If the proliferation of self-care routines, wellness retreats, and clean-eating recipes are any indication, we're really into living purer, more natural lifestyles lately. And for good reason: Life has a way of feeling like one endless list of unread emails, so it's important to step away once in a while and check in with yourself. It's important to simplify and purify (and clear up that proverbial inbox). Because you aren't exactly going to find your healthiest, happiest self in the junk folder.
One totally manageable place to start is with your beauty routine. That's why we've partnered with Icelandic Glacial water to bring you five natural beauty product recipes you can DIY at home. Think sugary scrubs, nourishing hair treatments, and more. You probably already have most of the ingredients in your kitchen. And just like Icelandic Glacial, these products are simple, pure, and natural. So read on to discover your own DIY beauty inspo.
Exfoliating Face Scrub
"Sugar is a great natural alternative to plastic beads, which are in many store-bought exfoliants and end up in our oceans and waterways," says DIYer Katherine Oakes of The Basic Goods. "This recipe also uses coconut oil to protect your skin and lavender essential oil to relieve irritation and redness. The best part is that it’s only got three ingredients and takes 15 minutes to make."
Ingredients:
- ¼ cup organic cane sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons organic coconut oil (melted)
- 4 drops lavender essential oil
- 1 4-oz glass jar with airtight lid
Directions:
Stir the sugar and 2 tablespoons coconut oil together in a bowl; mix well. Test a small amount of the mixture on your hand. If the scrub feels too dry, add more coconut oil, ½ tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. Over time, the sugar can absorb the oil, so if you notice it’s gotten dry, add another tablespoon of melted coconut oil and mix well. Stir in the lavender essential oil. Use a rubber spatula to transfer all the contents into the mason jar and seal tightly with a lid.
To Use:
Scoop out a small amount of the scrub; gently massage it into your face and neck in slow, upward circles. Rinse with warm water, and then pat your face dry with a towel.
Sea Salt Hair Spray
"It’s kind of crazy that we’ll pay $25 or more (I’ve been totally guilty of this) for something that costs less than $5 to make in your kitchen," says Oakes. "This sea salt hair spray recipe really is simple — salt water gives you beautiful beachy waves, plus a few drops of lavender essential oil hydrate your hair for moisture and shine."
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ teaspoons sea salt (not table salt)
- 4 ounces water
- 4 drops lavender essential oil
- 1 4-oz spray bottle
- Kitchen funnel, if you have one
Directions:
Stir the salt into the water until it dissolves completely. Mix in the lavender essential oil to combine. Use the funnel to pour the solution into the spray bottle, and screw on the top.
To use:
Lightly spritz the sea salt mixture all over damp hair, from root to tip, tousling with your fingertips as you go.
Deep Conditioning Hair Treatment
"When my hair is feeling dry and brittle, this conditioning treatment is the pick-me-up it needs," says hairstylist-makeup-artist (and DIYer) Kelly Harclerode. "Lavender essential oil is calming and nourishing, which will help soothe your scalp — and is great for flakes. And rosemary essential oil is for hair growth. Needless to say, it smells amazing."
Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 drops each of lavender & rosemary essential oil
- Standing or hand-held mixer
Directions:
Combine the coconut, olive, and essential oils in the mixer bowl. Mix on medium speed until all the ingredients are whipped to a thick, creamy consistency.
To use:
Apply the mask to your hair in sections, combing through to distribute evenly. Let it sit for 20 minutes before rinsing out and shampooing as usual.
Natural Deodorant
"I have very sensitive skin, so I was on a mission to find a natural deodorant that would not burn my underarms," says Harclerode. "Not only is this DIY recipe very gentle on the skin, but it also works! I love to add lavender and melaleuca (tea tree) essential oils. Lavender is very gentle, and tea tree has amazing cleansing properties that help to purify bacteria as well as combat smell."
Ingredients:
- ¼ cup aluminum-free baking soda
- ¼ cup arrowroot powder
- 15 drops desired essential oils (recommended: melaleuca, lavender, geranium, and lemongrass)
- 3-5 tablespoons coconut oil
- 1 empty deodorant container or glass jar
Directions:
Mix the baking soda, arrowroot powder, and essential oils together in a bowl. Slowly add the coconut oil, 1 tablespoon at a time. Store mixture in an empty deodorant container or glass jar. In warmer climates, it’s best to store in a cool, dry place — or refrigerate — to keep solid.
To use:
Apply to clean, dry underarms.
Lip Scrub
"I prefer to make my own lip scrubs, because the process is always fun, easy, and therapeutic in its own way," says Sierra Taylor Horton, BDG's senior social editor and host of the Instagram Story series, DIY With Sierra. "This recipe is one of my absolute favorites, because it's easy to make and involves ingredients I usually already have around in my kitchen. The coconut oil is so nourishing, and the use of white sugar makes it so that the scrub isn't too gritty or harsh."
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon white sugar
- ½ teaspoon finely chopped rosemary
- A few drop peppermint essential oil
- 1 empty jar or container
Directions:
Combine all the ingredients together in a bowl and store in an empty container.
To use:
Gently massage the scrub into your lips. Rinse off any excess with water. Pat your lips dry with a towel and apply your preferred lip balm.
Additional reporting by Erin Kelly.
This post is sponsored by Icelandic Glacial.
Photography: Gregory Reid; Prop Styling: Pakayla Biehn; Art Direction: Brit Phillips.
