Homemade Toothpaste
This is probably the first DIY project I completed that left me feeling like super woman. I was like, "Dude, I just made our own toothpaste." Awesome, right? And EASY. I started following the blog Clean several months ago after stumbling upon her toothpaste recipe. She's also the maker of LuSa Organics products - organic goodies for little ones.
Anyway, her recipe seemed simple enough and I loved how it cleared up her daughter's ECC (early childhood caries). Ben's already chipped two teeth and I'm a little concerned about what that means in the long run. Plus, who doesn't want to know exactly what's in their toothpaste and save money? The recipe calls for a few ingredients that I had no problem finding at my local Whole Foods. My only complaint is the hint of a soap taste, but it's minor enough that I can live with it. Plus, both my husband and I were amazed by how clean our teeth felt after our first brushing. Seriously, I felt like I'd just stepped out of the dentist's office without having to go through the torture that is the dentist's office. No need to re-state what she already laid out, so be sure to check it out here.
Moisturizer/Body Scrub
I like to exfoliate when I can (read: when my child isn't on napstrike) because I have really, really dry skin. So maybe you're not a body scrub type of person, but if so, here's a great recipe courtesy of Keeper of the Home (who, by the way, has an amazing blog).
Body Scrub: Brown Sugar, Honey and Organic Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
1-1/2 cups Brown Sugar
1/2 cup Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1/8 cup local, raw Honey
1/4 teaspoon of desired scent options: Homemade Pure Vanilla Extract, Lemon Juice, Lavender essential oil, Fresh ground coffee, Cinnamon or Clove
In a large bowl, mix all ingredients together to form a paste. Add scent if you would like to, but it is not necessary. Store body scrub in a sealed container in your shower or by the sink. No need to refrigerate. To use, scoop some into the palm of your hand and massage skin as needed.
Moisturizer: Believe it or not, coconut oil is fantastic! This was the very first beauty product I replaced and it kind of happened on accident. I started using coconut oil after my friend, Melissa, raved and raved about it. I used it on Ben's diaper area and on his face rash and it really helped - much better than Aquaphor ever did. So one day I slathered some on my arms and POOF: silky skin. As a bonus, it's so deliciously divine smelling that I sometimes want to eat my arm off. I've heard several woman rave about extra virgin olive oil, too, but I love me some coconut so I stick with that. It's nature's moisturizer (and you can use it on your face, too!). If oil isn't your thing, you might want to check out Brambleberry, though I don't know that you'll save any money going this route. But hey, at least you'll have the brag factor of making your own lotion and you'll know what goes in it.
The greatest lip balm EVER (seriously) is straight lanolin. Do you remember using lanolin for a certain, hm, ailment you had while breastfeeding? Another product with multiple uses! And the cool thing about lanolin is that it lasts forever. Just squeeze a teeny bit on your lips to do the job. I've had my tube of lanolin since Ben was born and I think I still have at least half the tube left, if not more. A much more natural solution to moisturizing chapped lips.
Another option is this recipe I found but haven't tried yet, also from Keeper of the Home: Mix ¼ c grated beeswax, 2 Tbsp cocoa butter, 3 Tbsp coconut oil and 1 Tbsp almond oil together over low heat. Pour into small containers.
I touched on this while explaining the oil cleansing method, but use EVOO as a make-up remover. Works like a charm!
Shaving cream
Maybe this sounds nuts, but there is no need for shaving cream. EARTH. SHATTERING. Here's a tip: exfoliate your legs with the homemade body scrub first, then lather them up with some bar soap and poof: you've just eliminated the need for one more beauty product in your tub. Girl scout's honor.What are some homemade recipes you use for beauty products? Am I missing some good ones?
Stay tuned for the cloth discussion up next...
