raw edible cosmetics & body care recipes

Yet another thing on the endless list of things I love about eatin' raw: your body care is often the same as what you eat. I'm talking about bananas, papayas, avocados, oats, coconut, almonds, and other foods. We all know these are common extracts used to scent shampoos, lotions, cleansers, etc. So instead of buying "Luscious Cocoa and Oatmeal Body Creme", or "Hydrating Mango Shampoo"... Let's just buy some COCOA, OATS and MANGOES and throw it on our faces! 

I made myself a banana/oat mask the other day actually... it made my skin glow and tasted SO GOOD. I had a bunch left over so I ate it while the mask hardened on my face. Here's some of my skin care routine at the moment (i.e. November 2011).

Moisturizer: I use raw virgin coconut oil, with some essential oils added. It is full of wonderful fats to keep my face and skin healthy, moisturized and glowing. I also use it on my hair sometimes for the same reason.

Shampoo: I make my own shampoo using Castile soap, essential oils and herbs that are good for blondes. I recommend Dr. Bronner's for soap. I don't wash my hair much anymore though, but I try to shower every 1 or 2 days... dirty hippie, I am.
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Deodorant: I tend not to need/want deodorant anymore... I haven't used it in a while, yet I'm always being complimented on how good I smell... I do find that the more whole foods I eat, the more I like my smell. If you do use deodorant, use one without aluminum, I recommend a crystal salt rock. It sounds weird, but it works super well. Or if you like scents, Kiss My Face products do the job.

Makeup: I don't really wear makeup anymore!? I'm too lazy and like my face as is. If you're into wearing make up, there're tons of vegan companies out there. Just look in your health food stores' cosmetics aisle.


BANANA OAT MASK: 
makes enough for 1-2 faces plus a snack =)

1 banana
1 Tb almond milk
1/3 cup oats 

Blend all ingredients until it reaches a good consistency to spread on your skin. Wash face with warm water, then spread mask on. Sit or lie down for 10-15 minutes or until you want to take it off. Then gently rinse your face in warm water and pat dry with a towel. I like to put some cold rose water on right after to close my pores and seal in the goodness! 

Tonight I made an avocado mask with half an avocado, and some lemon juice. It tasted sweet, tangy and creamy and was super smooth. I could feel the enzymes working! My face was pink, shiny and glowing when I rinsed it off.

AVOCADO MASK: 
makes enough for 2 faces, plus a snack

1/2 avocado
Juice from 1/2 lemon

Blend all ingredients until smooth. Wash face with warm water, then spread mask on. Sit or lie down for 10-15 minutes or until you want to take it off. Then gently rinse your face in warm water and pat dry with a towel. I like to put some cold rose water on right after to close my pores and seal in the goodness! 

ALMOND EXFOLIATOR:
makes enough for one

Handful almonds
1 t water or almond milk

Chop/process almonds into small pieces, but not flour-like, you want them to be able to exfoliate, remember. Add them to almond milk/water and rub vigorously on your face/skin.  Rinse off and put on some coconut oil to moisturize, or whatever you like. 


Watch out! This one is super enzyme-rich, so it burns a little. 


PAPAYA SEED MASK:
makes enough for 3 faces

Seeds from one papaya
Oats/Almonds
Water

Blend all ingredients until smooth. Rub on face and lie down for 10 minutes You will feel the enzymes... it can burn a little but that's good. If it's too much, however, wash it off! When you are done, wash off with warm water and pat dry. Put on some coconut oil to moisturize and seal in the cleanliness.