How to make cosmetics at home.

Natural ingredients have been used to care for the face and body for centuries. There is no strict rule about which substances, or how much of each, a cosmetic product must contain. What matters most is that it actually does your skin good.

Plenty of products on the market call themselves natural, yet their labels do not always agree. That is why making your own is so appealing: it is not hard once you know what each ingredient does, and you can adjust everything to your taste.

Lip care

Lips are especially sensitive and need extra attention in the cold months. A scrub, a balm and a lip cream help keep them soft.

Lip scrub

Mix two teaspoons of sugar, a tablespoon of honey, a little olive oil and 5 drops of lavender oil. You can swap lavender for any essential oil you love. Rub it gently into the lips: sugar exfoliates while honey and oil nourish and soften.

Lip cream

Take 4 tablespoons of natural wax for structure, 2 tablespoons of coconut or almond oil for moisture, 5 drops of peppermint oil for freshness and, if you like, 2 teaspoons of honey. Put grated beeswax in a heatproof bowl, add the oil and warm it on low heat, stirring, until smooth. Then add the essential oil and the honey.

DIY mascara

You need 10 ml of coconut oil, 20 ml of aloe gel, a teaspoon of beeswax and one activated charcoal tablet or a teaspoon of cocoa. Melt the wax, oil and aloe together. Add charcoal for black mascara or cocoa for brown.

Remember that homemade products without preservatives do not keep long, so make small batches. To learn how to extend their life, read about natural preservatives.

FAQ

How often can I use a lip scrub?

Once or twice a week, so the delicate skin does not get irritated.

What can replace coconut oil in the lip cream?

Almond oil works well and is just as moisturising.

How do I make brown mascara?

Use a teaspoon of cocoa instead of activated charcoal.