Glamour Envy

The Recessionista and the Homemade Body Scrub

Fresh Brown Sugar Body Polish, 14 oz, $65

Gone are the days of spending a well-exfoliated arm and a leg on pricey body scrubs and cleansers! In this economic climate, how can one justify spending 65 dollars on a 14 oz pot of Fresh Brown Sugar Body Polish?  Don’t let the pretty packaging and lab-born chemicals fool you; these products are not more effective just because they can be found on the shelf at your local Sephora. In a matter of minutes and for less than a few dollars, you can have a homemade body scrub that is just as effective, 100% organic, and completely tailored to your needs. I know what you’re thinking, Ugh, but that’s so much work. Actually, it’s fun and super easy!

My fabulous homemade scrub- I'll never go store-bought again!

I recently made an incredible peppermint sugar body scrub with a multitude of features and benefits.  It completely sloughs off dead skin while exuding an invigorating peppermint aroma, and the peppermint oil used provides a refreshing cooling effect. I selected the best ingredients for my dry, dull skin that hasn’t seen the light of day since summer, and got to work whipping together the following ingredients:

White granulated sugar- a great exfoliant that is not too rough on skin and dissolves with heat so it won’t clog your shower drain
Plain yogurt- softens and moisturizes
Olive oil- softens and moisturizes
Peppermint essential oil- provides an invigorating scent with a unique cooling sensation (Choose an essential oil that you love and you’ll never pay for a store-bought scrub again.  I stocked up on essential oils during a sale at the Body Shop so I can go from a calming lavender to a musky vanilla.)

Depending on your needs and preferences, you can use just about any ingredient you desire.  Here are some other skin-softening ingredients for a sensational scrub of your own:

Salt- inexpensive, has muscle-relaxing properties
Brown sugar- gentle on skin, nicely scented
Coffee (grounded)- can minimize the formation and appearance of dreaded cellulite and varicose veins
Flowers/herbs- several herbs and flowers have unique healing properties (ex. use lavender for relaxation or ginseng for an added boost of energy)

And what’s great is that for a few minutes and a couple of dollars, you can provide a friend with a custom-made gift they’ll truly appreciate. Go to your local crafts or home store and purchase a pretty glass bottle and some ribbon, and you’re all set!
What means more than a homemade gift?

Images courtesy of: amazon.com