On cold, overcast days, the best thing to do is to snuggle up and enjoy a little cocooning. Take advantage of these relaxation moments to treat yourself to a beauty ritual. And with a little imagination and preparation, it’s even possible to make your own beauty products! Here are a few DIY treatments to try at home.
The advantages of making your own products
It’s natural and ethical
The list of ingredients on some store-bought products can be quite frightening—both incredibly long and hard to pronounce! When you make your own beauty products, you know exactly what goes in them. Plus, you have the benefit of being able to opt for all-natural, organic ingredients that aren’t tested on animals.
It’s economical and eco-friendly
You can make your products with ingredients you already have in your home, which will save you a ton of money in the long-run! Plus, when you make your own products, you’re reducing the amount of single-use packaging your household consumes.
A few precautions to keep in mind
Sterilization and storing
It’s important to sterilize your equipment and work area before beginning. This helps prevent contamination of your mixtures. We also recommend wearing gloves when handling your items. To sterilize your tools and containers, simply boil them in water for a dozen or so minutes. As for your work area, wipe it down with 90% alcohol. Most homemade products can be stored in the fridge or in dark, cool areas.
Proper dosing
There are numerous websites you can consult to learn how to make homemade beauty products. It’s important to respect the indicated amounts in any given recipe, as they have been carefully calculated. Straying from a recipe could lead to ineffective products or irritated skin.
Homemade beauty products
A gentle scrub
You don’t need to buy a super-fancy exfoliant to remove the dead skin from your face! Here’s a recipe for a homemade facial scrub that will leave your skin feeling luminous and smooth. In a jar, simply combine four tablespoons of powdered sugar , two teaspoons of Guérande salt, and two tablespoons vegetable oil. Don’t forget to apply a moisturizer to your face after your scrub treatment.
Soap
Making your own soap is as easy as 1, 2, 3! Plus, it’s a really fun activity! We recommend making a large batch—it makes a great gift to offer loved ones during the holidays. There are many different soap recipes to choose from, but we suggest keeping it simple with a white or transparent glycerine base. All you have to do is cut a glycerine bar into chucks and melt them in a double-boiler. Next, add the colours and essential oils of your choice and pour the mixture into a soap mould. Let rest approximately one hour, then let harden in the freezer for an hour or two.
Bath bombs
When the weather outside is chilly, nothing beats a nice hot bath. To heighten your sensorial experience, try tossing a bath bomb in your water. And rather than buy one at the store, why not try making your own? Plus, bath bombs make great holiday gifts to offer loved ones . . . or even yourself!
Making your own bath bombs is easy: in a large bowl, combine one cup of baking soda, half a cup of citric acid, half a cup of cornstarch, a pinch of Epsom salt, and dried lavender. In a separate bowl, combine one tablespoon of almond oil, one tablespoon of water, and a few drops of essential oil. Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture and whisk together. Pour the final mixture into a mould and let dry at least two hours before unmoulding.
Products to spoil yourself with
Love natural products but don’t have the time to make them yourself? The brand Chanv offers an artisanal collection made with organic ingredients. Their line of products, made with Quebec-made cannabis oil, are rich in vitamin E and essential fatty acids, which helps seal in moisture and keep your skin hydrated. They are also safe for individuals prone to acne, rosacea, and couperose.
Self-care helps you unwind and regenerate. Whether you choose to make your own products or buy them in-store, the important thing is that you treat yourself to a little TLC from time to time!
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