A few years ago I switched from face lotion to plain old oil. I have used coconut, jojoba, and kukui (and maybe others I can’t recall). I have always loved Caribbean Sol’s products, although you can get coconut oil everywhere these days. Then my MD gave me crap (rightfully so) for not using something with spf. So now I use oils in winter and something with spf the rest of the year when I’m actually in the sun for longer than parking lot walks.
I previously blogged about block island’s sunscreen because it’s totally awesome. And now they are diversifying their line because they have a night cream! And a facial cleanser! I don’t use night cream, so this is my new every day face lotion (which the label says is cool). At least for winter when you don’t need UV protection from the sun. It’s made with good stuff – no sketchy crap for my face thankyouverymuch.
Recently I thought about making my own all natural skin/hair care products. Thoughts? Kyle thinks it’s a way hippie move and isn’t sure he wants to be lathering up with my home-made concoctions but the Thrive catalog I got last week has super simple “recipes” for shampoos and conditioners with stuff I basically already have on hand.
Who is into the essential oil scene? I know it’s way popular right now, but if I were to invest in a few, which would be the ones to start out with? Lavender? Peppermint? Rosemary? I’m thinking a little goes a long way, but they are still kinda pricey.
Incidentally I burned my arm (badly) last week and was googling natural remedies and essential oils were all up in those. I ended up making a vinegar/water soak and it soothed it quite nicely. I’m starting to think you can solve all the world’s problems with either vinegar or baking soda. No joke, I use them for every single purpose these days – cleaning and beyond. Those combined with Dr. Bronner’s castile soap is essentially my entire cleaning repertoire. Which is why I think I could do my own hygiene thing!?
Anyway, those are my hippie musings for today.
BTW, most of these are still the same products I use today. EO and Dr. Bronner’s are definitely my favorite brands. You can totally get them on Thrive for $ less than elsewhere.
I’ve struggled with the ‘do I make my own everything’ thoughts for years. Easy things like lotion bars and cleaning supplies are fun and effective. Making things like soap, shampoo and laundry detergent were just not for me though. There are so many natural products out there that just do better than I can. 😉
Lavender, peppermint and lemon are my most used essential oils. I love those three! Of course, cinnamon and clove are fun for the holidays. And I love NOW essential oil blends. Clear the Air smells amazing!
Check out Damn Good Face products–handmade with all natural ingredients. Her products are great. https://www.etsy.com/shop/damngoodfacewash
thanks roberta!
Does that sunscreen rub in clear? TONS of them claim to and I am never happy with it, and I am such a sunscreen junkie that I really want one I feel good about wearing anytime
I just started using essential oils. I’ve been wanting to try them just to make my house smell good. I purchased the Young Living Premium Starter Kit and I’m obsessed! House smells great, lemon eo is great for cleaning and stain removal, sleeping better, great added in water, there really is an oil for everything…who knew! I was weary of the whole MLM thing, but I get it now. Who better to tell people about the product than people who try it and LOVE it.
Here is my link if you are interested: http://bit.ly/1PWf24e. The premium starter kit is a great way to try out the most popular oils.
It rubs in clear. No white zinc left on your face 🙂
Thanks for your input and knowledge Jes. All good things to know/consider.
well (a) i just had to google MLM, ha! but (b) it’s kinda what i suspected because i hear a lot of good things about YL so after a certain point i figure it’s gotta be for a reason. 🙂
My friend recently gave me a shampoo and conditioner mix which uses two tablespoons of baking soda dissolved in 500ml water for the shampoo and two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in 500ml water for the conditioner. You can scrub with the baking soda formula but you should rinse the ACV straight out. I have been trying it and it works beautifully! You can put a few drops of essential oil in for fragrance as well. Vinegar and soda! Awesome combo, like you say!
I have made a few things on my own, but have been happier with using stuff that’s been made by others 😉 My very favorite natural deodorant that even works on my smelly boys is Meow Meow Tweet citrus. I love EOs and have been buying from Mountain Rose Herbs. They are a very ethical company and they have organic oils. I stay away from any of the MLM companies. This pretty much sums it up:
http://www.granolaliving.com/2012/07/why-we-dont-offer-doterra-young-living-or-other-multi-marketing-brands-of-essential-oils/