15 DIY Beauty Products to Stop Buying + Start Making

While glancing at my Target shopping list the other day, I was astounded at how many personal care products I buy. Even though I DIY a few things (like face masks, toner, and when I’m feeling adventurous, deodorant), I’m still filling my cart with face wash, makeup remover, dry shampoo and tons of other junk. It makes for an expensive outing every time I head to the store, and I’m also not crazy about all the packaging I’m throwing away or the harmful ingredients that lurk in makeup and skincare products.

DIY beauty products can usually be made with basic ingredients you already have around the house like baking soda, coconut oil and honey. It might seem scary at first to use homemade products (I still worry that DIY deodorant could fail me at any time), but your body has a way of readjusting itself to more natural treatments and after a brief transitional period, you’ll often find them just as effective, if not more so. Saving money is always good, too! Here are 15 recipes to stop buying and start making.

15 DIY Beauty Products to Stop Buying and Start Making

1. Dry Shampoo

You’ll really regret ever spending money on dry shampoo when you realize how easy it is to make your own.

2. Dandruff Treatments

Tea tree oil is anti-microbial and anti-bacterial, making it the perfect addition to a DIY dandruff treatment.

3. Conditioner

A coconut milk-based conditioner spray will keep hair moisturized, and remove that pesky chlorine green hue from the pool.

4. Sunscreen

Commercial sunscreens are filled with ingredients that can be just as harmful as UV rays when used long term. You can add up to SPF 40 to this homemade sunscreen recipe using naturally protective ingredients like avocado oil, zinc oxide and carrot seed oil.

5. Body wash

I get irrationally angry when I think about the cost of body wash—especially the really nice, moisturizing ones. If you agree, make your own with honey and coconut oil.

6. Hand Soap

Triclosan is the active ingredient in most commercial antibacterial products, and it’s been linked with weakened immune systems, bacterial resistance, hormone disruptions and allergies (even the FDA isn’t crazy about it). But you can get the same benefits with this homemade foaming hand soap, which includes naturally antibacterial essential oils and moisturizing coconut oil.

7. Volumizer

Have an extra can of Guinness lying around? Make a DIY volumizing hair rinse!

8. Toothpaste + Deodorant

Antiperspirants contain aluminum, while toothpastes are loaded with synthetic (and sometimes harmful) ingredients that upset your mouth’s natural balance and can even cause breakouts around your mouth. Coconut oil to the rescue yet again—this time in the form of homemade deodorant and toothpaste. Note: DIY deodorant won’t stop you from sweating like an antiperspirant, but it will keep you from being smelly.

9. Lip Gloss

Cranberry and beetroot powder give this gloss, which doubles as a cheek stain, its ultra-pretty pink hue.

10. Moisturizer

Soothing green tea calms skin in this DIY coconut oil-based whipped moisturizer.

11. Face Wash

Lots of ingredients in face washes can strip your skin of its natural oils, causing it to overcompensate and thus, break out. A homemade honey face wash is great for any skin type: it fights acne while locking in much-needed moisture.

12. Acne Products

Turmeric is a proven acne-fighter, and a Greek yogurt mask can get your skin’s natural bacteria in balance. Tomatoes, tea tree oil and apple cider vinegar are all effective acne remedies, too.

13. Sea Spray

Get beautiful beachy waves without the hefty price tag—for glorified salt water!—with this make-at-home version.

14. Perfume

Essential oils smell just as great, if not better, than store-bought perfume. Here’s how to make your own customized concoction.

15. Bath Salts

One of the cheapest and easiest things you can make at home. Customize them with different aromatherapy blends.

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