DIY Beauty: Whipped Rose Coconut Body Butter

Get into those PJs, Burlesquers!

I just bought a pair of $2 sleepy time shorts (actually, men’s boxers) at Target, and I love them. They’re cute and comfy. You all will laugh, but I also own a men’s scarf and a men’s shirt that I just love. Who is laying down the gender rules for clothes, anyway? My men’s stuff is cute!

My $2 Sleepy Time Shorts…What a steal! (And mittens? Adorable.)

I was getting myself tucked into bed this rainy night (and actually giving my best friend a pep talk about dating) when I saw this DIY body butter recipe on Pinterest. I’ve never read this blog–The Nourishment of Life–but it looks like a great DIY Beauty/ healthy living site! And this recipe looked so easy and pretty. DIY coconut body butter? Yes, please! I’ve made a more oil-textured coconut moisturizer before, but nothing of a whipped consistency. This also gives me a chance to give my new Tangerine KitchenAid Hand Mixer a whirl… so let’s do this!

Whipped Rose Coconut Body Butter

My finished body butter…Pretty and luxurious, right?

Why not tie it with a pretty pink bow?

I am adapting the recipe a bit and using what I have on hand…

Quick Relaxation: the Honey Rose Face Mask

I am getting ready for my weekend trip, which means I am packing and organizing as much as possible before I leave: nails done, hair washed, bags packed.

(Here’s some Real Simple luggage that I covet!!)

But I want more. I’m feeling the ache for a nice, relaxing pampering session–you know, the much needed bath or facial after a long week at work? (I want my vacation to start now!)

With that being said, how about a nice moisturizing face mask tonite before I am out all weekend in the sun? I want to use some of the Rose Essential oil I bought for my homemade “Rosey Nights” Coconut Oil Moisturizer and other ingredients I have on hand. I found this basic Rose Oil and Honey Face Mask by the National Honey Board, and I really like it! Just mix together Almond oil, Honey, Vitamin E oil, and Rose Essential oil. That’s it! As always, I’m changing the recipe: I am going to leave out the Vitamin E Oil (because I don’t have it), add oats for some soft exfoliation, and add lemon for a more tart Lemon Rose Scent (and for more alpha-hydroxy exfoliation). Off to hydrate!

Honey Rose Face Mask

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp grapeseed oil (walnut or almond oil would work well, also)
• 1 tbsp oats (or 1 tsp sugar; oats do tend to get messy)
• 1 drop rose essential oil
• 1 drop of lemon juice
• Optional: 1 tbsp greek yogurt

Directions:

Blend all ingredients together in a small bowl. Smooth onto clean face and neck, making sure you gently exfoliate with the oats. Take oats off from skin and leave oil mixture on for 10-15 minutes. Rinse off with lukewarm water and relax!

DIY Beauty: Coconut Oil as Moisturizer (coconut oil and rose essence)

Last night, I went on a limb and tried Coconut Oil as a moisturizer.

Coconut oil on your body? Sounds a bit weird, right? Coconuts are the new “craze” ingredient in the health industry, and I was skeptical of its hype and seemingly magical properties.  However, I have a friend who preaches the wonders of Coconut Oil: for hair, skin,  and overall beauty. (She has thick, unruly curly hair, and she uses Coconut Oil on her hair. )

Anyway, because I’ve become obsessed with creating new DIY projects, I decided to take a chance with the oil. I simply showered last night as usual, mixed a bit of cheap plain lotion in my hand along with some coconut oil, and spread this over my body as a night lotion. (I wasn’t prepared to make an official concoction til I saw results.)

I can honestly say–without any reservations—that I woke up with soft and smooth skin! The oil completely absorbed into my winter-weary skin, and I was really pleased with the results! Plus, Coconut Oil has a much more pleasant scent than, say, Olive Oil, and a little of it goes a long way. Inspired by my endeavor,  this weekend  I plan on making this more spreadable Coconut Beauty treatment, although I am altering the recipe by using Jojoba Oil and Rose essence. I also have made a Whipped Coconut Body Butter at home before, which I loved. If you don’t feel like making anything though, I suggest simply mixing in your hand a cheap, over-the-counter scented lotion with the Coconut Oil. Enjoy!

“Rosy Nights” Coconut Beauty treatment (Coconut Oil and rose essence) 

Ingredients:

1 jar of Coconut Oil

1 jar of Jojoba Oil (or Almond Oil,  Grapeseed Oil, etc.)

1/2 tbsp of Rose essential oil (you could also try Lavender, Orange, etc!)

1 jar for storage

Directions:

Place the Coconut Oil (which is hard at room temperature) in a warm water bath until it softens. Take the jar out of the water, dry, and then mix a scoop of the Coconut Oil with your choice of other oil (Almond, Jojoba, etc.) until it is thinned to your desired consistency. Add a drop of essential oil, blend, and then put into the jar for later usage. Happy nights are ahead!