From scrubs to dry shampoo, how to be sustainable and make your own beauty and cleaning products
CAN switching to eco-friendly cosmetics and cleaning products help you lead a more sustainable lifestyle?
A survey has found 82 per cent of Sun readers are keener on being greener.
One way is to make your own products – just like low-impact living YouTuber Madeleine Olivia. Fabulous writer Yasmin Harisha tries out beauty and cleaning recipes in Madeleine’s new book Minimal: How To Simplify Your Life And Live Sustainably, and rates how practical they are.
Outmeal and almond scrub
YOU NEED:
- Half cup oats
- Half cup almond meal
- Splash of water
Step one: Blend ingredients together in a food processor until you have a fine mixture.
Step two: Pour one tablespoon into the palm of your hand and add a few splashes of water to turn into a paste.
Step three: Simply rub the paste gently over your face and wash off with water.
Yasmin says: “This £4 scrub is easy to make, but is super-messy. The main ingredient is oats, which is gentle on the skin.
“But there is too much faffing around, with a lot to tidying up afterwards. I’m afraid I’d probably head to the shop and keep things simple.”
Rating: 2/5
Facial oil
YOU NEED:
- Jojoba oil (two thirds of 1oz bottle)
- Rosehip oil (one third of the bottle)
- Five to seven drops of lavender essential oil
- Three to five drops of Vitamin E oil
Step one: Add all four of the ingredients to a small bottle that has a pipette to make it easier when you are applying it.
Step two: Shake the bottle thoroughly to make sure the oils are mixed properly.
Step three: Apply two droplets to forehead and either side of cheeks, then with fingertips rub into face until smooth.
Yasmin says: “It cost me £50 to stock for these products, which would probably make two bottles. For this price, I would expect miracles. It left my skin well moisturised but it did the same trick as a £3 Simple moisturiser I bought from Boots.”
Rating: 3/5
Lip scrub
YOU NEED:
- Two tbsp jojoba oil
- One tbsp caster sugar
Step one: Combine ingredients and store in a small, clean jar or dish.
Step two: Apply a small amount to your lips and gently scrub with your finger.
Step three: Wash off with water and enjoy your silky smooth lips
Yasmin says: “This product was one of my favourite, plus it tastes amazing.
“I use this at night and then follow the process with some Vaseline.
“It is easy to make at home, and costs around £15 for all the ingredients, which would easily make enough for a year. This one is great and leaves lips plump and soft.”
Rating: 4.5/5
Dry shampoo
YOU NEED:
- Two tbsp arrowroot powder
- Two tbsp cocoa powder (if you have lighter coloured hair, leave this out and just stick to the arrowroot)
Step one: Pour the ingredients into a bowl.
Step two: Mix them together thoroughly using a spoon.
Step three: Apply to hair with a make-up brush and rub it into your roots.
Yasmin says: “The arrowroot powder is not the usual kitchen cupboard ingredient.
“It also isn’t one your local corner shop will be selling, so you need to find a specialist supermarket – and that is just extra stress.
“Costing around £10 altogether, this dry shampoo does the trick but will have you smelling like a walking chocolate factory, which I am not in favour of.”
Rating: 1/5
Spray cleaner
YOU NEED:
- One quarter of a spray bottle filled with with white wine vinegar
- Rest of the bottle filled with water
- Ten drops of lemon essential oil
Step one: Mix ingredients together.
Step two: Spray on to wooden surfaces, glass or mirror, wipe with a cloth to leave them sparkling and clean.
Yasmin says: “This really leaves your home sparkling. It is super-easy to make and at a price of just £3, it is cheaper than your usual shop- bought version, which I think is great.
“This should keep me going for the rest of the year.
“That really does help when living a simple life. However, Madeleine says you must avoid using this on marble, stone or granite surfaces.”
Rating: 5/5
Air freshener
YOU NEED:
- Around ten drops of your chosen essential oil Spray bottle of water
Step one: Add water and essential oil to a bottle and shake.
Step two: Give it a sniff and add a few more drops of oil if needed. Go slowly, because less is more when it comes to essential oils.
Yasmin says: “This is really easy to make and only costs £1.50 altogether – and will last longer than any other spray.
“I would definitely recommend making this rather than buying an air freshener filled with chemicals.
“I chose lavender as my essential oil with this one and that made my furniture smell lovely.”
Rating: 4/5