We girls appreciate the power of pampering and like to do it often. However, the spa prices can break the bank if you’re an over-indulger like myself (facials and pedicures are my Kyptonite…I’m powerless to pass one up). So, a girlfriend of mine recently suggested we have our own DIY spa day. My inner tree-hugger immediately embraced the idea! Deep down I love the idea of DIY projects, but always fear my efforts (and patience level) will fall short (Martha Stewart, I am not).
I began brainstorming on body scrub recipe ideas and was taken back to my college days when we girls would sit around with an egg white/lemon juice mixture on our faces chattering about beauty this and that. Surely I can come up with something a little more sophisticated.
So, I summoned my DIY prowess and here’s what I created. I must admit, I’m pretty impressed with it. I wanted to come up with a texture that’s very similar to Fresh Brown Sugar Body Polish (one of my favorite body scrubs):
Vanilla-Cinnamon Brown Sugar Body Scrub
1/2 cup turbinado sugar*
15 drops vanilla essential oil**
almond or olive oil
a dash or two of cinnamon
*I used turbinado because I like a bigger, rougher grain in my scrub. If you prefer a smaller, smoother grain, go with regular brown sugar.
**I used vanilla scented oil, but you can go with the scent of your choice (musk, spice, ginger, etc). If no essential oil on hand, then use vanilla extract.
Put the sugar and dashes of cinnamon in a mixing bowl and blend. Next, start adding your olive oil (you’ll want to add a tablespoon at a time until you get firm texture that sticks together but isn’t oily. If you do happen to add too much oil, you can always add more sugar to get the right texture). Lastly, add your essential oil drops and give a final stir. Voila! You’ve got homemade body scrub! I decided to store in a short mason or canning jar, however, if you don’t trust yourself with a glass jar in the shower, I’d recommend going with a plastic version.
Although this body scrub recipe reads like a dessert, the good news is this DIY creation is actually good for your derriere. Calling all Do-It-Yourselfers! Those store-bought body scrubs don’t have anything on this one!