Skincare Recipes from our Test Kitchen
| photography by cindy hyue |
The women of Elsie Green are big fans of the DIY. Particularly this year, when staying home and doing things ourselves is a necessity, we have really embraced that crafty spirit. However, some of our projects have been more successful than others.
We are also fervent believers in the power of skincare. We all covet that effortless, just-back-from-vacation glow that all of our style icons seem to achieve so easily. However, with vacations put on hold for the foreseeable future, we’ve had to get creative with our skincare this year. We’ve tried several DIY skincare recipes at home in our own kitchens, to varying degrees of success.
| image courtesy of into the gloss |
We’ve pulled together a list of all of our favorite homemade beauty recipes so you don’t have to.
Andie and Laurie's Homemade Sugar Scrub
Mix together equal parts raw sugar and honey in a jar, and scrub away. This sweet-smelling mixture can be applied to your face or body. I particularly like using it in the bath, and following it up with a good moisturizer.
| image courtesy of bluberri beauty |
Kelsey's Beeswax Lip Balm
To achieve our beauty staple of super-soft lips, try Kelsey's favorite beeswax lip balm. Start with 1 tsp beeswax, 1 tsp of avocado oil, and 1 tbsp of coconut oil. Melt the beeswax over light heat, and stir in the oils. Put the mixture in a small jar and let it cool uncapped for 2 hours, and then use it generously to your heart's content.
| image courtesy of macy's |
Sepi's Favorite Rosewater Toner
Sepi preaches all things rosewater all the time. We've tried to make rosewater at home, but it was a little too complicated for us. To get a semi-homemade rosewater toner, buy rosewater (our favorite is under $10 from Trader Joe's) and mix it with water in a spray bottle. Put it in the fridge for an extra cooling effect, and spritz it on your face after cleansing. Keep one in your bag, and use liberally throughout the day to keep that just-washed glow.
| image courtesy of skin love cream |
Katie's Must-Have Coconut Cuticle Oil
Cuticles are skin too! Having well-kept manicures (even now when all our go-to nail salons are closed) is essential for us to feel put-together. My sister Katie, our Elsie Green intern, loves to make homemade cuticle oil to keep her nails fresh. The recipe is so easy - she just uses a small amount of coconut oil on each cuticle twice a week to keep her hands hydrated.
| image courtesy of static nails |
And while we love our DIY recipes, sometimes, we have to stick to our tried-and-true favorites. Click here for my mom Laurie's list of our favorite self-care products:
Simple Self Care Products That Make You Feel As Good As New >