There are inexpensive ways to make many of your own natural care products. Some may even work better than their commercial counterparts. Makeup is often difficult to make for yourself and is cheaper if purchased, but products such as toothpaste and deodorant, for example, are easy and inexpensive to make at home.
Tooth Powder
When brushing, you don’t actually need toothpaste in order to get your teeth clean so long as you are brushing well and after each meal and snack like you should be. Still, it’s nice to have something to clean your teeth with. If you just want a little something extra, dip your toothbrush lightly into baking soda before brushing.
You can make your own old-fashioned tooth powder for brushing your teeth by using plain baking soda or by mixing it with one part table salt to three parts baking soda. Sprinkle it on your toothbrush, dampen, and brush as you normally would. Be gentle on your gums when using baking soda and salt.
Lip Balm/Lipstick
One recipe you can try is to use plain lanolin or soften it slightly in a Mason jar set in boiling water and add a few droops of olive oil or vegetable oil to soften it.
Another recipe is to melt equal parts olive oil and beeswax in a mason jar set in boiling water. The measurements do not need to be exact. Once it has cooled, if it is too thick, add more oil. If it is too thin, add more wax.
Before your mixture cools, you can add other ingredients. You can add a few drops of honey which is flavorful and beneficial to your skin. A drop of vanilla flavoring will also make it delicious. The contents of one vitamin E capsule squeezed out is good for chapped lips. Beet juice from a can of beets or raspberry or blueberry juice will give various natural colors for creating a tinted lip balm.
Lotion
If you cannot afford lotion, you can use olive oil to moisturize your skin. A little goes a long way, so only use a few drops. Extra virgin olive oil is the best for use in cosmetics and personal care items.
Perfume
Commercial perfumes are toxic, so you are better off making your own. Mix three drops of your favorite essential oil into one tablespoon of olive oil. You can use only one or mix scents to create something new. Some scents you may enjoy include rose, jasmine, lavender, citrus, orange, or vanilla. If your perfume does not have enough strength, try adding a drop at a time until it is just right.
Soap
Soap is a little bit difficult to make, but extremely inexpensive. My recipe for making soap from scratch is located HERE.
Shampoo
There are no good homemade recipes for shampoo, but you may want to try the “no ‘poo” method which is becoming more popular. First, rinse your hair in the shower with a mixture of one to two teaspoons baking soda in a cup of water. Massage into your scalp and rinse well. Follow with a mixture of one tablespoon apple cider vinegar mixed in one cup of water. Let sit one minute, then rinse thoroughly.
Deodorant (also makes a fantastic mouthwash and gargle!)
This is the best deodorant that I have ever used. Mix equal parts baking soda and salt in some water until it will no longer dissolve. Pour off the liquid into a fine-misting spray bottle (the type used for hairspray, not the type used for glass cleaner). This will work on its own, but you can also add any or all of the following to give it an extra boost:
-five drops tea tree essential oil
-five drops lavender essential oil
-1 tbsp or less witch hazel extract
-1 tbsp or less vodka
-five drops peppermint, spearmint, tea tree, or cinnamon oil (for mouthwash only)
Shake well before each use. If the nozzle on the spray bottle becomes clogged, simply remove the cap and run it under water for a few seconds before spraying.
Conditioner
In lieu of using conditioner, you can do a hot oil treatment on your hair once weekly. Heat some olive oil on a very low flame so that it is hot, but not too hot to touch. Put a little in your hair, but not on your scalp, and massage through your hair. Wrap your head in a hot damp towel and leave for half an hour. Shampoo thoroughly.
Hair Bleach
You can bleach highlights into your hair by wetting it with lemon juice and sitting in the sun. This may take a few tries. Hydrogen peroxide may also work.
Shaving Cream
I have always used soap. If, for some reason, this does not work for you, you can add a few drops of olive oil to a mixture of soap for a moisturizing shave. Otherwise, moisturize after shaving.
Hairspray
I would not recommend using this on a regular basis, but if you are in need of some hairspray, you can mix one teaspoon of Elmer’s School Glue in five tablespoons of water and add it to a spray bottle. It is non-toxic, washable, and safe for hair.
