I feel like I haven’t posted a DIY beauty recipe in such a long time so I figured it was the perfect time! Besides, spring is on it’s way and I tend to experiment with beauty recipes more in the warmer months so I have a feeling I’ll be posting a lot soon.

Anyway, let’s talk about what’s on the agenda for today. I think I’ve probably mentioned to you in the past that I have a problem with breakouts on my back. My spots are so embarrassing and even a little painful. They also always seem to scar, which is super irritating. I’ve been testing different things out and nothing seems to keep them completely at bay but I use dead sea salt in the shower, which helps quite a bit, and then I get out of the shower and use a DIY acne pad.

If you want to make your own DIY cleansing wipes (think Stridex pads, but healthy and natural) keep reading to find out how. 

In a separate bowl, combine the essential oils and witch hazel and make sure the ingredients are incorporated together. Put your cotton rounds in your container and then pour the mixture over the cotton rounds, let it sit and absorb for several minutes. 

You can use your freshly made wipes on your back like I do or on your face! Be sure to test your skin for an allergy to either essential oil before applying though.

If your skin is feeling the harsh effects of the cold winter months, like mine has been, then todays DIY beauty recipe will be perfect for you. The ingredients in the following mask are nourishing, soothing, and super rich so your skin will drink it all in and be left feeling hydrated and healthy.

Chop up the cucumber and avocado, then place all four ingredients into the blender or food processor to create a paste. Once your mixture is thouroughly blended you can massage the mask onto your freshly cleansed face, neck, and chest. Let the mask sit for 20 to 30 minutes before rinsing off with lukewarm water. Follow up with your favorite facial oil or moisturizer.

If your skin is feeling the harsh effects of the cold winter months, like mine has been, then todays DIY beauty recipe will be perfect for you. The ingredients in the following mask are nourishing, soothing, and super rich so your skin will drink it all in and be left feeling hydrated and healthy.

Chop up the cucumber and avocado, then place all four ingredients into the blender or food processor to create a paste. Once your mixture is thouroughly blended you can massage the mask onto your freshly cleansed face, neck, and chest. Let the mask sit for 20 to 30 minutes before rinsing off with lukewarm water. Follow up with your favorite facial oil or moisturizer.

I don’t know about you but acne really bums me out. I’ve been lucky for the majority of my life and had clear skin but now that I’m in my mid-twenties my skin has been having some serious hormonal acne problems. I have always known about the benefits of using tea tree oil to combat blemishes but I’m just now beginning to experiment.

Even though the recipe I am sharing with you today is super simple, it’s an awesome treat for your skin. If you’re seeing spots this mask will become your new best friend! The following two ingredients combine to create an antibacterial and antiseptic yet hydrating facial mask.

What you need:
1 tablespoon of honey
3-5 drops of tea tree oil (start with the minimal amount and then you can adjust according to your personal preferences)

Once you mix the tea tree oil into the honey just apply evenly on clean skin and let sit for 15 to 20 minutes before rinsing off with lukewarm water. If you want to cover your neck and chest you can double the recipe.

You can use this mask several times a week as desired and it should keep pesky pimples at bay. However, this isn’t a miracle mask and it won’t completely heal your skin. In fact, any product promising miracles probably will let you down. This mask will help brighten, refresh, and minimize red and angry blemishes. Remember to spot test before using in case your sensitive to the oil.

I don’t know about you but acne really bums me out. I’ve been lucky for the majority of my life and had clear skin but now that I’m in my mid-twenties my skin has been having some serious hormonal acne problems. I have always known about the benefits of using tea tree oil to combat blemishes but I’m just now beginning to experiment.

Even though the recipe I am sharing with you today is super simple, it’s an awesome treat for your skin. If you’re seeing spots this mask will become your new best friend! The following two ingredients combine to create an antibacterial and antiseptic yet hydrating facial mask.

What you need:
1 tablespoon of honey
3-5 drops of tea tree oil (start with the minimal amount and then you can adjust according to your personal preferences)

Once you mix the tea tree oil into the honey just apply evenly on clean skin and let sit for 15 to 20 minutes before rinsing off with lukewarm water. If you want to cover your neck and chest you can double the recipe.

You can use this mask several times a week as desired and it should keep pesky pimples at bay. However, this isn’t a miracle mask and it won’t completely heal your skin. In fact, any product promising miracles probably will let you down. This mask will help brighten, refresh, and minimize red and angry blemishes. Remember to spot test before using in case your sensitive to the oil.

Do you have an event coming up that you want to look golden, glowy, and glamorous for? Or maybe you just want to perk up your pale skin with a little color. Instead of using harsh self-tanning products or going out into the sun (or even worse – the tanning beds) try mixing up your very own bronzing powder with simple ingredients you probably have at home.

All you have to do is mix the cocoa powder and cinnamon together until you have the perfect shade for you. Everyone has different skin and different preferences so some of you may want more cocoa in the mix while others may prefer more cinnamon. Once you have the perfect shade, just pour the powder into an old jar or container and apply to your skin where you want a golden glow!

If you want to bronze your body all you need to do it add your powder into enough of your favorite lotion to cover whichever parts of your body you want to bronze. The best part about this is that it’s temporary so as soon as you get home from your event you can hop in the shower and rinse the golden glow down the drain. Make sure to let dry completely before putting on any clothes and don’t get wet while it’s on your skin.

Do you have an event coming up that you want to look golden, glowy, and glamorous for? Or maybe you just want to perk up your pale skin with a little color. Instead of using harsh self-tanning products or going out into the sun (or even worse – the tanning beds) try mixing up your very own bronzing powder with simple ingredients you probably have at home.

All you have to do is mix the cocoa powder and cinnamon together until you have the perfect shade for you. Everyone has different skin and different preferences so some of you may want more cocoa in the mix while others may prefer more cinnamon. Once you have the perfect shade, just pour the powder into an old jar or container and apply to your skin where you want a golden glow!

If you want to bronze your body all you need to do it add your powder into enough of your favorite lotion to cover whichever parts of your body you want to bronze. The best part about this is that it’s temporary so as soon as you get home from your event you can hop in the shower and rinse the golden glow down the drain. Make sure to let dry completely before putting on any clothes and don’t get wet while it’s on your skin.

No one can argue about the benefits of using natural ingredients and products but there is one downside that comes to mind, dirtier showers. I don’t know if this happens to everyone or if it’s just what happens in my house but my shower gets coated with an oily residue that’s tough to clean.

My Mom shared this recipe that she uses with me so I thought I should pass it on. It’s easy and healthy!

Combine the baking soda and castile soap together in a bowl, and then add the water and lemon juice. You should need about a tablespoon of each but gauge it based on the consistency, which should be a soft paste. Once you have your paste you can scrub the shower and tub clean. Once you rinse your shower should be sparkling!

Bonus cleaning tip – pour some baking soda into your toilet and then add some vinegar! Of course it’s not magical, you’ll still have to use your muscles and a sponge, but it’s a great cleaning solution.

For a lot of people, myself included, fall and winter tends to lead to dry (or dryer than normal) skin. I always amp up my facial routine during the colder months and use creamier cleanser, thicker moisturizers, and moisture infusing masks and treatments. If you have oily skin, today’s recipe is not for you. If you need a hydrating and nourishing facial mask then look no further! 

Combine the yolk with the carrot and apply the mixture to your face. Massage it into your skin and let it sit for 20-30 minutes before rinsing off with warm water. Make sure to use your favorite moisturizer afterwards to lock in the benefits of the mask.

For a lot of people, myself included, fall and winter tends to lead to dry (or dryer than normal) skin. I always amp up my facial routine during the colder months and use creamier cleanser, thicker moisturizers, and moisture infusing masks and treatments. If you have oily skin, today’s recipe is not for you. If you need a hydrating and nourishing facial mask then look no further! 

Combine the yolk with the carrot and apply the mixture to your face. Massage it into your skin and let it sit for 20-30 minutes before rinsing off with warm water. Make sure to use your favorite moisturizer afterwards to lock in the benefits of the mask.

It’s been a while since I’ve talked about the skin benefits of apple cider vinegar, but if you’ve been with me since the beginning you remember how much I love the magical, amber colored liquid for toning and taming breakouts as well as using to clean nails before a manicure or using it as a rinse for hair. Since I’ve had several readers asking for DIY recipes that are perfect for oily and acne prone skin, I figured now was the perfect time to bust out ACV again.

The three, simple ingredients in this recipe combine to create a nourishing, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial mask so it’s perfect for using on blemished skin. It’s also good for those of us who want to clarify our skin. Be sure to patch test this mask (like all masks, treatments, and scrubs) before applying to your face.

This mask is supposed to be a bit runny so you may need to adjust the ingredients until you have a consistency you’re happy with. Once you have the consistency you desire, apply to a clean face. Let the mask sit for 20-30 minutes before rinsing off with water. Be sure to follow up with your favorite moisturizer!

It’s been a while since I’ve talked about the skin benefits of apple cider vinegar, but if you’ve been with me since the beginning you remember how much I love the magical, amber colored liquid for toning and taming breakouts as well as using to clean nails before a manicure or using it as a rinse for hair. Since I’ve had several readers asking for DIY recipes that are perfect for oily and acne prone skin, I figured now was the perfect time to bust out ACV again.

The three, simple ingredients in this recipe combine to create a nourishing, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial mask so it’s perfect for using on blemished skin. It’s also good for those of us who want to clarify our skin. Be sure to patch test this mask (like all masks, treatments, and scrubs) before applying to your face.

This mask is supposed to be a bit runny so you may need to adjust the ingredients until you have a consistency you’re happy with. Once you have the consistency you desire, apply to a clean face. Let the mask sit for 20-30 minutes before rinsing off with water. Be sure to follow up with your favorite moisturizer!

I absolutely love to exfoliate my skin. It’s my favorite step in taking care of my skin so I love playing around and experimenting with different scrubs. This one features pantry staples including my favorite DIY beauty ingredient, honey, as well as lemon and sugar. It’s super simple and easy to make and use. This scrub comes in handy for people with discolored and uneven skin, dull skin, large pores, or acne.

Any of the aforementioned skin types will benefit from using this scrub, however it’s important to test how your skin reacts to the ingredients, especially since many people have sensitivities to citrus. Lemon juice, as all citrus juice, will make skin sensitive to the sun so be sure to use SPF if you do this during the day; however, I recommend using facial scrubs like this before going to bed so your skin has time to regenerate.

Mix the ingredients together in a bowl and apply to your freshly cleansed face. Massage the mixture gently into your skin for several (2-3) minutes before rinsing off with warm water. Be sure to avoid the delicate eye area. Make sure to follow up with your favorite serum or moisturizer.

I absolutely love to exfoliate my skin. It’s my favorite step in taking care of my skin so I love playing around and experimenting with different scrubs. This one features pantry staples including my favorite DIY beauty ingredient, honey, as well as lemon and sugar. It’s super simple and easy to make and use. This scrub comes in handy for people with discolored and uneven skin, dull skin, large pores, or acne.

Any of the aforementioned skin types will benefit from using this scrub, however it’s important to test how your skin reacts to the ingredients, especially since many people have sensitivities to citrus. Lemon juice, as all citrus juice, will make skin sensitive to the sun so be sure to use SPF if you do this during the day; however, I recommend using facial scrubs like this before going to bed so your skin has time to regenerate.

Mix the ingredients together in a bowl and apply to your freshly cleansed face. Massage the mixture gently into your skin for several (2-3) minutes before rinsing off with warm water. Be sure to avoid the delicate eye area. Make sure to follow up with your favorite serum or moisturizer.

It’s that time of year again - time for long, warm, relaxing baths! There is nothing more comforting that hopping into the tub for some me time during the fall, however our skin can get a bit tight, dry, and itchy from the warmth of the water as well as the cold, dry air outside and the high temperatures from indoor heaters.

The next time your skin needs hydrated and soothed try this quick and simple recipe.

What you need:
1/2 cup of rose water
(You can buy rose water or make your own by following my recipe which you can find here) 
1/2 cup of coconut milk

Just pour both ingredients into your tub full of warm water, sit back, and relax for the next half an hour. You skin will thank you!

The coconut milk can leave your tub a bit slippery so be extra careful and wipe down your tub afterwards.

My hands are really dry right now, with the changing of the seasons, so I thought a hand scrub recipe would be appropriate for today’s post! By the way, Happy first week of fall! This scrub stars applesauce, which is a natural exfoliant that contains calcium, iron, and vitamin A. Apples are hard workers when it comes to fighting bacteria, being an antioxidant and an astringent. It also makes a wonderful and nutritious snack for children of all ages.

What you need:
3 tablespoons of natural applesauce
(you can buy some or make your own)
2 tablespoons of brown sugar
1 tablespoon of olive oil

Once you have all of the ingredients together, put them into a small bowl or container and mix thoroughly. Massage into your dry hands in the fashion of washing your hands, before rinsing off with warm water. Your hands will look and feel like they have been pampered by a professional. Oh, this scrub also smells incredibly delicious. You'll love it! It's one of my favorite beauty recipes. Enjoy!

My hands are really dry right now, with the changing of the seasons, so I thought a hand scrub recipe would be appropriate for today’s post! By the way, Happy first week of fall! This scrub stars applesauce, which is a natural exfoliant that contains calcium, iron, and vitamin A. Apples are hard workers when it comes to fighting bacteria, being an antioxidant and an astringent. It also makes a wonderful and nutritious snack for children of all ages.

What you need:
3 tablespoons of natural applesauce
(you can buy some or make your own)
2 tablespoons of brown sugar
1 tablespoon of olive oil

Once you have all of the ingredients together, put them into a small bowl or container and mix thoroughly. Massage into your dry hands in the fashion of washing your hands, before rinsing off with warm water. Your hands will look and feel like they have been pampered by a professional. Oh, this scrub also smells incredibly delicious. You'll love it! It's one of my favorite beauty recipes. Enjoy!

Instead of forking over a ton of cash for pricey lash growth serums just head to your natural health store to pick up some 100% natural and pure Castor oil. Next time you use up a mascara keep the wand and rinse it off using natural soap or shampoo (you can also purchase disposable mascara wands). Dip your mascara wand into some Castor oil every night (and day if you want) and your lashes, or even your brows, will become longer in time and thicker.

Instead of forking over a ton of cash for pricey lash growth serums just head to your natural health store to pick up some 100% natural and pure Castor oil. Next time you use up a mascara keep the wand and rinse it off using natural soap or shampoo (you can also purchase disposable mascara wands). Dip your mascara wand into some Castor oil every night (and day if you want) and your lashes, or even your brows, will become longer in time and thicker.

Dry shampoo is increasingly popular but I have to say that I have tried a lot of dry shampoos in the past and pretty much hated them all. I recently started experimenting with ingredients to try to make my own dry shampoo powder and I think I hit hair gold! 

After grinding the oatmeal into a fine powder, I combined all three ingredients and ground the mixture again just to ensure everything was mixed and fine enough. Then I poured the powder into an old salt shaker (but you can use whatever you have handy. I think a powdered sugar sifter would be even better!). When your hair needs a little freshening up you can just sprinkle some of the powder onto your roots, massage into scalp, let sit for a minute or two, and then brush out.

If you’re dark haired you shouldn’t worry about having a white or gray ashen residue. I have medium colored hair and don’t have any problem with it being visible. I love using this on days when I need to go out and have little time or just don’t want to wash my hair – admit it, we all have those days!

Try it out and let me know what you think!

Dry shampoo is increasingly popular but I have to say that I have tried a lot of dry shampoos in the past and pretty much hated them all. I recently started experimenting with ingredients to try to make my own dry shampoo powder and I think I hit hair gold! 

After grinding the oatmeal into a fine powder, I combined all three ingredients and ground the mixture again just to ensure everything was mixed and fine enough. Then I poured the powder into an old salt shaker (but you can use whatever you have handy. I think a powdered sugar sifter would be even better!). When your hair needs a little freshening up you can just sprinkle some of the powder onto your roots, massage into scalp, let sit for a minute or two, and then brush out.

If you’re dark haired you shouldn’t worry about having a white or gray ashen residue. I have medium colored hair and don’t have any problem with it being visible. I love using this on days when I need to go out and have little time or just don’t want to wash my hair – admit it, we all have those days!

Try it out and let me know what you think!

It's that time of year again, time to head back to school, and we all know that germs love to lurk in the hallways, linger on desks, and get passed from kid to kid. Thinking about germs can make anyone a little nervous but reaching for the commercial hand sanitizer is not the wisest choice. They are typically full of yucky stuff and smell like pure alcohol… yuck! Step away from the Purell and try making your own sanitizing spray with this easy recipe. 

What you need:
2 ½ tablespoons of lemon witch hazel (Thayers is my favorite!)
1 tablespoon of tea tree oil
25 drops of lavender, lemon, or peppermint essential oils

 Put all of the ingredients into a little plastic spray bottle (that you can find at almost any drugstore/grocery store/beauty supply/dollar store) and you can throw it in your purse, keep it on your desk, or use it anywhere you feel the need to disinfect. You will need to shake it before each use since the ingredients have a tendency to separate. Spray it a few times directly into your hands and rub them together to de-germ. This spray should help stave off those yucky germs that cause illness and it’s perfect for back to school time!

It's that time of year again, time to head back to school, and we all know that germs love to lurk in the hallways, linger on desks, and get passed from kid to kid. Thinking about germs can make anyone a little nervous but reaching for the commercial hand sanitizer is not the wisest choice. They are typically full of yucky stuff and smell like pure alcohol… yuck! Step away from the Purell and try making your own sanitizing spray with this easy recipe. 

What you need:
2 ½ tablespoons of lemon witch hazel (Thayers is my favorite!)
1 tablespoon of tea tree oil
25 drops of lavender, lemon, or peppermint essential oils

 Put all of the ingredients into a little plastic spray bottle (that you can find at almost any drugstore/grocery store/beauty supply/dollar store) and you can throw it in your purse, keep it on your desk, or use it anywhere you feel the need to disinfect. You will need to shake it before each use since the ingredients have a tendency to separate. Spray it a few times directly into your hands and rub them together to de-germ. This spray should help stave off those yucky germs that cause illness and it’s perfect for back to school time!

Roses are beautiful, timeless, fragrant and also therapeutic. Rose water has been used and revered for centuries all over the world for so many different purposes. It is said that Cleopatra even used rosewater as part of her daily beauty routine and loved it! It has antibacterial, soothing, antiseptic and healing benefits. It is often used in cosmetics, skincare, hair products, medicine and even for cooking and baking.

Rose water is very effective when it comes to skin infections and problems. It can hydrate dry skin, reduce swelling and redness, purify and tone the skin, and help with blemishes. It can also tame irritated, sensitive skin. You can find rose water available for purchase at any store with a good natural or organic section, but you can make your own at home. It’s so easy, and when you make your own you know for a fact that it is high quality and 100% natural.

You need 1 cup of rose petals (make sure to rinse them well before beginning), packed down in the measuring cup like you would do with flour or brown sugar while baking. Put the petals into a heat resistant bowl and pour two cups of boiling distilled water over them; use just enough to cover them. Steep for half and hour before pouring the rosewater through a strainer into a bottle or jar of your choosing. Your rosewater will be good for about 7 to 10 days in your refrigerator.

You can use your rosewater for:

Toning your face after cleansing
As an aftershave to calm the skin
Spraying on your face to cool and refresh
Adding to your bath to smooth skin
Creating your own natural beauty products

Summer is my favorite season but the harsh sun at high temperatures can lead to greasy skin and hair. In addition to sweaty strands, spending time in salt water or backyard swimming pools can cause hair to need a little extra care and cleansing. If your hair needs a little clarifying, all you need is two common household ingredients to bring your hair back to it’s full potential. 

What you need:
1 teaspoon of Aloe Vera
1 tablespoon of lemon juice
Your daily shampoo

Just add the aloe and lemon juice to your regular shampoo and wash as you normally would. These two extras will help refresh and clarify your locks leaving you with clean, bouncy hair. You can use this all year long to get rid of build up as well.