I'm not the sort of person who is really into beauty products. I don't say that in a braggadocious way, rather that I become so overwhelmed by the amount of stuff out there I say forget it. And it always seems like as soon as you like a product they discontinue it, or change it, it's all just a hassle for me.
The same could be said for the huge amount of homemade beauty things you find recipes for online. Overwhelming.
So I've been sorting through, finding good homemade beauty products that are BASICS. Stuff you can keep in your bathroom, not make every single time you want to use it. Stuff that wont give me cancer and make my eyelashes fall out.
Bath Salts
First of all, everyone must have bath salts. There is no comparison to the way you smell with them and without. But, you know, just put them in your tub. Don't snort them.
Simple Soap
This is my "homemade" soap. 50% Dr. Bronners Lavender castille soap, 50% water. Put it in a pretty wine bottle. This is for my body and my hair (I still use store conditioner).
Mascara
This, believe it or not, is my mascara. It's olive oil, a couple drops of eucalyptus essential oil, and lavender. The essential oil is because I have allergies. Some people like those with light eyelashes, also say they mix the oil with powdered charcoal.
Eyeliner
Speaking of charcoal...go to your local art store. Buy a charcoal pencil. You now have new eyeliner. A fraction of the cost, much better for your skin.
Hair Conditioner
Olive oil and chamomile flowers. This is for my hair. I have oily hair, so I only use it for my dead ends, putting it on an hour or so before I shower. If you have dry hair though you can use it on your whole scalp, or dandruff problems, really rub it into your scalp.
Deodorant
Baking soda is invaluable in the bathroom.This bit mixed with lavender is my deodorant. I tried so many kinds of organic deodorant after learning about the parabens in most store kinds, but none of them worked well. Baking soda does though. I take a cotton ball, wet it, dunk it in the soda, and rub it on.
Teeth Whitener
I also use baking soda to whiten my teeth. Just scrub it on, let it sit for 15minutes, and then brush it off. My grandma used to brush her teeth with baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. I don't know if I'm brave enough to do that.
Exfoliant
And finally...sand. I know, kind of gross looking. But ya know what. It is amazing. Absolutely amazing so exfoliating my skin. Of course you probably say duh it is, but it's still gross. Maybe, but I don't think so. I get a tiny bit, like an eighth of a teaspoon, mix it with my facial soap and scrub away. My skin always feels baby soft for several days after.
Soap
I wish I could show you a picture of my facial soap but it's down to a sliver and looking kind of gross. So Ill show you someone else's picture.
I use a french clay soap which I buy from a local gal (although you can try to make it yourself with this recipe). Obviously if you have a different skin type you'll need a different kind of soap but try buying it locally from someone who uses natural ingredients. All those chemicals do not nice skin make.
Foundation
And finally...foundation and bronzer. Start with arrowroot powder (found in your grocery spice section) and add coco powder until you get the color you'd like. If you want a liquid foundation, add some lotion to it.