Natural Skin Care on a Budget:

Transitioning from commercial store-bought beauty products to natural ones can be tough. Not everybody wants to make their own, and it can be expensive when buying quality products. But with a few beauty basics, you can significantly reduce your spending without compromising on quality. These easy to use, budget-friendly, chemical-free products can be used on their own in conjunction with others to create your own homemade beauty products.

1. Coconut Oil

If you’re not already obsessed with coconut oil, it might be time to give it a chance. Rich in vitamin E and deliciously creamy, coconut oil is the ultimate moisturizer. On its own, it can be used to deep-condition hair, remove makeup, and whiten teeth. You can even use it as a natural alternative to commercial lubricants (but only if you’re not using condoms!). It’s also the base for a lot of homemade personal care products like deodorant, cleansers, and sunscreen.

2. Bentonite Clay

Looking for an alternative to your store-bought face mask? Bentonite clay may just be the solution. Ideal for oily and mixed skin types, it works by deep-cleansing and balancing out oil levels which can help relieve acne and clear up your complexion. It can also be used to treat skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. Also trying to give up regular deodorants? Try out an armpit detox. It’s like a face mask for your pits. Sounds strange but works surprisingly well.

3. Apple Cider Vinegar

You might already have this one in your kitchen cupboards but it’s good for more than just making salad dressings. Antibacterial apple cider vinegar is a natural beauty must-have item. It can be used as an alternative to conditioner, mixed with bentonite clay to make face masks or diluted as a natural toner.

4. Rose Water

Made by distilling rose petals with steam, rose water is a suitable for all skin types, including those of you with sensitive skin. Rose oil has been found to have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties which soothe the skin and can help in the treatment of acne. Use it as a gentle toner, to remove makeup or add it to a spray bottle and use as a calming mist, to freshen up rooms, or spray on your wrists or pillow cases.

5. Tea Tree Oil

If you don’t have a stock of essential oils, tea tree oil is a great place to start. Tea tree oil has antibacterial properties which make it a great addition to your skincare routine. Mix some tea tree oil with a carrier oil like coconut and dab onto pimples or use as a mask. You can add it to homemade deodorant or household cleaners.