Below are five simple recipes made with common, natural ingredients that are effective and affordable.
Cooling Peppermint Body Powder
Summer’s high temperatures and humidity can make you feel sluggish. Give yourself a boost of cooling energy to keep you going throughout the hot days.
- ½ teaspoon peppermint essential oil
- 1 cup cornstarch
Place the peppermint oil and cornstarch in a zip-lock bag or jar with a tight lid. Shake well to combine the ingredients. Store the powder in a clean container with a lid – try using a large saltshaker for easy access. Makes 1 cup.
To use: Shake the powder on clean, dry skin, or apply all over with a powder puff.
Aloe Vera Lip Gloss
The skin on your lips is extremely sensitive, and easily cracks, chaps, and flakes in the heat. This light lip gloss will help soothe, protect, and moisturize your lips (and will give them an added shine).
- 1 teaspoon fresh aloe vera gel
- ½ teaspoon coconut oil
- 1/8 teaspoon vitamin E oil
Mix ingredients together and stir well. Store in a clean, small container. Makes ½ ounce.
Herbal Cologne
This refreshing herbal-scented spritzer will give you a fresh, clean scent that is completely customizable to your preferences. This recipe is just a suggestion.
- 2 cups inexpensive vodka
- zest of 1 small lemon
- ½ cup fresh lavender flowers, stems, and leaves
- ½ cup fresh chamomile flower heads
- ¼ cup fresh mint leaves
- ¼ cup fresh lemon balm leaves
- ¼ cup fragrant rose petals
- 1/8 teaspoon vitamin E oil
Mix all ingredients in a glass or ceramic container and cover with lid or plastic wrap. Set in a cool, dark place for 2 weeks, shaking occasionally. Strain and discard solids. If you want a stronger scent, add fresh herbs, steep again, strain, and test. Store the cologne in a bottle with a tight-fitting lid or spray top. Makes 2 cups.
Parsley Mint Toner
This soothing toner will help tighten your pores and give your skin a pick-me-up on those extra hot days.
- ¼ cup fresh parsley leaves
- ¼ cup fresh mint leaves
- 1 cup boiling water
- ½ cup witch hazel extract
Place parsley and mint leaves in a glass or ceramic bowl. Pour boiling water over leaves and let stand for 20 minutes or until cool. Strain the mixture and discard solids; combine the solution with the witch hazel and store in a clean bottle with tight-fitting lid. Makes 1 cup.
To use: Dab on skin with cotton ball or pad.
Rose Hip Mask
Rose hips are rich in vitamin C, A, calcium, and iron; this mask will leave your skin smooth, soft, and hydrated.
- 10 fresh rose hips
- 2 tablespoons plain yogurt
Rinse the hips, removing the stalk and blossom ends. Place the hips in a small saucepan and cover with water; bring to a boil and simmer, covered, for 10-15 minutes. Drain, then pour the rose hips into a blender or food processor and puree. Let cool completely, then mix in yogurt. Recipe makes about ½ cups.
To use: Apply the mask all over your face and neck, avoiding the eye area. Let set for 10-15 minutes, rinse with cool water, and pat dry. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.