Sugar & Salt Archives - Live Simply https://livesimply.me/category/natural-body-care/body-care-ingredients/sugar-salt/ Embracing the simplicity of natural living and real food Wed, 17 Jan 2024 18:01:14 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://livesimply.me/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/cropped-Live-Simply-Site-Icon-clear-96x96.png Sugar & Salt Archives - Live Simply https://livesimply.me/category/natural-body-care/body-care-ingredients/sugar-salt/ 32 32 Exfoliating Homemade Lip Scrub Recipe (2 Ingredients) https://livesimply.me/french-toast-lip-scrub/ https://livesimply.me/french-toast-lip-scrub/#comments Tue, 16 Jan 2024 01:16:13 +0000 http://livesimply.me/?p=8747 The dry winter months are harsh on the skin and lips! This DIY lip scrub is the perfect addition to your beauty routine. It exfoliates winter lips, scrubbing away dead skin and leaving smoother, healthy lips. After use, apply your favorite lip balm (I love this homemade lip balm recipe) or lipstick. Here’s how to...

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The dry winter months are harsh on the skin and lips! This DIY lip scrub is the perfect addition to your beauty routine. It exfoliates winter lips, scrubbing away dead skin and leaving smoother, healthy lips.

After use, apply your favorite lip balm (I love this homemade lip balm recipe) or lipstick. Here’s how to make the best homemade lip balm with just 2 natural ingredients.

Homemade lip scrub in a bowl with sugar.

Key Takeaways

  • Natural Ingredients – No more buying that expensive lip scrub at the store. This natural lip scrub only takes 2 minutes and is made with simple ingredients: cane sugar (or brown sugar), honey, and oil (olive oil or coconut oil). 
  • Smoother Skin – Exfoliation is the key to keeping healthy, smooth lips during winter. Exfoliating weekly scrubs away dead skin cells living behind softer, kissable lips.  
  • How Much This Recipe Makes – This recipe makes 4 ounces of lip balm. You can divide this between four 1-ounce lip balm containers or make one 4-ounce jar. 
  • Flavor Options – Why not make a lip scrub that also tastes amazing? Add cinnamon, vanilla extract, or peppermint essential oil for a delicious and natural flavoring. 
  • Shelf Life – This simple recipe makes a minimal amount of scrub. Make small batches (per the recipe) or a larger batch (tripling the recipe) and store at room temperature in a small container for up to 3 months. 
Ingredients to make lip scrub: sugar and oil.
Just 2 ingredients: sugar (brown or cane sugar) and oil.

Before you get started: What You’ll Need

  • 1 teaspoon cane sugar or brown sugar Sugar is the perfect natural scrub texture for lips, dry hands, or body scrub. Brown sugar is super soft, perfect for sensitive skin, and easier to apply as a scrub. Cane sugar is coarser (than brown sugar) and is fantastic for exfoliation. 
  • 1/4 teaspoon honey – Honey is a natural nourishing agent that hydrates the skin and exfoliates. Honey contains antioxidants and natural healing properties and may help repair chapped lips and stressed-out skin (source). I also use honey to make a soothing lip balm. 
  • 1/4 teaspoon carrier oil – Oil is used as a moisturizing and main ingredient to make the product scrubbable. Use organic coconut oil (in the cooking section), jojoba, sweet almond, or olive oil. 

Optional Extras for Flavoring

  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/8 teaspoon cocoa powder
  • 1 pinch ground nutmeg
  • 2 drops pure vanilla extract
  • 1 drop peppermint or lavender essential oil

How to make a DIY Lip Scrub Recipe

  • Step 1 Combine Ingredients – Stir the sugar, honey, oil, and desired flavorings in a small bowl. At first, it’ll seem like there’s not enough moisture to get everything to combine, but keep mashing—you’ll end up with a thick paste. If you’re using coconut oil, melt it first in the microwave so it’s liquid. 
  • Step 2 Apply on Lips or Store – The scrub is ready to use as soon it’s made. Use it immediately (my recipe makes enough for 1 application). Or triple the recipe and spoon into an airtight container. Store at room temperature and use once a week. 

How to Use This Natural Lip Scrub for Soft Lips 

Now that you have a homemade lip scrub, it’s time to use it. Here’s how to use this lip exfoliator to create the healthiest, softest lips.

  • Step 1 Spoon on Fingers – Take a small amount of the scrub onto your finger. While leaning over a sink (to catch the fall out), massage the sugary mixture into your lips, buffing off any dry skin.
  • Step 2 Rinse – Once your lips feel sufficiently scrubbed, rinse away the scrub remnants with some warm water. 
  • Step 3 Moisturize – Follow up with some lip balm (like this shea butter lip balm, easy-to-customize lip balm, honey lip balm, or lanolin lip balm) and enjoy your freshly polished lips!

What to Avoid Doing

  • Don’t Over Exfoliate – While this recipe is popular during the cooler months, you may also use it in the warmer months. Just be careful not to overuse it. 1-2 times a week is a great way to keep lips healthy and smooth.
  • Don’t Use Coarse Sugar – Choose a soft sugar, like granulated sugar, brown sugar, or cane sugar. Do NOT use coarse sugar granules like Sugar in the Raw or coconut sugar.
  • Don’t Use on Broken Skin – If your lips are severely chapped with broken skin, don’t use this easy recipe. This will only cause pain and can cause more damage to your dry lips. Allow your lips to heal before using sugar scrubs or any exfoliator. 
Holding jars of homemade lip scrub.

FAQS

  • Can I use any oil to make this recipe? ​Yes, just about. Any skin-friendly oil will work. If the oil is solid, like coconut oil, melt it before mixing it with sugar. 
  • Can I double or triple this recipe? Yes, you can. This recipe makes a tiny batch, enough for one use. If you’d like to make a larger batch and store it, triple or even quadruple the recipe. Store in an airtight container. 
  • How long does this recipe last? It is up to 3 months at room temperature in an airtight container. Always be safe and avoid if the scrub develops a funky odor or shows signs of mold growth. Learn how to make homemade beauty products safely. 
  • Can I add essential oils? Yes, you can. You’ll need a drop. Peppermint and lavender are my favorite essential oils. Remember, some oils may be more irritating when applied to the skin. Always research before adding an essential oil to your skincare products, particularly something that comes in contact with your mouth. 
Combine the sugar and oil in a bowl.
Print

Exfoliating DIY Homemade Lip Scrub

This delightful lip scrub combines two simple ingredients to make an exfoliating scrub for soft, hydrated lips.
Course DIY
Cuisine Body
Keyword diy exfoliating lip scrub, exfoliating lip scrub homemade, lip scrub recipe
Prep Time 2 minutes
Total Time 2 minutes
Servings 1 tablespoon (double or triple recipe if desired)
Author Kristin Marr
Cost $1

Equipment

  • 1 small bowl for mixing the scrub
  • 1 small airtight container only if storing for later

Ingredients

Extra Flavor Ideas

  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/8 teaspoon cocoa powder
  • 1 pinch ground nutmeg
  • 2 drops pure vanilla extract
  • 1 drop essential oil such as: peppermint or lavender essential oil

Instructions

  • Combine Ingredients – Stir the sugar, honey, oil, and any flavorings desired in a small bowl. At first it'll seem like there's not enough moisture to get everything to combine, but keep mashing—you'll end up with a thick paste. If you're using coconut oil, melt it first in the microwave so it's liquid. 
  • Apply on Lips or Store – The scrub is ready to use as soon it's made. Use it immeadiately (my recipe makes enough for 1 application). Or triple the recipe and spoon into an airtight container. Store at room temperature and use once a week. The recipe will keep for up to 3 months.

How to Use:

  • Take a small amount of the scrub onto your finger. While leaning over a sink (to catch the fall out), massage the sugary mixture into your lips, buffing off any dry skin. Once your lips feel sufficiently scrubbed, rinse away the scrub remnants with some warm water. 
  • Follow up with some lip balm (like this shea butter lip balm, easy-to-customize lip balm, honey lip balm, or lanolin lip balm) and enjoy your freshly polished lips.

Notes

Sugar Note: Choose a soft sugar, like granulated sugar, brown sugar, cane sugar. Do NOT use a coarse sugar granules like Sugar in the Raw or coconut sugar.
This recipe makes enough for a one-time use. You may also double or triple the recipe and store in a container for up to 3 months if desired. 

Natural Body-Care Simplified

Learn how to make your own body and beauty products with simple ingredients.

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How to Make a Homemade Detox Bath https://livesimply.me/how-to-detox-bath/ https://livesimply.me/how-to-detox-bath/#respond Fri, 12 Apr 2019 15:30:47 +0000 https://livesimply.me/?p=36495 Last week, we talked about how to make homemade bath salts and use the bath salts to take a bath. Baths are touted as the ultimate form of self-care. My goal isn’t to promote this stereotypical form of self-care (which you can find all over Instagram). I believe self-care is about more than a bath...

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Last week, we talked about how to make homemade bath salts and use the bath salts to take a bath.

Baths are touted as the ultimate form of self-care. My goal isn’t to promote this stereotypical form of self-care (which you can find all over Instagram). I believe self-care is about more than a bath experience. It’s a lifestyle choice.

Detox Bath Recipe

Self-care is about saying, “I’m going to intentionally take care of myself so I’m fueled up for this life I get to live.” When we do this, we’re better able to serve as a mom, wife, girlfriend, sister, teacher, boss…whatever you’ve been called to in this season of life.

I’ve found that thinking about self-care in terms of 3 lifestyle categories, or lifestyle questions, is helpful. Doing this makes self-care more approachable for everyday life.

  • Category 1 Simplify: How can I simplify my life to promote self-care?
  • Category 2 Add: What can I add to my life to promote self-care?
  • Category 3 Delete: What can I delete or delegate in my life to promote self-care?

I shared all about this approach to self-care on the podcast.

Detox Bath Recipe: How to Make a Detox Bath

What I’ve added to my life has changed based on the seasons of my life. A couple of years ago, I added barre classes to my routine to get more exercise. Then, last year, our schedule as a family changed and I had to find a way to exercise closer to our home and the kids’ school.

In the past, baths haven’t been something that I’ve considered as self-care, but over the last few months, they’ve become something that I’ve added to my life and look forward to on a weekly basis.

I’m not here to tell you that you have to take baths. Or that baths are the ultimate form of self-care. What you add to your life, in the name of self-care, is entirely up to you. Do what makes you feel good, what recharges you, what fills up your tank.

Detox Bath Recipe: How to Make a Detox Bath

If a bath is something that appeals to you, something you would like to add to your life, today’s post is for you. Let’s talk about my favorite bath ritual…a detox bath.

What is a Detox Bath?


A detox bath is a way of removing toxins from the body. Toxins don’t just show up in the chemical form (as many of us might think about), but also in the form of stress, tension, and constantly being attached to our phones (social media, email). This can take a toll on our body. Also, a side note, skin is our largest organ so soaking in a warm bath is a great way to sweat and pull toxins that have built up.

A detox bath is a way to relax, recharge, and “detox” from all the things that may be pulling you in a million different directions. It’s a way of saying, “For the next few minutes, I’m going to put my phone down and shut my mind off. I’m going to relax and recharge.”

It’s okay to do that.

In fact, I would say this is essential for our well-being.

Is it essential to take a detox bath? No, absolutely not. But it is essential to take breaks, to turn off the ringer or email notifications, to unplug from constant stimulation. For me, that’s what a detox bath is all about.

Detox Bath Recipe: How to Make a Detox Bath

A detox bath starts with a bathtub and warm water. Bath salts, in the form of epsom salt or sea salt, are added to the water, along with clay and/or apple cider vinegar.

How to Make a Detox Bath


Before you turn on the bath water, you’ll need to make bath salts. That’s why I shared a homemade bath salts recipe last week. The bath salts are the foundation of your detox bath, followed by clay and/or apple cider vinegar. Below, I’ll share each of the ingredients used to make the bath salts.

Detox Bath Recipe: How to Make a Detox Bath

Salt

You can use either epsom salt or sea salt to make to bath salts, or you can use a combo of both. Epsom salt is not technically a salt like sea salt; rather, it’s a mineral compound of magnesium and sulfate. Epsom salt is commonly used to ease muscle soreness and calm tension. Epsom salt is easy to find at most stores. Bags or boxes are usually sold in the supplement section or near the pharmacy.

Sea salt (not table salt) is rich in naturally-occurring minerals. Bathing in sea salt may help restore drained minerals that are essential to the body. Sea salt can be found in most stores.

Personally, I usually go with epsom salt to make my bath salts. But I’ve also experimented with half sea salt and half epsom salt, or just 100% sea salt. The choice is up to you. Go with the option that you enjoy the most–this may take some experimenting, or you may want to go with both.

Detox Bath Recipe: How to Make a Detox Bath

Aromatherapy (Optional) 

Along with epsom salt and/or sea salt, you can add an aromatic experience with essential oils. You can also create this experience with dried herbs, but I’ve found herbs to be an annoying addition because the tiny bits stick to the bathtub after draining the water. Leftover bits mean that I have to now clean my bathtub, after a relaxing bath. See the irony in this?

You can go with one single essential oil, a combo of essential oils, or a blend of oils (such as the blends from Plant Therapy or your favorite essential oil company). I usually go with a single essential oil, like lavender essential oil (relaxing and promotes restful sleep). Other single essential oil options: orange, frankincense, bergamot, eucalyptus, and rosemary. Avoid essential oils that can irritate or burn the skin, such as: cinnamon, oregano, peppermint, and clove.

It’s important to dilute the essential oils used in your bath salts. It doesn’t matter what brand you use, you need to dilute, dilute, dilute. We’re talking about very potent substances. Natural, but also potent. So let’s talk about what you need to dilute the essential oil(s) for safe usage…

Detox Bath Recipe: How to Make a Detox Bath

Carrier or Nourishing Oil (Optional) 

If you want to add the aromatic benefit of essential oils, which just takes the bath to the next level, mix the essential oil(s) with a carrier/nourishing oil, such as: olive oil, jojoba oil, grapeseed oil, or sweet almond oil. This step helps the oils disperse evenly throughout the bath water (once you take a bath).

The carrier oil shouldn’t make your bathtub slippery since we’re talking about a small amount mixed with a large amount of salts, but if it does, sprinkle a small amount of baking soda over your tub once you’re done with the bath and the water drains. Use your hands to rub the baking soda over the surface, or a sponge, and then rise it away with water. (PS: I use this method to clean our bathtub each week. No special cleaning formulas needed. Read more about how I use baking soda to clean my home, here.)

Detox Bath Recipe: How to Make a Detox Bath

Clay and/or Apple Cider Vinegar 

Clay, naturally found on the earth, is considered to be a detoxifying ingredient. This is a regular ingredient in facial masks that are designed to help de-congest the skin.

Apple cider vinegar is another popular detox bath option. The water will smell like vinegar for the first few minutes, but then the smell disappears.

Personally, I find the clay to be a lovely addition and my go-to option. Sure, it makes the water murky, but I don’t mind that aspect. I find the odorless clay mixes well with the hot water. I recommend using bentonite clay (I’ve linked my favorite brand in the recipe) or French green clay.

How to Take a Detox Bath


Fill a bathtub with very warm water. Of course, use common sense when it comes to the temperature of the water. I love a very warm bath, but go with the temperature that feels most appropriate for you and your skin. Keep in mind, part of the goal of a detox bath is to sweat. So you want water that will be warm enough to aid in the sweating process.

While the tub fills with water, add your bath salts. (The essential oils will begin to evaporate in the warm water when you do this, but I find they’re still worth adding to the bath salts.) While the bath is filling up, I grab some water which I’ll drink during the bath. Since I usually sweat during the bath, it’s important that I keep myself hydrated. It’s best if the water is room temperature versus cold. I also make sure to drink lots of water post-bath as well.

I like to add around 2 cups per bath, but you can go as low as 1 cup. The bath salts should fully dissolve in the bath.  You might need to use your hands to help swish the salts around until fully dissolved.

Detox Bath Recipe: How to Make a Detox Bath

Once the bath salts are added, add the clay or apple cider vinegar (or both). If you’re using bentonite clay, it’s important to avoid metal utensils. I usually add between 1/4-1/2 cup of clay per bath.  At first, the clay may look chunky in the water, but it should distribute after a few minutes. The clay won’t ever fully dissolve, so the bath water will appear a bit muddy or dirty. This is normal.

Once the bath is over and the water has drained from the tub, there will be clay (if using clay) remaining on the base of the tub. I usually turn the shower on for a minute to help the clay make its way to the drain, using my hand to aid in the process if needed.

What to Expect After a Detox Bath


I can only speak from my experience. I personally feel super relaxed, chill, and ready to sleep.

I’ve found that it’s best to take this kind of bath before bed, due to the tired feeling that can occur. I find this to be healthy–it’s like a natural melatonin for the body. It’s amazing how our body is able to naturally relax when we unplug and detox from all the things that keep us stimulated. Trust me, the work emails can wait until tomorrow.

Before resting, I always make sure to drink plenty of water. I highly recommend you do the same after a detox bath. You don’t want to feel tired because you’re dehydrated. You want to feel ready for bed because you’re relaxed.

How Often Can I Take a Detox Bath?


Go with what feels best. Personally, based on my experience, I recommend not taking more than one detox bath a week. If you find that you can handle more, try adding a second bath to your routine–if desired.

If stepping into the bathtub once a week seems like too much, then only take a detox bath when you feel overly stressed or need some “me time.”

Last week, I was battling a cold and sinus infection and took a detox bath, twice. I honestly think the detox baths helped me tremendously. I was able to relax and sleep better after the baths. That said, typically, I find one bath a week is the perfect ritual for me.

Find a ritual, a rhythm and routine, that works for you. Or, just use a detox bath on occasion when you feel the need to relieve tension.

Detox Bath Recipe: How to Make a Detox Bath

I’m not a medical expert and I’m definitely not claiming that a detox bath is going to somehow solve all your woes. Actually, it probably won’t. This is simply a bath ritual that I’ve come to love and found to be incredibly therapeutic.

Taking time to relax and recharge and detox is a good thing.  It’s good for the body, mind, and soul. And it’s particularly important that we intentionally take the time to do this–whatever this may look like for you. Maybe this is a long walk after dinner or a weekly bath. That, my friend, is what taking care of yourself is all about. It’s about intentionally caring for ourselves, and this looks different for every single person.

Detox Bath Recipe: How to Make a Detox Bath
Print

Detox Bath

A detox bath is a way of removing toxins from the body. Toxins don't just show up in the chemical form (as many of us might think about), but also in the form of stress, tension, and constantly being attached to our phones (social media, email). This can take a toll on our body. Also, a side note, our skin is our largest organ so soaking in a warm bath is a great way to sweat and pull toxins that have built up.A detox bath is a way to relax, recharge, and "detox" from all the things that may be pulling you in a million different directions.
Course DIY
Cuisine Beauty, Body
Keyword detox bath
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 1 bath
Author Kristin Marr

Ingredients

Special Equipment:

  • non-metallic utensil for measuring the clay, if using bentonite clay

Instructions

Make Bath Salts:

  • First, you'll need to make the bath salts. I shared an entire post about this, so I recommend reading this post first. To do this, you'll need a jar and 4 cups of epsom salt or sea salt (or a combination of both epsom salt and sea salt to equal 4 total cups), 1 TB nourishing oil, and 5-20 drops essential oil of choice. 
    Pour the salt of choice into the storage jar. In a small bowl, combine the nourishing oil of choice and essential oil of choice (between 5-20 drops, depending on aroma desired). Pour the oil blend into the bath salts and carefully stir to blend everything together. Seal the jar and store away from direct sunlight.

Take a Detox Bath:

  • To take a detox bath, fill a bathtub with very warm water. Of course, use common sense when it comes to the temperature of the water. 
  • While the tub fills with water, add your bath salts. (The essential oils will begin to evaporate in the warm water when you do this, but I find they're still worth adding to the bath salts.) I like to add around 2 cups per bath, but you can go as low as 1 cup. The bath salts should fully dissolve in the bath. You might need to use your hands to swish the salts around until fully dissolved. 
  • Add the clay (and/or apple cider vinegar) to the bath water. 
  • I try to soak in the tub for about 20-30 minutes. That said, do what works for you. The goal is relaxation and stressing out about timing isn’t going to help you get in the zen zone. 
  • While soaking, be sure to drink plenty of water (preferably room temperature water since you're in a hot bath). You will sweat. This is normal. Of course, use common sense. This is how I take a detox bath. If you don't feel well, trust your instincts, use common sense, and get out of the bath. 

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How to Make Homemade Bath Salts https://livesimply.me/homemade-bath-salts-how-to-make/ https://livesimply.me/homemade-bath-salts-how-to-make/#comments Sun, 07 Apr 2019 11:00:47 +0000 https://livesimply.me/?p=36430 I’ve never been a bath person, but I’ve always wanted to be. I blame Instagram. The pictures of gorgeous bathrooms with greenery hanging all around, and a bathtub filled with what you can only imagine to be the most aromatic bath salts, makes me want to be a bath person. Last year, we finally had...

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I’ve never been a bath person, but I’ve always wanted to be. I blame Instagram. The pictures of gorgeous bathrooms with greenery hanging all around, and a bathtub filled with what you can only imagine to be the most aromatic bath salts, makes me want to be a bath person.

Bath Salt Guide: How to Make Homemade Bath Salts

Last year, we finally had the chance to remodel our bathroom. I’m talking about a total demo and rehab of the space, but we couldn’t change the actual size of the bathroom, which is incredibly tiny. We had to work with the space provided due to the layout of our home. I remember spending hours online looking at all the soaking tubs and trying my hardest to make something like that fit in our tiny space. Each time I found the perfect tub, our contractor would look at me and shake his head, “Sorry, that’s not going to fit.”

Bath Salt Guide: How to Make Homemade Bath Salts

I never did find the perfect soaking tub to fit in our new space, but that hasn’t stopped me from becoming a bath person.

In the past couple of months, I’ve suddenly had the urge to soak. There’s something about putting the kids to bed, filling up the tub (even if it’s on the smaller side), adding bath salts, pouring a glass of wine, and dipping my toes in the warm bath water. It’s just the relaxation this mom needs in life.

Bath Salt Guide: How to Make Homemade Bath Salts

Truth be told, my love for baths started after I bought some bath salts from Pursoma. This company makes a variety of lovely bath salts with super clean ingredients: salt, herbs and/or essential oils, and clay. I absolutely loved the experience of their bath salts (and I highly recommend this brand if you want a store-bought option).

Since the ingredients are simple, and I already owned most of them, I decided that going forward I would create my own bath salts experience. The following week, I did exactly that.

Bath Salt Guide: How to Make Homemade Bath Salts

I’ve been making my own bath salts ever since and enjoying a weekly bath. I actually look forward to this time. Maybe it’s more the quietness of the 20 minutes spent in the bath that I crave. Maybe it’s the lack of technology (phone + bathtub = no bueno). Maybe it’s the bath itself with the aromatic essential oil and tension-relieving salt? Whatever it is, let me introduce you to my latest love…

Let’s make some homemade bath salts!

What are Bath Salts?


I decided to Google this very question just to see what’s out there. Turns out, bath salts can be a drug that people take to get high. I know…what?! So, just to get it out there, this post isn’t about that type of “bath salts.” What I’m talking about is a mixture of salt and (optional) an essential oil. This mixture, referred to as bath salts, is added to warm bath water with the goal of soaking your body for a set period of time.

This is the world wide web and people search for some crazy stuff, so I’m just putting that out there. We’re all on the same page now, right?!

Bath Salt Guide: How to Make Homemade Bath Salts

Why Take a Bath with Salt?


Bath salts are incredibly easy to make and cost-effective. At this point, I choose to purchase most of my skincare products versus making products (you can read the details of my skincare routine, here). Bath salts are one product that I can’t help but make myself. It only takes a couple of minutes to make a quart-size jar. They’re also a great gift to make and give out during the holidays. Pair the salts with a bottle of wine and you have the perfect teacher gift.

Bath Salt Guide: How to Make Homemade Bath Salts

Soaking in bath salts can be incredibly beneficial from a wellness perspective.

First and foremost, bath salts are a vehicle to help you relax and disconnect from the world and your phone, which means saying good-bye to stress (at least for 20-30 minutes). In a time when we’re constantly stimulated, taking 20-30 minutes for a bath is incredibly relaxing. Try it, just once. I think you’ll find this benefit alone is worth a soak in the tub.

Beyond the relaxation aspect, bath salts may also help to relieve tension and muscle soreness, aid in detoxing the body, soften the skin (not a health benefit per say, but it’s worth mentioning), calm itchy skin, improve sleep, and fight off a cold. (Read more about the benefits)

What Do I Need to Make Bath Salts?

Salt

You can use either epsom salt or sea salt to make to bath salts, or you can use a combo of both. Epsom salt is not technically a salt like sea salt; rather, it’s a mineral compound of magnesium and sulfate. Epsom salt is commonly used to ease muscle soreness and calm tension. Epsom salt is easy to find at most stores. Bags or boxes are usually sold in the supplement section or near the pharmacy.

Sea salt (not table salt) is rich in naturally-occurring minerals. Bathing in sea salt may help restore drained minerals that are essential to the body. Sea salt can be found in most stores.

Personally, I usually go with epsom salt to make my bath salts. But I’ve also experimented with half sea salt and half epsom salt, or just 100% sea salt. The choice is up to you. Go with the option that you enjoy the most–this may take some experimenting, or you may want to go with both.

Bath Salt Guide: How to Make Homemade Bath Salts

Aromatherapy (Optional) 

Along with epsom salt and/or sea salt, you can add an aromatic experience with essential oils. You can also create this experience with dried herbs, but I’ve found herbs to be an annoying addition because the tiny bits stick to the bathtub after draining the water. Leftover bits mean that I have to now clean my bathtub, after a relaxing bath. See the irony in this?

You can go with one single essential oil, a combo of essential oils, or a blend of oils (such as the blends from Plant Therapy or your favorite essential oil company). I usually go with a single essential oil, like lavender essential oil (relaxing and promotes restful sleep). Other single essential oil options: orange, frankincense, bergamot, eucalyptus, and rosemary. Avoid essential oils that can irritate or burn the skin, such as: cinnamon, oregano, peppermint, and clove.

If you’re going to use the bath salts around a child (or for a child’s bath), keep in mind that some essential oils are not safe for kids (this chart is handy for reference). It’s best to err on the side of caution. Plant Therapy labels essential oils that can be used around children as “kid-safe.” I find this incredibly helpful and it’s one of the reasons I love this particular company (they aren’t an MLM and I don’t work with them–it’s just my personal preference when using an essential oil).

It’s important to dilute the essential oils used in your bath salts. It doesn’t matter what brand you use, you need to dilute, dilute, dilute. We’re talking about very potent substances. Natural, but also potent. So let’s talk about what you need to dilute the essential oil(s) for safe usage.

Bath Salt Guide: How to Make Homemade Bath Salts

Carrier or Nourishing Oil (Optional) 

If you want to add the aromatic benefit of essential oils, which just takes the bath to the next level, mix the essential oil(s) with a carrier/nourishing oil, such as: olive oil, jojoba oil, grapeseed oil, or sweet almond oil. This step helps the oils disperse evenly throughout the bath water (once you take a bath).

The carrier oil shouldn’t make your bathtub slippery since we’re talking about a small amount mixed with a large amount of salts, but if it does, sprinkle a small amount of baking soda over your tub once you’re done with the bath and the water drains. Use your hands to rub the baking soda over the surface, or a sponge, and then rise it away with water. (PS: I use this method to clean our bathtub each week. No special cleaning formulas needed. Read more about how I use baking soda to clean my home, here.)

Bath Salt Guide: How to Make Homemade Bath Salts

Once you have your ingredients: salt of choice, essential oil (if using), and a carrier oil (if using an essential oil), it’s time to mix everything together in a jar. Use a glass jar with an air-tight lid as the bath salts will keep for a year. Of course, you’ll most likely use your salts much sooner. The recipe shared today makes 4 cups of bath salts (1 quart-size jar). That’s enough for 2-4 baths.

How to Use Bath Salts


To take a bath using your homemade bath salts, fill a bathtub with very warm water. Of course, use common sense when it comes to the temperature of the water. I love a very warm bath, but go with the temperature that feels most appropriate for you and your skin. While the tub fills with water, add your bath salts. (The essential oils will begin to evaporate in the warm water when you do this, but I find they’re still worth adding to the bath salts.)

I like to add around 2 cups per bath, but you can go as low as 1 cup. The bath salts should fully dissolve in the bath.  You might need to use your hands to help swish the salts around until fully dissolved.

When using bath salts, try to soak in the tub for about 20-30 minutes. That said, do what works for you. The goal is relaxation and stressing out about timing isn’t going to help you get in the zen zone.

For my children, I always make sure the salt has fully dissolved before they’re allowed to get in the bath. And I only use 1 cup of bath salts per bath.

Bath Salt Guide: How to Make Homemade Bath Salts

I find that evenings are the best time for a soak in the tub. After all, the goal is relaxation and nothing says relaxation quite like slipping into bed after a bath. I love taking a bath once a week,  but that could all change. Do what feels good–maybe that’s once a year, maybe that’s never, or maybe that’s twice a week.

Once the bath is over, I don’t rinse off. I go from bath to robe (I became a robe person this year, thanks to the hotel rooms in Europe being stocked with robes) to pajamas to bed. If you want to rinse off in the shower after the bath, more power to ya!

Now that we’ve talked about the specifics of making and using homemade bath salts (that was quite the long chat about something so incredibly simple), let’s make some homemade bath salts. I think you’ll love them!

Bath Salt Guide: How to Make Homemade Bath Salts
Print

Homemade Bath Salts

How to make your own custom bath salts and use them to create a relaxing bath experience. 
Course DIY
Cuisine Beauty, Body
Keyword homemade bath salts
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 4 cups
Author Kristin Marr

Ingredients

  • 4 cups epsom salt or sea salt, or a combination of both epsom salt and sea salt to equal 4 total cups
  • 1 TB nourishing oil such as: olive oil, jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, grapeseed oil
  • 5-20 drops essential oil of choice, see recommendations below

Special Equipment:

Instructions

  • Pour the salt of choice into the storage jar. 
  • In a small bowl, combine the nourishing oil of choice and essential oil of choice (between 5-20 drops, depending on aroma desired). 
  • Pour the oil blend into the bath salts and carefully stir to blend everything together. Seal the jar and store away from direct sunlight. 

To Use:

  • To take a bath using your homemade bath salts, fill a bathtub with very warm water. Of course, use common sense when it comes to the temperature of the water. While the tub fills with water, add your bath salts. (The essential oils will begin to evaporate in the warm water when you do this, but I find they're still worth adding to the bath salts.) I like to add around 2 cups per bath, but you can go as low as 1 cup. The bath salts should fully dissolve in the bath. You might need to use your hands to swish the salts around until fully dissolved. 

Notes

Essential Oil Notes
I usually go with a single essential oil, like lavender essential oil. Other single essential oil options: orange, frankincense, bergamot, eucalyptus, and rosemary. Avoid essential oils that can irritate or burn the skin, such as: cinnamon, oregano, peppermint, and clove.
If you're going to use the bath salts around a child (or for a child's bath), keep in mind that some essential oils are not safe for kids under certain ages. It's best to err on the side of caution. This post/chart is a handy reference

Bath Salt Guide: How to Make Homemade Bath Salts

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3 Made-From-the-Pantry Products that Naturally Exfoliate the Face https://livesimply.me/3-homemade-products-that-naturally-exfoliate-the-face/ https://livesimply.me/3-homemade-products-that-naturally-exfoliate-the-face/#respond Fri, 30 Mar 2018 13:00:00 +0000 https://livesimply.me/?p=30295 There are two weekly skin-care practices that make me feel pampered and relaxed: exfoliating and masking. And beyond just the relaxation aspect, which is a huge benefit for a busy mom, my skin always looks healthier and more radiant when I’m routinely using these products.  There are some great masks and exfoliators on the market,...

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There are two weekly skin-care practices that make me feel pampered and relaxed: exfoliating and masking. And beyond just the relaxation aspect, which is a huge benefit for a busy mom, my skin always looks healthier and more radiant when I’m routinely using these products. 

There are some great masks and exfoliators on the market, ranging from just a few dollars to over a hundred dollars for a 4 ounce tube or bottle. I shared a few of my favorite store-bought options in my body care book.

If you like to save money, and enjoy the art of making something, then making your own masks and/or exfoliators is the way to go. 

If you like to save money, and enjoy the art of making something, then making your own masks and/or exfoliators is the way to go. And you can easily make these with ingredients from your pantry!

Today, let’s talk about making a homemade exfoliator. I’ve rounded up my favorite homemade exfoliators, all of which cost just a few cents to make and can be made in under 5 minutes. 

I like to exfoliate my face once a week, in the morning. Occasionally, I’ll use an exfoliator twice a week when my skin is feeling meh. Exfoliation helps to remove dead skin cells, which, when left on the skin, can block pores and cause skin to look dry and dull. I also like to mask once or twice a week. Both of these practices make a big difference in the overall condition of my skin. 

3 Made-From-the-Pantry Products that Naturally Exfoliate the Face


If you like to save money, and enjoy the art of making something, then making your own masks and/or exfoliators is the way to go. And you can easily make these with ingredients from your pantry!

1. All-Over Sugar Scrub

Pantry Ingredients: Sugar and Oil  

This scrub may be used on the entire body, including the face and lips. For this reason, I like to use this scrub in the shower. The sugar sloughs off dead skin cells and gets the blood flowing to the skin. Sugar also naturally hydrates the skin. It’s important to use a very fine sugar when making this exfoliator. This scrub may be too abrasive for acne-prone or sensitive facial skin (see the next two options for a better fit). 

If you like to save money, and enjoy the art of making something, then making your own masks and/or exfoliators is the way to go. And you can easily make these with ingredients from your pantry!

2. Gentle Oat Exfoliator  

Pantry Ingredients: Oats, Almonds, Salt, and Liquid (oil, water, etc.)

This exfoliator was inspired by S.W. Basics. The ground oats, ground almonds, and mineral-rich salt gently remove dead skin cells. The final product is incredibly gentle on the skin, making it an ideal facial exfoliator even for more sensitive skin.

If you like to save money, and enjoy the art of making something, then making your own masks and/or exfoliators is the way to go. And you can easily make these with ingredients from your pantry!

3. Gentle Baking Soda Exfoliator

Pantry Ingredients: Baking Soda and Liquid (water, hydrosol, or milk)

Baking soda may be used as a gentle exfoliant on the face. Just like with the oat exfoliator, the powder must be mixed with a liquid to create a paste before applying it to the face. For a liquid, I prefer milk (cow’s milk or coconut milk) or water (or rose hydrosol).

If you like to save money, and enjoy the art of making something, then making your own masks and/or exfoliators is the way to go. And you can easily make these with ingredients from your pantry!

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How to Make Your Own Natural Spa Kit https://livesimply.me/how-to-make-your-own-natural-spa-kit/ https://livesimply.me/how-to-make-your-own-natural-spa-kit/#comments Fri, 28 Apr 2017 19:58:09 +0000 http://livesimply.me/?p=25918 With Mother’s Day just a couple of weeks away, it’s time to start thinking about gift ideas. Last week, I came up with the “perfect” idea for Grandma (my mom) and Omi (Dustin’s mom): a homemade spa kit. The fact that the kids can make many of the spa kit essentials will make this present extra special. I’m going...

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With Mother’s Day just a couple of weeks away, it’s time to start thinking about gift ideas. Last week, I came up with the “perfect” idea for Grandma (my mom) and Omi (Dustin’s mom): a homemade spa kit. The fact that the kids can make many of the spa kit essentials will make this present extra special.

How to make your own homemade spa kit (for yourself or as a gift). Easy recipes to relax, calm, and nourish the skin (and body).

I’m going to share each of the items we’ll be including in the spa kit baskets. I hope these ideas inspire you to create your own spa experience/kit for yourself or a special someone in your life. If you’re gifting this spa kit (all or just a couple of the products), I recommend printing the recipes and instructions for the recipient.

How to Make Your Own Natural Spa Kit

How to make your own homemade spa kit (for yourself or as a gift). Easy recipes to relax, calm, and nourish the skin (and body).

Pamper the Feet: Foot Soak

This recipe combines salt, baking soda, dried rose petals, dried chamomile, and dried lavender to create a soothing, relaxing, and skin-softening foot soak. This also makes a great hand soak–just add a bit of the salt mixture to a bowl of warm water, and soak your hands. The foot soak will keep for a couple of months.

How to make your own homemade spa kit (for yourself or as a gift). Easy recipes to relax, calm, and nourish the skin (and body).

Pamper the Body: Body Butter

Body butter can be used as an alternative to lotion, since its primary job is to moisturize the skin. Body butter can be used to moisturize the feet after the foot soak, as a moisturizing massage cream, or as a daily body moisturizer. Body butter will keep for about six months (or longer).

How to make your own homemade spa kit (for yourself or as a gift). Easy recipes to relax, calm, and nourish the skin (and body).

Pamper the Face: Facial Exfoliator

Now it’s time to care for the face. This simple facial exfoliator is made with pantry ingredients–sugar and oil, that’s it! Massage the exfoliator on the face for a few seconds, and then rinse with warm water. Follow-up with a moisturizer. This exfoliator will keep for a couple of months.

How to make your own homemade spa kit (for yourself or as a gift). Easy recipes to relax, calm, and nourish the skin (and body).

Pamper the Face: Face Mask Powder

It’s best to make a homemade face mask when you’re ready to use it. With this in mind, to make a spa kit product, we’re going to include a container of bentonite clay and the printed recipe. Since the recipients probably won’t have aloe on hand, we’ll include a note that water may be used in place of the aloe.

If you’re using the kit to pamper yourself, then you don’t need to pre-portion the clay in advance. Simply mix the clay, honey, and water or aloe. Apply the mask to your face, let it rest for a few minutes, and then rinse the face with warm water.

You can use the face mask on the same day as the exfoliant, or space them out.

How to make your own homemade spa kit (for yourself or as a gift). Easy recipes to relax, calm, and nourish the skin (and body).

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How to Make a Simple Two-Ingredient Exfoliator Scrub https://livesimply.me/how-to-make-a-simple-two-ingredient-exfoliator-scrub/ https://livesimply.me/how-to-make-a-simple-two-ingredient-exfoliator-scrub/#comments Sat, 18 Mar 2017 02:09:56 +0000 http://livesimply.me/?p=25276 Natural skincare is simple skincare. Really simple skincare. With just a few ingredients, like a nourishing oil, vinegar, and honey, I’m able to cleanse, tone, and moisturize my skin. Yes, I enjoy makeup (right now I’m obsessed with 100% Pure and W3LL People), and I just recently started using an eye cream in the morning....

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Natural skincare is simple skincare. Really simple skincare.

A simple two-ingredient exfoliator scrub made with sugar and oil. Sloughs away dead skin cells and hydrates the skin. Made with kitchen ingredients.

A simple two-ingredient exfoliator scrub made with sugar and oil. Sloughs away dead skin cells and hydrates the skin. Made with kitchen ingredients.

With just a few ingredients, like a nourishing oil, vinegar, and honey, I’m able to cleanse, tone, and moisturize my skin. Yes, I enjoy makeup (right now I’m obsessed with 100% Pure and W3LL People), and I just recently started using an eye cream in the morning. For the most part, I don’t need a gazillion ingredients and special products to care for my skin.

A simple two-ingredient exfoliator scrub made with sugar and oil. Sloughs away dead skin cells and hydrates the skin. Made with kitchen ingredients.

I was reminded of this fact recently after purchasing an exfoliator online. I had learned about this particular exfoliator from a YouTube video. The product was expensive, but the advertising sucked me in. This is going to make me look ten years younger. I’ve got to try it!

Just admitting that thought probably opens me up to a ton of judgment, but it’s 100% true. (Being real and vulnerable is hard). I’m sure we’ve all been there, right?! We’re bombarded with messages like that every single day.

Friend, I purchased the exfoliator and despite the iffy ingredient list, I started using it. True story.

A simple two-ingredient exfoliator scrub made with sugar and oil. Sloughs away dead skin cells and hydrates the skin. Made with kitchen ingredients.

After just two weeks of using the product, I had a “come to Jesus meeting” with myself in the shower. Why did I fall for such marketing hype? I can’t even pronounce or decode any of the ingredients in this scrub, ugh. Kristin, you need to get back to the basics and stop believing silly marketing messages. 

I fell for the hype. The hype that a special lab-formulated product was the miracle product of the 21st century. And somehow the marketing hype made me feel like a simple solution, such as a homemade exfoliator made with sugar and oil, couldn’t possibly be good enough. Crazy, right?!

I tossed the exfoliator that day, right after taking a shower. I couldn’t even bring myself to donating it because of the ingredients.

And a little side note, I’m clearly not against store-bought products. In a couple of weeks I’m going to share my favorite store-bought skincare products. The point of my story is that our choices, whether they concern food, cleaning products, or a skincare routine, should be intentional and informed; not based on marketing hype. 

A simple two-ingredient exfoliator scrub made with sugar and oil. Sloughs away dead skin cells and hydrates the skin. Made with kitchen ingredients.

Since that time, I’ve returned to using a homemade exfoliator.

A simple two-ingredient exfoliator scrub made with sugar and oil. Sloughs away dead skin cells and hydrates the skin. Made with kitchen ingredients.

I’ve shared a few homemade exfoliator scrubs in the past (like this charcoal scrub, this honey scrub, and this green tea scrub). Those scrubs are all wonderful, and I adore making them. But I don’t want anyone to feel like using homemade skincare products is a fancy, time-consuming, or complicated choice. There are so many ways to customize a natural skincare routine, so it’s important to know the basics–like how to make a lip balm or exfoliator, and then how to customize those options–like making a honey lip balm or green tea exfoliator.

A simple two-ingredient exfoliator scrub made with sugar and oil. Sloughs away dead skin cells and hydrates the skin. Made with kitchen ingredients.

Right now, in my personal skincare routine, I’m using a basic two ingredient exfoliator/scrub on my face twice a week. I make the scrub in a small jar, and keep it on my bathroom counter for a week or two. Measuring the ingredients, stirring the ingredients, and then applying the finished scrub to my face takes less than a couple of minutes from start to finish. And the best part? It works even better than the fancy scrub I purchased. And I feel so much better about the ingredients.

Sugar: Cane sugar, or brown sugar, is fine and gentle enough to use on the skin. The sweet crystals are used as the “scrub” portion of this exfoliant to slough off dead skin cells and get the blood flowing to the skin. Sugar also naturally hydrates the skin. I recommend sticking with a very fine grain sugar, such as cane sugar or brown sugar, versus a coarse sugar like coconut sugar. If you have very sensitive skin, like I do, then using soft brown sugar may be the best option.

Oil: If you’ve been around Live Simply for long, you know that I’m a huge fan of using nourishing oils in my skincare routine. In this particular recipe the oil moisturizes the skin, as well as removes oils and dirt. There are many nourishing oil possibilities. I like to stick to just olive oil, jojoba oil, or sweet almond oil. If your skin tolerates coconut oil, then you could also use coconut oil. The only issue with coconut oil is that it will harden when the outside environment is cold.

A simple two-ingredient exfoliator scrub made with sugar and oil. Sloughs away dead skin cells and hydrates the skin. Made with kitchen ingredients.

If you’re new to homemade skincare, or you don’t want to fuss with extra ingredients or making a large amount of exfoliator, I think you’ll love the simplicity of this homemade exfoliating scrub.

How to Make a Simple Two-Ingredient Exfoliator Scrub
Print

Two-Ingredient Exfoliator Scrub

A simple two-ingredient exfoliator scrub made with sugar and oil. 
Course DIY
Cuisine Beauty
Keyword Exfoliator Scrub
Prep Time 2 minutes
Total Time 2 minutes
Servings 4 applications, depending on amount used
Author Kristin Marr

Ingredients

  • 2 TB organic sugar such as: cane sugar or brown sugar
  • 1 TB nourishing oil such as: olive oil, sweet almond oil, jojoba oil

Instructions

  • Add the sugar to a small storage container. Stir in the oil. I recommend adding 1 tablespoon of oil, then adding more oil if needed, until you've reached your desired consistency. 

To Use:

  • Scoop a small amount of the scrub on your finger tips. Gently massage the scrub on the face, using circular motions, for about 30 seconds. Rinse the scrub off with a wet washcloth. I usually follow-up with a moisturizer. 

Video

A simple two-ingredient exfoliator scrub made with sugar and oil. Sloughs away dead skin cells and hydrates the skin. Made with kitchen ingredients.

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Activated Charcoal Exfoliating Body Scrub https://livesimply.me/activated-charcoal-exfoliating-facial-scrub/ https://livesimply.me/activated-charcoal-exfoliating-facial-scrub/#comments Fri, 24 Jun 2016 02:17:23 +0000 http://livesimply.me/?p=20199 It’s time for another DIY beauty post which should really be titled, “How to make a beauty product that resembles dirt and will scare away your family.” But who would actually click on a post with that title? Maybe a few of us would be tempted, particularly at 4pm when a mom desperately needs a quiet bathroom...

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Super easy activated charcoal scrub for your face. Leaves my skin clean and refreshed. Love this! And who knew charcoal was so easy to find, and has so many uses?

It’s time for another DIY beauty post which should really be titled, “How to make a beauty product that resembles dirt and will scare away your family.” But who would actually click on a post with that title? Maybe a few of us would be tempted, particularly at 4pm when a mom desperately needs a quiet bathroom break. Alone.

Super easy activated charcoal scrub for your face. Leaves my skin clean and refreshed. Love this! And who knew charcoal was so easy to find, and has so many uses?

Once again, we’re going to play around with activated charcoal. Remember the black, scary-looking powder we used last month to make a skin-clarifying face mask? Well, it’s back, and this time we’re using it to exfoliate the skin. First, let’s recap the details about activated charcoal.

According to Dr. Axe (which many other sources confirm), “Activated charcoal is a potent natural treatment used to trap toxins and chemicals in the body, allowing them to be flushed out so the body doesn’t reabsorb them. It’s made from a variety of sources, but when used for natural healing, it’s important to select activated charcoal made from coconut shells or other natural sources.” As described in my story, activated charcoal is sometimes used to help treat (food) poisoning. Dr. Axe goes onto to share that activated charcoal works through a process called adsorption, which he describes as “the chemical reaction where elements bind to a surface.”

Thanks to its detoxifying properties, I’ve found that activated charcoal has been a great addition to my natural skincare routine, particularly as someone who is prone to breakouts. I’ve also started experimenting with adding a bit of charcoal powder and coconut oil to my toothbrush at night to help whiten my teeth. I’ll report more on this experiment at a later time, if it works ;).

Super easy activated charcoal scrub for your face. Leaves my skin clean and refreshed. Love this! And who knew charcoal was so easy to find, and has so many uses?

Since I’ve been enjoying the activated charcoal face mask (posted last month), I wanted to experiment with a beauty product that I could mix together and let sit in my bathroom for a couple of weeks.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m all about a mask, but the act of having to get out the ingredients and mix it all up for a one-time use is a bit too much sometimes for a tired mom at 10pm. And since I don’t want to scare my family (well, most days), 10pm is the only time for such a scary-looking beauty product. My solution? A charcoal exfoliating facial scrub.

Super easy activated charcoal scrub for your face. Leaves my skin clean and refreshed. Love this! And who knew charcoal was so easy to find, and has so many uses?

I’ve been using my Honey and Sugar Body Scrub for quite some time, and absolutely love the way it makes my skin feel. Based on my research, I use a scrub twice a week to help exfoliate my face. Anything more than that seems to be over-kill for my skin, and usually results in dry skin and breakouts. I decided to initially try using the base of my honey scrub, oil and sugar, and then simply add a bit of charcoal powder to the mix. The result was an oily and “dirty” product that was hard to apply to my skin. My conclusion? Way too much oil for a charcoal scrub.

After playing around with the concept a few more times, I found that less oil was needed for this scrub. The final product was a black, sandy-looking scrub that left my skin feeling clean and refreshed.

Super easy activated charcoal scrub for your face. Leaves my skin clean and refreshed. Love this! And who knew charcoal was so easy to find, and has so many uses?

Before I share the recipe, let me just add one important note.

If you didn’t like playing in the dirt as a kid, you’re probably not going to like this exfoliating facial scrub. This scrub definitely reminds me of making mud pies as a child, but with a grainier feel. If dirt just wasn’t and still isn’t your thing, it’s okay, I’ve got you covered with a couple of other options. I recommend trying my Honey and Sugar Body Scrub or Green Tea Exfoliator.

Now, who is ready for a detoxifying mud pie spa experience?

Activated Charcoal Exfoliating Facial Scrub
Print

Activated Charcoal Exfoliating Facial Scrub

Who is ready for a detoxifying mud pie spa experience?
Course DIY
Cuisine Body
Keyword Facial Scrub
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 1 /3 cup
Author Kristin Marr

Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup organic cane sugar or white sugar
  • 2 TB extra virgin olive oil not an oil “blend.”
  • 2 activated charcoal capsules, about 1/2 tsp of powder
  • 3 drops skin-nourishing essential oil optional

Instructions

  • Add the cane sugar and activated charcoal to a bowl or storage jar (pictured:
    ).
  • Shake the jar or whisk the ingredients together to combine the sugar and charcoal powder. Add the olive oil to the mixture, and stir to combine. The sugar and charcoal should look like wet, black sand. Seal the jar until use.

To Use:

  • Apply a small amount of the scrub to the palm of your hand, then massage it over a clean face for about 30 seconds. Rinse the scrub off with a warm washcloth. I personally use a scrub on my face twice a week. I've found that over-exfoliating my skin leads to break-outs and dry skin. Twice a week is the magic number for me.
  • After exfoliating, I use a rosewater toner and face oil for a moisturizer. When you introduce water into a product without a preservative you always run the risk of introducing bacteria, so I recommend using a spoon to scoop this scrub from the jar (water on hands = water in the jar).

Notes

I like to use frankincense essential oil for my skin-friendly essential oil. The smell is incredibly pleasant and uplifting for a facial scrub.
I think you could probably use another nourishing oil, like jojoba or sweet almond oil, in place of the olive oil.
It’s important that your sugar is soft, which is why I recommend using organic cane sugar or white sugar, versus something like coconut sugar or sucanat. I bet brown sugar would also work in this scrub, and it would probably pair nicely with the dirt look provided by the charcoal, lol.
From my experience, the black charcoal powder easily washes off cloth surfaces once they are washed in the washing machine with laundry soap. After rinsing your face, your washcloth will probably look like it visited your garden and played in the mud. That said, I don’t recommend using your favorite white Anthropologie washcloth to rinse off this mask.
Super easy activated charcoal scrub for your face. Leaves my skin clean and refreshed. Love this! And who knew charcoal was so easy to find, and has so many uses?

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Nourishing Honey & Sugar Body Scrub https://livesimply.me/nourishing-honey-sugar-body-scrub/ https://livesimply.me/nourishing-honey-sugar-body-scrub/#comments Mon, 21 Dec 2015 19:57:42 +0000 http://livesimply.me/?p=16863 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...

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Made with household kitchen ingredients, this scrub is so soothing & nourishing for the skin!

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).

Homemade Nourishing Honey and Sugar Body Scrub: For the face and body!

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!

Made with household kitchen ingredients, this scrub is so soothing & nourishing for the skin!

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!

Made with household kitchen ingredients, this scrub is so soothing & nourishing for the skin!

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.

Made with household kitchen ingredients, this scrub is so soothing & nourishing for the skin!

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!

Homemade Nourishing Honey and Sugar Body Scrub: For the face and body!
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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
Total Time 5 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).
Made with household kitchen ingredients, this scrub is so soothing & nourishing for the skin!

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DIY Homemade Green Tea Exfoliator https://livesimply.me/diy-homemade-green-tea-exfoliator/ https://livesimply.me/diy-homemade-green-tea-exfoliator/#comments Fri, 03 Jul 2015 15:47:08 +0000 http://livesimply.me/?p=13707 Four basic ingredients and two minutes currently stand in between you (and me) and a homemade spa treatment! Oh, and this blogpost…I’ll keep the chit-chat to a minimum. Early in my teaching career I discovered a necessary job perk: spa day! I loved the kids and my chosen career path, but as anyone in the...

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Homemade Green Tea Facial Exfoliator. Who knew a spa experience could be so simple? Four ingredients. Two minutes.

Four basic ingredients and two minutes currently stand in between you (and me) and a homemade spa treatment! Oh, and this blogpost…I’ll keep the chit-chat to a minimum.

Homemade Green Tea Facial Exfoliator. Who knew a spa experience could be so simple? Four ingredients. Two minutes.

Early in my teaching career I discovered a necessary job perk: spa day! I loved the kids and my chosen career path, but as anyone in the world of teaching knows, being a classroom teacher is hard work! My typical day started around 6am (in the classroom, not waking up) with meetings, planning, and cutting papers. I would finally return home late in the evening, around 6:30pm, with a large bag of papers and a computer full of emails. I loved watching my classroom kiddos flourish each year and become confident learners, but the additional job responsibilities were exhausting. Kuddos to all my teacher friends.

Due to the high-stress nature of the job, I adopted a yearly “spa day.” I chose one day each school year to take off and spend time relaxing at a popular spa in our area. This was my “sanity day.” The one day each year I would leave behind the stress of a rigorous schedule and early mornings for lavender scented linens and cucumber-mint water.

Homemade Green Tea Facial Exfoliator. Who knew a spa experience could be so simple? Four ingredients. Two minutes.

One of my favorite treatments was a green tea exfoliating facial session. The 30 minute experience always left my skin soft and rejuvenated–something a tired teacher was in desperate need of.

Homemade Green Tea Facial Exfoliator. Who knew a spa experience could be so simple? Four ingredients. Two minutes.

It’s been five years since my last “sanity day.” The good news is the spa experience didn’t end with my last year of teaching. Now that I have two little kids at home, I’ve learned to recreate mini spa sessions during my daily five minute sanity break (AKA: shower time). My DIY spa alternatives cost just pennies and only require basic household ingredients to make. A spa experience that saves money? I think so!

Homemade Green Tea Facial Exfoliator. Who knew a spa experience could be so simple? Four ingredients. Two minutes.

Because the exfoliator was my favorite treatment, let’s start our pampering time with this super simple four ingredient homemade version. First, before we get to the exfoliating and super smooth skin that follows, let’s take a look at the ingredients:

Green Tea: This simple ingredient can be found just about anywhere these days, from grocery stores to coffee shops. Green tea contains antioxidant properties that may help to reactivate cells and fight against damaged skin. There are many ways to use green tea in a skincare regime (and many companies now include this ingredient in high-end beauty products). In this recipe, the green tea leaves are added directly to the scrub to exfoliate the skin and get rid of unwanted pollutants.

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 exfoliating scrubs. The abrasive nature of more natural sugars (sucanat, coconut sugar, raw sugar) may leave the skin irritated and red.

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 (read more about cleansing with oil).

Raw Honey: Honey (particularly honey that hasn’t been pasteurized) is a powerhouse of nutrients for the skin. It’s loaded with antioxidants and natural enzymes to help cleanse and nourish. Honey may also fight against acne thanks to the antibacterial properties.

Bottom line: This homemade exfoliator is good stuff!

Homemade Green Tea Facial Exfoliator. Who knew a spa experience could be so simple? Four ingredients. Two minutes.

Who knew a spa experience could be so simple? Four ingredients. Two minutes.

Homemade Green Tea Facial Exfoliator. Who knew a spa experience could be so simple? Four ingredients. Two minutes.
Homemade Green Tea Facial Exfoliator
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Homemade Green Tea Exfoliator

Who knew a spa experience could be so simple? Four ingredients. Two minutes
Course DIY
Cuisine Beauty, Body
Keyword Green Tea Exfoliator
Prep Time 2 minutes
Total Time 2 minutes
Servings 14 oz
Author Kristin Marr

Ingredients

  • 1 TB dried green tea leaves 2-4 tea bags depending on size of tea bag
  • 1 cup organic white sugar or brown sugar, the sugar should be soft not large granules
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 TB honey
  • 10 drops lavender essential oil optional

Instructions

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

To Use:

  • Apply a tablespoon of exfoliator at a time to your hands. Gently massage the skin (face and/or body) with the exfoliator for 30 seconds. Rinse the exfoliator from the skin with water and a washcloth.

Notes

This recipe makes enough exfoliating scrub to cover the entire body and face 2-3 times. Due to the abrasive (exlfoliator) nature of the sugar, I recommend using this scrub every 1-2 weeks, especially if you have sensitive skin. Make sure water isn’t introduced into the mixture in between uses (hello mold growth and bacteria). Use a spoon to scoop the mixture from the jar. To make a small batch, simply reduce this recipe by half.

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DIY Hand Scrub https://livesimply.me/diy-hand-scrub/ https://livesimply.me/diy-hand-scrub/#comments Fri, 23 May 2014 14:17:34 +0000 http://livesimply.me/?p=6371 I’ve never been much of a “dirty” person. In fact, I much prefer living in the city… the lack of dirt and abundance of Target stores sells me on the need for city life. Lately, I’ve felt a rustling, a changing at my very roots. I blame the flock of nine hens roaming my city...

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DIY Hand Scrub - Live Simply

I’ve never been much of a “dirty” person. In fact, I much prefer living in the city… the lack of dirt and abundance of Target stores sells me on the need for city life.

Lately, I’ve felt a rustling, a changing at my very roots. I blame the flock of nine hens roaming my city backyard. Those egg-layers are slowly turning my heart from “I need paved roads and a Target shopping trip” to “Give me the country and maybe a cow.” Crazy, I know!  My longing for land, a large garden (despite my black thumb), chickens, and even a cow has awakened. Dustin’s not fully there, yet. I’ll give him some time.

Of course, every good country gal (or wanna-be) needs a garden…rows of fresh veggies, an orchard, and window sills lined with herbs. Each season I set out to build such a garden (minus the orchard).

Our garden consists of a thirty-foot-long raised bed, packed with life-giving dirt. It’s the perfect garden size for a city dweller. Over the past couple of years it’s enjoyed a fair share of success and failure. Really, if I’m honest, much more failure than success. I’ve learned gardening is all about: planning, strategy, patience, and diligence. It’s much more than just planting a seed and reaping an edible harvest.

Three years into gardening and I’m finally starting to master the art of growing a few veggies and herbs. I’m enjoying the warmer weather and a bit of dirt under my nails (it’s the chickens’ fault). My focus this season is tomatoes. With the anticipation of summer, I planted five tomato plants late in March (planning and strategy). They are just starting to produce the juiciest tomatoes you’ve ever tasted.

Who needs Target when you have tomatoes and chickens?

DIY Hand Scrub - Live Simply

Between gardening and outdoor summer activities, my hands suffer lots of punishment. A price I’m willing to pay for juicy, home-grown goodness.

This hand scrub was created after receiving a jar of coconut oil and salt hand scrub for Mother’s Day (thank you, grandma).  After just one scrubbing I was hooked. My clean and moisturized hands longed to be scrubbed one more time. Since I’m always thinking of you, my dear friend, I decided to recreate that luxurious scrub and share. Scrubs for everyone!

DIY Hand Scrub - Live Simply

Today, I bring you my new favorite hand scrub (perfect for a wanna-be gardener’s hands) made with just three simple ingredients for the ultimate pampering experience: coconut oil, sea salt, and lemon grass essential oil. The coconut oil hydrates overworked hands while the salt softens and vanishes dead skin cells. The lemongrass is a personal preference due to its sweet scent.

DIY Hand Scrub - Live Simply

Here’s to getting dirty, knowing a sweet pampering experience is just a scrub-a-dub away.

DIY hand scrub salt coconut oil
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DIY Hand Scrub

The coconut oil hydrates overworked hands while the salt softens and vanishes dead skin cells. The lemongrass is a personal preference due to its sweet scent, but also works as a bactericidal (AKA: bad-to-the-bone bacteria killer).
Course DIY
Cuisine Body
Keyword Hand scrub
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 1 cup
Author Kristin Marr

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Melt the coconut oil.
  • In a storage jar (I use a glass mason jar), add the sea salt. Pour the coconut oil and lemongrass over the salt. Mix together with a spoon.
  • To use: scoop a small amount with a spoon or your fingers. Rub all over hands (and/or body). Rinse with warm water. Do not use this scrub on the face or neck, only the body.

Notes

*Coconut Oil Note: If you live in a cold climate, where plumbing pipes get cold, I recommend using either olive oil, grapessed oil, or fractionated coconut oil. The problem with coconut oil is that it returns to a solid state when cold, so this can cause issues if your home gets cold or there is coconut oil sludge in your pipes. 

DIY Hand Scrub - Live Simply

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Sleepy Time Bath Salts https://livesimply.me/sleepy-time-bath-salts/ https://livesimply.me/sleepy-time-bath-salts/#comments Fri, 13 Dec 2013 16:29:30 +0000 http://livesimply.me/?p=4013 “Bedtime.” “No.” “No, bedtime. Me not tired.” I’m a stay-at-home, now work-at-home, mom. By the time the sun starts to reside, I am so ready for that nightly ritual called “bedtime”. Don’t get me wrong, I love my kids. I love spending time with them. But, I really look forward to a couple hours to...

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sleep promoting bath salts

“Bedtime.”

“No.”

“No, bedtime. Me not tired.”

I’m a stay-at-home, now work-at-home, mom. By the time the sun starts to reside, I am so ready for that nightly ritual called “bedtime”. Don’t get me wrong, I love my kids. I love spending time with them. But, I really look forward to a couple hours to sit down over a warm cup of my favorite tea, chit-chat with Dustin, fold laundry, read a good book, and blog.

Those couple hours rejuvenate me!

My children have never been the best sleepers. They have lots of energy and a zeal for life and exploring. Bedtime has not been an easy practice. We have a set bedtime schedule: bath, a little play with daddy while putting on jammies, books, and bed. It’s a beautiful routine, until we hit the last b word–bed.

Every night we lay down with our children until they are asleep. I love these quiet moments laying next to them, stroking their hairs, and whispering prayers in their ear. Recently our beautiful moments of quiet bedtime have turned into an hour, two hours– oh dear, will they ever go to sleep?  I start drifting in my mind to the millions of dishes downstairs, the warm tea I want to sip, the laundry I’d love to fold, and the husband I want to talk to.

Help!

A couple months ago, I heard Katie from Wellness Mama give a presentation. Her talk was about keeping a family healthy mainly with real food, but she touched on Epsom Salt and magnesium. She discussed their importance for children and promoting sleep. I’ve used magnesium lotion for a couple years now for everything from sore muscles to headaches, but the idea of magnesium for children intrigued me.

This mother got to work and here’s what I found:

1. Epsom Salt helps kids (& Adults) sleep:

Through the stresses of life, magnesium is drained from the body. The average person is already deficient in magnesium, so this draining removes even the small amount a person has in store. Magnesium helps to produce that calming effect we get from seretonian. The result of bathing in Epsom Salt and absorbing the magnesium are: improved sleep, concentration, and relaxed muscles. A recipe for peaceful sleep!

2. Espom salt boosts the immune system:

‘Tis the season for coughs, colds, and the flu. Besides Cod Liver Oil, a healthy diet, and homemade elderberry syrup, Epsom Salt help boost the immune system. To get technical again, bathing in Epsom Salt helps to stimulate the lymph system and circulate oxygen throughout the body. The salt bath helps keep toxins at bay in the body which can naturally drain the body and decrease immunity.

Pretty awesome, right?

Of course, I immediately bought a bag of this special (inexpensive) salt. I mixed up a special, simple formula I now call the “Sleepy Time Bath Salts” and each night have been putting a 1/3 cup in the kids’ bath.

I was skeptical, as I tend to be, but I have been amazed at the improvement in their sleep. Suddenly, bedtime isn’t taking hours, just a few minutes. The kids are now relaxed, peaceful, and ready to sleep.

I’ve also started rubbing some of this calming homemade moisturizer on the bottom of their feet after the relaxing bath.

sleep promoting bath salts

So, here it is. The “Sleepy Time Bath Salts” formula. It’s not complicated, just simple ingredients that come together to create the ultimate calming, immune-boosting bath. I love this bath formula so much, I’ve even made a few jars to give away to family members.

What you will need:

  • 1 cup Epsom Salt (where to buy)
  • 1/2 cup Real Salt or a high-quality mineral-rich salt (where to buy)
  • 5 drops Lavender Essential Oil
  • 1/4 cup crushed lavender (where to buy), optional (helps give the calming lavender smell and effect)
  • 1 Tablespoon Coconut Oil (where to buy), this is not mixed in the salt formula, but added at time of bath

How To:

If using dried lavender, simply crush it. I use the same mortar and pestle I use for crushing spices.

sleep promoting bath salts

In a storage container (I use these), add the Epsom Salt, Real Salt, and crushed dried lavender. Mix the ingredients together. I simply shake the container once sealed.

Once combined, add the lavender essential oil. Mix the oil throughout the salts.

Seal the container and use 1/2 cup per bath. While the warm water is drawn, I also add 1 Tablespoon coconut oil. You can also add apple cider vinegar to help with immune-boosting, particularly while fighting a cold.

Sleep promoting bath salts

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Homemade Pumpkin Spice Facial Scrub https://livesimply.me/homemade-pumpkin-spice-facial-scrub/ https://livesimply.me/homemade-pumpkin-spice-facial-scrub/#comments Fri, 25 Oct 2013 07:00:50 +0000 http://livesimply.me/?p=3422 I wait eagerly for October and the season of Fall to make its grand debut every year.  Then, suddenly with a blink of the eye it’s here and soon-to-be gone. I’m still  dreaming of pumpkin patches, homemade pumpkin puree, falling leaves– wait! I live in Florida, scratch the falling leaves. Back to Fall– pumpkin patches,...

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Homemade Pumpkin Spice Facial Scrub - Live Simply

I wait eagerly for October and the season of Fall to make its grand debut every year.  Then, suddenly with a blink of the eye it’s here and soon-to-be gone. I’m still  dreaming of pumpkin patches, homemade pumpkin puree, falling leaves–

wait!

I live in Florida, scratch the falling leaves.

Back to Fall– pumpkin patches, pumpkin puree, fall gardening, and somewhat cooler weather (you know, low 80’s).

I enjoy creating so many wonderful memories with my kiddos during this season. Memories and special traditions to look back on and remember. The annual pumpkin patch, imperfectly carving pumpkins, baking, roasting zillions of pumpkin seeds, and the early mornings in the fall garden. Those are the activities which make Fall enjoyable and yet so busy.

Being so busy I often forget to take time for myself.  I don’t get many quiet moments anymore, but when I do, they last about ten minutes.  Ten minutes to do anything I love, by myself, a time to pamper mom.

Enter the Pumpkin Spice Facial Scrub.

I’ve always been a fan of a good sugar scrub.  A good scrub can be incredibly relaxing and rejuvenating, leaving the skin moisturized and the body pampered. Just what a busy mom needs!

If you have ever taken a peek at the scrubs offered in stores, you will know 1). they are super pricey 2). they are loaded with chemicals, dyes, and other ingredients I prefer to keep far from my skin.

Of course, for every problem there is a solution.

That’s what mom is for, right?

I’ve been making sugar scrubs for my face and body for a couple of years now, even before my ventures into homemade foundation powder, body wash, blush, and moisturizer. Being in the Fall and pumpkin-everything mood I decided to change up my sugar scrub this mouth. Replacing the usual oil with homemade pumpkin puree.

Before you go thinking I’ve lost my mind, it turns out pumpkin is actually incredibly nourishing for the skin. Pumpkin is rich in Vitamin A, C, and loaded with zinc. These vitamins provide the skin with healing and age-fighting antioxidants.

Pumpkin puree has enzymes and antioxidants that offer results similar to gentle alpha-hydroxy action; It removes dead dull cells, while its beta-carotene-rich antioxidants nourish your skin. This will moisturize and nourish your skin, leaving it smooth and glowing. Source

This Pumpkin Spice Facial Scrub has been my little spa-in-a-jar this month. During those quiet, precious ten minutes of mom-time, I spread a little on my tired face and after a couple of minutes wipe it off with warm water . My skin glows and I feel revitalized.

pumpkin spice body facial scrub

What you will need:

How to:

Simply mix together the white and brown sugar and pumpkin pie spice.

Add in the pumpkin puree and Vitamin E Oil.

Mix all the ingredients together.

This product should be stored in the fridge, in a sealed container, due to the pumpkin puree. This is not a long-term product.

homemade facial body scrub

To use, apply a small amount to a clean face and massage the scrub into your skin.

Let the scrub sit for a couple of minutes and then wipe clean with a warm washcloth.

Store the leftover scrub in the fridge and use as often as you wish.

homemade body and facial scrub pumpkin spice

See…

And yes I did cut all my hair off.

Same blogger, just new hair.

homemade body facial scrub

A moisturized face and revitalized mom awaits.

Now, hurry go make some more Fall memories. October is nearly over and soon we will dreaming of big bowls of hearty soup, warm crusty bread, and new winter-inspired facial scrubs.

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