7 Homemade Cosmetic Recipes

by Sandra Kinney

Look good while saving money and helping the environment with these homemade cosmetic recipes you can easily whip up for pennies.

Making your own cosmetics is not only a fun and rewarding experience, it is also a great way to save money and contribute to an earth-friendly environment.

Homemade cosmetics can be placed in recycled containers, they do not contain harmful chemicals or preservatives which are often used in commercial products, and you can develop them to suit your own skin care needs. Homemade cosmetics also make great gifts for Christmas and other special occasions. An exquisite jar of bath salts can be created for a dollar or two.

Most of what you pay for in a commercial cosmetic’s price is based on packaging and advertising – not the cost of the actual ingredients. Start saving money now by making your own cosmetics.

The following recipes contain ingredients that can easily be found in your local supermarket or drug store.

1. Eye Makeup Remover

1 tbsp castor oil
1 tbsp light olive oil
2 tsp. Canola oil

Blend the above ingredients together. Apply with tissue or cotton ball to remove makeup around the eyes.

2. Pine Toner

2 c. fresh pine needles
1 c. distilled water
1/2 c. witch hazel

For pine toner, place pine needles in small saucepan with distilled water. Bring water to boil. Allow water to cool completely then remove pine needles. Pine needles can be thrown away. Add witch hazel and stir well. Pour into a clean bottle or other container. Apply to skin with a cotton ball. Store in a cool dark place.

Sign Up for Savings

Subscribe to get money-saving content by email that can help you stretch your dollars further.

Twice each week, you'll receive articles and tips that can help you free up and keep more of your hard-earned money, even on the tightest of budgets.

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.

3. Lemon Toner

1/2 c. lemon juice
1 c. distilled water
2/3 c. witch hazel

For lemon toner, combine all ingredients. Pour into a clean bottle or container. Shake well before using. Apply with a clean cotton ball.

4. After Cleansing pH Balancer

3 c. distilled water
1/3 c. apple cider vinegar
5 to 10 drops of your favorite essential oil

Combine water, vinegar and your favorite essential oil. Pour into a clean container. To use: moisten a cotton ball and use after cleansing to restore your skin’s pH.

5. Hot Oil Treatment

1/2 c. olive oil
1/2 c. boiling water

Place olive oil and boiling water into a pitcher or juice container. Shake well (until oil has broken into tiny droplets. Massage into hair. Put a shower cap or plastic bag over your hair and wrap your head in a towel. Leave mixture on your hair for 15 to 20 minutes, then shampoo and condition as usual.

6. Foaming Vanilla Bath

1 cup oil (any vegetable oil)
1/2 c. liquid soap
1 tbsp. vanilla extract
1/4 cup honey (optional)

Blend the following ingredients together. Shake well before using. Use 1/4 cup per bath.

7. Bath Salts

1 part Sea Salt
2 parts baking soda
3 parts Epsom salts
10 to 15 drops of fragrance (optional)

Combine all ingredients together in an extra large Ziploc bag and toss until thoroughly blended. If you want to add color, add a dab of food coloring inside the bag and work the color into the salts. Add fragrance. Put salts into a decorative jar or container for an inexpensive gift.

Reviewed April 2023

Wouldn't you like to be a Stretcher too?

Subscribe to get our money-saving content twice per week by email and start living better for less.