Decadent DIY: Spa Products You Can Make

Homemade oils, creams and other products can be just as luxurious and fragrant as anything you can buy at the store. As a bonus, they're simple to make, can save you a ton of money, and are much more natural and eco-friendly than conventional products. Most beauty and personal care products contain phthalates, formaldehyde, parabens or other chemicals that have been linked to reproductive, neurological and endocrine problems. Not exactly beautiful, huh? While most of my personal care products are still commercially made, I've been experimenting with some beauty care recipes and wanted to share three of my favorites with you. Packaged in lovely reusable bottles, these make decadent gifts for anyone you want to indulge.

Eye Make-Up Remover/Moisturizing Eye Oil
I use this one daily for removing eye make-up, including waterproof mascara, and I love how it gently removes everything and nourishes the eye area at the same time. It's full of antioxidants and has a luxurious, relaxing scent. Take care not to get it IN your eyes though!

• 3 tsp castor oil
• 4 tsp sweet almond oil
• 4 tsp grapeseed oil
• 1/2 tsp vitamin E oil
• 60 drops pomegranate seed oil
• 30 drops pure lavender oil

Mix together and store in a dark bottle. Use a bit on a cotton ball to swipe away eye make-up and moisturize the eye area. Used in the evening, it'll soak in overnight and won't affect make-up the next day. Makes a little more than 2 oz.

Soothing Clay Mask
I use this once a week to draw out toxins and impurities in my skin. The recipe is based on one I learned at a natural spa on the island of Dominica.

• 1 cup Bentonite clay
• 30 drops rosemary essential oil
• 30 drops pure lavender essential oil
• 20 drops eucalyptus essential oil
• 1 tsp jojoba oil

Mix well and store in a waterproof container -- I reuse an old body butter jar. To use, mix with a little water, smear on your skin (works fabulously on the face and neck) and allow to dry for 10 minutes, then rinse well.

Relaxing Linen Spray

• 8 oz bottle with sprayer (I prefer a dark glass bottle)
• 2 tbsp vodka (cheap is good)
• Distilled water to fill
• 20 drops rosemary essential oil
• 30 drops pure lavender essential oil
• 20 drops rose essential oil

Mix together and store in a cool dark place. To use, shake gently and spritz on pillows, bedding or towels. I keep one on my nightstand, and I take some whenever I travel to freshen hotel rooms.

Do you have a favorite homemade spa concoction you'd like to share? A favorite beauty secret or personal care product you like to make? Post it in the comments or send it to me at sandy [at] modern-simplicity.com, and I'll compile them for a future post. Include your blog address if you have one!