10 Ways to Amp Up Your Beauty Routine with Refreshing Plant-Based Foods and Oils

Approximately 60 percent of the products we use on our skin are absorbed and deposited straight into the circulatory system. This isn’t good news when we consider just how many toxins are in conventional beauty products.

Standard cosmetics that you pick up at the drug store can contain heavy metals, toxic dyes, and surfactants, some of which have been linked to cancer. To go a more natural route while still having fun and getting beautified, try these 10 ways to amp up your beauty routine using plant-based foods and essential oils. Some are fruity, some are zesty — no matter how you cook it up, though, these great beauty “recipes” will surely amp up your beauty routine at home!

1. Beet Lipstick

Take advantage of the natural, gorgeous color of beets and make your own lipstick.

2. Sugar Body Scrub

If you’re suffering from dry, cracked winter skin, give it a kiss of summer with a sweet lemon and sugar body scrub. A mix of lemon, raw cane sugar, brown sugar, and coconut will give you soft, summery skin in no time.

3. Skin Clearing Serum

This mix of five essential oils, including oil from lemongrass, aloe vera, and lavender, will help clear and purify skin.

4. Natural Powder Foundation & Bronzer

Apply this DIY powder foundation and bronzer with a wide bush brush. You’ll need to experiment with this recipe so the color perfectly matches your skin tone.

5. Coconut Oil Conditioner

Pre-condition your hair with coconut oil to help lock in hydration and beat the brutal, cold air.

6. Tropical Hair Treatment

Planning a spring break trip soon or worried about what the future summer sand, surf, and sun will do to your scalp? Kiss brittle, coarse hair goodbye with an oil treatment of cacao butter oil, coconut oil, and Pure Bergamot Oil.

7. Perfume

This is a project when you have the mind and time to invest, since making natural perfume can take 6 weeks to fully mature. With jojoba oil or sweet almond oil plus an essential oil of your choosing, you’ll have a lovely-smelling, signature scent.

8. Lemon and Coconut Milk Foot Soak

In a large bowl,  combine 3 cups of lemon juice, 6 cups of water, 3 tbsp of cinnamon powder, and 1 cup of coconut milk. Soak your feet in the bowl for 15 minutes and then rinse with warm water.

Challenge yourself and try replacing a few of your not-so-natural beauty items with one of these homemade, natural mixes.

Image source:  I Stock Photo/Creative Commons