I was at a party this weekend — one of those Tupperware type parties, where you get to check out an entire line of products and shop while you socialize. I tried out an “instant manicure” and quite frankly, loved it. It was an exfoliating scrub for hands, cuticles, and nails that left my skin feeling super-soft afterwards.
So I asked the consultant if it was a sugar scrub — the exfoliating bits were finer than the salt crystals I’ve used in making body scrubs for years. She said yes, and then helpfully rattled off the list of ingredients.
And I thought: I could make this at home for much less money. My homemade version might not have all the bells and whistles of the retail version, but I can do the basics… and so can you!
Simple Fine Sugar Scrub: mix (brown or white) sugar granules and olive oil or honey into a paste. Olive oil is a great moisturizer, and the finer grains of sugar can be gentle enough for use on the face. (I’d suggest testing a small patch of skin first before using a scrub all over, just in case it is too rough for your face.)
Aimee’s All-Over Body Scrub: mix medium grain sea salt (available at my local Whole Foods for $1.29 for 24oz of salt, for example) with olive oil or jojoba oil. Add a few drops of your favorite essential oils for scent if desired.
I’m a big fan of make-your-own anything, really. With these basic recipes, you can really get creative! Add scents if you like, or leave them naturally unscented if you prefer. Salt scrubs look stunning with a drop of soap dye for color if you want to give them as a gift. You can mix oils, if you like (jojoba oil, which is most like human skin oils, can be expensive). You could pick up some vitamin oil capsules add those to the mix (vitamin E is popular in skin care products).