Homemade Tanning Lotion For Sun & Salon Tanning

How would you like a homemade tanning lotion for the sun or salon that doesn’t cost too much, yet is still as effective as any product you could buy?

The homemade tanning lotion I’m about to show you is the exact same one I use whenever I’m in the sun or at a salon. I think it’s even MORE effective than any product you could buy in stores.

You may already have some of these products at home, so make sure you hunt around a little before heading out to the store.

It may seem like making this lotion is expensive at first because you have to buy the ingredients. However once you have everything, it will literally last you for like a YEAR!

Only Three Ingredients:

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is an amazing tanning accelerator. How it works is pretty simple. Try to think of it like a magnifying glass on your skin. This magnification draws in even more UV rays, which then help to produce the melanin necessary for a tan to appear.

It also helps to retain moisture. This is so important as without added moisture, our skin will dry up and expire a lot faster. This then leads to flaking and with it goes the color you just added during your tan.

Basically it helps keep your tan for longer.

Lanolin

The main purpose of lanolin is to act as an emollient. This is something that is able to lock in moisture and it’s vital if we want to achieve a long lasting tan.

It’s also great for those with sensitive skin as it’s a hypoallergenic, meaning that it won’t cause any irritation whatsoever.

Black Tea(3 bags)

Like all of these ingredients, black tea plays two roles:

It will act as a natural dye, adding some color to your skin.
It contains a ton of antioxidants that will fight off any toxins that may arise during the sensitive time right after tanning.

How To Make This Homemade Tanning Lotion

This is a simple recipe to make!  Just follow the simple steps below and you’ll be ready to apply your lotion:

Directions:

1) Take 3/4 cup of water, boil it and pour into a mug with your 3 black tea bags. Place it off to the side to allow it to brew for a couple of minutes.

2) Take a 1/4 cup of coconut oil, 1/4 cup of lanolin and 1/4 cup of tea and pour them all into your blender. Start it up and as you’re blending, slowly pour in the remaining 1/2 cup of tea.

3) Mix until the lotion start to look nice and even.

4) At last you’re ready to apply!

This homemade tanning lotion is seriously going to accelerate the process. If you’re a little on the pale side, I recommend starting off with no more than 5 minutes in a tanning bed or 10 minutes of direct sunlight.

The black tea combined with the coconut oil is messy when it comes to staining clothes. At the same time you don’t want to wash it off right away. Doing this will remove any nutrients before they have a chance to absorb properly into your skin. You want to give it at least 2 hours to soak in.

If you’re heading to the salon, always take an old change of clothes and DON'T WEAR WHITE!



Enjoy your tan!  Just don't overdue it!  
Laurel x0x0

Homemade Coconut Vanilla Lip Balm

Lip balms made at home are healthier than store bought varieties. Unfortunately, many commercial lip balms are made with unstable, refined vegetable oils, "medicated" with harsh acids, and infused with artificial fragrances that can actually irritate and disrupt the fragile first layer of skin on the lips. Thus, while you may be globing on more and more lip salve for relief, it can be the very thing that is causing dryness and discomfort!

You can blend up your very own inexpensive, custom lip treatment in the kitchen in no time at all using my recipe.

Coconut Vanilla Lip Balm Recipe

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons mango butter or cocoa butter (or blend of both)

2 tablespoon virgin coconut oil

2 tablespoons beeswax, pastilles or shredded

1 tsp pure vanilla extract

Instructions:

Coarsely chop or grate the beeswax and butters if in solid block form (if using pastilles skip this step).

Measure out equal parts tightly packed, grated beeswax and butters into a mason jar or small glass pyrex measuring cup. Add of coconut oil as well.

Prepare a double boiler system by adding about 1-2” of water to a small pot. Submerge bottom of mason jar or measuring cup in water. Heat water on medium-low to melt contents, stirring occasionally. Monitor to ensure that the water does not boil over the rim into blend.

Once melted together, immediately remove from heat and add vanilla extract to mix. Take care to handle jar with proper protection, as it will be hot. Stir vigorously to combine.

Pour the hot mixture into lip balm containers. Use tubes or tubs to your preference. To speed up cooling process, place containers in the refrigerator to set. Use as you would any other lip balm and enjoy!


Laurel ♥

Healthy Homemade Natural Sunscreen

Commercial sunscreens are full of  toxic chemicals!  These chemicals are endocrine system disruptors, increase the risk of cancer, and more. Our skin is our largest organ, and what we put on it gets absorbed into our body.

It’s an ironic situation that in order to protect our skin from cancer, we started using sunscreen, but studies are now finding that using sunscreen may lead to an increased risk of cancer. This is due to a variety of reasons, including the fact that many sunscreens only block UVB rays (the good ones), and not UVA (the bad ones), creating a Vitamin D deficiency. Also, research is pointing to the fact that the Vitamin A and its derivatives that are used in many sunscreens turn toxic when exposed to the sun.



Recipe for Natural Sunscreen

Ingredients:

1/2 cup almond oil (natural SPF of 5) or avocado or olive oil
2 tablespoons shea butter (natural SPF of 5)
1/4 cup coconut oil (natural SPF of 4)
2 tablespoons zinc oxide (non-GMO, natural SPF of 20+)
10 drops carrot seed essential oil (natural SPF of 30-40)
10 drops myrrh essential oil
25 drops lavender essential oil
10 drops vanilla extract (optional)

Directions:

1) Combine all ingredients except zinc oxide in a pint-size or larger glass jar.

2) Fill a medium saucepan about 1/3 of the way with water and place over medium heat.

3) Stir occasionally to incorporate ingredients.

4) When all ingredients are completely melted, add the zinc oxide, stir in well. Pour into the jar, tube or tin you will use for storage.

5) Shake or stir a few times as it cools to make sure zinc oxide is mixed in well.


*Use as you would regular sunscreen. Use within six months.



Summer is almost here!  Protect your skin the natural way and enjoy your time outdoors ~

Laurel ♥

Homemade Natural Minty Mouthwash

Mouthwash is a staple just about everyone has in their home, but do you know what’s actually in the mouthwash you've been using? Unless you use a natural organic product, chances are the ingredient list is toxic. “Certain types of mouthwash increase the risk of heart attacks and stroke and are a “disaster” for health, scientists have warned.” I am referring to chlor­hexidine, an ingredient found in some mouthwashes that can kill helpful bacteria that help the blood vessels relax.

My dentist has been prescribing a medicinal mouthwash Chlorhexidine Gluconate 0.12% to me for some time now and I thought it was helping my gums and teeth until I researched this product.  I was shocked to learn how harmful it really is!  Now I'll NEVER use this mouthwash again!! This is a list of the ingredients:  11.6 % alcohol, glycerin, PEG-40 sorbitan diisostearate, flavor (which tastes terrible), sodium saccharin, and FD&C Blue No 1.   

My homemade mouthwash fights bacteria and leaves your breath minty fresh without all the toxins! Plus, this recipe is really inexpensive to make!


What’s Harmful About Store Bought Mouthwash

When I was researching about how harmful many mouthwashes are, I found one site that said that if your dentist recommends using mouthwash, you need to ask him if he even knows what's in this stuff! Good point!

Benefits Of Using This Homemade Natural Mouthwash

1. Freshens breath – One of the main reasons I like to use mouthwash is because it leaves my breath minty fresh! If I don’t have time to brush my teeth or even just want that nice clean feeling after I brush, this is a great option. All you do is take a teaspoon of this recipe, swish it in your mouth and you’re set to go! It’s easy, if you have no time and much better than grabbing one of those breath freshening mints with all those questionable ingredients.

I used peppermint in this recipe to give the minty fresh affect, but if you don’t like mint taste, you can replace it with your favorite kind of essential oil.

2. Improves Oral Health – The ingredients in this homemade natural mouthwash help fight bacteria and improve your gum health. The antibacterial and antimicrobial properties of coconut oil and peppermint essential oil help to get rid of the bad bacteria. I added a little salt to this recipe to increase the benefits even more because, just like when you do a salt water mouth rinse, the salt helps eliminate bacteria and also promotes healing of the gums.

3. Prevents Cavities – In addition to leaving your breath minty fresh, this natural mouthwash is also great because it helps prevent cavities! I added coconut oil to this recipe to boost the antibacterial, antiviral, and antimicrobial properties. Peppermint essential oil is great in this recipe because it not only eliminates bad breath, but it helps fight off bad germs and decreases dental plaque. It has great antiseptic and ant-inflammatory properties, which is why it is often added to toothpaste recipes and mouthwashes.

How To Make Homemade Natural Mouthwash

What You Need:

1/2 cup spring water
1 teaspoon organic coconut oil
2 drops peppermint essential oil (or another oil such as cinnamon, clove, or wintergreen)
Pinch of sea salt
Optional: add a drop or 2 of another essential oil, such as spearmint or tea tree oil
Optional: pinch of baking soda


Other popular mouthwash ingredients include alcohol (dries the mouth and disrupts the natural pH of the mouth), sodium saccharin (sweetener, carcinogen, linked to bladder cancer in animals), artificial colors, benzoic acid (preservative & antibacterial agent, linked to allergies, asthma), and Poloxamer 407 (a detergent, linked to high cholesterol in mice). These harmful ingredients barely touches the surface as there are a vast amount of chemical agents found in different brands of mouthwash.

Aside from the chlorhexidine and toxins discussed above, many mouthwashes have a warning label that reads like this:

Keep out of reach of children. If  accidentally swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away.

I don’t like putting a product in my mouth that if swallowed requires a call to poison control! Here is my simple recipe for an all natural homemade mouthwash recipe you can make in about 30 seconds.




Laurel ♥

Homemade All Natural Deodorant

 Conventional Deodorant vs. Natural Deodorant

Conventional deodorants contain aluminum which has been linked to breast cancer.  They also contain carcinogenic contaminants that cause damage to the kidney, liver and lungs.

My homemade deodorant is made with all natural healthy ingredients.  It also absorbs wetness and odor.

My recipe: All Natural Vanilla Coconut Deodorant

4 T Coconut oil = 1/4 cup solid coconut oil
1/4 cup Arrowroot powder (preferred) or cornstarch                          
1/4 cup Baking soda
10 drops of Vanilla essential oil (Lavender oil or Chamomile oil can   be substituted or combine them for your favorite scent).  Men try Sandalwood oil for a masculine scent.

Do NOT use tea tree or peppermint oil as they are irritating to the skin.

Directions:

Place all dry ingredients in a bowl.  Add melted coconut and essential oil and stir. Mixture will be in a semi-liquid state.  Pour into a container with a lid or an empty plastic deodorant container and place in the fridge until solid.

Take out of the fridge and store at room temperature in a dry cabinet to soften. Use approx. 1/8 tsp under each arm.  

Inexpensive and simple!

    
     

   

  

DIY Cellulite Coffee Scrub Recipe

I first saw the demonstration for this Coffee Scrub Recipe on the Dr. Oz show, and although I haven't tried it yet, I plan to soon.  The caffeine in this coffee scrub enhances fat metabolism, so when it's applied directly to the skin, coffee absorbs and removes liquid and fat from your skin - thus decreasing the appearance of cellulite.


Cellulite Coffee Scrub Recipe:

Ingredients:

1/2 cup coffee grounds
1/4 cup brown sugar
olive oil


Directions:

1. Apply olive oil to your "problem areas" with cellulite.

2. Combine the coffee grounds and brown sugar into a bowl.  This will create your actual coffee scrub.

3. Use the coffee scrub anywhere you have cellulite by moving in circular motions, on top of the olive oil.

4. Rinse the scrub off in the shower.


Tips:

*Expect to do this Cellulite Home Remedy in the shower, so as not to make a mess.

*You will need to do this 2-3 times a week for 6 weeks for the best results.




Please send me your comments and suggestions ~



Intuitively yours,
Laurel ♥

Natural Citrus Hair Spray

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I hate to use conventional hair sprays because my hair feels stiff, and I always end up coughing from the fumes in the air when I spray it.  I always knew that the fumes were dangerous to breathe in, but now I know how dangerous they actually are for your health.  I knew from experimenting with many other of my homemade formulas that there had to be a safe natural way to make a healthy hair spray that wouldn't make my hair so stiff, and without the dangerous fumes.

I finally came up with a wonderful natural citrus hair spray for all hair types and lengths.  I've been using it for a few weeks now and I love the way my hair looks and feels. 


Natural Citrus Hair Spray

Ingredients:

1 whole organic orange (for dark hair) or 1 Organic lemon (for light hair)
2-3 T. vodka 
6-8 drops Essential oil - Lavender,Vanilla or your favorite scent


Preparation:

1) Cut a whole orange or lemon into wedges and combine with 2 cups of spring water in a small pot.  Boil over medium heat until liquid is reduced by half.

2) Strain liquid into a measuring cup. You should have 1 cup.  Add more water if needed. Cool.

3) Combine vodka with essential oil in a bowl and add the citrus juice.

4) Pour into a spray bottle with a fine mist and shake.  Shake before each use.


This formula makes a flexible hold hairspray.


Please let me know how this hairspray works for you!   Add your comments below -

Easy Homemade Hair Conditioner

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My homemade hair conditioner is inexpensive and easy to make, and it's safe for all hair types. This conditioner gently conditions without coating your hair and scalp with waxy chemicals unlike most commercial conditioners.  The ACV  (apple cider vinegar) in this conditioner smoothes the hair cuticle and balances the pH level of your hair and scalp.  I love it because it smoothes out the frizzies!  Don't worry about smelling like vinegar because after drying your hair it will NOT smell like vinegar - TRUST ME!

Ingredients:

2 T. organic raw apple cider vinegar

2 cups filtered or spring water

3-4 drops of your favorite essential oil (I use lavender to match my shampoo)


Easy Prep:

Combine all ingredients and pour into a clean bottle.  Shake the bottle before each use and gently massage into your hair and scalp for 1-2 minutes and rinse.

Anti-Wrinkle Face Cream

I've been working on perfecting my own homemade all-natural anti-wrinkle cream and testing it out myself to prove that it would achieve results.  I wanted an easy to make product that would last for a few months and would have the most beneficial ingredients to help reduce wrinkles and fine lines.  Through my research, I found many organic and natural ingredients for making anti-wrinkle creams, until I finally found the best combination to share with you.  I've been using my anti-wrinkle cream for over a month now and I'm extremely pleased with the results.  Try it out for yourself and let me know how you like it!


Ingredients:

1/2 cup  sesame oil
1/2 cup  coconut oil (virgin unrefined)
1/4 tsp  pure vitamin E oil or 3 gel caps (cut open & squeezed)
1/4  cup beeswax pastilles
10 drops (approx.) organic rosehip seed essential oil

Directions:

Combine sesame oil, coconut oil and beeswax pastilles into a pint sized canning jar.  Put the jar into a saucepan and fill the saucepan with water to about 3/4 of the way up the jar, being careful not to get any water into the oil.  Heat on medium-low and stir until melted. Take the jar out of the saucepan and cool at room temperature or refrigerate to speed up the process.  While cooling, stir mixture with a wooden stick vigorously every 15 minutes or so.  

Once the mixture is at room temperature, add the vitamin E oil and the rosehip seed oil and stir.  This is your cream!

Many people expect the effects of an anti-wrinkle cream to show overnight, but you need to be patient and let your skin regenerate in order to see the difference.  On average you should see results between 30-37 days. 

Ingredient skin benefits:

*Sesame oil and beeswax pastilles work to moisturize the skin, to keep skin soft and smooth and protect the skin surface.

*Coconut oil provides natural skin benefits that helps give you an almost flawless, spotless and ageless complexion.  Coconut oil contains anti-microbial and anti-toxin properties.  It won't clog your pores, but instead can effectively clear out your pores.

*Vitamin E oil (pure d-alpha tocopherol) carries amazing benefits for skin cells.  Vitamin E oil can help fight the signs of aging, protect the skin from sun damage, wrinkles, lines and age spots.

*Rosehip seed organic essential oil is rich in vitamins and antioxidants, especially vitamin C and vitamin A (retinol) which corrects UV damage from the sun. Rosehip seed oil also reduces fine lines, wrinkles and age spots.


Tip:  Do not use any ingredient if you are allergic to it.  A patch test is always recommended for first time use.

Homemade Fluoride-Free Toothpaste

Conventional toothpaste on the market today contain an array of harmful chemicals, dyes, and toxic fluoride.  Most "natural" toothpaste also contain dangerous ingredients.  I decided to make my own all organic fluoride-free toothpaste several months ago.   It's an effective healthy alternative to using a toothpaste with toxic ingredients you can't even pronounce.  It tastes great and is simple to make!

Ingredients:

3 T. organic coconut oil (melted)
2 tsp. baking soda
1/8 tsp. essential peppermint oil  (or use cinnamon)

2 T. Manuka honey (strength +16)

* Make a larger quantity depending on how long you would like it to last.

Add all the ingredients into a blender, and add a small amount of hot spring water, just enough to blend.  

Pour into a small container with a lid and store in your kitchen cupboard.  It will solidify in the container.  I use a small mason jar to store my toothpaste.  All you do is dip your toothbrush into the jar of toothpaste, add the usual amount, and it will soften once you begin brushing.

Benefits:

• Coconut oil is antibacterial and antifungal.   It destroys the bacteria that causes tooth decay.
• Baking soda is a mild abrasive that provides a gentle cleansing.  Baking soda absorbs odors and whitens your teeth.
• Peppermint oil freshens your breath and is a great reliever of toothaches.
• Manuka honey will not only naturally sweeten the toothpaste, but it has reliable and effective antibacterial properties which assists in maintaining healthy teeth and gums.  The + number indicates the potency of Manuka honey and (+16) is the active medium level necessary for these benefits.

I hope you'll love this healthy toothpaste as much as I do!  Don't forget to floss -

Homemade All Natural Bath Spa

Do you have tired achy muscles and have only so much time to spare in your busy day?  This DIY all natural healthy Bath Spa takes only 20 minutes.   Essential oils can be purchased at your local health food store or online.

Ingredients:

1/2 Cup pure Baking Soda 

A handful of natural Celtic Sea Salt

10 drops of Essential Oil  ( Lavender is best , or you can try any other floral essential oil of your choice)

The soothing combination of ingredients draws out toxins, lowers stress-related hormones and balance PH levels.    

Soak for 20 minutes and you will come out feeling wonderful and refreshed!   Your muscle aches will be diminished , and your skin will be softer!   

I highly recommend my Spa Bath , as I use it myself , and love the results, and I hope you will too!