DIY Low-Waste Skin Care Routine

Our skin care routine can be complex and expensive. Before trying to shrink my waste, I was spending hundreds of dollars every few months on teeny tiny bottles of cleanser, scrub, and moisturizer. Now, I look to other bloggers for natural recipes that I can make with ingredients I already have at home. I'm reducing both my waste, and my spending, by making all of my skin care products instead of buying them.

Toner

This toner recipe from The Urban Umbrella uses 4 natural ingredients and take 10 minutes to make. You can reuse an empty 3 oz bottle and you'll know exactly what's going on your skin.

Ingredients:

• 1 green tea bag - use loose leaf tea and a tea ball to minimize waste
• 3/8 cup water
• 3-5 drops tea tree oil
• 1 tbsp witch hazel

Instructions:

1. Steep green tea in a cup of boiling water for 3 minutes. Place in refrigerator to cool.
2. Once cooled, add green tea to 3 oz container.
3. Add tea tree oil and witch hazel.
4. Shake well, until all ingredients are mixed.

How to use:

Either apply the DIY Green Tea Facial Toner to a reusable cotton pad or simply pour a small quarter size amount into your hands and press into the skin.

Cleanser

Don't let the idea DIY cleanser intimidate you. This easy recipe from Frugal Farm Wife

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup aloe vera gel
• 1/4 cup liquid castile soap
• 4 drops frankincense essential oil
• 4 drops lavender essential oil

Instructions:

Mix all ingredients together and store in an air-tight 4 oz container.

How to use:

Wet your face, then apply a nickel sized amount of cleanser to your skin. Rinse with warm water.

Awakening Coffee Face Scrub

Island Beauty has loads of natural self care recipes, but I love this coffee scrub because it uses coffee grounds, which would normally end up in the garbage! This recipe calls for coconut oil, but I've used olive oil instead and had the same results.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup coffee grounds
• 1/8 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup coconut oil
• 10 drops frankincense essential oil

Instructions:

1. In a double boiler, slightly melt the coconut oil on low heat.
2. Once melted, add brown sugar, coffee grounds, and frankincense essential oil and thoroughly mix it.
3. Transfer the coffee face scrub to a Mason jar and seal.

How to use:

Using your fingers, apply the scrub to your face and gently massage. When you're ready, rinse and pat dry. According to the Island Beauty blog, this recipe does not have a long shelf life and should be used immediately.

Moisturizer

A few weeks ago, I shared 5 Kitchen Ingredients that Make Excellent Moisturizers. Olive oil may be all you need, but if you're looking for a more traditional recipe, try this one from Our Oily House. I especially love that this post provides information on which essentials oils will be best for your skin type.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup shea butter
• 1 tbsp jojoba oil
• 1 tbsp fractionated coconut oil
• 15 drops essential oil

Instructions:

1. Add shea butter, jojoba oil, and coconut oil to a glass bowl.
2. Set the glass bowl over a pot of boiling water to create a double boiler. Melt all ingredients together.
3. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
4. Add in essential oils, stir together well.
5. Store in an airtight container.

How to use:

To use, add a dime size amount to hand and apply to your face. If stored at room temp in an airtight container, this moisturizer will stay good for one year.

Make Up Remover

I started using olive oil as a makeup remover during the pandemic, when I was trying to use what we already had on hand. Don't Waste the Crumbs gives six other single ingredient options that will remove even the toughest mascara, no problem.

Ingredients:

• Olive Oil

How to use:

Apply a small amount of oil to your fingers, then gently massage it into your skin. Wipe away makeup with a washcloth or reusable makeup round.