DIY skincare for glowing skin – for ladies and gents

From the supermarket to the chemist, replenishing an empty tube of facial cleanser is no simple undertaking. The aisles are literally overflowing with options, and it can be near impossible to decide which brand, ‘miracle’ ingredient or formula to go for.

So, rather than endure the age old L’Oreal vs Kiehl’s vs Avon debate, we’re calling on ladies to ditch their store-bought lotions and potions, and instead build a beauty inventory that wins Mother Nature’s tick of approval.

With a handful of natural ingredients, an open mind and a little creativity, you can make your very own DIY skincare solutions that run circles around branded products. There are so many amazing recipes out there, but to keep things simple we’ve put together a list of our all-time favourite recipes that will make your skin smoulder with health.

Sugar scrub exfoliator

Sure, sugar’s not the best thing to put into your body. But when it comes to beauty credentials it’s a one-way ticket to wonderfully soft, silky skin. All you’ll need is ½ cup organic sugar and ½ cup olive oil, plus a few drops of essential oils, if you like. Simply blend, store in an airtight jar and use to polish your complexion to perfection once a week or so. Other combinations we love include:

• Vanilla Brown Sugar Scrub – 1 cup raw brown sugar, 1/2 cup coconut oil, 1/2 tsp Vitamin E oil and 1 tsp real vanilla extract.
• Lavender Facial Scrub – 1 cup organic white sugar, 1/2 cup almond oil, 1/2 tsp rosehip oil, 10-15 drops lavender essential oil.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice Scrub (perfect for Christmas!) – 1 cup of brown sugar, 1/2 cup almond oil, 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spices.

Gentle makeup remover

Makeup remover is a staple in most beauty inventories, but did you know most store-bought brands contain chemicals that are unforgivingly harsh on the skin? A great alternative is this DIY recipe, which calls for gentle, all natural ingredients. Simply blend together, shake and dissolve away your makeup, without damaging your skin.

• 2 tablespoons vitamin E oil
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoons alcohol-free witch hazel
• ½ cup purified water

Another amazing solution is pure coconut oil, which simply wipes away light makeup and leaves your skin feeling fabulously soft.

Avocado face mask

More than simply a ‘smashed’ addition to overpriced brunch menus, avocadoes are a super food when it comes to nourishing the skin. If you can resist gobbling up the entire fruit, save a few scoops and make your own deliciously creamy face mask. Just blend together the ingredients and slather onto your complexion. Leave for half an hour, wash off and enjoy a gorgeous glow.

• 2 tsp mashed avocado
• 1 tsp kefir
• 1 tbsphoney
• 1 tsp olive oil

Nourishing skin cleansers

Cleansing is an essential part of any skincare regime, though store-bought products can often do more harm than good. Making your own is a great solution, and you can tailor your ingredients to suit your individual skin type. Combinations we love include:

• Coconut oil and honey for sensitive skin
• Honey and lemon for oily skin
• Olive oil and essential oil for combination skin
• Oatmeal, baking soda and milk for dry skin
• Apple cider vinegar for acne prone skin

Gents, we haven’t forgotten you. Men’s skincare is now a multi-million-dollar global industry, with the market fuelled by trends like ‘hipster’ beards, long locks and a ‘metro’ aesthetic. Or, simply the fact that brands are getting better at appealing to men. Or that men are getting better at looking after themselves! You be the judge.

All natural shave cream

 Slather your face in this luxurious cream that actively moisturises as it helps the razor glide over your jaw. Simply melt the oil, whisk together the ingredients and store in a glass jar.

• ¼ cup oil, preferably olive, almond or coconut.
• 3 tbsp Shea butter
• 1/4 cup Honey
• 2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 cup Liquid Castille Soap
• Vitamin E or GSE (to preserve)

Aftershave

 Alcohol based after shaves can wreak havoc on the skin, so instead why not opt for a DIY solution that nourishes the healing process? Coconut oil has an irresistible scent, and intensely moisturises and repairs the skin in the process. Gents love rosemary oil for its antibacterial properties and woody fragrance, while a splash of diluted apple cider vinegar infused with cinnamon, bay leaves and cloves is an incredible alternative.

Got any tried and tested DIY skincare solutions you’d like to share? We’d love to add your recipes to our collection!