balm-making workshop
OPIRG Board member Amina led 10 participants in a Do It Yourself "cosmetics" workshop last night, which included a coffee body scrub (pictured above) a facial scrub, and bath bombs (pictured below) using all natural ingredients that are simple to find and cheap to buy.
Why DIY?
Making your own cosmetics is a good idea because:
- you know what's going in to your product
- you can avoid toxic ingredients, harsh chemicals or ingredients you are allergic to
- it's cheaper than buying pre-made in store
- there is little regulation about what "natural" means in a store product
- they are quick, easy and fun to make
- biodegradable
- make great gifts
to name only a few benefits.
For a useful database on the dangers lurking in over the counter cosmetics, check out this site.
COFFEE BODY SCRUB INGREDIENTS
1 1/2 cups cane sugar
1/4 cup ground coffee beans
1/4 cup shredded coconut
3/4 cup oil (olive, almond, etc)
1 tsp honey
3-5 drops essential oil of choice
A tin or jar with lid
METHOD
- mix sugar, ground coffee, coconut oil in a bowl until fully combined. Add honey, followed by the essential oil
- transfer mixture to a closed container (it will keep 1-2 weeks sealed at room temperature)
- Rub a generous amount of the scrub over your body, scrubbing medium to hard depending on your sensitivity (skin should be moist when applying scrub)
- Rinse off in the shower under warm water, ensuring that the sugar crystals disintegrate completely. Pat dry to allow the oils to soak into your soft glowing skin.
HOW THE INGREDIENTS WORK
- Coffee Grounds - - reduces cellulite
- Sugar - exfoliates the skin and removes dead cells
- Olive Oil - - moisturizes skin, makes it soft and gives an over-all glow
- Honey - brings blood to the surface, removes impurities, smoothes and softens the skin
- Coconut - adds to the aroma and the buffing/exfoliating action of the other ingredients