Something we seriously admire: anyone who’s DIY ethos actually yields things that we want. You know, like the people who can shake up their own cocktails, or make their own jewelry, or tailor their own vintage finds. But, honestly, it’s a whole other level of respect that we have for people who can actually make their own functional (so key) beauty products. And we want in. So we called up The Naturalista’s Xochi Balfour, who has a whole host of recipes up her crocheted sleeve. And lucky for those of us less gifted in the art of doing it ourselves, they’re easy to make. Oh, and they’re actually effective. Check back every week for more recipes you’ll want to bookmark and whip up ASAP.
When it comes to beauty products you can make yourself, we guess that a scrub really makes the most sense. Isn’t there that thing about walking on a sandy beach being the next best thing than a pedicure? (Not quite sure we’re total believers in that one, but you get the point.) And there’s that apricot scrub—which totally has food, or at least the idea of food, in it, right? But here it is: the real recipe you can make with odds and ends in your kitchen. It will get the job done and, as Balfour says, get you “glowing.” And you’ll never have to use anything with “apricot” in it, ever again. Everybody wins!
"This neat and action-packed little scrub is the best exfoliator I have ever used. When I first made it and marvelled at its greatness I wondered if it was just me; but then [my husband] Ben tried it (eager, up for anything and patient as a mule) and he agreed. So now we leap out of bed and scoop the pot out in turns.
Its merits go beyond its active ingredients, but I will start with them. Oats are well known for their soothing properties and used here alongside gently exfoliating almond and tea tree, they help with both healing and rejuvenation. They provide us with no less than 18 amino acids (the building blocks of protein in our bodies), helping heal and repair damaged or stressed out skin—and living in London you don’t need to do much to need a little help. They are hypoallergenic and great for anyone with sensitive skin. These skin food recipes aren’t about harsh ingredients or crazy concentrated irritants—that's what we are running away from, that's the processed stuff to avoid. Oats are also an effective humectant, allowing the skin to retain moisture and keep from getting dry and—most notoriously and specifically—contain a unique phenolic compound called avenanthramides which helps with topical anti-inflammatory healing.
Ground almond provides gentle exfoliation with a little oil to keep the skin soft. And everybody’s favourite hero, apple cider vinegar, is an amazing natural toner and much less harsh than most alcohol-filled, over-the-counter alternatives. I've also added a little antibacterial tea tree oil to keep unwanted breakouts at bay."
THE RECIPE
2 tsp. GROUND ALMONDS
2 tsp. OAT FLAKES
1 tsp. APPLE CIDER VINEGAR
2 drops TEA TREE ESSENTIAL OIL
one >> Mix
two >> apply to a damp tired face, and glow. Sorry, I mean go.
This recipe keeps in the fridge for up to two days, or longer if you seal it. Add a tiny bit of water to thin it out if it dries out in the meantime.
Get more all-natural goodies from The Naturalista and from Xochi's Instagram feed.