Sometimes natural is the best way to go. Especially when it comes to beauty products.While there are some really great things on the market out there, most people don’t pay attention to what goes into the things they put on their body. The beauty industry uses a gazillion synthetic chemicals in its products. A lot of these substances are also used in industrial manufacturing processes to clean industrial equipment. A lot of these chemicals are also linked to various kinds of cancer.
Unless you are a garage floor, it’s probably not the best idea to be putting these things on your face. If you absolutely have to keep using that miracle product, then that’s okay. Just make sure to do your research, first.
Instead, here are ten beauty alternatives that are a bit more natural. They are also DIY, cost much less than all of the carcinogens on the market and they are great for your body.
1. Sugar Scrub
This scrub is incredibly simple and convenient. All it takes is two parts sugar, one part oil and a bit of Vitamin E. It takes a whole three minutes to make and you can use the stuff you’ve hoarded in the cupboards. And while sugar is not great for your waistline, it’s actually great for your skin (as long as you aren’t consuming it).
Here is the link to the simple recipe and a few variations including Pumpkin Spice Scrub just in time for fall.
2. Peppermint Lip Plumper
If you aren’t really a DIY-er and can’t imagine giving up your favorite products, here’s one for you. Instead of splurging on Lip Venom, try making your own lip plumper by adding a few drops of peppermint to your favorite lip gloss. Yes, you are still exposing yourself to a few chemicals, but we all have our priorities.
3. Matcha Tea Spot Treatment
This spot treatment is pretty powerful and all natural, too. All it takes is a bit of matcha green tea powder, water and apple cider vinegar. Use it as a spot treatment for acne or use it everywhere (on your face). It’s up to you!
4. Rose Water Toner
Normal toners can be pretty tough on the skin. This natural alternative is a little bit different. Of course, not many people have rose metals just lying around the house but the next time you get a bouquet of roses, maybe give this a try. It’s a pretty simple process. But make sure you don’t throw out your witch hazel, either.
All jokes aside, it’s actually a pretty great gift idea for the ladies in your life. Here’s the down low.
5. Baby Powder to Accentuate Eyelashes
All you need is a bit of baby powder for this trick. You even get to keep your old mascara. When applying mascara, try applying a first coat and then brushing your lashes with a Q-tip dipped in baby powder. The powder will cling to your lashes and when you apply the second coat, it will make them look bigger. It’s like DIY falsies.
6. Berry Lip Stain
This is a clever little trick and all it consists of is crushed berries and some olive oil. The olive oil is great for moisturizing your lips and I’m sure the berry tastes pretty great. You can play with this a little, too. Use all red berries for a lighter variety and use darker ones for a darker color.
7. Olive Oil & Honey Hydrating Hair Mask
This article should have just been about creative uses for olive oil because apparently you can just do everything with that stuff. Here, you can use it with a little bit of honey in order to create a hydrating hair mask. Here are all the directions here.
8. Beet Blush
Who knew dried beets could actually make a pretty amazing powder that can be used as an all natural blush? You can either dry your own beets or you can opt for a beet root powder that can be bought from a health food store. To customize the shade, try mixing it with other powders. Some examples and directions can be found here.
9. Teeth Whitener
Crest White Strips contain a lot of God knows what. Instead, you can make your own whitener with a few household products. If you mix one tablespoon of baking soda with three drops of hydrogen peroxide, then voila! You have a brush-on whitener from the comfort of your bathroom. But make sure that you don’t use this everyday! A monthly whitening session should be good and healthy.
10. Aloe Makeup Remover
There are a lot of different options in terms of natural makeup removers but this is a great example. Aloe vera and olive oil (again!) can be combined to make a great makeup remover that is gentle on your skin. Here is the recipe!
