Soothe dry lips with this simple and luxurious honey lip balm recipe. Made with just 4 natural ingredients: raw honey, shea butter, oil, and beeswax. And, optional, add your favorite essential oil for a delicious scent and natural flavor.

I’ve been making this moisturizing recipe for over 11 years, and I love how it feels on my lips. It reminds me of my favorite Burt’s Bees lip balm.

In this blog, I outline the steps to make this easy recipe. 

Key Takeaways

• Simple Ingredients – To make your own lip balm, you’ll need honey, shea butter, carrier oil, and natural beeswax to make this recipe. 
• Equipment – You’ll also need small lip balm containers (metal tins or an old tin used for mints work best), a saucepan, a heat-safe bowl, and a stovetop. 
• How Much This Recipe Makes – This recipe makes 1 container or 1 ounce. 
• Adding Essential Oils – Add your favorite essential for a scent. Peppermint essential oil is perfect for this lip balm. 
• Shelf Life – Keep the lip balm for 6-8 months!
• Great Gifts – This recipe makes a beautiful gift, particularly during winter.  ​

Before you get started: What You’ll Need

Ingredients 

• 1 tablespoons carrier oil – nourishes and moisturizes the skin. My favorite oil options are sweet almond, olive, sunflower, avocado, jojoba, and virgin coconut oil. 
• 2 teaspoons beeswax pellets – the glue that holds the oil and shea butter together and creates a solid product. Beeswax, a natural ingredient thanks to hard-working bees, provides a protective barrier to the skin and may help soothe it. 
• 1/2 teaspoon shea butter – provides the moisturizing relief my lips crave in the drier fall and winter months.
• 1/4 teaspoon honey – Honey is a natural humectant (hydrating for the skin). Honey also contains antioxidants, which may help repair chapped lips and stressed-out skin.
• (OPTIONAL) 3 drops of essential oils – I like peppermint oil, which adds a warm scent and flavor. Another great option is a warm vanilla essential oil.  

Equipment  

• small saucepan – used to create a double boiler with a bowl to melt the ingredients. 
• small heat-safe bowl – this can be glass or metal and should be large enough to rest on the saucepan to melt the ingredients. I’ve found that a glass measuring cup that sits in the saucepan (and the water added to the saucepan) works best as it has a spout for pouring the melted wax into lip balm tubes. 
• large bowl – partially filled with cold water. You’ll use this bowl to cool the lip balm ingredients after melting and before adding the honey. 
• 1 ounce lip balm container

How to Make Honey Lip Balm: Step By Step Guide

• Step 1 Combine Ingredients – Combine the oil, beeswax, and shea butter in a small heat-safe bowl. 
• Step 2 Melt Ingredients – Now place the bowl on top of the saucepan partially filled with water over medium heat. Heat the mixture until the beeswax melts, stirring occasionally. Fill a larger bowl with cold water. I place a few ice cubes (3-4) in the water. Set this bowl aside for later. While the ingredients melt, fill a large bowl 1/4 of the way full with ice water. Set this bowl aside for step 4. 
• Step 3: Remove Ingredients From Heat – Remove the mixture from the heat once the ingredients melt. Let the bowl rest away from the heat for just a minute. I place a hot pad holder on the counter to create a heat-safe surface for the bowl to rest. 
• Step 4: Cool the Lip Balm Rapidly – Place the bowl with the melted lip balm mixture in the bowl, in a more giant bowl filled half a 1/4 way full with ice water. This step rapidly cools the mixture so the honey may be added without separating from the other ingredients. The rapid cooling will also prevent a gritty lip balm, which can happen to shea butter. The mixture will begin to solidify as it cools. Pour in the honey, add the essential oil (if using), and stir to combine.
• Step 4 Spoon into a Container – Spoon the solidified mixture into a container. I used a 1-ounce metal container. Alternatively, you could use a mini Altoids container. This recipe will make about 1 ounce. The result will be a smooth, soft, spreadable lip product with the most gorgeous yellow color. 

Application Tip: Apply as needed to the lips. May be used daily and multiple times a day. I love to use this lip scrub once a week during the winter as well.

Watch My Step-By-Step Recipe Video

How Long Will This Lip Balm Last?

• Shelf Life – This recipe will last for 6-8 months. My other lip balm recipes last 12 months (like this shea butter lip balm and this 3-ingredient recipe). 
• Shorter Life Span – This honey lip balm could also last 12 months; however, since it’s stored in a tin and you’ll use your finger to apply it (dipping it in the container), I’ve shortened the shelf life.

How to Prevent Gritty Lip Balm 

• The Problem – I also shared about this issue in my shea butter lip balm recipe, as it’s a common issue with shea butter products. While there’s nothing wrong with this, and the lip balm is still usable, the final product can feel funny on your lips. Grittiness is a common issue with a shea butter lip balm if it’s not cooled rapidly after melting.
• The Solution – The rapid cooling performed in step 4 of my recipe helps to prevent a gritty lip balm. 

FAQs

• Can I use other butters, like mango or cocoa butter, instead of shea butter? Yes, you can. Mango butter is an excellent substitute for shea butter, as it’s soft and spreadable. Natural cocoa butter is a hard butter that melts easily but can produce a firm final product. 
• Will this work in lip tubes vs. jars? No, it won’t due to the softer nature of the lip balm. The best options are cute little jars or a small mint tin (like an Altoids tin). If you want to make lip balm in a tube, try my other DIY lip balm recipes: shea butter lip balm recipe or customizable 3-ingredient lip balm. 
• Can I double or triple this recipe? Yes, you can! I provide the exact measurements to make a larger quantity in the recipe card at the bottom of this post. 

Print

DIY honey lip balm Recipe

This lip balm goes on smooth, and, thanks to the peppermint essential oil, has a cooling sensation that feels and tastes amazing!

Course How To

Cuisine Body

Keyword honey lip balm, honey lip balm recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes minutes

Total Time 15 minutes minutes

Servings 1 ounce

Author Kristin Marr

Equipment

• 1 small saucepan
• 1 small heat-safe bowl
• 1 large bowl
• 1 1-ounce lip balm container

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon carrier oil such as: olive oil, jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, or coconut oil
• 2 teaspoons beeswax pellets or grated beeswax (from a beeswax bar), 7 grams
• 1/2 teaspoon shea butter 2.5 grams
• 1/4 teaspoon honey
• 3 drops peppermint essential oil or your favorite essential oil (optional)

Instructions

• Combine Ingredients – Combine the oil, beeswax, and shea butter in a small heat-safe bowl. 
• Melt Ingredients – Now place the bowl on top of the saucepan partially filled with water over medium heat. Heat the mixture until the beeswax melts, stirring occasionally. Fill a larger bowl with cold water. I place a few ice cubes (3-4) in the water. Set this bowl aside for later. While the ingredients melt, fill a large bowl 1/4 of the way full with ice water. Set this bowl aside for step 4. 
• Remove Ingredients From Heat – Remove the mixture from the heat once the ingredients melt. Let the bowl rest away from the heat for just a minute. I place a hot pad holder on the counter to create a heat-safe surface for the bowl to rest. 
• Spoon into a Container – Spoon the solidified mixture into a container. Alternatively, you could use a mini Altoids container. This recipe will make about 1 ounce. The result will be a smooth, soft, spreadable lip product with the most gorgeous yellow color. 
• Storage – Store the lip balm at room temperature for up to 6-8 months.

How to Use:

• Apply as needed to the lips. May be used daily and multiple times a day. I love to use this lip scrub once a week during the winter as well.

Video

Notes

To make a larger quantity for gifts:

This amount fills 24 of the 1 ounce containers

• 3/4 cup coconut oil
• 1 1/2 cup beeswax, pellets or grated
• 1/3 cup shea butter
• 1 tablespoon raw honey
• 36 drops essential oil (optional)

This amount makes 4 ounces–

• 1/3 cup coconut oil
• 3 tablespoon and 1 teaspoon beeswax pellets or grated 
• 1 1/2 teaspoon shea butter
• 1 1/4 teaspoon raw honey
• 12 drops peppermint essential oil

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The post DIY honey lip balm Recipe (Just 4 Ingredients) appeared first on Live Simply.

Ingredients Needed to Make a Natural Cleanser With Honey

• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/3 cup liquid castile soap
• 3 tablespoons distilled water (this is the safest type of water to use, found at any grocery store)
• 2 tablespoons nourishing oil (I use jojoba, other options include: sweet almond, avocado, and olive oil)

These powerhouse ingredients come together to create the best DIY face wash.

Ingredient Spotlight

Raw Honey: Due to the lack of pasteurization (heating), raw honey is naturally rich in antibacterial and probiotic properties. Honey is gentle for sensitive skin, but tough enough to remove dirt and other impurities. Learn more about the benefits of washing your face with honey. If you can’t find raw honey, use what you can find; just make sure it’s pure honey. Some folks swear by using raw manuka honey for skincare uses, which you’re welcome to use.

Castile Soap: A concentrated vegetable-based soap. I use castile soap for everything from homemade laundry detergent to body wash and foaming hand soap. Use either Baby Mild Castile Soap or Tea Tree Castile Soap for facial cleansing. A 32-ounce bottle of liquid castile soap costs about $17, and one bottle will make about 10 homemade face washes. Explore other natural ways to use castile soap.

Distilled Water: Added to dilute the concentrated soap. Distilled water has all impurities removed, so it’s the safest water to use when making body and cleaning products.

Nourishing Skin Oil: Since oil dissolves oil, it’s only natural to add a nourishing oil to DIY face wash recipes. Jojoba or sweet almond oil work best for all skin types. Avocado oil and olive oil are also options, but can be heavier on the skin.

Print

DIY Homemade Honey Face Wash

Four simple ingredients make this the best homemade honey face wash. The soothing ingredients will leave your skin clean and glowing, without the harsh chemicals.

Course DIY

Cuisine Beauty, Body

Keyword Honey Face Wash

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 5 minutes minutes

Servings 8 ounces

Author Kristin Marr

Equipment

• soap dispenser 8-ounces or larger

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup liquid castile soap unscented preferably
• 1/3 cup honey
• 3 tablespoons distilled water
• 2 tablespoons skin-nourishing oil I use jojoba, Other options include: sweet almond, avocado, olive.

Instructions

• In a soap dispenser, add the water first (to prevent bubbles) then the liquid castile soap, honey, and oil.
• Shake the ingredients together until the honey is fully dissolved.

To Use:

• Wet your hands with water.
• Add a squirt of face wash to the palm of your hand.
• Rub your hands together to create suds with the soap.
• Use your palms to massage the soap over your entire face and down your neck. I usually spend about 30-60 seconds massaging my face with the cleanser. As you massage the skin, you'll loosen dead skin cells, dirt, oils, and makeup.
• Wet a clean washcloth with warm water. Use the washcloth to rinse the face wash from the skin, rinsing the washcloth and repeating as needed.
• After cleansing, use a spritz of facial toner (I love rosewater), any serums you may use (I use this A+ serum for hormonal breakouts), and a moisturizer (the best 8 natural face moisturizers).

Video

Notes

When you introduce water into a product without a preservative you always run the risk of introducing bacteria, so use water-based products quickly. Using distilled water is always the safest option.

Reader Feedback: A few readers have shared that this face wash has an interesting smell when the honey and castile soap are mixed together. A smell they don’t particularly enjoy. If this is the case with your face wash,  but you still want the skin benefits of honey, I recommend trying a simple honey and aloe cleanser. If you don’t want to use the honey, try a simple blend of castile soap and water. The scent some readers experience may be coming from the tea tree castile soap, so stick with an unscented version if this is a concern.

FAQs

Can I use honey everyday on my face?

Yes, you can. Honey is soothing and gentle, and safe for everyday use. If you find the cleanser irritates or drys out your skin, it’s most likely due to the soap. In this case, use straight-up honey or this aloe and honey cleanser. Or, check out all my favorite natural cleansers.

Is honey face wash safe to use on acne-prone skin?

Yes, I’ve found it to be very beneficial and safe to use on my acne-prone skin. Honey will not strip the skin of natural oils and is very soothing.

Will honey clog my pores?

No, honey does not clog pores. Rinse the honey from the skin after cleansing.

What can I use to clean my face naturally?

This recipe is just one option for a natural facial cleanser. Back when I originally shared this recipe (in 2015), there weren’t store-bought options made with nourishing, non-toxic ingredients. Today, there are great companies that have stepped up to make incredible non-toxic, natural, botanical skincare products. Check out my article, Best Natural Face Cleaners and Face Wash, for a round-up of the best homemade and store-bought face washes.

Which face wash is 100% natural?

The recipe is about as 100% natural as you’ll find. Other DIY face wash options that are 100% natural: honey and aloe face wash (just honey and aloe), cleanse your face with honey alone, and basic face wash made with castile soap. A few of my favorite natural store-bought face washes: OSEA Ocean Cleanser (use code livesimply for $10 off any $90 order), True Botanicals, Evan Healy Milk Cleanser or Tea Tree Cleanser, One Love Organics, and Blissoma Rejuvenating Gel Cleanser. That said, I challenge you to focus on using safe and nourishing skincare products rather than focusing on 100% natural. Just because something is natural doesn’t mean it’s the solution you’re looking for. Poison Ivy is 100% natural and none of us are spreading that stuff on our faces. Just food for thought. Synthetic ingredients aren’t bad, as long as they are proven to be safe.

What are the best natural face washes for acne?

I’m not an esthetician (listen to my podcast with an esthetician about natural skincare), but I personally struggled with acne for a number of years as an adult. Today, my skin has cleared along with much of the scarring. From my research, honey and aloe are some of the best DIY natural face wash ingredients for acne-prone skin. Honey is antibacterial and hydrating (learn more about using honey to cleanse the face), and both are gentle on the skin and soothing. Aloe and honey don’t strip the skin of natural and beneficial oils, which could cause breakouts and inflammation. I also love this Ocean Cleanser from OSEA for a store-bought option that exfoliates and cleanses the skin without stripping the skin of its natural and beneficial oils (use code livesimply for $10 off any $90 order).

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The post DIY Homemade Honey Face Wash appeared first on Live Simply.

If you’re looking for a place to save in your non-toxic skincare routine, going with a homemade cleanser is a great option. I recommend investing/splurging on a good face oil or cream moisturizer (my favorites right now are Laurel for a face oil and OSEA for a more traditional cream moisturizer) and then saving money on the cleanser and toner (I love rosewater by Cocokind).

Using honey to wash your face is a budget-friendly way to do this, but don’t let the minimal cost of this face wash fool you into thinking it doesn’t pack in amazing skincare benefits.

Why Use Honey to Wash Your Face

It may seem slightly odd to use this sticky substance to wash your face, but it’s a practice that’s been around for ages. According to the authors of Honey: A therapeutic Agent for Disorders of the Skin,  “Honey has been recognized around the world for its healing properties with records of its therapeutic use dating back to 2000 B.C.”

• Honey (and milk) is believed to have been used by Cleopatra as a face wash.
• The Ancient Greeks and Egyptians used honey as a treatment for wounds and burns.
• Today, honey is used all over the world as a skincare ingredient and to cleanse the skin and treat skin conditions (like eczema).

Honey has been used this way because of its amazing benefits.

The benefits of honey…

• rich in antioxidants
• has antibacterial properties (check out this article from the National Institutes of Health)
• a natural preservative
• a humectant, which means it has moisturizing properties 
• is soothing
• doesn’t strip the skin (like many commercial face washes and soaps) and works to regulate the pH of the skin, which is essential for healthy skin function
• it’s relatively cheap, considering the multi-purpose nature of this ingredient

When honey is used as a face wash (or part of a skincare routine, say as a face mask), honey can leave the skin cleansed, nourished, hydrated, and glowing. Honey can be fantastic for all skin types, particularly acne-prone skin and aging skin due to the antibacterial and antioxidant properties.

How to Wash Your Face with Honey

Let’s get super practical. A few months ago, my video guy came over to shoot a video on how to use honey to wash your face (the video was for an olive oil company, not Live Simply which is why there isn’t a video in this post). I’ll never forget the stunned look on his face when I told him that our next shot was of me washing my face with honey. “Ummm, how are you going to do that?” was his reaction.

I get it. Washing your face with honey may seem a bit different, particularly if you’re used to conventional face wash products with sudsing and foaming agents or even just a bar soap. Suds are not essential for face cleansing. You won’t get the same experience when using honey, but it’s easy to get past this once you experience how your skin feels and looks after using honey as a face wash.

What You Need

Raw, unfiltered honey: This kind of honey is going to be the best choice as it hasn’t been heated so its full of beneficial properties. You can find this at farmer’s markets, via a Google search for raw honey, or in grocery stores.

How to Wash Your Face

• Before washing: If the honey comes in a large bottle or jar, you may want to pour some honey into a smaller jar so you can keep it in your bathroom. I love a small 4-ounce mason jar or Weck jar with a tight lid (to keep ants and bugs out). A small jar will make it easier to use the honey as a face wash.
• Before washing: Remove makeup. You can do this by applying a small amount of oil (like jojoba oil) to a cotton ball and then wiping your face with the cotton ball. Or, you can make a homemade makeup remover–I share my favorites in this post.
• 1st: Splash your face with warm water so it’s damp.
• 2nd: Pour a small amount of honey into the palm of your hand (you can also use a small spoon to scoop the honey from the jar).
• 3rd: Massage the honey onto your face using your hands, just as you would a commercial face wash.
• 4th: After spending a few seconds massaging your face with honey, run a washcloth under fresh, warm water. Use the washcloth to gently remove the honey from your face, neck, and hands. Rinse the washcloth as needed, repeating until all honey has been removed.
• 5th: Follow up with a toner (I love this rosewater toner from Cocokind) and moisturizer. I love any of the oils from Laurel Skin and this OSEA moisturizer (coupon code Livesimply takes $10 off any $90 purchase from OSEA). During the day, I use oil as a moisturizer (Laurel) and at night I use both an oil and the OSEA moisturizer for extra hydration.

I only wash my face at night, before bed, with face wash (such as this honey). In the morning, I splash my face with water or rinse my face with water in the shower. This is up to you and what works for you, your skin, and lifestyle (if you workout and sweat in the am, etc.).

Honey Face Wash Recipes

You don’t need to make a face wash “product.” You can simply use honey, as-is, as a face wash (as we talked about above). But if you want something more or just don’t love the idea of using straight up honey on your face, here are a couple of ideas…

• Honey Face Wash: This is a nice option for someone who wants the suds of a face wash. With this option, you don’t need to remove makeup first. Combine 1/3 cup liquid castile soap, 1/3 cup honey, 3 tablespoons distilled water, and 2 tablespoons of jojoba or sweet almond oil in a soap dispenser bottle. Give the bottle a shake and use as a face wash.
• Honey and Aloe Cleanser: If you don’t want all the stickiness of honey, try this option. I’ve found that you don’t need to remove makeup first with this option, unless you’re wearing a heavy amount. Mix 1/4 cup aloe vera gel, 1/4 cup honey, and 1 tablespoon jojoba oil or sweet almond oil. Mix the ingredients together in a jar, pour or spoon into your hand and use as a face wash.

Maybe you already have a beloved face wash (there are some fantastic non-toxic cleansers out there) and switching to honey isn’t for your right now. You can still incorporate honey into your skincare routine by making a honey mask. Here are two of my favorite honey face masks.

• Honey and Spirulina Face Mask (the Glow Mask): Combine 1 teaspoon honey with 1/2 teaspoon spirulina powder. Mix together and apply to face. Let rest for 10 minutes, then rinse off. Read about spriulina and how to make this mask here.
• Honey and Yogurt Mask: Combine 1 tablespoon plain yogurt and 1 teaspoon honey. Apply the mask to your face, let rest for 20 minutes, then rinse off. This is one of my favorite weekly masks! Read about the benefits of using yogurt as a face mask here.

The post How to Wash Your Face with Honey appeared first on Live Simply.

Here, at Live Simply, we focus on wellness from a natural approach. Part of this focus is what we put on and in our body.

When it comes to skincare products, which make up a large part of what we put on our skin, we focus on using products that are not only made with proven-to-be-safe ingredients but also ingredients that nourish and give to the skin.

If you’ve explored the world of clean, green, natural products–whatever the current buzz word is today for these products–then you probably know that many of these products are not exactly cheap or inexpensive. This is understandable as these products are made with ingredients that can be expensive to source and most products aren’t cut with filler ingredients like so many of the products on the market today.

Going the DIY route is many times more cost effective. However, sometimes this isn’t possible or you may just love the results of a particular product from a trusted skincare brand. I’ve found the best solution is to find balance between making some products and purposely splurging on products you absolutely LOVE and just can’t mimic at home.

For me, my splurges are on facial oils (True Botanicals, Laurel, and Blissoma are my favorite brands for this), face cleanser (OSEA is my favorite), and serums for specific skincare needs (for example I love the Intensive Repair Serum from Marie Veronique).

When it comes to DIYing, I save money by making most of my facial masks at home. I’ve found this is an easy way to save a few dollars and also play around with skincare ingredients. Today’s yogurt mask is one of my favorites to make.

Yogurt face mask benefits

I originally learned about using yogurt as a face mask from one of my favorite skincare brands, Marie Veronique. Marie is a chemist and an OG (original) in the green beauty world. She knows her stuff and her products are AMAZING!

Marie and Kristina Holey (her business partner) are big into education, particularly education about the microbiome of the skin and how to care for the skin in a way that nourishes and protects the ecosystem of the skin. Everything I’ve learned about yogurt masking comes from Marie.

Benefits of using yogurt on the skin…

• provides fatty acids, beneficial bacteria, and vitamins and minerals which can soften the skin and provide a glowy, rejuvenated appearance
• provides zinc to cool and calm the skin
• works as an anti-inflammatory which can be beneficial for the beginning stages of a breakout
• provides a very small amount of lactic acid (an alpha hydroxy acid) which can provide a very small amount of exfoliation (dissolving dead skin cells)
• while the lactic acid can provide a small amount of exfoliation, its biggest benefit is providing nutrients to help balance and stabilize the skin

Which yogurt is best for face masks?

The best yogurt to use for a face mask is full fat, plain, and organic. Also, make sure the yogurt contains active live cultures (this should be stated on the ingredient list), particularly strains of lactic acid bacteria or Bifidobacterium. Goat’s milk yogurt does contain more benefit, but I personally don’t purchase goat’s milk yogurt so I stick to cow’s milk yogurt.

An alternative is kefir (which is much thinner, more of a drinkable yogurt). I use kefir to make smoothies, yogurt tubes for the kids, and ranch dip.

If you are truly allergic to dairy, then it’s best to avoid dairy on your skin. In this case, choose a plain plant-based yogurt that contains active live cultures. You won’t get the full benefit like you would with a cow or goat’s milk yogurt, but there will still be some benefit due to the bacteria in the yogurt itself.

Yogurt mask tips and tricks

To apply a yogurt mask…

First, spoon 1-2 tablespoons of yogurt from the container into a small bowl. At this point, you can use the yogurt as-is for a face mask or mix it with an add-in that we’ll talk about in the next section.

Next, use your fingertips (or a mask brush) to apply a small amount of yogurt to the face, continuing to work until the face (and neck, if preferred) are covered. The mask should feel refreshing since the yogurt is cold–another benefit! Allow the mask to rest on your face for 20 minutes.

Finally, rinse the yogurt from the face using a warm, damp washcloth.

After using the yogurt mask, apply toner and your favorite moisturizer. The yogurt mask may be applied 1-2 times a week.

Yogurt mask customizations

You can use yogurt as-is for a face mask or you can mix it with other add-ins depending on the benefit you’re looking for. This is a great way to experiment with a DIY face mask. Here are a few suggestions that you can add to the yogurt before applying on the face. You can add one mix-in or multiple options together.

• Honey: Add a teaspoon of honey to the yogurt. Honey is particularly hydrating for dry skin.
• Cacao or cocoa powder: Add 1-2 teaspoons of cacao or cocoa powder for the antioxidant benefits.
• Lavender: Add a drop of lavender essential oil to soothe and calm the skin.
• Aloe vera gel: Add 1 teaspoon of aloe vera (fresh or I love this brand if you’re going with a preserved aloe) to soothe and calm the skin.
• Spirulina: Add 1/2 teaspoon of this edible bacteria that is rich in nutrients, antioxidants, and minerals.
• Turmeric: Add 1/2 teaspoon of this anti-inflammatory spice to help calm inflammation.

While all of these variations may be used as a face mask, when mixed with the yogurt base, the honey and turmeric mixtures also make for a great acne spot treatment.

More DIY skincare recipes

• Honey and Sugar Body Scrub: A hydrating and exfoliating body scrub.
• Honey and Aloe Facial Cleanser: An affordable DIY face cleanser. Great for most skin-types.
• Homemade Eye Masks: Calm and soothe puffy, tired eyes with cucumber and mint.
• Winter Minty Mocha Mask: A chocolate yogurt mask with a cooling peppermint tingle.

Print

DIY Yogurt Mask

A nutrient-rich face mask made with bacteria-rich plain yogurt. Use the yogurt as-is or mix the yogurt with your choice of add-ins to make a custom face mask.

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 5 minutes minutes

Servings 1 face mask

Author Kristin Marr

Ingredients

• 1-2 TB plain whole milk yogurt choose organic, if possible, and yogurt with active live cultures, particularly strains of lactic acid bacteria or Bifidobacterium (will be listed on the ingredient list)

Optional Add-Ins (choose one or multiple):

• 1 tsp honey hydrating
• 1/2-1 tsp cacao or cocoa powder antioxidant-rich
• 1 drop lavender essential oil calming and soothing
• 1 tsp aloe vera gel calming and soothing
• 1/2 tsp spirulina powder antioxidant and mineral-rich
• 1/2 tsp ground turmeric anti-inflammatory (will stain, so be cautious with towels and garments)

Instructions

• Add the yogurt to a small bowl.
• Stir in any additional add-in desired (from the list above), or just use the yogurt as a face mask.
• Use your fingertips to apply the yogurt on the face (and neck, if desired). The yogurt should instantly feel cool and refreshing on the skin as it will be cold.
• Let the yogurt rest on the face for 20 minutes.
• Use a warm, damp washcloth to gently remove the yogurt mask.
• Apply your favorite toner (I love rosewater from CocoKind) and moisturizer (True Botanicals or Blissoma facial oils are my favorite).
• The yogurt mask may be applied 1-2 times a week. 

The post DIY Yogurt Face Mask: Rejuvenating & Anti-Inflammatory appeared first on Live Simply.

Today, I’m going to share one of my favorite homemade face masks. It’s made with just two kitchen ingredients (spirulina and honey). Think of this face mask as a nutrient-rich green smoothie for the skin.

In my late 20 years, after having two babies and starting this blog (a time of tremendous stress on my body, some being natural stress and some self-induced stress), my hormones went crazy. Crazy as in everything was out of balance and my stress levels were through the roof (not sleeping much and working way too hard on a passion project while also nursing a baby and raising a toddler will do that).

All of this brought about adult acne, weight gain, and constant fatigue. Over the past couple of years, I’ve been learning how to take care of myself, starting with prioritizing sleep and learning to say no to doing “all the things.” As my body has healed, my skin has healed as well.

This is where my deep love for skincare products comes from. Over the past few years, I’ve made the switch to non-toxic products. At first, this switch was all about using safer ingredients, but, now, it’s about so much more.

I’ve come to love non-toxic skincare products because of how they’ve transformed my skin. Most of these products are rich in botanical ingredients that are active and potent, and, when used on the skin, they nourish and give to the skin which results in healthy and happy skin.

One of the products I’ve been obsessed with recently is the Mermaid Mask from Leahlani Skincare.

First, Leah’s products are amazing! I use her Ambrosia Elixir as a makeup primer (under my foundation) and love her HoneyLove Exfoliator. Her products are made with potent ingredients that give to and nourish the skin.

The Mermaid Mask is a rich green facial mask made with spirulina. It’s literally like a green smoothie for your face!

A few months ago, I ran out of the Mermaid Mask and, at the same time, was on a spending freeze. Darn budget goals! Since I couldn’t just hop on the internet and order another jar of the Mermaid Mask, I decided to go to my kitchen cabinet and see what I could make at home.

With some spirulina powder and raw honey, I whisked together a quick face mask. This simple mask felt luxurious and after 10 minutes it also proved to be effective. The end result was a kind of glow that comes about after feeding your skin with nutrient-rich ingredients. In this case, those ingredients were spirulina and honey.

Before sharing this incredibly simple “glow mask,” let’s talk about the ingredients and why they work.

Honey is a wonderful food to apply to the skin because it’s rich in antioxidants as well as antibacterial and hydration properties. This in turns leaves the skin nourished, hydrated, and glowing. It’s also super gentle so it doesn’t strip the skin.

Honey is particularly great for acne-prone, dry, and aging skin.

When it comes to using honey on the skin, I recommend going with raw honey. This kind of honey is going to be the best choice as it hasn’t been heated so its full of beneficial properties.

Beyond using spirulina on the skin, you can also add it to smoothies as it is edible and a great source of nutrients. You can find spirulina online and in most health food stores (look in the supplement or bulk spice section).

To make the mask, simply add honey and spirulina to a small bowl, then stir. You can use your finger or a small spoon. It’s your choice. If you need something extra to thin down the mixture, you can add a few splashes of filtered water and stir until you reach the desired consistency.

This mask makes enough for a one-time use. The mask is intended to be used all over your face and neck and, if you want, chest. This mixture isn’t meant to be bottled and saved.

To apply the mask, I like to use my fingers but if you’d prefer a less messy option, a face mask brush is the best option. Either way, massage the mask all over your face (avoiding the eyes, eyebrows, and eyelids), as well as the neck and, if desired, the chest. If you just apply the mask to the face and neck, you’ll be able to wash it off at the sink. If you go down to the chest, you’ll need to rinse it off in the shower.

Let the mask rest on the skin for about 10 minutes, then rinse off with water and enjoy that post-mask glow!

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Spirulina and Honey Face Mask

A spirulina and honey face mask that leaves the skin with a healthy, youthful glow. Great for acne-prone, aging, and dry skin.

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Servings 1 face mask

Author Kristin Marr

Ingredients

• 1 tsp honey preferably a runny raw honey
• 1/2 tsp spirulina powder
• water optional

Instructions

• In a small bowl, mix together the honey and spirulina powder. Add a splash of water (or a few splashes) to reach a thinner consistency (if desired).

To Use:

• Start with a clean face that's been washed with a gentle cleanser. Then apply your toner mist. Now, it's time to apply the mask. I like to use my fingers, but if you'd prefer a less messy route, a face mask brush is the best option. Either way, massage the mask all over your face (avoiding the eyes, eyebrows, and eyelids), as well as the neck and, if desired, the chest. If you just apply the mask to the face and neck, you'll be able to wash it off at the sink. If you go down to the chest, you'll need to rinse it off in the shower.
• Let the mask rest on the skin for about 10 minutes, then rinse off with water and enjoy that post-mask glow! Follow-up with your moisturizer. You can read about my favorite skincare products in this post.

The post Spirulina and Honey Face Mask (The Glow Mask) appeared first on Live Simply.

We decided this year to keep things really simple, making just a couple of handmade gifts for our closest family and friends. And instead of going crazy with presents for the kids, we purchased just one item for each of them (Piper, Legos. Londyn, a new bed comforter.), along with giving them the gift of travel.

Instead of focusing on crossing off a to-do list the week before Christmas, I created an advent calendar to help us enjoy a daily activity of togetherness or kindness in the days leading up to Christmas. The advent calendar has brought intentionality to the past 19 days, and allowed us to enjoy a piece of Christmas each day. I’ll definitely make an advent calendar again next year. My family has loved the activities on the calendar, and I feel like Christmas has been extra special, simple, and intentional this year because of this calendar.

Before Christmas Day, I want to share two more recipes with you: a seasonal mask and a seasonal quick bread. These recipes will be the last two recipes shared on Live Simply in 2017.

At the end of each year, between Christmas and the start of the new year, I take a short break from the blog to spend time with my family and focus on the future of the blog in the new year.

In 2018, Live Simply will be five years-old, which is incredible for a blog. It takes a lot of work to consistently publish blog content, interact on social media, share my life via Instagram Stories, and develop quality recipes that work. I love every second of this work. I also look forward to a break away from my computer and kitchen. The holiday season is the perfect time for me to do this. It’s a wonderful time for me to rest, recharge, and refocus.

I’m not going on break just yet, so let’s chat about today’s recipe. It’s a good one…

Today’s recipe, a do-it-yourself seasonal facial mask, is the perfect way to practice caring for yourself during the holiday season. This face mask is made with cacao powder (AKA: chocolate), the same ingredient used to make homemade hot chocolate. Cacao is rich in antioxidants. Yogurt is added to help exfoliate the skin. Honey is added to help hydrate the skin. Finally, peppermint essential oil adds a seasonal scent and warm tingle to the mask. <–It’s my favorite part!

Yes, I know what you’re thinking…

It’s true…

You can eat this mask.

It looks just like chocolate pudding and it does taste amazing. I personally don’t recommend ingesting essential oils (no matter what brand you choose to use), but everything else is 100% edible. When is the last time you purchased a mask from the store that made that claim?

The next time you’re making homemade hot chocolate to share with your family, why not also make yourself a face mask? Hot chocolate and a chocolate face mask. That sounds like an incredible way to treat yourself for the holidays.

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Seasonal Facial Mask: Winter Minty Mocha Mask

A seasonal face mask made with cacao powder, yogurt, and honey. A hydrating and exfoliating mask that's rich in antioxidants. 

Course DIY

Cuisine Beauty

Keyword Seasonal Facial Mask

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 5 minutes minutes

Servings 2 mask applications

Author Kristin Marr

Ingredients

• 2 TB cacao powder or cocoa powder
• 2 TB plain whole milk yogurt or heavy cream will work, just reduce amount slightly
• 1 tsp honey
• 1 drop peppermint essential oil

Special Equipment:

• small bowl

Instructions

• Add the cacao powder, yogurt, and honey to a small bowl. Stir until smooth. Add the essential oil, and stir.

To Use:

• Apply the mask to the face using your fingers or a brush. Allow the mask to rest on your face for 5-10 minutes, until it begins to dry. Rinse with a warm, damp washcloth. I like to follow-up with toner and moisturizer. 

Notes

This recipe makes enough for two mask applications. Use a portion of the mask and store the rest in an air-tight container in the fridge. Use the mask within 4-5 days. 

If you don't have any peppermint essential oil, skip it. It definitely adds to the experience, but you can still make a beneficial mask without it. 

 

The post Seasonal Facial Mask: Winter Minty Mocha Mask appeared first on Live Simply.

As time went on, I began to learn about more expensive skincare products that promised all sorts of results: clear skin, a flawless look, the perfect glow. You know, all the messages marketers feed women on a daily basis. I ate them right up. I began to question my current skincare “routine” and started purchasing these fancier products (despite living on a budget that didn’t quite have the wiggle room for these products).

Fast forward a few years. I was a bit older, wiser, and now on a journey to eat real food. After making changes to what and how we ate, I began questioning the fancy products used on my skin.

It was also during this time that I gave birth to my first child (Piper) and then two years later my daughter (Londyn). My twenty-something body was going through some big changes, and soon my face became evidence of these changes. The clearer skin I took for granted was gone.

Meanwhile, as my skin (and body) cried out for extra attention, I was also trying to swap out the toxic products in my bathroom (which happened to be all the fancy soaps, moisturizers, and body products I was using) for more natural options.

I found out that my breakouts were due to a hormonal imbalance. As it turns out, having two babies back to back, starting a blog (and working through the night on it because, hello, passion doesn’t sleep) and taking self-care off my list of priorities (hello, new mom) all brewed into a disastrous, internal storm. A storm my face was accurately portraying.

Now that we’ve quickly recapped a decade of my skincare decisions, let’s talk about today and this avocado face mask recipe…

I’m now in my 30’s and have a deep respect for my skin and body. I’ve learned the importance, the hard way, of taking care of myself. For me, this looks like eating good (real) food and using quality, non-toxic skincare products on my body. There are also those added bonuses I’ve learned to incorporate into my life, like Pure Barre (exercise) a few times a week, reading/relaxation, going to bed early, and learning to say no to a maxed out schedule.

Quality skincare products don’t have to be super expensive ($100 is my grocery budget for the week, not my moisturizer budget) or fancy. In fact, the simplest of ingredients, which also happen to be the highest-quality ingredients, have become essential to my natural skincare routine.

Today’s recipe, an avocado face mask, is an example of how simple ingredients come together to create a quality, nourishing, inexpensive skincare treatment. The mask is made with leftover avocado (just a small amount is needed, so save a bit of avocado next time you’re making guacamole), oats, and honey. Avocado is loaded with healthy fat. Oats exfoliate and soothe the skin. And honey is just an all-around nourishing skincare ingredient that also helps to gently cleanse the skin.

Since I usually have a tub of clay sitting in my linen closet, clay tends to be my go-to ingredient for making an easy face mask. When I have an avocado sitting on my counter, or a bit of avocado leftover from a meal, this mask is a fun, simple, and inexpensive treat for my skin. A treat that always leaves my skin feeling cleansed, smooth, and refreshed.

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Exfoliating Avocado Face Mask

A simple, real food-inspired face mask made with leftover avocado, rolled oats, and honey. 

Course DIY

Cuisine Beauty

Keyword Avocado Face Mask

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 5 minutes minutes

Servings 1 face mask

Author Kristin Marr

Ingredients

• 1-2 tsp old-fashioned rolled oats *
• 1/4 small avocado such as, a hass avocado**
• 1 tsp honey

Special Equipment:

• small bowl
• spice grinder

Instructions

• Pulse the oats in a spice grinder until they resemble a fine powder/flour (about 30-60 seconds). 
• In a small bowl, mash the avocado with a fork. Add the honey and ground oats, and stir to thoroughly combine. Use immeadiately as a face mask. 

To Use:

• Apply the mask all over a clean face (and neck or chest, if desired) with clean fingers or a brush. Let the mask rest for 10 minutes, and then rise with clean water and a washcloth. I like to follow-up with my moisturizer. I recommend applying and rinsing this mask off in the kitchen--it is messy. 

The post Exfoliating Avocado Face Mask (a real food-based facial mask) appeared first on Live Simply.

My love for masks started as a teenager. An outgoing teenager with “problem skin.” During my late teen years, my hormones decided to wage war against my oily skin. My once-clear skin went from being spotless and smooth, to bumpy, red, and scarred from breakouts. My solution was to try every store-bought acne face product possible, ranging from cheap drug-store solutions to outrageously expensive department store potions. Nothing helped, and yet I continued to spend dollar after dollar in hopes that something would turn my skin around.

It was during this time that I started getting facials. As a college-bound teenager, I couldn’t afford regular facial treatments, but I tried my best to treat my skin to the luxurious experience once a year. I told myself, Maybe a skincare expert can fix my skin!

It was at this time that I was introduced to the utterly relaxing and invigorating feel of a facial mask. If you’ve ever received a facial before, then you know that muds, creamy concoctions, and all sorts of mask-like products are applied to the face during an hour long session. It’s absolutely bliss! My skin always felt amazing afterward–at least for a few days. It was at this time that my obsession with facial masks began.

It was in my mid-twenties, as we were making major lifestyle changes, that I discovered just how easy it is to make facial masks at home–using easy-to-source, natural ingredients.

Homemade facial masks have become an absolutely essential part of my skincare routine, not only because they care for my skin and minimize breakouts, but also because they force me to do something for myself (#self-care). And we all know just how hard it can be to take time for yourself (#momlife). There’s something so relaxing and invigorating about making and applying a weekly facial mask–something that causes me to just stop and breathe for a few minutes.

In the past, we’ve chatted about a soothing clay mask for acne-prone skin, a detoxifying mask with charcoal, and oat-based cleansing grains–which may be used as a mask. And a few weeks ago, I shared seven unique ways to make a clay face mask. These recipes all share one common ingredient: clay.

Clay is an incredibly affordable, detoxifying option for making a homemade facial mask, but clay isn’t the only main ingredient option. There’s something else that may be used: fruit! That’s right, good ol’ edible fruit!

One of my favorite fruits to turn into a homemade mask this time of year is, the strawberry. February through April is considered strawberry season in Florida, so it’s easy to pick up a carton of strawberries for just a couple of dollars. I always try to save a few strawberries on the side, the extra squishy ones, for my weekly facial mask routine.

Strawberries naturally contain vitamin C, salicylic acid and alpha hydroxy acid–all of which may help to exfoliate, moisturize, and brighten the skin. I also like to add yogurt to the strawberries, since it’s rich in lactic acid–another alpha hydroxy acid. Finally, I add an ingredient that’s rich in both antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, honey.

This powerhouse trio has quickly become one of my favorite skincare masks. I absolutely love the way my skin looks and feels after using this strawberry mask, and I love how easy it is to source the ingredients. And the fact that I could eat this mask–if I happen to get hungry during my self-care time–is a huge plus ;).

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Strawberries and Yogurt Brightening DIY Facial Mask

A brightening strawberry facial mask. This super easy mask only requires three ingredients, and it's gentle enough to use daily. 

Course DIY

Cuisine Body

Keyword Facial Mask

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 5 minutes minutes

Servings 6 applications +/-

Author Kristin Marr

Ingredients

• 3 large strawberries preferably very ripe and juicy*
• 1 TB plain whole milk yogurt**
• 1 tsp honey preferably raw honey

Instructions

• Mash the strawberries with the back of a fork, or use a mortar and pestle, until the strawberries look like baby food. 
• Add the yogurt and honey to the mashed strawberries, and stir to combine. 

To Use:

• Apply the mask to the face, and leave it on for 15 minutes before rinsing it off with warm water. This mask isn't thick like a clay mask, and it will feel very "wet" and runny when it's first applied. After a few minutes, the mask will dry on the face and turn a darker shade of pink--this is normal. From my experience, this mask is gentle enough to use daily, if desired. 
• The mask will keep in the fridge for a week, in an air-tight container. I let the mask rest at room temperature for about 15 minutes before applying it to my skin so it's not super cold--this is just a personal preference.  This mask may also be frozen in ice cube trays and defrosted in the fridge before you're ready to use it.

The post Strawberries and Yogurt Brightening DIY Facial Mask appeared first on Live Simply.

I’ve discovered that a few basic ingredients may be used to create multiple skin and body-care products. Let me share just one example…

Once I gathered the supplies to make foundation powder and honey facial cleanser, I was able to make a soothing face mask and blemish spot treatment, dry shampoo (because #momlife), and a sugar scrub to exfoliate my skin. Not only have I been able to care for my sensitive skin with more natural ingredients, I’ve also been able save money along the way. Win-win!

One of the ingredients in my natural skincare “toolkit” is, clay.

Clay comes from the ground, so it’s incredibly rich in minerals. The minerals found in clay, along with its ability to absorb (toxins) and exfoliate the skin, makes clay an excellent skincare ingredient. There are a variety of clay options available. For simplicity sake, I tend to stick with just two clay varieties: kaolin clay and bentonite clay.

Kaolin clay is a very gentle variety of clay, so it may be used by all skin types.

Bentonite clay is my go-to clay for most skincare recipes. This clay has an electrical charge, which allows it to absorb toxins. Metal tools shouldn’t be used when working with bentonite clay. I like Redmond or Aztec brands. French green clay may be used in place of bentonite clay in most recipes.

I love to use clay, particularly bentonite clay, to make a weekly facial mask.  The beauty of making my own mask–versus buying a pre-made tube– is that I can tailor each week’s mask ingredients to what my skin needs, using bentonite clay as the base ingredient.

There are times when my skin really needs hydration, and that’s when I reach for honey and aloe. There are other times when my skin is breaking out (due to hormones or just the environment), and I need the astringent properties of witch hazel or apple cider vinegar. There times when I want to soothe and calm my skin, so I may add ground oats or yogurt.

My goal today is to provide you with a few ideas for making your own unique mask creations. The base ingredient in each mask is bentonite clay, although you could also try kaolin clay or French green clay (you would just need to decrease the liquid amount for kaolin clay since bentonite and French green clay swell). Feel free to adjust the amounts, below, to create your ideal mask.

Let’s get started!

Clay + Witch Hazel (or Apple Cider Vinegar) = Take that, Acne!   

Combine 1/2 tablespoon of clay with 1 tablespoon of witch hazel (or half water and half apple cider vinegar to equal 1/2 tablespoon of liquid). Apply to the face for 10-15 minutes. To remove the mask, wash your face with warm water and a washcloth. Follow-up with your favorite moisturizer.

I love to use this mask when my skin is congested and I’m breaking out. I’ve also used this mask as a blemish spot treatment.

Clay + Honey + Aloe = Soothing and Hydrating

Combine 1/2 tablespoon of clay, 1/2-1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel, and 1 teaspoon of raw honey. Apply to the face for 10-15 minutes. To remove the mask, wash your face with warm water and a washcloth. Follow-up with your favorite moisturizer.

This is my go-to mask. It helps to soothe and cleanse my sensitive, acne-prone skin. This mask is also gentle enough to use daily as an acne spot treatment, if needed. <–Maybe during that special time of the month ;).

Clay + Charcoal + Liquid = Detoxifying  

Combine 1/2 tablespoon of clay, 1 capsule of activated charcoal (about 1/4 teaspoon of powder), and 1 tablespoon of liquid (such as: aloe vera gel, water, or yogurt). Apply to the face for 10-15 minutes. To remove the mask, wash your face with warm water and a washcloth. Follow-up with your favorite moisturizer.

This mask is detoxifying, so I find it’s best to only use it occasionally (once a month). Too much of a detoxifying mask is too much of a good thing, in my skin’s humble opinion.

Clay + Oats + Liquid = Soothing and Calming 

Combine 1/2 tablespoon of clay and 1/2 tablespoon of ground oats in a small bowl. I grind old-fashioned rolled oats in a spice grinder. Another option is to purchase oat flour. Add enough water to make a spreadable paste (about 1-2 tablespoons). Apply to the face for 10-15 minutes. To remove the mask, wash your face with warm water and a washcloth. Follow-up with your favorite moisturizer.

This mask is another great option to cleanse and soothe the skin. I like to change this one up by adding 1-2 drops of tea tree essential oil (helps with pesky pimples), or replacing some of the water with honey.

Clay + Probiotic Yogurt = Probiotic Boost 

Combine 1/2 tablespoon of clay and 1 tablespoon of plain yogurt. Apply to the face for 10-15 minutes.  To remove the mask, wash your face with warm water and a washcloth. Follow-up with your favorite moisturizer.

This mask offers a wonderful probiotic boost to the skin (thanks to the good bacteria found in yogurt), and helps soothe the skin. I love to make this mask when I have just a tiny amount of yogurt left in the yogurt container.

Clay + Chamomile Tea = Calming 

Combine 1/2 tablespoon of clay and 1 tablespoon of room temperature chamomile tea. Apply to the face for 10-15 minutes.  To remove the mask, wash your face with warm water and a washcloth. Follow-up with your favorite moisturizer.

I love to brew myself a cup of tea and then add some of the tea to the clay. It’s a fun way to occasionally add variety to my weekly mask routine, and enjoy the relaxing benefits of warm tea (#self-care). If you’re not a chamomile tea person, try green tea instead.

Clay + Matcha + Liquid = Antioxidant Boost

Combine 1/2 tablespoon of clay, 1/4 teaspoon of matcha powder, and 1 tablespoon of liquid (such as: aloe vera gel, water, or yogurt). Apply to the face for 10-15 minutes. To remove the mask, wash your face with warm water and a washcloth. Follow-up with your favorite moisturizer.

Remember that matcha latte we made a few months ago? If you have any matcha left in your pantry or fridge, try adding it to the clay for a little extra skincare boost.

Finally, I use a natural facial moisturizer after applying and rinsing a facial mask.

The post 7 Unique Ways to Make a Clay Facial Mask appeared first on Live Simply.

As someone with sensitive skin, that can and will react to just about anything, I’ve had to learn how to tackle breakouts, naturally.

It wasn’t always that way, the natural part.

In fact, there was a time, just a few years ago, when my medicine cabinet was filled with every topical breakout treatment available, and my wallet was empty due to the huge expense of such treatments. Now, I cringe when I think about the ingredients many of those treatments were made with, yet, at the time, I trusted them because they were sold in the store. I trusted that they were safe.

With each new breakout, I would turn to a new product, because the last product just must have been all wrong for my skin (since nothing ever helped my breakouts). The more I experimented with products, the worse my skin would get, and the cycle of breaking out and purchasing new products would continue.

I never once stopped to think that my skin problems may be due to deeper issues, like hormones, stress or gut issues. I also never thought about the damage I might be inflicting on my skin by constantly changing my toxic-at-the-time skincare products and routines.

It’s taken me years to find a natural skincare routine that I love, and finally ditch all of my former products. Today, I keep my skincare routine consistent and simple: makeup remover balm, aloe and honey facial cleanser, homemade astringent, and oil moisturizer. That’s it! Occasionally, I’ll use a homemade scrub on my skin.

Even with a natural skincare routine, I still face that dreaded b word, especially around that certain time of the month, or during stressful times. I’ve learned that when I face breakouts, it’s time for me to stop and evaluate what’s going on with my body…

Do I need to get more sleep? What about water? Am I drinking enough water? Have I introduced any different foods into my “diet”? Am I under more stress right now? Am I taking care of myself? Am I consuming a fair amount of probiotics?

Many times, the breakout answer I’m seeking can be found in one of these questions.

And while I now acknowledge that breakouts may be caused just as much by the internal as the external factors, I also rely on a few external factors to help fight against a stubborn breakout. My favorite defense is a simple clay mask that’s made with simple ingredients, already found in my DIY skincare “tool-kit:” aloe, honey, clay, and essential oils. Let’s take a look at each ingredient…

Aloe: Aloe vera is a common ingredient used to treat sunburns due to its soothing and antioxidant properties. Since we know aloe is great for the skin, why not add it to a face mask for breakouts? Aloe may also help to reduce scarring, which, of course, can be an issue with breakouts. If you’re interested in some of the benefits of aloe vera for acne, this article is really insightful.

Raw Honey: Raw honey is simply honey that hasn’t been pasteurized. Due to the lack of pasteurization (heating), raw honey is naturally rich in antibacterial and probiotic properties. Honey is also gentle on sensitive skin, but tough enough to remove dirt and other impurities. If you can’t find raw honey in your area (although many stores/markets now sell raw honey, so take a look before dismissing this ingredient), pasteurized honey may be used. This article talks more about using honey for acne.

Clay: Bentonite clay is made from volcanic ash. The resulting clay is rich in minerals. When used externally, the clay may help to clarify the skin, unclog the pores, and reduce inflammation associated with breakouts.

Essential Oils: Two essential oils are added to this mask, lavender and tea tree essential oil, for their soothing and antibacterial properties.

Each ingredient comes together to soothe my irritated skin and fight against a stubborn breakout. I’ve used this mask as a weekly preventive facial mask (it’s gentle enough on my skin that I can use it two times a week, if needed), as well as a breakout spot treatment for just one area of my face or neck.

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Soothing Clay Mask For Stubborn Breakouts

This mask can be used on a weekly basis, or as an occasional mask for pesky breakouts. Clay is the base ingredient in this mask. I’ve left the clay choice up to you: French green, rhassoul, or bentonite. The mask may be used as a weekly mask, or used as a frequent spot treatment.

Course DIY

Cuisine Body

Keyword Clay Mask

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 5 minutes minutes

Servings 1 facial mask

Author Kristin Marr

Ingredients

• 1/2 TB bentonite clay
• 1/2 TB aloe vera gel or fresh aloe vera gel from an aloe vera plant
• 1 tsp honey
• 1-2 drops lavender essential oil optional
• 1 drop tea tree essential oil optional

Instructions

• In a medium-size bowl (you'll want lots of room to stir the ingredients), stir or whisk together the ingredients. It's important to avoid using metal when working with bentonite clay, so opt for a wooden or plastic spoon or fork.
• The mask should be wet and a bit lumpy. If the mask is too dry or hard to stir, add a bit more aloe vera gel until you reach the desired consistency.

Ingredient Notes

Once a month I like to use a charcoal face mask. The charcoal mask provides a nice skin detox every so often. The charcoal mask is a bit too much to use on a weekly or even bi-weekly basis, at least for me. This clay mask is gentle enough to use weekly.

When used a spot treatment, for an individual breakout, I like to use this mask once a day.

The post Soothing Clay Mask For Stubborn Breakouts (and Scars) appeared first on Live Simply.

I’ve been working on creating a homemade shaving cream recipe for quite some time. Before I share the details about the recipe, let’s chat about the whole idea behind using shaving cream. It’s Friday, we have some time to kill, right?!

I remember very clearly the day my mom bought a bright pink can of shaving cream just for me! I was thirteen years-old, and I couldn’t wait to try out my “shaving foam” and new razor. I wish someone would have told me, “Honey, you’re going to be doing this thing called shaving the rest of your life, just enjoy being thirteen and don’t worry about that shaving cream and razor.”

After that first experience with foaming shaving cream and a razor, I was hooked on using colorful shaving cream and, of course, the very adult job known as shaving.

Fast forward a few years to my early twenties. It was at that time that I finally gave up on the brightly-colored shaving cream, and it wasn’t because I started to question the ingredients inside the can. I was a newly married woman with nothing to my name (monetarily). Shaving cream was an expense that seemed too lavish and expensive, so it was quickly cut from our meager budget.

For years, warm water became my go-to shaving “product.”

I’ve had a few requests over the past year from readers asking for a shaving cream recipe. It was after those requests that I finally started thinking about returning to a shaving cream product, and that meant developing my own recipe to share with you! The journey to create a good homemade shaving cream recipe has been long and full of failures: months and months of testing, razor burn, clogged razors, whisking, dumping, and way too many dirty containers and bowls.

From the beginning, I wanted to keep my shaving cream recipe simple, and remain true to the purpose of shaving cream. It’s easy to buy or make products and forget the purpose behind why I use the products. When I begin to question the reason for the products I purchase or make, I oftentimes find that something isn’t even necessary, or that I really don’t need to use a product so frequently. So before making a homemade shaving cream, I questioned the very reason why people even use shaving cream.

From my research, I believe the reason why shaving cream is so valuable is because it helps moisturize the skin, provides a barrier between a razor blade and the skin, and helps lift the hair resulting in a closer shave.

To achieve these results, shaving cream is typically made using oils, soaps, and water. With this in mind, I realized that something that’s colorful with super-duper foaming powers is appealing as a consumer, but isn’t required to create an effective shaving cream that serves its purpose. And so, the experimentation began…

My first homemade shaving cream attempt combined shea butter and aloe vera gel. The two ingredients played nicely together at first, but after multiple tests, the product always turned out really grainy, even with a emulsifier. Yuck! Failure number one.

After the first experiment, I decided to take to the Internet and research what other folks are using for shaving cream. Shea butter and coconut oil are very popular choices (which makes sense for the oil part), so I decided to try the combo. The two ingredients proved to be a major disaster for my razors, and the end result for my legs was severe razor burn multiple times. Ouch! Failure number two.

With both failures behind me, I decided the coconut and shea butter mixture had potential, but needed some major ingredient enhancements. Since the thick butter and oil were causing my razor to clog, I added castile soap (a plant-based soap used for cleaning and beauty) to help dispel the hair and oil mixture from the razor. This addition was a major improvement. I also added glycerin and raw honey (my favorite natural beauty ingredient) to amplify the moisturizing benefits. Perfection!

While I was happy with the new formula, one issue continued to come up: painful razor burn! After reading multiple shave forums (yes, there really are forums on the internet where shaving enthusiasts share their knowledge about shaving–oh the Internet!), I decided to add baking soda to the mixture.

I know, baking soda sounds like a funky ingredient for shaving cream. I had major hesitations about adding this ingredient, too, but the practice is quite common among men who experience razor burn (or at least it appears this way from the forums). The purpose of baking soda is to help remove the oils from the skin, which allows the razor to cut better, and also results in less irritation. The idea sounds crazy, but it really does help.

Finally, I created a shaving cream worth using and sharing!

I’ve been using this shaving cream for several months now, and I’m really enjoying the moisturizing benefits versus my good ol’ (free) warm water method. So, for now, I’m a shaving cream covert once again!

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Homemade Moisturizing Shaving Cream

I’ve been using this shaving cream for several months now, and I’m really enjoying the moisturizing benefits versus my good ol’ (free) warm water method. So, for now, I’m a shaving cream covert once again!

Course Homemade

Cuisine Body

Keyword Shaving Cream

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Resting Time 1 day day

Total Time 5 minutes minutes

Servings 4 oz. jar

Author Kristin Marr

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup shea butter slightly melted to soften the butter--see photo #2 in this post
• 3 TB coconut oil soft
• 2 TB baby mild castile soap
• 1 TB vegetable glycerin
• 1 TB honey
• 2 tsp baking soda

Instructions

• Soften the shea butter. You can do this in a double boiler on the stove-top, or in the microwave (my preferred method--about 40 seconds). If you're not a fan of the microwave, use the stove-top. The heat is used just to soften the butter, so half the butter will be liquid and half will be a soft solid. Set the softened shea butter to the side.
• In a medium-size bowl, whisk together the soft coconut oil, vegetable glycerin, and castile soap. Slowly pour in the shea butter, whisking as you pour. Whisk the mixture for about 40 seconds. Add the honey and baking soda, and continue to whisk until well combined. This shaving cream is not a fluffy or whipped product. The goal is a creamy, mayo-like product. The shaving cream may be used immediately, but if it's allowed to rest for about 24 hours at room temperature, it will firm up (which I prefer). Store the shaving cream at room temperature in a sealed jar. I've kept my shaving cream for two months without issue.

Notes

To Use: This is my preferred method...I place the jar of shaving cream on the ledge in the shower, and turn on the shower so the water is hot. Then, I wash my hair, body, etc. and wait until the end of my shower to shave. By this point, the shaving cream has softened with the steam of the shower, and my legs have been prepped for shaving thanks to the hot water. I apply a small amount of shaving cream to my legs, and then shave with my razor. This shaving cream doesn't foam and isn't meant to be a thick product. It's a moisturizing barrier between my legs and the razor. To keep bacteria from entering the shaving cream (introducing water to the cream may do this), I use a spoon to scoop the shaving cream, or dry my hands with a towel first and then scoop.

The “where to buy” links provide links to the actual products I use. As always, I recommend shopping around online and at local stores for the best prices and products you love.

Dustin doesn’t shave, so this recipe hasn’t been tested on a man. Sorry guys! Also, I recommend testing this shaving cream first on a small patch of your legs or underarms before using it all over your legs (or body).

Post Shaving Routine:

I only shave my legs once a week, if that. Hey, I’m a busy mom ;). After shaving, I use a coconut oil and aloe vera gel combo to moisturize and soothe my skin. I’ll be sharing the recipe in a separate post on the blog, and I’ll also include it here…Simply whisk together equal parts aloe vera gel (I love Real Aloe brand) and soft virgin coconut oil. I usually combine 1/8 cup each, which makes a very small amount. After I dry my smooth legs, I apply the “lotion.”

Coconut Oil and Plumbing:

I know from my homemade toothpaste recipe that some folks have an issue with coconut oil and clogged pipes. I personally haven’t experienced this issue with shaving cream (or toothpaste) since a small amount goes a long way, but if it’s a concern for you, I have a few alternative suggestions:

1. Use Honey: I’ve experimented in the past with using honey, and I really like the results. If you’re looking for an oil-free option, honey may be your best shaving friend. I’ve used my homemade facial cleanser recipe in the past, skipping the oil and replacing it with 2 teaspoons of baking soda. This mixture takes some getting used to since it’s a bit runny for shaving, so you may want to reduce the aloe.
2. Use Castile Soap: 100% castile soap causes my skin to feel too dry when it’s used as a shaving product, but everyone is different. Castile soap will create the foaming action many people crave in a shaving product, and there’s no prep required.
3. Find a “Cleaner” Store-Bought Product: I’ve only experimented with one store-bought alternative: Dr. Bronner’s Shaving Gel. The gel requires some getting used to, just like using a homemade shaving cream requires a bit of adjustment if you’re switching from a “normal” shaving product to a cleaner option.

Alternative Ingredients:

I know some folks have coconut allergies and can’t use coconut oil on their skin. I’ve tried this recipe without the coconut oil, and I much prefer the coconut oil in the mix. You could try adding olive oil instead of the coconut oil, but the consistency probably won’t be the same. Some folks also have issues with shea butter. In this case, I recommend trying mango or cocoa butter. I haven’t personally tried making this substitution, so I can’t guarantee the texture of the final product will be smooth.

The post Homemade Moisturizing Shaving Cream appeared first on Live Simply.

I’m going to keep today’s post super short, like Live Simply history-making short. Why? Two reasons:

Reason 1: I know we are all super busy right now. Busy with gatherings, making treats (have you made the sugar cookies yet?), and wrapping presents.

Reason 2: I’m just beginning to make homemade presents and shop from my Christmas list. Talk about major procrastination this year. Despite my procrastination, I have a plan and my calendar space marked off, so present making and shopping officially starts once I hit publish on today’s post.

Today’s post is the last post I plan to share on Live Simply for 2015. At end of each year, I take two weeks off from officially blogging to spend time taking care of the back-end tasks that are so important for a blog, but often get neglected due to content creation, recipe development, writing, and photography.

During this two week break, the Live Simply Team will be working hard to improve the blog: making it more user-friendly when it comes to navigation, updating old photos, etc. You may have noticed that we’ve already started to make a few (better) changes around here, like my new shiny profile photo on the sidebar and new family pictures on the homepage slider (like the one below).

We’ve also been working hard to offer new lifestyle resources for the Live Simply Family. As a result, I’m excited to share that the Real Food Crash Course has been updated! The improved course offers new recipes, prettier pictures, and even a couple of extra printables. This crash course is designed to help you jump-start a real food lifestyle with real food tips and seven recipes to get you started.

I’m also excited to share that we’ve developed a brand new crash course for natural cleaning. This free crash course is designed to help jump-start your natural cleaning journey with a few tips and three easy cleaning recipes. If you’re interested in receiving both crash courses, subscribe to the Live Simply Family Newsletter.

So while the blog may be quiet as far as new content goes, I’ll still be here, working hard to make improvements on the back-end of the blog and interacting via comments. I’m also excited to spend this break working on some new content (food recipes and do-it-yourself natural living tips and recipes) from my ever-growing “to share” list. It’s a long list, friend!

Now, onto today’s recipe: Nourishing Honey and Sugar Body Scrub.If you’re looking for a last minute gift idea or a simple way to nourish your skin during this dry season, I encourage you to make a jar (or two) of this incredible body scrub. This skin-loving scrub is both invigorating and nourishing, and it can be used on your entire body. I know I said today’s post will be short and I’m already up to 491 words…496 now, so let’s take a really quick look at the ingredients…really quick!

Sugar: Good ol’ sugar is a humectant which may help the skin retain moisture. Sugar also contains glycolic acid which may help encourage cell turnover and fresh-looking skin. Not all sugar is created equal when it comes to homemade skincare. I highly recommend using a softer sugar (such as: organic white or brown sugar) for homemade scrubs. The abrasive nature of more natural sugars (sucanat, coconut sugar, raw sugar) may leave the skin irritated and red.

Raw Honey: Raw honey is simply honey that hasn’t been pasteurized. Due to the lack of pasteurization (heating), raw honey is naturally rich in antibacterial and probiotic properties. Honey is also gentle on sensitive skin, but tough enough to remove dirt and other impurities. If you can’t find raw honey in your area (although many stores/markets now sell raw honey, so take a look before dismissing this ingredient), pasteurized honey may be used.

Aloe Vera Gel: Aloe vera is a common ingredient used to treat sunburns due to its soothing and antioxidant properties. Since we know aloe is great for the skin, why not add it to a body scrub? Aloe vera provides soothing and moisturizing benefits.

Olive Oil: Yep, the same ingredient used to make homemade salad dressing may also be used on the skin. Olive oil contains three important antioxidants which may help keep the skin from aging prematurely. Oil is also known to help cleanse the skin by drawing out unwanted oils.

Bottom line: This homemade scrub is good stuff! So make a jar for yourself (as a little end-of-the-year pampering present) and a few jars for the special ladies in your life.

See you in 2016, my friend!

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Nourishing Honey & Sugar Body Scrub

Now, onto today’s recipe: Nourishing Honey and Sugar Body Scrub.If you’re looking for a last minute gift idea or a simple way to nourish your skin during this dry season, I encourage you to make a jar (or two) of this incredible body scrub.

Course Homemade

Cuisine Body

Keyword Sugar Body Scrub

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 5 minutes minutes

Servings 1 1/2 cups

Author Kristin Marr

Ingredients

• 1 cup organic white sugar or brown sugar–The sugar should be soft not large granules.
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 3 TB honey
• 1 TB aloe vera gel Look for a gel that doesn't require refrigeration.
• 10 drops lavender essential oil or other skin-friendly essential oil like rosemary essential oil.

Instructions

• In a medium-size bowl, combine all the ingredients.
• Store the scrub in an air-tight container in a cool, dark place (the linen closet or medicine cabinet).

To Use:

• Apply a tablespoon at a time to your hands. Gently massage the scrub over your entire body for 30 seconds. Rinse the scrub from the skin with water and a washcloth.

Notes

When you introduce water into a product without a preservative you always run the risk of introducing bacteria, so use a spoon to scoop this scrub into your hand (wet hands = water in the scrub).

The post Nourishing Honey & Sugar Body Scrub appeared first on Live Simply.