Do It Yourself: Health & Beauty

Lettering and illustration by Angela Southern

Face Cream
This face cream offers intense hydration, so it’s best to use it at night, when your skin can absorb the oils without leaving a greasy feeling. This natural product has a long shelf life and makes a great gift. Double the recipe and make some for a friend.

Ingredients
⅓ cup shea butter
⅓ cup cocoa butter
⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
⅓ cup unrefined virgin
coconut oil
½ teaspoon vitamin E oil
10 drops of essential oil
(optional)
Combine the shea butter, cocoa butter and coconut oil in a double boiler and stir until melted. Remove from heat and let cool for 30 minutes. Stir in the olive oil and vitamin E oil (plus essential oil if you choose). Refrigerate for about 20 minutes or until partially solidified. Whip with a hand mixer on low speed until the mixture reaches a creamy consistency.
Store the finished cream in the container of your choice, preferably a glass jar. Apply at night after cleansing and toning. A little goes a long way.

Lip Balm
You can produce natural lip balm with a few simple ingredients. Create different lip-smacking flavors by adding a few drops of your favorite essential oil. Peppermint and lavender are particularly soothing.

Ingredients
1 ½ tablespoons beeswax
1 tablespoon cocoa butter
1 tablespoon unrefined virgin coconut oil
1 tablespoon sweet almond oil
½ teaspoon vitamin E oil
A few drops of essential oil of your choice (optional)
Melt the beeswax, cocoa butter and coconut oil in a double boiler. Remove from heat. Before the mixture cools, stir in sweet almond oil, vitamin E oil and essential oil. Immediately pour the mixture into a clean balm jar or stick (available online).
Let the balm cool for about 30 minutes before putting on the lid.—Francesca Sgambati