Creating beauty products at home is not only fun, it allows you to pick and choose the ingredients. For those with allergies or sensitive skin, this is very important. (I have both.) Here are 10 homemade beauty products that I’ve successfully made in my own kitchen—no fancy items or complicated directions. All of these products are gentle, safe, and actually work. 

1. Leave-in Conditioner

Add a small spoonful or squirt of regular conditioner to a fine mist spray bottle and fill 3/4 full with water. Shake well. This is a great way to use up trial sized samples. Works well on fine hair and is great for kids. 

 2. Body Scrubs

Can be made with brown sugar or kosher salt as the base. Fill a small jar 3/4 full and add olive oil or coconut, stirring to incorporate. The mixture should be coarse, not drippy, so go easy on the oil. For an extra treat, add 1 Tsp. of vanilla. This can be used anywhere from the neck down.

3. Body Balm

Melt 1 cup of coconut oil until liquid. Add 1/2 Tsp of peppermint oil. Pour into a jar and allow to become solid again. Use at night on lips, cuticles, feet, elbows, and knees. 

4. Toner

Combine two parts witch hazel with one part distilled water. Add a few drops of tea tree oil. Store in the fridge for an extra cooling sensation.

5. Masks

There are a million versions for every type of skin; one that uses honey is gentle enough for most folks. Simply combine 1 Tsp. of raw honey with 1 Tsp. of plain yogurt. 

6. Clarifying Treatment

When hair looks and feels dull or weighed down, it’s often caused by product residue. Mix a tiny bit of baking soda with shampoo in your hand, foam, and then vigorously scrub hair roots and let it rinse down. 

7. Body Spray

Combine two parts rubbing alcohol with one part water in a spray bottle. Add 1/2 Tsp of olive oil and 1/2 Tsp essential oil. This is moisturizing and smells nice, but is not overpowering. 

8. Aftershave

This one is for the fellas. My hubby loves it. Mix equal parts rubbing alcohol and aloe vera, then add a few drops of sandalwood oil.

9. Eye Makeup Remover

You’ll need 1/4 cup jojoba oil and 2 vitamin E capsules. Pour oil into  a dark bottle container. Puncture vitamin and squeeze in. Shake well to mix. Make sure it’s tightly capped. 

10. Deodorant

Anyone who is worried about aluminum or has itchy reactions to commercial products should try this one. Although not an antiperspirant, it does seem to absorb a lot of wetness, so it will be fine for anyone under normal conditions. (Not for running a marathon obviously, just general day-to-day life.) 

Combine  6 Tbsp. coconut oil, 4 Tbsp. baking soda, and 4 Tbsp. cornstarch. Mix baking soda and cornstarch together in a medium sized bowl. Mash in coconut oil with a fork until well mixed. Store in small glass jar. I’ve heard some people put it into an old deodorant stick, too. My version is unscented. Essential oils can be used if preferred. 

Do you enjoy making your own beauty products?

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Flowers, cards, and a nice meal are a great way to treat mom on her special day, but what if you want a gift that will last forever? I love anything personalized because it’s made just for me. Stella & Dot’s new line of engraved jewelry is adorable and affordable. 

The signature bangle is a lightweight bracelet that comes in multiple metal finishes—gold, silver, and rose gold. (If you’re really trendy, try stacking all 3 at once on the same wrist.) The cuff design can accommodate up to 45 characters of favorite sayings, names, important dates, and/or geographic coordinates. Hashtags are gaining in popularity, too. Pressure hook closure with a safety clasp is very sturdy.

Prefer necklaces to bracelets? The Round Disc is super cute and versatile. The 16inch length looks nice worn alone or layered. Sterling silver, gold, and rose gold are options. This one is ideal for initials. 

If you want even more pizzazz for personalized items, try adding a charm or birthstone. Elephants are one of my favorites animals.

Now through May 14th, you can save 20% off anything engraved. I’m getting a few gifts, plus a treat for myself. Check out Stella & Dot’s complete collection of beautiful fashion forward accessories. 

While waiting in a long line this morning at my local post office, I had the opportunity for extensive people watching. Only one person caught my eye and that was due to her questionable attire—a bikini top and a pair of Victoria’s Secret sweatpants.

She had to have been at least 40 and should’ve known better, yet there she was, hauling in boxes, bending/stretching, and basically revealing her entire cleavage to everyone in the building. 

I understand that fashion sense can mean different things to different folks, but this was just downright lewd. Everyone talks about their need to be dressed comfortably and I get that. What I don’t understand is why your comfort should make others feel uncomfortable. 

A short sleeve top made of 100% cotton is very lightweight, even on the hottest summer day. (FYI: It’s only 70 degrees here and not humid at all!) Wearing a bra under said cotton shirt isn’t exactly a burden either. 

Ladies, we can be stylish and modest at the same time. We don’t have to bare every inch of skin to attract a man’s eye. Being and feeling beautiful is an integral part of womanhood; there is nothing wrong with that. What I don’t like is the emphasis on vulgarity. That’s not pretty, it’s trashy. 

A bikini top, should someone choose to wear it, is appropriate for the beach only. (Personally, I like a one-piece better.) If you’re swimming, or lounging, or sunbathing, okay, but not in a store, or a restaurant, and definitely not a post office. 

There is a time and a place for everything. Please save the bikini for the right moments. 

Do you agree with me, why or why not?

Every lady, whether she is 16 or 60, wants to look her best. That can mean different things to different people, but surely everyone will recognize that clear, healthy, glowing skin is extremely important! Unfortunately, over 50 million Americans struggle with acne—something that takes a toll not just on looks but also on self esteem. Personally, even a single blemish can ruin my entire day.

Anyone who has ever dealt with this unsightly condition—seriously, who hasn’t?—knows how frustrating it can be to treat. Many folks just experiment with harsh products on their own (most of which don’t live up to their lofty claims). Those who can afford it may seek out a dermatologist and medication (again, not a cure, since over half of all patients quit taking the medicine anyway, due to a lack of results and/or side effects).

MDacne offers a better approach—no wonder it’s extremely popular in the iTunes store. Created in Israel, using cutting edge technology, MDacne allows users to get a real-time image analysis of their skin. I found it very easy to use—start by filling out a questionnaire and taking a selfie. Based on your own individual needs and the severity of your skin problems, a customized plan is offered. 

Each customized kit contains 3 steps: anti-acne treatment cream, medicated cleanser and a moisturizer, all of which are FDA approved. I found the products to be effective but not overkill. The moisturizer was my favorite, very gentle and soothing.

It’s easy to follow the plan and check your progress with the app’s built in monitoring system. With 24/7 skin monitoring and an unlimited chat with a Dermatologist, MDacne is like having a personal skincare coach at your fingertips. 

The app can be downloaded for free  and use promo code 30OFF-BLOG to save 30% off your first month. Every order comes with a money back guarantee if you’re not satisfied. For me, it’s worth every penny to wake up clean and clear, ready to present my best face to the world. 

Whether you’re dealing with an occasional breakout or constant eruptions, MDacne is definitely worth a try.