DIY {3} Translucent Face Powder

So all of us women know how expensive makeup can be. As an avid makeup wearer, I'm probably sitting on hundreds of dollars worth of cosmetics, and ever since I stopped using products tested on animals... well I haven't been wearing makeup as I used to. Which is sad because as an artist (well, I like to say I am since I went to art school anyway, even if I never graduated. Sigh.) I felt like my makeup applications were a daily expression of my artistic talent.

So now that I am a changed person I'm finding it increasingly difficult to find makeup that is not only animal friendly, but me friendly too. I do not want products that are laden with chemicals and bad things for my skin. I found this easy peasy recipe for translucent face powder over at One Good Thing and knew immediately that I had to try it out, and share it.

If you try it, please let me know how it works! I'll post updates as well.

Ingredients:

1/2 Tablespoon Cornstarch

1 Teaspoon of Baby Powder (Talc)

Optional: 1/8 Teaspoon Powder Foundation (For a touch of color)

Directions: Stir all ingredients together and store in a clean, used powder container or small tin, like the ones mints come in. Apply with a powder brush.

I need to go out and buy some baby powder, as that is something I unfortunately do not have on hand. This will be an easy one to make organic as well, because my local grocery store carries an organic cornstarch, and they do have an organic baby section as well - - WOO HOO!

NOTE: Some people feel that Talc is not safe. Since I purchase organic ingredients, I've purchased Burt's Bees Baby Powder which is talc-free. It's your own prerogative if you feel comfy using a baby powder with talc. 

EDIT: If you want to add color but do not have or want to use powder foundation, you can experiment with cinnamon, or cocoa powder. Therefore giving you a sheen of color and even a nice scent!

Until Next Time,

Laura

Green Tip {1}

Do you spend hundreds of dollars on fabric softener sheets a year? Well, if you are looking to get yummy scented clothes without the waste and cost... you need to try this!

Find an old t-shirt and cut it up into squares. The size doesn't matter, it can be small (3x3) or larger (6x6). Before you throw your next load in the dryer, add 3 to 5 drops of essential oil to the square of cotton cloth, and toss it into the dryer with the clothes. When it's dry, you will have a nice, light scent to your clothes! I used a Vanilla Pomegranate essential oil from Michael's and it worked wonderfully! I would reuse each sheet for about 2 to 3 loads before adding more oils. Mix and match oils too to create a wonderful scent all your own!

Until Next Time,

Laura

*DIY Naturals supplied this great cost saving idea!

DIY #2: Makeup Remover & Sea Salt Face and Body Scrub

Trying to get waterproof mascara and liquid or gel eyeliner off at the end of the night is always a pain. You sit there scrubbing with a makeup remover sheet, or have a liquid remover-soaked cotton ball held to your eye but to no avail. Your face still feels dirty, and that's all about to end up on your pillow when you lay down.

Let's fix that, shall we?

If you want baby soft skin and that squeaky clean feeling you get after having a facial then try these two amazing recipes for makeup remover and a sea salt scrub that will make you love your skin again!

Note: I use both of these products on a regular basis, so I give them my Two Thumbs Up vote of confidence!

MAKEUP REMOVER

Ingredients:

3/4 Cup of Distilled Water
1-1/2 Tablespoons of Tear Free Baby Wash or Shampoo
1 Teaspoon of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Optional: Splash of Aloe Vera Concentrate (Juice, not Gel)

Directions:

Mix well; store in container

Note: I used my old Clean & Clear astringent container to store mine in. It works wonderfully, and just needs a quick shake before use as the oil and water tend to separate. This recipe was found on Youtube. Spend time utilizing that site as well for lots of great DIY tutorials!

SEA SALT and OLIVE OIL FACE and BODY SCRUB
     *Begin using only 1 time per week, and gradually build up to 2 times per week. This is abrasive and may irritate your skin at first. Use aloe vera gel afterwards to help soothe skin, or lather copious amounts of a natural, or organic moisturizer or lotion into skin. If you still cannot tolerate the sea salt, switch to a sugar scrub. Turbinado sugars work well, or white table sugar if your skin is extra-sensitive.

Ingredients:

Sea Salt
Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Directions:

You will want a 1:2 ratio. If you choose to make 1 cup of sea salt, add 1/2 cup of olive oil. Mix well. Store in the refrigerator until used.

Optional: Add up to 5 drops of your favorite essential oil for scent. Other oils to try if you do not have (or want to use) Olive Oil: Coconut oil, almond oil, safflower oil, or even vegetable/canola oil.

Tips: Try a loofah or exfoliating mitt and rub in circular motions over your body. Pay extra close attention to rougher areas such as your knees, soles of your feet, and elbows. For more sensitive areas like your chest and neck where the skin is thinner, switch to a washcloth to rub the exfoliant on.

(This recipe was found HERE.)

Until Next Time,
Laura

DIY #1: Stop being so dependent on shampoo and conditioner!!

My 2012 New Years' Resolution was this: Quit using products that are tested on animals. I never expected that one little resolution to lead me, six months later, to where I am today... willing to give up hair products. Yep. I am going to stop using all those shampoos, conditioners, mousses, and heat protectants. Are you interested in reducing your dependence on not-so-healthy beauty products too?

Here's how you can do it - visit The Hairpin's article, How to Quit Shampoo Without Becoming Disgusting.

Are you going to try it? Keep me updated! I'll be posting updates as well!

Until Next Time,
Laura