In the process of becoming a ‘Shanghai’ Hippie one of the hardest things was ditching all synthetic perfumes and toxic make-up products. What made the swap to nontoxic products possible was my DIY experimenting. I became my own experimental guinea pig. I hope that this article will help you transition to more natural cosmetics without too much hassle.
These are my DIY favourites:
Moisturiser
I replaced my daily moisturiser with avocado oil and rosehip oil. Not only both of them absorb beautifully into the skin, but also they leave my skin soft and hydrated.
Perfume
I use only natural oils as perfumes, my favourite is Soft Talk or Whisper from doTerra.
Mosquito repellent
Watch out! Mozzies are already here. Instead of conventional bug repellent I use TerraShield spray from doTerra. An effective and natural replacement for scaring the bugs away.
Body Scrub
Swap your regular body scrub for a homemade coffee scrub. All you need is finely ground coffee, sugar, avocado oil, castor oil and some natural vanilla extract. Mix it well and store in an air-tight container. This scrub is great for saying goodbye to cellulite ;)
Make-up remover
Coconut oil wins in this category. It works well for removing mascara without irritating my eyes.
Deodorant
Baking soda mixed with coconut oil is the best natural deodorant I have tried. It's 100% effective and it will keep you smelling fresh throughout the day. Simply mix together baking soda, coconut oil and then add 10 drops of lemongrass essential oil.
Homemade toothpaste
Coconut oil and Redmond clay powder are my two favourite ingredients when making a toothpaste. Mix 5tbs of coconut oil with 3tbs of Redmond clay powder and 3tbs baking soda, add 10 drops of clove essential oil and 10 drops of peppermint essential oil. Store your homemade toothpaste in an airtight glass jar.
Natural Bronzer
Mix arrowroot powder with cocoa powder and finely ground cinnamon. For a pink tone just mix arrowroot powder with some organic dried beetroot powder. Use a brush to apply.
Natural eye-liner
Just mix some coca power with coconut oil, activated charcoal and shea butter.
Moisturising Perfume Body Spray
This is my favourite perfume method because, well, it’s easy, it makes my skin feel silky and it leaves me smelling super yummy. Pour almond oil or jojoba oil into a spray bottle. For every tablespoon of your carrier oil, add 10 drops of essential oil of your choice. I love geranium, ylang ylang, jasmine, grapefruit, sandalwood, rose and bergamot. Shake together and spray it all over your legs and arms. Trust me this body spray is a powerful aphrodisiac and it will make any man weak in the knees!
If you are ready to invest in top quality essential oils, then I would highly recommend doTERRA essential oils. The shop is on 218 Fengxian Road, 4th floor, near Plaza 66. Or you can shop via their website www.doterra.cn. If you need advice on how to use essential oils, contact Tess (WeChat ID: 187398402) Shanghai-based doTerra expert.
Mascara and Lipstick
My mascara and lipstick have been replaced with homemade versions. I learnt how to make these two products during a Severine Derville workshop. My Beauty Farm frequently organises workshops in Shanghai and lets you take home 2 beauty products made that day. Her email address is sderville@yahoo.com. She will be organising make-up workshop in June so watch this space!
If you rather shop for natural products, then you may want to check out these two companies based in Shanghai:
Jungle Lily (WeChat ID redcraneltd) Great for soaps, scrubs and facial creams.
Lalu Natural Skincare (WeChat ID LaluNaturalSkincare) Great for shampoos, scrubs, deodorants, masks and creams.
As an advocate for living a life free of toxins I have been enjoying creating my own natural products. I hope to inspire Thrive in Shanghai Tribe to join me on this journey!
If you’re already making your own products and have your favourite DIY cosmetics, please share the recipes on my wellness blog in the comment section. Also, if you know of any other natural beauty shops in Shanghai please share their contact details.
Now do yourself a favour - if you still have conventional make-up, perfumes and other toxic products in your bathroom - throw it out!
I wish you all a happy and toxic-free week!
Izabela
Your Certified Primal Health Coach
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