1.20.2015

DIY Travel Face Exfoliant

Since I was around 3 or so, I've been creating my own beauty products. Some were fails, like making my own solution to perm hair or making my own perfume, when I was four (all products were tested on my younger sister, of course). Some were hits, like making my "own" lipstick, aka melting some crayons with some lipsticks (from my Grandmother's makeup line she had in the 80s) in my Easy Bake Oven. I've shared over 100 diy beauty ideas on here, and I like to think I've improved since then. While I love concocting various lotions and potions, sometimes, just a couple of ingredients are best.

When I travel, I try to keep the products to a minimum, believe it or not. I can make so many of my skin care items, like this DIY Travel Exfoliant. What I like about this recipe is that I can easily adjust it to my needs--it's so versatile. I love having something to exfoliate my skin gently, to remove the grit and the grime from the city and/or climate I'm in. Plus, it's powder, meaning no more leaky, busted, or bulky items. This isn't just for travel as it works well at home, too.

Powder exfoliants are nothing new--but many of them are pricey. I use a pocket salt/pepper shaker (99 cents at the Container Store) to keep mine in. I add the wet ingredients when I am ready to use.

  • starch--I used corn here, but other faves are rice (you can buy or make your own) or tapioca. I use a handful, like the top picture.
  • oil--Vitamin E I like for moisture, as well as removing makeup. I just squeeze open a capsule and add it in. Coconut oil is a fave too. I like adding coconut powder. For more of an exfoliate, I like a citrus oil, like essential oils of lemon, orange, or grapefruit. I would suggest diluting those before applying to skin. 
  • Speaking of exfoliants, a pinch of citric acid (avoid if sensitive skin) or drops of vitamin C serum is wonderful. Sometimes, I'll crush an uncoated aspirin, as it has salicylic acid (if pregnant, please avoid just in case). For more of a scrub, add some baking soda.
To Use:
  • Add oil(s), etc, add some water to make a paste and rub onto skin. Milk will work as well. Use a wet wash cloth to remove the paste. Follow with your favorite skin care moisturizer or regiment. 
  • Please test on a small area before applying to face. Be sure to use sunscreen.
MORE TIPS:
Extra Elle:
  • Speaking of travel, I'm completely smitten with the Great British Bake Off tv show. I'm no baker, but I LOVE this show. And I'm pretty much an Anglophile. I've watched all the eps I can find online. Have you seen this show?

43 comments:

  1. This is so simple! Definitely going to have to try it!

    <3, Pamela
    Sequins & Sea Breezes

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  2. That is awesome that it is so easy to do! I'm definitely trying this!

    Jill
    Doused In Pink

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  3. Do you make it before you leave or make it when you get there? xo, Biana - BlovedBoston

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  4. Keeping it in a cheap salt shaker--brilliant! I never would have thought of that. (Cute story about the crayons in the Easy Bake Oven).

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  5. Love that you have loved beauty products for so long and that you are so creative! I'm looking forrward to trying this since I am limited on a lot I can use.

    Xoxo,
    Whitney & Blaire

    Peaches In A Pod

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  6. I love that you have been doing this almost your whole life!! And what a great idea for traveling! Now I just need to book a trip!

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  7. sounds great! and i need to check out that show :) xo jillian - cornflake dreams

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  8. Oh gosh this looks like a great idea! I'd be worried about taking that on a plane though haha! I could only imagine what security would be thinking!

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  9. Oh, I love the childhood anecdote! I used to 'make' colored lip gloss when I was little by smashing up my mom's blush, and mixing it with Vaseline. I was very proud of myself. :P

    xx

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  10. This looks great! I'm gonna have to try it!! Thanks for sharing!! <3 - www.domesticgeekgirl.com

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  11. This is a great idea and I've been wanting to try an easy, DIY exfoliant that's all natural!

    Jacy
    www.lovelenore.com

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  12. I can't believe how easy this is, thank you for another great DIY, Elle!

    Shireen | Reflection of Sanity

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  13. Corn starch....I would NEVER in a bazillion years have thought about that to exfoliate my face..

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  14. How simple is this?! I have both of these ingredients I'll definitely have to try it!

    <3 Shannon
    Upbeat Soles

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  15. And by travel... you mean, I need this for myself in general every single day.

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  16. You come up with the best concoctions!! I love the idea of using natural ingredients. My teen daughter sometimes has small breakouts. This would be a great way to unclog her pores! Thanks! Susan

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  17. wow - i actually have both of these things at home and i could very well try this! thanks girl :)

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  18. This is really awesome. You have the best DIYs!

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  19. I need to try that DIY. I love that show but it was such a pain to find it online. I wish they showed in on TV. :(

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  20. You are a beauty chemist! I love it.

    -Ashley
    Le Stylo Rouge

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  21. You should seriously think about writing your on DIY book!

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  22. Oooh, I might have to try this! Where do you get Vitamin E oil from?
    I've seen the Great British Bake Off a few times on TV, but have never really gotten into it. I'm sure if I watched one episode after another on YouTube, it would be another story haha

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  23. I love that this is a powder--very travel friendly! You always have the best beauty DIYs. And the British Bakeoff show sounds fun!

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  24. I love easy life hacks like this! Thanks for sharing Elle. (:

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  25. This is definitely wonderful. I must try it

    K. of Pure & Complex
    www.purecomplex.com

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  26. Totally going to need to pin this! I love how creative you are with coming up with your own products! That is so awesome!

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  27. Totally bookmarking this for our March trip!

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  28. Awesome!

    I have not seen that show. I do enjoy cooking shows though. They make me wish I could cook.

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  29. Wow, that's really cool, love your posts. ^^
    Lovely greets Ness

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  30. This is so perfect for traveling!

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  31. I've never tried to make any beauty products before. This looks easy enough for me to maybe get it right!

    Jessica @ Sunny Days and Starry Nights

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  32. what a neat DIY! thanks for sharing :)
    (I used to make my own perfume too... well, I THOUGHT I was making perfume... I would tear flower petals and mix them in water... ha! I thought that was how perfume was made lol)


    Jessica
    the.pyreflies.org

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  33. Good idea! It's nice to have more powders on hand than liquids if you're only taking a carry on!

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  34. Can't believe it's that easy, now we'll have to give it a try. Thanks Elle!

    xx 365Hangers

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