5 Beauty Essentials You Can Make From Common Household Items

Recently, I decided to try to start making some of my everyday drugstore beauty products from things I already have in my kitchen.  I grew tired of spending money on products with potentially harmful chemicals in them, and began searching for natural alternatives.

After doing some research, trying (and sometimes failing), I have found some recipes that work for me.  They are all simple to make and much better for you, the environment and your wallet!

How to Make Your Own Deodorant

You will need:

4 TBSP Coconut Oil*
¼ cup Baking Soda
¼ cup Arrowroot Powder
1 tsp Tea Tree Oil
20 drops Essential Oil (I used grapefruit)

This concoction is the answer to my search for a natural deodorant.  The coconut oil leaves your skin feeling smooth and nourished.  The baking soda deodorizes.  The arrowroot powder helps to absorb wetness, and the tea tree oil has antibacterial properties.  The essential oil adds a light fragrance but isn’t necessary.  Just be careful not to apply right after you shave, as the baking soda can irritate your skin.

*Coconut Oil melts at 76 degrees Fahrenheit. If you live in a warmer climate, you may have to keep your supply in the refrigerator or include a more solid substance in your mix, such as shea butter.

How to Make Your Own Toothpaste

You will need:

3 TBSP Coconut Oil
½ TBSP Baking Soda
1/2 TBSP Dr. Bronner’s Peppermint soap
20 drops Peppermint Oil

This recipe was the hardest to perfect, and required more of an adjustment period.  I’m still on the fence about it, but I am willing to give it a fair shot.  The taste is a little bitter compared to store bought toothpastes.  I read in some places that you can add a bit of stevia to sweeten the paste.  However, the goal was to create a fluoride-free, sulfate-free toothpaste, which this is!

How to Make Your Own Massage Oil

You will need:

3 TBSP Coconut Oil
2 TBSP Jojoba Oil
20 drops Tea Tree Oil

This combination yields a smooth, rich massage oil.  If you keep these oils in the fridge, the coconut oil would harden up and create an intense moisturizing cream as well.

How to Make your Own Dry Shampoo

Mix equal parts ground oatmeal, cornstarch, baking soda and cornmeal.  Store in a shaker container and sprinkle on your roots.  Brush through with a bristle brush or massage in with your fingers until the powder is absorbed.  Brunettes, add a bit of cocoa powder to darken your mix.  You’ll see less residue and enjoy a rich, chocolate scent as a bonus.

Using a dry shampoo between washings helps you to keep your natural oils on your hair and scalp longer without the unsightly sheen.  It’s really a perfect compromise.  If you have bangs that tend to get particularly oily, this is a great solution as well.  Just apply some of the dry shampoo after you blow-dry and style.  In this case, the shampoo would work to keep your hair looking fresh and clean all day long.

How to Make Your Own Body Spritzer

This could not be easier. Simply fill a small 8oz spritzer bottle with distilled water and add 10-20 drops of your favorite essential oil (I used grapefruit and lavender). Shake and store in a cool dark place.

This spritzer is refreshing on hot summer days, lovely on linens or nice and light in your hair. The possible uses for this one are endless.

All in all, I want to start making more beauty products instead of buying them at the beauty supply store or drugstore.  I recommend and encourage you to try some natural alternatives.  The comfort of knowing what ingredients comprise each of these items is worth the effort and time.  And making them is half the fun!