How to make: Homemade natural skincare
Bringing life back to basics, author Eleanor Ozich offers a collection of delightfully refreshing ideas that combat the hustle and bustle of modern life – in her new book The Art of Simple.
A simple yet thoughtful skincare ritual can be far more enjoyable than one encumbered by many ingredient-dense products, and is particularly enhanced by using products that are lovingly homemade.
For a more radiant, silky smooth complexion, here are some simple skincare recipes that take only moments to prepare, and don’t cost the earth.
Coconut Oil Cleanser
Using a single ingredient, this coconut oil cleanser is kind on your skin and
your pocket.
1. Gently massage a small amount of coconut oil into your skin in a circular motion.
2. Using a warm, damp facecloth, remove any residue and makeup. If you have sensitive or oily skin, you might like to dilute the coconut oil in warm water.
3. Store in a dark-coloured glass jar.
Witch Hazel Toner
Witch hazel is a natural extract derived from the bark and leaves of the shrub of that name, and has a long history, particularly within natural medicine and skincare. This natural astringent is gentle to use, and is excellent for helping to reduce the appearance of acne, redness and irritation. It also helps to lock in moisture and balance oily or dry skin types. Rose water has been added here to help prevent signs of ageing and keep skin feeling rejuvenated and beautifully soft.
Makes 100ml
50ml witch hazel extract
50ml rose water
1. Pour the witch hazel and rose water into a small spray bottle and shake gently to combine.
2. Spray onto the skin after cleansing.
3. Allow to dry before applying moisturiser or face oil.
Eucalyptus and Lime Liquid Hand Soap
Commercially made hand soap can leave skin feeling dry, but this homemade version is much gentler, and the eucalyptus paired with lime gives an invigorating fresh aroma, with a dash of almond oil to soften the skin.
Makes about 500ml
300ml filtered water
one bar of Castile soap, finely grated
10 drops of eucalyptus essential oil
10 drops of lime essential oil
3 tbsp sweet almond oil
1. Put the water and grated soap in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir continuously until the soap dissolves.
2. Allow to cool.
3. Stir in the oils then pour into dark-coloured bottles.
Brown Sugar Body Scrub
This simple scrub smells delicious and can be used just on your face or your whole body. Gently exfoliate skin with 1–2 tablespoons of the scrub and rinse with warm water, once a week.
makes about 2 cups
1 cup golden sugar (Muscovado or coconut sugar)
1 cup almond oil or melted coconut oil
a few drops of essential oil of your choice
1. Combine all the ingredients and store in a dark-coloured airtight jar.
Grapefruit and Lime All-Purpose Spray
The pure essential oils in this formula not only smell delicious; they’re also antibacterial and clean surfaces beautifully.
makes about 500ml
2 tsp baking soda
2 tsp liquid castile soap
10 drops grapefruit essential oil
10 drops lime essential oil
475ml hot water
Put all the ingredients into a dark-coloured spray bottle and shake to combine before each use.
Citrus Air Freshener
This citrus spray is great for purifying the air, and particularly for any lingering odours in the kitchen. During the colder months try switching out the citrus oil for something a little more aromatic, such as bergamot, vetiver or pine.
makes about 100ml
10 drops lemon essential oil
5 drops sweet orange or lime essential oil
90ml filtered water
1. Put all the ingredients into a dark-coloured spray bottle.
2. Shake gently to combine.
3. Store in a cool, dark place, and use as needed.
This edited extract is from The Art of Simple by Eleanor Ozich, published by Penguin NZ, and available from all good book stores.
