From a blemish buster to a hair hydrator, the most simple and
effective sustainable beauty solutions can be found in your kitchen.
Whether it’s decrypting ingredients, understanding labels or being wary of packaging, sourcing sustainable beauty products can seem like a tall order. But some of the most effective and sustainable beauty solutions actually come sans labels and packaging. In fact, they can usually be found at home in your pantry. From the oil that does it all to the DIY facelift alternative, read on for seven of the best sustainable beauty solutions.
1. The all-rounder
There’s a reason that coconut oil is known as a cure-all — there’s not much it can’t do. Plus, it smells like a summer holiday.
Ingredients
Coconut oil
Method
This is as simple as it gets: simply scoop coconut oil out of the jar and use it for just about anything — body lotion, shaving cream, a hair treatment. Every household should have a jar.
2. The blemish buster
Honey is an incredible healer and can be used as wound dressing due
to its antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. For blemishes, it helps to unblock pores and prevent pimples from spreading.
Ingredients
Honey
Method
Using a clean finger, apply a small amount of honey directly onto any blemishes and leave overnight to heal.
3. The natural facelift
This DIY facemask works wonders on dull, dry skin. It can also help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles thanks to the lactic acid found in yoghurt.
Ingredients
– 2 tbsp natural yoghurt
– 1 banana
– 1 tsp honey
Method
Mash up banana and mix with the yoghurt. Once well mixed, add in honey and leave in the fridge for half an hour so the mixture is cold — this has a tightening effect on skin. Apply to face and neck, then leave for 15-20 minutes. Rinse the mask off with warm water.
4. The pit protector
Making your own deodorant is not only great for the environment, it’s cost-effective, too. This recipe includes grapefruit essential oil for its antibacterial properties.
Ingredients
– ¼ cup baking soda
– ¼ cup arrowroot
– 6 tbsp coconut oil
– 10-15 drops grapefruit essential oil
Method
Mix the baking soda and arrowroot together in a bowl, then add the coconut oil and essential oil and mix well. Pour into a small glass jar and apply a pea-sized amount to armpits whenever needed.
5. The hair hydrator
If you have lacklustre locks, this mask will give you the shiny, soft tresses of your dreams. Coconut milk mixed with olive oil works to soften and condition dry hair.
Ingredients
– ¼ cup coconut milk
– 1 tsp olive oil
Method
Mix the coconut milk and olive oil together, then comb the mask through your hair. Put on a shower cap and leave for 20 minutes before rinsing off.
6. The body conditioner
Coconut oil is an exceptional body moisturiser, but if you prefer the
consistency of butter, whip up this homemade body butter recipe instead.
Ingredients
– ½ cup cocoa butter
– ½ cup coconut oil
– ½ cup shea butter
– ½ cup olive oil
– ¼ tsp grapefruit essential oil
– ¼ tsp lavender essential oil
Method
Add everything except essential oils into a pan and stir on low heat. Once melted, remove from heat and mix together with a whisk. Put mixture in the fridge for one hour. Once firm, whisk everything together again until creamy, then add essential oils.
7. The easy exfoliator
This beautiful body exfoliator will have you feeling like you’re in a high-end
spa, and the combination of sugar and honey smells incredible.
Ingredients
– ¼ cup honey
– 2 tbsp sweet almond oil
– ½ cup brown sugar
Method
Heat honey in a pan until it’s runny, then remove from heat. Stir in the sweet almond oil and add the brown sugar until everything is mixed together.
Words SOPHIE HOWE
