Naturalla Beauty

January's spending ban is already more than half done!  I've really started to get into it this week.  I've re-homed a couple products and identified others that I want to finish up quickly. I've also gone through a good number of samples, although I'll probably hold off on writing about most of those until they can be featured in various Sample Stash posts.  

As for spending, I still have yet to buy anything beauty-related this month.  My inbox has been inundated with emails about January sales and while I've given several of them a browse, I'm still holding strong.  It's been a busy month, so I also haven't just reallocated that money into other spending, which is what I half expected to happen. 

#NoBuyJanuary also seemed like a great time for another DIY post.  It's been a while since my last one!  Let's talk about mixing your own face oils and serums...



As much as I love the many gorgeous oil blends being made by green skincare companies, I also love the both the creative element and flexibility of mixing up my own.  Face oils are probably one of the easiest things you can DIY and the results can be pretty phenomenal.  It's also a great way to use up oils that individually might not do everything you want them to.  

Sometimes I combine oils in a bottle, but more often I just mix a few different oils in the palm of my hand before each application.  

Just stir together and apply to your face!

Most recently, I've been combining equal parts of:

Pai's Rosehip Bioregenerate Oil - contains both rosehip seed and fruit oils and is one of the most concentrated rosehip oils on the market.  High levels of Trans Retinoic Acid act as a "natural retinol" and converts to Vitamin A without causing irritation.  Rosehip has been proven to improve the appearance of scars, stretch marks, sun damage, and fine lines.

Goji Seed Oil - is high in antioxidants and essential fatty acids, which protect and repair the skin.  It also contains large amounts of vitamin E that helps neutralize free radicals and improves skin elasticity and firmness.  

Jojoba Oil - is a liquid wax that closely resembles your skin's own sebum.  It's both moisturizing and good for helping regulate oil production.

The combination of the three has been keeping my skin happy and healthy for about two months now.  It hydrates well and also absorbs quickly without leaving any greasy residue.  



And the best part of making your own face oils/serums? 
You can use almost any oils you like!  I recommend using oils that are organic, when possible, as well as cold-pressed and unrefined, since these retain the most nutrients and are extracted without chemical additives.  

Some other basics to keep in mind:

Individual Qualities of Each Oil
If there's a specific skin concern you're trying to address (ie. acne, fine lines, hyperpigmentation, etc.), what oils are best for it?  Also consider the 'feel' of the oils - are they light in texture or heavy?  How quickly do they absorb into the skin?    

Do you want to include essential oils and/or herbs?  
Both can be used for fragrance and/or their individual properties.  If you don't mind taking the time, it's simple to infuse your oils with dried herbs.  When selecting essential oils, I recommend avoiding citrus oils (and others) that increase sun sensitivity.

Will you need to include a preservative?  
If your blend is just oils, then the answer is probably no, although you may want to include antioxidants like Vitamin E or rosemary extract to prolong shelf life. 

Now, go forth and blend your own face oils!  Super easy and you just might be surprised by how great it turns out...