Hey folks. I know we all have busy lives and convenience stores offer… well, convenience. It seems like a daunting task to change certain habits. But what if I told you that making just a few changes will actually save you time, money, AND make your life healthier?

I thought I'd share a few tips on how to replace simple beauty products, that you can make on your own with natural ingredients you probably already have.

My top 4 personal beauty switches:

Make-up remover = Coconut oil. This stuff is almost magical: people list hundreds of uses for it. Coconut oil is just pure healthy fats with very strong antiseptic properties. After the first time I ran out of make up remover and tried coconut oil, I never turned back. It leaves your skin not only clean but moisturized.
Facial mask = yogurt and honey. I like to mix yogurt, honey with a little tea tree oil, and sometimes I might add some avocado. Milk and yogurt are very soothing to the skin. Honey also helps with moisture and glow. Just make sure you mix everything well (you only need about 1/2 to 1 cup), and apply it to your face with a brush. Leave it on for 10-15 minutes and clean it off with a warm hand towel. You can be really creative with this, and use a variety of ingredients that you already have at home.
Toner = witch hazel and vinegar. There are again countless combinations for homemade toner. It’s very simple and only involves mixing a bit of witch hazel, apple cider vinegar, and/or rose water… Again, the possibilities are endless! It works great for all types of skin, especially oily complexions. Toner acts as an astringent to tighten pores. Here is a great recipe to try.
Perfume = Essential oils. If you’re not familiar with essential oils, you should. We pay top dollar for brand-name, luxury perfume brands which often contain toxic ingredients and artificial fragrances. By experimenting with different essential oils, you can not only create your own custom scent, but also reap therapeutic benefits from it. Just dab a few drops of your choice of oil on your wrists and neck. Like perfume, the scent changes when it settles on your skin, as it mixes with your body’s chemistry (a little something I learned while visiting the capital of essential oils and perfume, in Grasse, France - see below those beautiful amber bottles, full of delicately extracted essences...).

Be creative! There are so many alternatives to the toxic skincare and cleaning agents sold on most supermarket and luxury store shelves. I encourage you to look online, there are so many simple recipes available to make your own beauty and household products!

On another note; the holiday season starts next month... And some gift boxes will be available for purchase. I will announce some specials so you or your loved ones can enjoy beautiful and healthy skin over the winter!