The Namahh Edit

As we become increasingly conscious of what we put into our bodies, it’s only natural to start thinking about what we put on them. The beauty aisle is overflowing with products, but many come with hefty price tags and ingredient lists that read like a chemistry experiment. What if you could achieve radiant, soft, and nourished skin using simple, natural ingredients from your own pantry?

Welcome to the wonderful world of DIY natural body scrubs and butters – a luxurious, cost-effective, and highly customizable way to pamper your skin from head to toe.

Body scrubs are fantastic for exfoliation, removing dead skin cells to reveal smoother, brighter skin underneath. The key is finding the right abrasive agent combined with nourishing oils.

Basic Scrub Formula: Exfoliant + Carrier Oil + Optional Add-ins

Recipe 1: Invigorating Coffee & Coconut Scrub (For dullness & cellulite focus)

Ingredients:

• ½ cup finely ground coffee (used coffee grounds work too!)
• ¼ cup coconut oil (melted if solid)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for scent)

Instructions:

1. Combine coffee grounds and melted coconut oil in a bowl.
2. Stir well until thoroughly mixed.
3. Add vanilla extract if desired and mix again.

Recipe 2: Soothing Lavender Sugar Scrub (For sensitive skin & relaxation)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup granulated sugar (white or brown, fine grain for sensitive skin)
• ½ cup almond oil (or jojoba, olive oil)
• 10-15 drops lavender essential oil
• A few dried lavender buds (optional, for aesthetics)

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine sugar and almond oil.
2. Mix well to form a paste.
3. Stir in lavender essential oil and buds.

Recipe 3: Zesty Lemon & Salt Detox Scrub (For invigorating cleanse)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Epsom salt or sea salt (medium grain)
• ¼ cup olive oil or grapeseed oil
• Zest of 1 lemon (or 5-10 drops lemon essential oil)

Instructions:

1. Combine salt and olive/grapeseed oil in a bowl.
2. Add lemon zest (or essential oil) and mix until well combined.

Nourish Deeply with DIY Natural Body Butters

After exfoliation, or just for daily hydration, body butters provide intense moisture, locking in softness and promoting skin elasticity. They are richer than lotions and perfect for dry areas.

Basic Butter Formula: Solid Butter + Liquid Oil + Optional Essential Oils/Extracts

Recipe 1: Whipped Shea Butter Dream (For intense hydration)

Ingredients:

• ½ cup raw shea butter
• ¼ cup coconut oil (melted if solid)
• 2 tablespoons almond oil (or jojoba, olive oil)
• 5-10 drops essential oil of choice (e.g., frankincense, rose, or unscented)

Instructions:

1. In a double boiler or microwave, gently melt shea butter and coconut oil until liquid.
2. Remove from heat and let cool slightly (it should still be liquid but not hot).
3. Add almond oil and essential oils. Stir.
4. Place the mixture in the fridge for 15-20 minutes, or until it’s slightly firm around the edges but still soft in the middle.
5. Using an electric mixer, whip the mixture for 5-7 minutes until it’s light, fluffy, and resembles whipped cream.

Recipe 2: Decadent Cocoa Butter Blend (For stretch marks & rich moisture)

Ingredients:

• ½ cup cocoa butter wafers
• ¼ cup olive oil or sunflower oil
• 1 tablespoon arrowroot powder (optional, reduces greasiness)
• ½ teaspoon Vitamin E oil (preservative & skin nourishment)

Instructions:

1. Gently melt cocoa butter wafers in a double boiler.
2. Once melted, remove from heat and stir in the olive/sunflower oil and Vitamin E oil.
3. If you’re using arrowroot powder, whisk it in to prevent lumpiness.
4. Pour into a clean jar and let it solidify at room temperature or in the fridge. It will have a firmer, more solid texture than whipped butter.

Tips for Storage: 

• Store your DIY scrubs and butters in airtight glass jars in a cool, dark place.

Scrubs: Because they contain water-free oils, they generally last for a few months. Avoid introducing water into the jar to prevent mold.

Butters: Water-free butters can last 3-6 months, especially if Vitamin E oil is added (a natural antioxidant). If any water-based ingredients are added, shelf life dramatically decreases, and refrigeration is often needed.

• If you notice any unusual smell, color change, or mold, it’s time to discard it.

So, gather your ingredients, unleash your inner alchemist, and prepare to glow naturally!