12 Days of Giving, Day 4: DIY Cosmetics as Gifts

Image: Wellness Mama

Image: Wellness Mama

I often lecture on the dangers of environmental toxins, xenoestrogens, and hormone disruptors to both men's & women's health. One of the worst offenders when it comes to these dangerous chemicals is the cosmetics industry - everything from your shampoo to your nail polish may be riddled with these harmful substances.

Feeling a little freaked out? Don't be! The good news is there are tons of natural products out there that are free from harm. 

If you're feeling ambitious, you can also make your own... which leads me to Day 4 of my 12 Days of Giving series.

If you're looking for a great gift for friends & family, and don't mind a little DIY, try these recipes for lip balm, moisturizer and foundation. 

You'll be giving yourself the gift of some hands-on crafting and time to be present, and your loved ones the gift of clean cosmetics! 

Homemade Peppermint Lip Balm

Source: Wellness Mama

Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons beeswax pastilles
  • 2 tablespoons shea butter
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil
  • 30+ drops peppermint essential oil

Directions:

  1. Melt beeswax, shea butter and coconut oil in a double boiler or small glass bowl over a small pot of boiling water, stirring constantly until melted.
  2. Remove pan from heat but keep over the still-hot water to keep the mixture melted.
  3. Add peppermint essential oil (or another essential oil of you're choosing). Add a few drops at a time and test a tiny amount on your arm to make sure the scent is to your liking.
  4. Once you’ve added the essential oils, use the a dropper to fill a lip balm tube or tub (you can find these at most craft stores, or sterilize and re-use old ones). This must be done quickly since the mixture will start to harden as soon as it is removed from the heat.
  5. Let tubes/tubs sit at room temperature for several hours until cooled and completely hardened before capping them.
Image: Living Simply

Image: Living Simply

Shea Butter Body Lotion

Source: Living Simply

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup shea butter
  • 2 TB nourishing oil such as: jojoba, avocado, apricot, sweet almond oil, or grape seed oil. 
  • 10 drops lavender essential oil 
  • 5 drops rosemary essential oil 
  • 3 drops tea tree essential oil 

Directions

  1. In a double boiler (a glass bowl over a pot filled 1/4 the way full with water), over medium-low heat, melt the shea butter. Add in the nourishing skin oil. Turn off the heat.
  2. Pour into a bowl. Place in the fridge or freezer and allow to cool and return to a solid (not hard) form. This takes about 15-20 minutes, depending on location. 
  3. Once opaque and slightly firm, remove the bowl from the freezer. Add in the essential oils. Using the whisk attachment on your mixer, whip the mixture. You can also use a whisk or fork versus a mixer. Don't over-whip. Scoop into a jar and store at room temp. Apply to both body and face as desired. 
Image: Love Your Body

Image: Love Your Body

Natural Foundation Powder

Source: Thank Your Body

Ingredients:

For the base:

  • Arrowroot Powder

Add one or a combination of:

  • Cocoa Powder
  • Ground Cinnamon
  • Nutmeg

Jojoba, Olive, or Almond Oil (optional)

Directions

  1. Start with a base of arrowroot powder (1 tsp. for dark skin – 1 Tbs. for light skin)
  2. Slowly add in one or combination of the cocoa powder, cinnamon, or nutmeg until you reach your desired tone.
  3. If you want more of a “compact” foundation, add some jojoba/olive/almond oil to the mixture and press down into a compact. (Start with 5 drops and keep adding until it reaches your desired texture).
  4. Use a brush to apply this homemade foundation. Make sure to tap off excess before swiping face.
Steph Bowen