Use a retinoid serum

When we hit puberty, our skin stops producing elastin. This is what keeps the skin elastic, so that when you press down on it, it immediately plumps back up. With more elastin, we naturally have less wrinkles and firmer skin. We can actually aid in the restimulation process by using a serum that contains retinoids each day. The product you choose is important, though! This study confirms that retinoic acid has potential to increase elastin synthesis, while retinol did not have any significant effects. Unfortunately, retinoic acid can only be obtained by prescription. The good news? Retinol slowly converts to retinoic acid, so if you give it time, a good retinol serum DOES work.

Our product choice: Tree of Life 72% Organic Retinol Serum

2. Supplement with collagen

Collagen is a powerhouse for the skin, and its ability to keep it tight and firm comes down to the fact that the skin is made of collagen. It’s the connective tissue or our hair, nails, muscles, bones, tendon, and skin – so you’ll be doing more than just keeping your skin looking good! After age 25, our bodies become less efficient in producing amino acids which collagen provides a good dose of, so you can use it as an anti-ageing supplement. This study shows that collagen supplementation increases collagen density in the skin which can reduce wrinkle appearance. Read more about its benefits for the skin here.

Our product recommendation: Great Lakes Grass-fed Collagen Hydrolysate

3. Protect your skin from UV rays

And do it the proper way! A healthy dose of sun can be great for our vitamin D levels and our skin, but too much is too much. Besides avoiding melanoma and decreasing your cancer risk, you’ll also decrease the chances of more obvious signs of sun exposure showing up. Too much sun can worsen wrinkles, produce dark sun spots, and more. This is because the sun causes collagen to break down, and the degradation of elastin, leaving our skin with little defence. Choosing the right sunscreen is important, too. A non-toxic, mineral-based formula is going to present less risk (including cancer risk) than a chemical-laden sunblock.

Our product recommendation: MyChelle Sun Protection (SPF 28) With Antioxidants

4. Don’t forget to moisturise

Using the right moisturiser and using it regularly can help keep the skin dewy, glowing, and firm. Dehydration inside and outside leads to oxidative stress which leads the skin to a state in which it’s unable to repair itself, suffering further damage in this endless cycle. Using coconut oil as a moisturiser has extra benefits, too; according to this research, it increases skin surface lipids which help protect the skin from environmental irritants, leading to less damage over time. And remember – hydration begins by getting enough water! Staying hydrated can make a huge difference in the appearance of the skin.

Our product recommendation: Nutiva Organic Virgin Coconut Oil

5. Eat more vitamin A

Vitamin A foods are rich in retinol which is why it’s one of the most important nutrients for healthy skin. We explained the benefits above! Of course, you can supplement with it externally, but a diet that’s abundant in foods with plenty of bioavailable vitamin A is a safe bet for long-term, under-the-surface skincare. Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin, so it’s important to note that these foods (if they don’t already contain fat) should be consumed with fats. Some of the foods with the most vitamin A include liver, eggs, fish, and most dairy products.

6. Skip the sugar

It’s commonly heard that sugar can increase breakouts, and there’s some truth to this. While this study examines both the effects of sugar and fat in the appearance of wrinkles, we’re willing to bet that increase in carbohydrates is the more likely culprit. Sugar is one of the most crucial habits to cut out for healthier skin overall. First, it breaks down collagen which is not the goal when we want it to do its work. Moreover, it weakens the immune system which makes our bodies less efficient at warding off bacteria which can clog the pores. Finally, it creates more testosterone leading to larger pores, hardened blood vessels, and increased oil production – none of which are making a strong case for firm skin!

7. Balance alkaline & acidic foods

An alkaline and acid balance can be beneficial for a number of reasons, one being your skin. A three-to-one ratio of alkaline to acidic foods is the golden standard for good skin. Why? Good question! Most antioxidant-heavy and nutrient-dense foods are quite alkaline including dark, leafy greens, seaweed, cooked tomatoes (high in beta-carotene which converts to vitamin A), and yellow vegetables. These vitamins help protect the skin from damage and prevent wrinkles, while acidic foods can have some undesirable effects. On the other hand, it’s important to note that most protein foods are acidic, but these foods also contain plenty of collagen to counteract the potentially negative impact on the skin. Aim for that 3:1 ratio most of the time, and you’ll be feeding your skin.

8. Build muscle

This one is especially important for people after weight loss, and it’s more central to the entire body – not just the face! We want to keep our skin firm all over. Building muscle can change body composition big time, helping the body to appear more filled out and toned. Losing fat and building muscle will increase the dramatic change in appearance. Basically, you want to perform the ol’ switcheroo – fat to muscle makes a big difference. It’s not easy to put on muscle, but 3-5 days per week lifting weights or performing resistance training should do the trick in conjunction with plenty of protein. Check out our favourite kettlebell exercises, or take on The 30-day Squat Challenge!

9. Stay hydrated

We’ve already hinted at it here a few times, but we can’t stress this one enough. Water is a common nutrient deficiency. It helps us keep our skin moisturised, offering up many of the same benefits as using a daily moisturiser. It’s also one of the most alkaline foods we can eat, so it can help you meet your ratio when balancing alkaline and acid. Water can increase blood flow to the surface of the skin to decrease wrinkle appearance, and improve the thickness and density of skin. Some of the skin’s structures that support collagen – a building block of the skin – also rely pretty heavily on water, and those structures need enough fuel!

10. Use a sea salt scrub

There’s some evidence that a sea salt scrub can firm up skin. It’s also great for exfoliation, removing dead skin cells, and simply pampering yourself at home. It’s simple to stock one up and use it each day in the shower. Plus, exfoliation means the skin will be more receptive to the benefits of a good moisturiser, since it will reach deeper into the dermis. Salt scrubs also contain important minerals like magnesium, potassium, and calcium which aid in skin cell restoration and provide anti-ageing effects.

Our product recommendation: Majetstic Pure Himalayan Salt Scrub

We hope you enjoyed this article! Make sure to check out our first part in this skincare series: ‘5 Worst Habits For Your Skin,’ and share if you find these tips helpful!

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Alex

Music, mountains, dogs, travel, food and friends.

When we think about skin care, the first thing to come to mind is the beauty aisle at any given store, full of creams and masks boasting their ability to make you look ‘x years younger,’ tighten and tone, refresh and clear up. While the external care of the skin is important, it’s an organ and it runs skin-deep, beyond the layers of the skin that take in whatever you’re treating it with.

We love DIY peel-off masks for rejuvenating, at-home spa days and we know about the healthiest nutrients for the skin. We love the collagen boost you get from using gelatine in your natural beauty rituals; but what are we doing to undermine our efforts on a daily basis? If you have frustrating skin problems whether it’s dry and cracking or you find yourself breaking out for no apparent reason, it might be time to look at your bad skin habits.

Additional posts in our skincare series:

• Home Remedies to Fight Skin Pigmentation Problems
• 10 Ways To Keep Your Skin Firm Naturally
• 15 Celebrity Tips & Secrets For Glowing, Healthy Skin

1. Lack of hydration

Water is the most common ‘nutrient’ deficiency, so it’s no surprise that chronic dehydration can have pretty rough consequences. Even a few days without taking in enough fluid can cause some undesirable effects, and you’ll likely notice them first showing up in your skin.

Water can improve thickness and density of skin, and it increases blood flow to the surface, keeping colour vibrant and the skin looking filled out rather than sunken in and sullen. Because of this, it can give the effect of smoothing out wrinkles and pores or making them less noticeable. Some of the skin’s structures that support collagen – a building block of the skin – also rely pretty heavily on water, so feeding those structures is important for overall vibrancy. It can even reduce breakouts as it promotes the balance of water and oil on the skin, thus preventing the buildup of oil that could lead to acne. It’s worth noting that water is good for just about everything: it lubricates the joints, it improves digestion, and it helps us absorb nutrients. Drink up!

If you halve your bodyweight, aim to drink that much water in ounces. For example, if you weigh 150 lbs., you want to aim to drink 75 ounces of water. For every 12 oz. of diuretic beverage you consume, you should consumer 12 additional ounces of water.

2. Poor sleep

You’ve probably noticed the difference in the appearance of your skin after a bad night’s rest. It looks duller in colour and texture, and it only gets worse as your sleep deprivation does. A week of poor rest will put your skin’s largest organ to the test.

If we look at sleep in a certain light, we could easily classify it as a nutrient that’s equally as important as nutrition or water is. When our body is deprived of any one of these – or especially all three of these – our skin is going to show it. Beauty sleep is a real thing; at night, our bodies do a bit of detox, shedding dead blood cells and efficiently preparing for detox which is undoubtedly the most effective way to flush toxins from the skin considering it’s our body’s natural process. Poor sleep also impacts moisture levels in the skin, much like dehydration; it can lower the pH of the skin creating an imbalance, leading to less-than-desirable outcomes like breakouts, redness, and dryness. Oh, and let’s not forget about dark under-eye circles! This is the most common and obvious skin issue to boil up after slacking on zzz’s.

If you want to change your sleeping habits, consider our 7-Day Sleep Better Challenge.

3. Smoking

Smoking isn’t good for much, and the skin plays the victim in a smoker’s life. Over time, you’ll wear that bad habit all over your face. It’s a tough addiction to beat, but your lungs, heart, and skin will be thanking you. Think of someone you know whose been smoking for a long time, and you can probably recall a more worn look to their face. There are plenty of reasons for this. If you’re making the push to quit, let this be one of them! The average smoker looks about 1.5 years older than they actually are, and over time, that adds up.

First, each drag of a smoke provides the body with a not-so-healthy dose of carbon monoxide which subsequently displaces the oxygen in the skin. At the same time, you’re decreasing the blood supply, leading to wrinkles. It even increases the chance of psoriasis, despite it being an autoimmune disease. A pack-a-day habit for 10 years increases your risk by 20% and 11-20 years will put you at a 60% chance – yikes! Another factor to take into consideration is a smoker’s need for more vitamin C. Vitamin C absorption is reduced by smoking, and vitamin C helps protect and repair skin damage.

4. Lack of exercise

The couch potato life doesn’t have many proven benefits. Of course, we believe in a little rest and relaxation when life calls for it, but humans simply weren’t designed to be sedentary. We won’t get into the negative impact on the heart and other vital organs when it comes to lack of exercise, nor will we delve into its impact on weight loss and body composition today. We’re just going to focus on how it’s impacting your skin.

Breaking out in a sweat is super beneficial for the body and its detox mechanisms. Sweat pushes toxins and excess nutrients from the skin, helping its appearance and overall health. It also goes without saying that a sedentary lifestyle is often accompanied by a rather lacklustre diet high in carbohydrates (read more about sugar below), dairy, and processed foods – all of which aren’t doing the skin any favours. Lack of exercise can also lead to antioxidant efficiency being decreased, and those antioxidants are another natural detox mechanism for the skin.

5. Too much sugar and dairy

Sound a bit like your morning cup of coffee? Considering coffee’s diuretic effect can already drain the skin, adding sugar and milk to the mix are exacerbating its negative impact on the skin. Sometimes, an elimination diet can provide all the answers we need to address lingering skin problems; that’s why so many people see improvements almost immediately with our Happy Body Formula program.

First, there’s a big link between acne and dairy. An underlying sensitivity or allergy to lactose could be the reason your skin isn’t clearing up. This could be due to a few things, namely, the quality of the dairy. Perhaps you notice a difference with raw, grass-fed dairy, but most conventional dairy is sourced from pregnant cows, meaning the milk they produce has hormones in it like progesterone and insulin growth factors. The most common symptom to look out for when identifying a dairy sensitivity is the “acne beard.” Breakouts will often be concentrated along the jawline and underneath the chin. Sure – it’s hidden from the rest of the world, but you notice!

As for the ‘sugar face,’ it’s a bit different than the acne beard although we wouldn’t put it past sweet treats causing some breakouts. If you’ve ever woken up after a night of indulgence, you might notice your face is looking rather puffy. This is partially due to water retention, but there are a few things going on behind the scenes of our skin cells when our sugar intake is high. Even a little can go a long way, and a sugar detox could do you good! First, it breaks down collagen which is crucial to our skin’s appearance. It also weakens the immune system which makes our bodies less efficient at warding off bacteria which can clog the pores. This might be the reason why chocolate, for example, is thought to cause acne. Finally, it creates more testosterone leading to larger pores, hardened blood vessels, and increased oil production. By cutting sugar, you might notice a difference in just 3-4 days.

We hope you learnt something new about the skin today. It’s worth taking care of from the inside out!

Alex

Music, mountains, dogs, travel, food and friends.

Is it the season for having fun in the sun where you are? There’s no denying being out in the summer sun feels good for us, both mentally and physically.

Whether you like to lounge on the beach, go for sweaty hikes, or cool off in the pool with a drink in hand, sunny days are are prime time for kicking back and catching rays.

However, as well as the goodness of vitamin D and positive vibes, the sun poses a few risks. To prevent the dangers of skin cancer and sunburn, we are kindly reminded to use sunscreen.

But is it as simple as that?

Actually, it’s not as simple as going to the store and picking whatever sunscreen works best. There are a good deal of  very important elements those sunscreen devotees aren’t telling us about, especially when it comes to keeping our skin safe from burns and cancer.

See, skin cancer rates are rising at approximately 4.2% per year while we’re spending LESS time outside and using MORE sunscreen. What’s the missing piece of the puzzle here?

Fun facts about the sun – differentiating rays

It’s important to note the difference between the sun’s two types of rays – UVB rays and UVA rays.

• UVA rays: Weaker light overall. Can still cause cancer, but they’re not powerful enough to break chemical bonds; they can turn electrons into free radicals that damage the cell’s genes, though. These rays don’t cause sunburn, so they don’t factor into SPF on sunscreen. You can protect against UVA rays effectively with zinc oxide.
• UVB rays: Radiation from UVB rays are proven to cause cancer; this has been known since 1928. Intense UVB penetrates the nuclei of cells (unlike UVA rays) and breaks the chemical bonds of DNA, causing mutation. Cancer forms when the mutations take place in a part of the DNA that controls cell reproduction.

Only three of the seventeen FDA-approved ingredients found in sunblock protect against UVA rays, and nine of those ingredients protect against UVB rays.

Another five ingredients come together to protect against both simultaneously. Considering this knowledge, it makes sense that we would believe sunblock is also protecting us against skin cancer. It’s not that simple, though.

Why most sunscreen isn’t safe

If sunscreen is protecting our bodies from cellular mutation – and thus protecting us from melanoma – then what’s so wrong with the stuff?

Turns out, it might actually increase risk of skin cancer. Take into consideration, we aren’t referring to ALL sunscreens. We have plenty of non-toxic recommendations for you later.

It comes down to ingredients, but the chemical barrier can cause a lot more potential risks than something that’s supposed to decrease our likelihood of developing health issues.

• Sunscreen relies on a chemical barrier. This means the barrier between your sun and your skin is made up of chemicals, namely oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate, and oxtinoxate.
• These chemicals can cross skin. Kinda scary, right? Our skin is permeable, and it’s our largest organ. The chemicals can then cross into other bodily tissues, causing a whole slew of problems like…
• Hormone disruption. Oxybenzone, for example, is a chemical found in 96% of the population! It’s a well-known endocrine disruptor which can reduce sperm count in men, contribute to endometriosis in women, and impact hormonal health overall. This can be especially damaging for kids!
• Allergy reaction. Like with any chemical, there’s more likelihood that we’re going to have an allergic reaction or sensitivity.
• Can increase risk of skin cancer. The National Skin Cancer Institute cites ‘inadequate evidence’ in claims that sunscreen reduces risk of skin cancer, and in fact, it could potentially make that risk stronger.
• Sunscreen blocks vitamin D. Our bodies need vitamin D. 75% of people are deficient, so we’re clearly not making enough! Sunscreen can literally block the body’s ability to produce vitamin D, leaving us more deficient. Deficiency overall is linked to higher risk of most cancer and heart disease.

What makes sunscreen safe?

When looking for a safe sunscreen, it’s good to take into account whether or not it provides a mineral barrier. Unlike a chemical barrier, using zinc oxide and/or titanium oxide can create a physical barrier between skin and sun.

With a mineral barrier, we don’t have to worry as much about whether or not the mineral will permeate the skin or other body tissues because it doesn’t have the same negative impacts on hormones, and it generally won’t elicit an unpleasant allergic reaction unless the mineral base also contains chemicals.

This research on zinc shows that very little will reach past the epidermis which is a good sign.

The downside of mineral sunscreen is that it’s difficult to gauge true SPF. Many mineral-based sunblocks won’t boast an SPF 75+ label, instead falling around the SPF 30-50 mark which is simply a more accurate measurement than most labels.

This study shows that most SPF claims are considerably higher than the actual protection you’ll receive upon use.

Overall, not relying solely on sunblock to protect against cancer is the best approach to the sun.

We need a certain amount of sun each day for our bodies to create vitamin D – an essential nutrient that most people don’t get enough of – and the amount of time we can safely spend in direct sunlight with our skin exposed will increase with continuous exposure.

It’s good to start out around 15-30 minutes without protection, and move your way up. The best protection is lightweight, breathable clothing that covers burn-prone skin if you’re going to be out for long periods of time.

Internal sun protection

Diet plays a huge role in our body’s natural defense against the harmful UV rays of the sun. Omega-6 consumption has been linked to skin cancer, and the Standard American Diet ensures our omega-6 to omega-3 ratio is dangerously high.

Saturated fats, omega-3s, and monounsaturated fatty acids like those found in avocado oil regenerate skin tissue. When these are not found in proper amounts to counteract omega-6 fatty acids, the skin tissue will use those omega-6s instead which can cause mutation, ultimately leading to cancer.

A proper essential fatty acid balance doesn’t necessarily prevent sunburn, but prevents the sunburn from being as damaging by aiding the skin in healing more quickly and regenerating tissue, thereby preventing the mutations that may be the precursor to cancer.

Brands we trust

Now that we’ve covered the basics of choosing proper sun protection, we’re here to guide you on your way to a safe, fun, and sunny summer!

The big thing to remember when you’re looking at ingredients is to avoid the common chemicals used in chemical barrier sunblocks, and opt instead for mineral-based sunblocks.

Other additives might be present, but like with food labels, if it’s unfamiliar or you can’t pronounce it, it’s probably pretty toxic. Here are some of our top picks with all different levels of SPF, recommendations for the kids, and more.

Coral Safe Sunscreen (SPF 30) – Biodegradable, water-resistant, non-allergenic, and contains antioxidants to further protect against UV rays.

MyChelle Sun Shield (SPF 28) – Made with zinc oxide and vitamin E, a good mineral-based sunblock choice.

Raw Elements Eco Form Sunscreen (SPF 30+) – Hypoallergenic, reef safe, water-resistant up to 80 minutes.

Z Blok Sunscreen Stick (SPF 45) – Higher SPF than most mineral-based sunblocks, easy-to-use stick.

Andalou Natural Defense Lotion (SPF 18) – Moisturizer with natural sunblock to keep your skin healthy, everyday coverage.

For the kids

The kids need a little extra protection! It’s certainly important to reduce chemical harm to our skin and bodies, but it’s even more important with the kids.

It’s even more crucial to avoid toxic spray sunscreens, which may be ingested, and those chemicals aren’t doing the lungs any good.

Babyganics Pure Mineral Sunscreen Stick (SPF 50) – UVA & UVB resistant, non-allergenic, and just two ingredients.

Adorable Baby All-Natural Sunscreen (SPF 30+) – Made for babies, blocks UVA & UVB, mineral-based with natural oils and butters for moisture.

Read more from the EWG’s 2017 Guide to Safe Sunscreens.

We hope you’ve learnt a bit more about how to optimize protection from the sun. Using internal protection, covering up when needed, and relying on a natural, safe, and non-toxic sunscreen are the best ways to protect the skin from cancer.

Enjoy the sun (safely)!

Alex

Music, mountains, dogs, travel, food and friends.

If you look up the definition of collagen, it is described as “the main structural protein found in skin and other connective tissues, widely used in purified form for cosmetic surgical treatments.” We’re not going to recommend plastic surgery today, though.

We’re just creating the case for our claim that collagen powder is the bee’s knees when it comes to keeping skin supple, youthful, and glowing.

When you think about it, the best foods for our organs are often foods that contain that organ or a component of that organ themselves.

Eating liver is fantastic for the liver, and consumption of collagen is fantastic for the skin – our body’s largest organ. Considering how many toxins and environmental factors our skin is exposed to daily, it’s no surprise that we have to put in the work to take care of it.

While creams, lotions, and scrubs will address the outside layers, we believe that skin health begins on the inside.

What is collagen made of?

Collagen is the most commonly found protein in our bodies (50%), and it quite literally keeps us from falling apart; it’s found in the connective tissues of our hair, skin, nails, muscles, bones, and tendons.

Collagen is derived from animal bones, skin, and tissues – all those ‘odd and unappealing’ bits you usually throw away.

Gelatine – which you may be more familiar with eating or using – is basically collagen that will gel when mixed with water and heat, thus producing something quite like Jell-O.

Another example is collagen-rich bone broth, made via the process of extruding collagen out of bones and cartilage, which turns the liquid into a gelatinous mass.

Because of its ingredients, collagen is allergen-friendly, so it’s a great supplement for anyone – even those with food sensitivities or intolerance, including those following the autoimmune protocol or someone following the 9-week Happy Body Formula program.

The benefits of collagen 

How exactly does collagen work to benefit our skin? It’s undoubtedly one of our favorite “nutrients” to feed the glow with because it keeps those connective tissues strong which in turn reduces wrinkles, sun spots, and dry skin over time.

Let’s talk a little more about the science behind it.

Amino acids

Many of the benefits of collagen are specifically traced back to its content of amino acids: arginine, glutamine, glycine and proline.

Collagen contains amino acids that our bodies already produce. While it may seem silly to supplement with it due to the “if it’s not broken, don’t fix it” mentality, hear us out!

When we are sick or experiencing chronic stress, our bodies need a boost of the stuff. Ever notice that your skin often suffers when you’re under stress or under the weather?

This also holds true for us as we age. After age 25, the body becomes a bit less efficient in producing amino acids. We’re still making ’em, but not in the same abundance as we were. This is why our skin shows as we age!

By supplementing with collagen’s unique amino acid profile, we can ensure we’re getting enough between making them on our own and supplementing with them.

Glycine and proline, in particular, protect collagen. Collagen is one of the most prominent pieces to the puzzle of our skin, so consuming gelatine – which is rich in both aforementioned compounds – can help keep it healthy.

It can also fight the effects of sun damage and improve elasticity. In this study, after four weeks, oral supplementation of collagen showed higher skin elasticity levels in elderly women.

These amino acids are also fantastic at hydrating the skin – one of the most important factors in the way our complexion appears.

This research shows that oral supplementation over the course of eight weeks increased collagen density in the skin, while fragmentation went significantly down – both factors that indicate moisture in the skin.

These amino acids can also help even out skin tone. Veins, arteries, and other factors in discoloration of skin are more likely to appear when collagen levels in the body drop.

While collagen is most abundant in the dermis – the bottom layer of the skin – the specific amino acids present can help work on the upper level where the color is more affected.

Finally, because collagen can act on tissue and repair it, it’s a fantastic healing mechanism. Whether you’re avoiding scars from a current injury, or hope to reduce the appearance of pre-existing scars, a collagen supplement can help rebuild that tissue as much as possible.

Read more about the benefits of collagen and gelatine.

Digestion: the missing link

One of the most advantageous things about using an internal supplement alongside or instead of an external solution for skin is that our bodies digest it.

Collagen, in particular, is very easy for the body to digest, meaning that the average person whose digestion is in order will reap the most benefits possible from doing so.

This is the process that allows collagen to access the dermis in the first place – another advantage compared to using cream or lotion, which only reaches the top later of skin.

Collagen has actually been shown to improve digestion, too, so you’ll be seeing benefits beyond your skin!

Our collagen powder recommendation

Since collagen is an animal product, I can’t stress quality of the product enough! It’s so important to choose a product that is ethical, sustainable, and grass-fed.

Grass-fed beef products have an entirely different nutrient profile than conventional beef products, so in this case, quality = effectiveness. I’ve used Great Lakes collagen and gelatine for years because I truly trust the brand. Here’s why:

• They ensure there are no pesticides, insecticides, or any other agricultural residue in their products – a risk with any animal food.
• The product contains no MSG besides the naturally occurring glutamic acid found in protein chains. Read more about MSG here.
• They source their product passionately and responsibly from pastured cattle farmers in Argentina and Brazil. This means the cows are free to roam and graze, and they’re never fed grains or corn. Thus, the yielded product is good for us. You are what you eat, and you are what your food eats!

How to use collagen

• Mix it with water. Simply add 1 tablespoon of collagen powder to water once or twice a day to see benefits. It doesn’t taste like much, so you won’t notice it. You could even add it to lemon water for added digestive benefits before meals.
• Put it in your coffee. Boost your coffee with 1 tablespoon of collagen! Better yet, make it bulletproof. Add it to coffee with a spoonful of butter and/or MCT oil and flavor as you like with other ‘super food’ powders, natural sweetener, or whatever you like.
• Drink bone broth. The reason bone broth is advertised as such an incredibly healing health food is because of its amino acid profile and collagen content. Make some hearty broth at home to boost your collagen intake. If it gels, you know it’s packed with the stuff! You can always add a scoop of powder to your broth for double the collagen action, too.

Skin loving collagen smoothie recipe

You can add a scoop or two of collagen to any smoothie recipe you’d like for a boost of nourishment for your skin and protein. Collagen is actually one of our favorite real food protein powders, coming in at 6 grams of protein per tablespoon!

It’s a great way to replace whey or hard-to-digest plant proteins like pea protein. This smoothie is paired with other skin-boosting foods and nutrients, making it easy to sip your way to glowing right out of bed in the A.M.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons Great Lakes collagen
• 1/2 avocado
• 1/2 banana
• 1 cup packed leafy greens (try kale or collards)
• 2 brazil nuts (great source of selenium and zinc!)
• Water, coconut water or plant-based milk to blend

Instructions:

• Blend until smooth and pour! Enjoy all of the essential nutrients for healthy skin in this smoothie like vitamin E, mono-unsaturated fatty acids, vitamin A, selenium, and of course… collagen!

We hope you learnt a lot about how to nourish your skin today. Do you use collagen in your beauty routine?

Check out our favorite ways to use gelatine as a topical treatment on the face for DIY mask heaven.

Alex

Music, mountains, dogs, travel, food and friends.

Today, I want you to take a look in your medicine cabinet, your makeup bag and wherever else you might be hoarding beauty products. We’re going to take some inventory together, and perhaps you’ll be able to do a little spring cleaning.

DIY beauty isn’t complicated or expensive; it’s practical and a worthy endeavor. Plus, you only need a few simple upgrades to get started with.

These products are your baseline, and you can really work up from there. You can make your own DIY beauty recipes, or at least you’ll better know which natural ingredients to look for when purchasing beauty products in the future.

1. Rosewater

Rosewater makes a fantastic facial toner. Toner’s purpose is generally to remove oil and any remaining impurities. This means smaller pores and a smoother complexion overall.

Another major benefit of using rosewater to tone is to improve the pH balance of the skin. We want to use toner after cleansing  to restore pH, because soap takes the acidity of our skin down.

The skin on its own might generally produce too much oil to restore it. Finally, it can prevent ingrown hairs – and toner isn’t just limited to use on the face! Use it after shaving if you’re prone to them.

Toner also has moisturising qualities, and you can mix rosewater with essential oils, aloe and other properties to increase those properties.

My recommendation: It’s All Good Rosewater Facial Toner. This handy spray bottle is SO easy to use, and it’s small enough to carry around. I like using it as a refresher out and about to keep my skin dewy, especially in dry climates. Plus, it smells lovely!

2. Castile soap

Castile soap is just about the only soap you need. You can use it in your laundry, you can use it to wash dishes, you can use it to clean the house, and you can definitely use it in your beauty routine.

If you’re looking for an all natural soap that you can depend on and love the smell of, look no further than Castile soap. It’s biodegradable, so it does no harm to your body or the environment.

You can use it to wash your hair, wash your face, wash your body, shave with and just about anything else!

The label on Dr. Bronner’s states dilution directions for many uses, so it’s easy to figure out how to use it for what you want. Adding some salt can make it a beautiful, foaming exfoliant that isn’t too harsh on the skin.

It makes a lovely bubble for the bath tub in addition to some Epsom salts. You can use it to clean your makeup brushes naturally without harsh chemicals. The list is truly endless.

My recommendation: Dr. Bronner’s is such a trusted brand, and I’ve been using it for as long as I can remember now. There’s a reason the label reads ’18-in-1.’

I love each scent, but I find tea tree to be the most versatile. I like to use different scents for different purposes. You could also opt for the unscented bottle and add your favorite essential oils for a customized soap.

3. Witch hazel

Witch hazel also makes a lovely toner, but it has other benefits too. It’s very astringent, so like rosewater, it shrinks pores and pulls away at excess oil on the face.

It can be especially effective in blackhead prevention, if you struggle with them! It also works well to remove dark circles and bags under the eyes as it has anti-inflammatory properties.

Since we’re on the topic, its ability to reduce inflammation in the skin can also prevent and reduce blemishes, help heal up bruises, reduce visibility of varicose veins stop bleeding and treat ingrown hairs.

It feels like witch hazel can do anything, but that’s just skin ailments! It can also treat damaged gums. Simply use a witch hazel mouth rinse if you have sensitive bleeding gums or after invasive dental procedures.

My recommendation: Thayer’s alcohol-free witch hazel I use , which is safe for oral use as well as topical use. You can also add essential oils to make it scented, or purchase Thayer’s rose petal witch hazel for the best of both worlds (and something a little fragrant!).

4. Frankincense oil

This essential oil is amazing for a variety of reasons, like most essential oils. It has some seriously therapeutic benefits, and it doesn’t hurt that Frankincense smells nice!

One of the best ways to use it in your daily beauty routine is in an anti-aging serum to keep you looking young! You can check out this recipe for a simple serum here including Frankincense.

It’s antibacterial and antiseptic, so we know it’s great for cleansing the skin and has some detox properties – an important part of keeping skin supple as it is our body’s largest organ.

It can also be powerful in reducing the appearance of stretch marks, so combining some of this essential oil with a bit of avocado oil on problem areas can help to fade the dark color. It can also help to heal up other skin issues like cuts and acne.

My recommendation: Get a good quality oil! Quality makes all the difference in essential oils. I trust Plant Therapy.

5. Coconut oil

What can’t coconut oil do? The answer is nothing. Literally. It’s the end all, be all. If you’ve got a jar in your kitchen, you should get a jar in the bathroom too. Your skin, teeth and hair will thank you.

First, you could try the Ayurvedic practice of oil pulling which simply requires you to throw back a glob of the stuff and swish it around like mouthwash for 20 minutes or so.

It’s antimicrobial properties will help remove bacteria and whiten the teeth. You can also mix it with charcoal and make a DIY toothpaste (actually, there are many ways to do this including this recipe on our blog).

It makes a great hair mask for dry and brittle hair, helping to bring back that shine. Finally, it makes a wonderful moisturizer – just be careful not to use too much because it can clog pores.

It works well to soothe chapped lips and it can even be used to soften up cuticles for healthy nails. If you don’t have time for a full hair mask, just rub it on the ends to dismiss frizz and repair split ends.

Oh, and it works brilliantly to remove makeup – even the waterproof stuff!

My recommendation: Use it on everything. You should buy a big jar of it and divvy it up so you have some where you need it a.k.a. all over the house. You’re not crazy – I promise.

You can mix it up with some essential oils for any purpose to give it a better scent, but the coconut smell is pleasant in and of itself.

6. Activated charcoal

You might have seen charcoal floating around in peel-off mask recipes, and that’s definitely one way to use it. Activated charcoal is incredibly porous, so it’s super beneficial to our skin.

It latches on to toxins and dirt and pulls it out extremely well! Since it’s such an effective detox mechanism, it’s also fantastic for using to brush your teeth with.

You can just add some charcoal powder to your toothbrush with a bit of water and brush, or mix it with bentonite clay and/or coconut oil for a paste.

My recommendation: Check out our favorite DIY charcoal recipes on the blog to better see how you can use this awesome beauty staple in your routine.

I trust this brand if you’re looking to purchase it, but I also recommend checking out your local health food store to see if you can purchase it in bulk for the best price.

7. Apple cider vinegar

Raw apple cider vinegar is economical and versatile. Its beauty uses are derived from its antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties, making it useful for quite a few things.

For example, you can go no-poo (a.k.a. shampoo-free) and do an ACV hair rinse instead as it removes buildup and restores the pH balance on the scalp.

It’s also great for smelly feet – an embarrassing, but common problem! ACV can also help to soothe sunburn in a warm bath or diluted with cool water as a direct treatment.

Some additional uses include skin toner and acne prevention and keeping nails clear if you have trouble with them yellowing.

Finally, its acidic nature can help to whiten teeth and it doesn’t taste too bad because it’s slightly sweet! Just mix one part with three parts water and use as a mouth rinse once per day.

My recommendation: Bragg’s raw apple cider vinegar I love with the mother. I think it’s one of the healthiest foods on the planet – especially for digestion and stomach acid production – but it gets just as much use in my bathroom as it does in my kitchen.

8. Bentonite clay

Bentonite clay is a fantastic vehicle to make DIY beauty recipes with because of its texture. It can be used in mask recipes as its thick texture hardens up nice on the face, and it can be used as a toothpaste as it makes a nice mixing medium.

This greyish clay is aged volcanic and, and when hydrated, it produces an electrical charge! Pretty cool, huh? It swells when liquid is added and becomes super porous, making it a good detox agent through that electrical attraction!

Besides masks and homemade toothpaste simply mixed with some essential oils, you can rub some with water on to cuts or other skin abrasions to reduce swelling and clean them out.

It can even be helpful under extreme skin inflammation like  eczema, psoriasis, and chicken pox. You can also use it in the bath like you would Epsom salts – simply use around 1/4 cup instead – for a good full body detox.

It can even be used as a natural baby powder because even the little ones need some pampering!

My recommendation: You need a good food-grade clay like this one. Be weary of pure white clay. It should retain a greyish color always.

9. Castor oil

Castor oil is a great product to have handy. Its anti-inflammatory benefits are notable in the skin. It can help reduce pigmentation and discoloration in the skin, perhaps even reducing the visibility of acne scars.

From there, it can help to eliminate acne and also proves to be a healthy, natural way to reduce the appearance of stretch marks.

Moreover, you can use it in the hair too. It’s a great way to fight scalp infection and restore balance there, making a possible dandruff treatment.

It can also keep those long locks flowing by helping hair growth, plus it prevents greys from sprouting up! It’s your one stop shop to keeping your hair youthful looking.

My recommendation: Heritage Store also makes castor oil, and I really trust this brand. Plus, they’re incredibly cheap for a quality product which I appreciate!

10. Argan oil

Argan oil is a really common ingredient in beauty products both natural and not-so-natural. It doesn’t have to be complicated though, if you just get some straight from the source and learn why it’s useful in your routine.

Like many oils, it has moisturizing and hydrating qualities to it. It’s full of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants your skin and hair will want to soak right up.

You can add some to your DIY toner for a more nourishing blend, especially if you have skin that tends to dry out quickly.

It can also be added to your favourite face mask or sprinkled in with your daily lotion. It’s as powerful on its own as it is as an enhancement to products you’re already using and love – preferably natural ones!

You can use it directly on hair for shine, cuticles for softness (and set overnight in socks/gloves for a strong nail treatment), or skin for that supple glow.

My recommendation: I like this pure and organic argan oil from Pure D’or. It’s cold-pressed which is ideal for most oils, unrefined with no chemicals or synthetic fragrance added.

Tell us what natural beauty products you’re excited to use, and how you stock your bathroom! Are there any that we missed?

Let us know in the comments, and make sure to share this article if you liked it. Share it on Pinterest from here! 

Alex

Music, mountains, dogs, travel, food and friends.