by Donna Cosmato

Created on: May 27, 2009

Depressed by the cost of cosmetics and skin care products? Make your own beauty products and save money, help the environment, and reduce your exposure to chemicals and preservatives.

The leaves of aloe vera plants contain a renewable supply of one of nature's finest skin moisturizers; the gel inside the leaves contains moisturizing polysaccharides. You can buy an aloe plant for about $7.50 and harvest years of natural moisturizer. Compare with an average $20 per bottle of brand name moisturizer and watch your savings start to grow. (Tang Center for Herbal Medicine Research)

Aloe Moisturizer

Wash your face, and pluck an aloe leaf. Use a sharp, thin knife to slit and fan open the leaf. Rub gel liberally over face and throat. Any gel left after applying to face can be used to moisturize elbows, knees, or heels. Aloe gel is safe and gentle for most skin types, but do a skin patch test first to rule out sensitivity.

Herb Deodorant

Herbal deodorants are simple and inexpensive to make. A homemade version costs about $1.99, while most name brand products retail for $3.99 to $4.99. Commercial antiperspirants and deodorants contain hazardous aluminum salts and toluene derivatives. (New Zealand Dermatological Society Inc.)

Herb Deodorant

Pore Cleansers

Pore strips furnish deeper cleansing to pores than facial cleansers, and are more effective in clearing blackheads. A brand name pore cleansing strip costs $1.16 per application, but you can make your own for just $0.27 per application. The only ingredients needed are a box of unflavored gelatin, milk, and the recipe found here: Strip it off!

Toners

Toners follow facial and pore cleansing like rinse water follows washing. They remove remaining traces of cleanser and balance the skin. Two effective ingredients for toners are: cucumber - cooling and astringent, and honey - emollient. Cucumber-honey toner costs $0.75 to make and yields one-half cup. Made-at-home products do not contain preservatives, so store any unused portion in the refrigerator to prevent spoilage.

Cucumber-Honey Toner

Facial masks are useful in removing dirt, grime, and impurities from skin. Making your own gives you control over ingredients, and ensures a fresh product.

Cucumber and yogurt makes a cooling, exfoliating mask to cleanse and brighten skin instantly. You need one cucumber and plain yogurt. Cost is $0.62 and you can whip it up in 5 minutes.

Cucumber Yogurt Mask

Insect repellents contain DEET and picardin. These ingredients have not been shown to be hazardous, but many people decide to avoid them. For $3.64, make an effective do-it-yourself bug repellent with witch hazel, apple cider vinegar, and citronella essential oil.

Don't Bug Me!

Whether you decide to make all your beauty products, or just a few to ease the budget pinch, these ideas will get you started. If a recipe does not work for you, try changing ingredients to suit your preferences.

New Zealand Dermatological Society Inc. 18 March 2008. 20 May 2009 http://dermnetnz.org/treatments/antiperspirants.html

Tang Center for Herbal Medicine Research. 2003. 20 May 2009 http://tangcenter.uchicago.edu/herbal_resources/aloe .shtml

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