She's a natural beauty!
It's amazing how we can live our lives a certain way for years and years and years without considering the impact our life choices are having. I don't know at which moment exactly I had a change of heart but something in me changed recently and I suddenly am far more acutely aware of what goes in and on my body and how my consumption affects animals and the Earth. For fear of becoming labelled any kind of activist or crusader, it is suffice to say that I suddenly care a whole lot more than I ever have before. I mean.... I always cared but I think I allowed myself to fain ignorance for the convenience of maintaining my particular lifestyle at the time. I suppose there is no better time to make changes than in the midst of a lifestyle overhaul. Without scripting a long winded rant about the evils of animal cosmetic testing and the long term effects of cosmetic chemicals on the human body, I will say, I have taken a far more natural approach in my health, beauty and hygiene regime. Never one to neglect my appearance (despite my somewhat hippy-esque lifestyle shift) I am a lover of personal beauty treats that allow for essential hours of alone time, marinading in fragrant baths, body scrubs and treatments. Here are a few recipes for the natural beauties out their who deserve a relaxing hour or two in the bathroom :)
Fragrant and Invigorating Coffee Scrub
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons ground organic coffee 2 tablespoons sugar (experiment with a variety of sugars to find your desired coarseness) Enough melted coconut oil to make the mixture into a thick paste!
Note: Alternate oils can be used in place of coconut to create a range of different fragrances e.g. almond or jojoba oil Method: 1. Mix all ingredients together into a paste and store in an airtight jar
Mint Sugar Scrub
Ingredients: ½ cup coconut oil, melted 1½ - 2 cups sugar Few mint leaves, muddled Method: 1. Mix together all ingredients (if mix too wet, add additional sugar) and store in an airtight container. Directions for scrub use: Use wet hands to massage scrub in a circular motion over entire body (go gently on your face and other sensitive areas). Wash away with warm water and enjoy the glowing sensation all over your skin!
Vanilla Body Butter
Ingredients:
1 cup raw cocoa butter 1/2 cup sweet almond oil 1/2 cup coconut oil 1 vanilla bean pod Method: 1. Melt cocoa butter and coconut oil and allow to cool for 30 minutes.2. Grind the vanilla bean in a coffee grinder or food processor 3. Stir sweet almond oil and ground vanilla bean into the cocoa butter and coconut oil.4. Chill in freezer for 20 minutes until oils start to partially solidify5. Whip mixture with an electric mixer or in food processor until a buttery consistency is achieved.6. Spoon into a glass jar and store in a cool place. Directions for body butter use: Lather yourself generously in body butter and enjoy your soft and fragrant skin! Hope you enjoy these home DIY recipes! Would love to hear your feedback! Lots of love xx
