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Make Your Own Face Masks, Foot Scrubs and More
Janelle Sorensen
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Like most moms, I love a good pampering session. I spend so much time caring for my family that the brief (and far too few) moments I take to indulge in my own well-being are relished mini-vacations. Previously, I’d pop over to Target and pick up products that had just the right scent. Or, sometimes my husband would buy me a gift certificate for a spa day. Now I know too much about risks of chemicals in products – and, like many others, we simply don’t have the cash for conscious coddling.
But, I’m not going to go without. Taking care of yourself is extremely important (despite what my Midwestern Lutheran upbringing taught me). You know how you’re instructed to place the air mask on yourself before anyone else in the event of an airplane crash? That’s because you’re better equipped to care for others if you’ve taken care of you. Taking care of you should be a top priority (though, just like any other mom, I know how quickly it drops on the to-do list).
Right now, schedule yourself an at-home spa day. The holidays are a perfect time to do so because you may have some time off of work (or someone else who can watch the kids for a few hours does). And, the holidays are stressful, so you deserve a moment of release.
You don’t need to break the bank. And, you don’t need to expose yourself to questionable chemicals. Here are some DIY recipes to get your gorgeous self glowing again. (Hint, hint – some of these make great gifts, too!)
Refreshing Orange Scrub
This recipe is courtesy of Noreen Finneran "Incredible Edible Spa"
1/2 of an Orange
4 T Cornmeal
Squeeze orange juice and pulp into a bowl and add the cornmeal. Mix into a paste. Apply onto freshly washed face and body. Scrub gently for 2-3 minutes. Rinse, tone, moisturize.
Chocolate Facial Mask
This recipe is courtesy of Practically Green by Micaela Preston
2 T unsweetened cocoa powder
2 T plain yogurt
1 T honey
Mix all ingredients in a small bowl. Apply to face and neck, avoiding eye area. Kick back, relax and enjoy the delicious aroma for about 15 minutes. Rinse off with warm water.
Lavender-Honey Milk Bath
This recipe is courtesy of The National Honey Board
3 Tablespoons dried lavender flowers*
1-1/2 cups whole milk, cream or combination
1/3 cup honey
Process lavender flowers in a blender until they become a powder, turning off the blender and scraping down the sides as necessary. Whisk together lavender powder, milk and honey in a glass bowl, then pour into a jar. Before each use, shake the jar and pour half of the mixture into the bath. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Makes enough for 2 baths.
*Dried lavender flowers can be found in the spice section of gourmet and specialty stores.
Smoothing Skin Lotion
This recipe is courtesy of The National Honey Board
1 teaspoon honey
1 teaspoon vegetable oil
1/4 teaspoon lemon juice
Mix together honey, vegetable oil and lemon juice. Rub into hands, elbows, heels and anywhere that feels dry. Leave on 10 minutes. Rinse off with water.
Avocado Foot Softener
2 T cornmeal

2 T mashed avocado or avocado oil
Mix ingredients in a small bowl until they form a paste. Apply to feet, working the gritty paste into calluses and rough spots, and up and around the toes. Rinse with warm water and dry feet thoroughly. For maximum softening, repeat once or twice a week.
Lemon Facial Toner
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
grated zest of one lemon
1 cup distilled water (any water should do)
2/3 cup witch hazel (you can get this at any drugstore)
Shake well before use, apply with cotton balls until face is clean. Keeps one month.
Banana Hair Mask
1 banana
3 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
Mash ingredients until creamy. Apply to hair, cover head with plastic wrap, let sit for 15-30 minutes - in the sun if possible. Rinse completely and shampoo as usual.
Do you have any DIY recipes for personal care products? Share them with us in the comments!
Image Courtesy of matluckin's / CC BY-SA 2.0
Posted by samantha on 07/01/2011 at 08:39 AM
Great post. I’m subscribing now for future reads.
Posted by leslie@crunchybetty.com on 09/15/2010 at 06:05 PM
My whole entire blog is devoted to ‘em, so I’ve got tons!
I will say, though, that my very favorite facial mask is one that involves coffee, cocoa powder, honey, and plain (full-fat) yogurt. It totally de-puffs your face, tightens your pores, and softens the skin.
And it wakes you up.
Thanks for sharing these! Can’t get enough of food my face, that’s for sure!
Posted by Adriane Coplan on 01/07/2010 at 12:55 PM
Skin Moisturizer
1 TBL olive oil
1 TBL grapeseed oil
1 TBL coconut oil
Mix and store in a small sealed container (such as travel size bottles). Shake well before using. A little goes a long way.
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Posted by Adrianne on 08/23/2011 at 08:31 AM
I tried the Avocado Foot softener and it was fabulous! I have rough, dry feet and lotion just didn’t do it. I’ll be adding this to my weekly routine. Thanks!