60+ DIY Ideas For Bath, Body, Home

There are only a few days until Christmas, y'all. And I know there are some of you out there who need to bookmark (or Pin!) this post for those last minute/I-totally-forgot-to-get-her-a-gift scenarios.

Over the 6 years I've been blogging at Elle Sees, I've shared with you for FREE around 200 DIY ideas. It's been a fun walk through memory lane--let's not even talk about how awful my pictures used to be!

Many of these recipes have been published in magazines and online, like Buzzfeed and PopSugar. All of them subscribe to my diy philosophy of easy, fast, and inexpensive. Let me know which one of these you'd try:

Sugar Scrubs, Salt Scrubs

Orange Crush Salt Scrub (love this on hands)

Birthday Cake Sugar Scrub

Lemonade Mint Sugar Scrub

Sno-Cones Sugar Scrubs

Coconut Lime Sugar Scrub

Salt Shaving Scrub (use this to exfoliate prior to shaving)

Peppermint Mocha Sugar Scrub (pictured above)

Caramel Brulee Latte Scrub

Candy Cane Sugar Scrub

Snickerdoodle Sugar Scrub

Gingerbread Sugar Scrub

Pina Colada Sugar Scrub (use on feet)

Coconut Sugar Scrub

Coffee Sugar Scrub

Bath Salts, Solid Perfume, Body Butters

Beachy Bath Soak

Chocolate Bath Salts

Rosemary Mint Bath Salts

Sweet Almond Bath Soak

Solid Perfume

3 Starbucks-Inspired Body Butters

Hot Chocolate and Marshmallow Creme Body Butters

Vanilla Sugar Cookie Body Butter

Bath Bombs

Egg Surprise Bath Bombs (toy inside)

Shower Fizzing Bath Bombs (great for when you're sick)

Macaron Bath Bombs (mini)

Funfetti Bath Bombs (confetti inside)

Cupcake Bath Bombs

Peeps Feet Fizzies Bath Bombs

Fizzy Snowman & Snowballs Bath Bombs

Halloween Bath Bomb (Surprise Inside)

Peppermint Macaron Bath Bombs

Lip Products

DIY Solid Lip Scrub (just like ELF, but you can make this for FREE)

DIY Lip Butters (inspired by Nivea)

DIY Santa's Lip Scrub (just like Lush)

DIY Bubblegum Lip Scrub

DIY Tinted Lip Balm

DIY Holiday Pout Plumpers

Solid Lotion Bars

DIY Lotion Bars

DIY Makeup Lotion Bars

These don't get as many views when I post on them, but they're awesome! And I've made marshmallow and chocolate lotion bars on there as well.

Solid Sugar Scrubs

Lemonade Solid Sugar Scrub

Cherry Ice Cream Sugar Scrub

Pumpkin Spice Solid Sugar Scrubs

Pineapple Solid Sugar Scrub

DIY Sprays

DIY Mac Fix Plus Spray

Leave In Conditioner & Detangling Sprays

Soothing Sun Mist Spray

Shimmer Waves Spray

DIY Shower Jellies

DIY Shower & Bath Jellies

DIY Jellies Jewels

DIY Gummy Bear Jellies

DIY Candles

DIY Crayon Ombre Candle

DIY Coffee and Cocoa Candles

DIY Christmas Sprinkles Candle

DIY Home Crafts

Press for Champagne Sign

DIY Sleep Sachet

DIY Marble Tray

DIY Flannel Coasters

Want more? I have nearly 200 ideas (including face masks, hair treatments, and MORE)--just click the DIY tab at the top of your browser.

And here's a video of everything (plus some bonuses):

https://youtu.be/y446BQGVqLg

Which ones did you like the best?

Extra Elle:

I went to an Ugly Sweater party--I was the only one who wore an ugly sweater. You can only laugh, right? The funnier thing is that this is the second time this has happened!

Neutrogena giveaway--THREE WINNERS


$100 Gift card giveaway

DIY Starbucks Holiday Sugar Scrubs + Body Butters

I'm back with another set of DIYs that make a fabulous last minute gift (because we've all been guilty of that I bet).

These are always a hit as gifts and they're inspired by this year's Starbucks Holiday drinks menu.

I'm kind of obsessed with that place--even one of the kids I take care calls me Princess Starbucks (fyi we pretend we are princesses that go to princess school and save animals at night).

I hope you love these as much as I do. They look and smell almost like the real thing!

PEPPERMINT MOCHA SUGAR SCRUB

1 c sugar

1/4 c sweet almond oil 

1 tsp peppermint essential oil

1/2 tsp cafe mocha fragrance oil

Sometimes I will add a few coffee grinds to the recipe for an extra scrubby-scrub.

Mix ingredients. Store in an air-tight container. Stir before using.

You can add coloring to make this look like a candy cane, but I like it as it is.

PEPPERMINT BODY BUTTER

1/2 c coconut oil

1/2 c mango oil

1 tsp vitamin E oil

1 tsp peppermint oil (I use a little slightly less than this)

Melt coconut and mango oil and stir. Put in freezer.

Once almost frozen, begin mixing using a hand mixer--it should turn into body butter.

Add the vitamin E and peppermint oil and keep mixing.

Store in a resealable container.

Note: Starbucks uses whipped cream, so you can go for a vanilla scented body butter, but I am keeping with the theme, so that's why mine are scented.

PEPPERMINT SOLID LOTION (see recipe here)

I added a little cocoa and pigment to mine to resemble chocolate shavings.

DIY CARAMEL BRULEE LATTE SUGAR SCRUB

1 c sugar

1/2 tsp vanilla essential oil

1/2 c melted coconut oil

1 tsp powdered milk

1 tsp drops caramel oil 

1/2 tsp coffee fragrance (or I will use french vanilla coffee fragrance oil)

Mix ingredients. Store in an air-tight container. Stir before using.

CARAMEL BRULEE BODY BUTTER

same as first body butter recipe, just change the scent. 

I added bits of the scrub onto to look like the caramel bits.

SNICKERDOODLE HOT COCOA SUGAR SCRUB

1 c sugar

1/2 c Turbinado sugar (or brown sugar) 

1/4 c unsweetened cocoa powder (since this is hot cocoa, but it's optional)

1 c sweet almond oil

15 drops vanilla essential oil

or I use 1 tsp of Snickerdoodles Latte fragrance oil

sprinkle of cinnamon--optional--only if the user doesn't have a reaction to cinnamon

Mix ingredients. Store in airtight container.

SNICKERDOODLE BODY BUTTER

Same recipe as before, just change out the fragrance. I added cinnamon on top of mine for decoration.

For presentation, I scooped some into a clean Starbucks red (holiday) cup but leaving room at the top. Then I took a small plastic cup and added the body butter into it. I placed that on top of the sugar scrub and then swirled the body butter to look more like whipped cream (I usually use a piping bag and tip) and then added decorations on top. To cover it, I used a clear top (like you'd get for a frapp). But I suggest storing these in air tight containers, obviously!

FYI: I prefer using raw sugar, but showed plain white sugar since it is cheaper.

Which of these would you like to make or give?

Extra Elle:
It's been a busy week at work and behind the blog, so not much otherwise has been going on. Looking forward to the weekend, as always!

Neutrogena giveaway with THREE winners!

DIY Pumpkin Spice Latte Sugar Scrub AND Body Butter

I'm an October baby, so pumpkins will forever be a favorite of mine. And yes, I look forward to Starbuck's annual unveiling of its Pumpkin Spice Latte.

I may like the scent more than the taste though, and for those who feel the same (or are fanatics) I thought I'd share these TWO diys today. One of my post popular diys on here is my Pumpkin Spice Latte Sugar Scrub, so I updated it and added in a bonus of my Pumpkin Spice Latte Body Butter.

PSL Sugar Scrub

1 c sugar (I recommend raw)
1/2 c pumpkin puree (I used canned, but freshly pureed sugar/baking pumpkins works too)
1/4 c coconut oil or similar
1 tsp nutmeg (I used pumpkin spice)
Mix ingredients. Store in an air-tight container. Stir before using.
--Feel free to add a spoonful of used ground coffee beans

Since this uses pumpkin puree, I keep it in the fridge for about a week. For those wanting a longer-lasting product, I suggest pumpkin seed oil (I would forgo the coconut oil but add a big drop of vitamin E instead) or ground pumpkin seeds. You can easily get 3-6 months from those.

For presentation, I put the PSL Sugar Scrub in the Starbucks cup and then added the PSL Body Butter on top. If I am giving this as a gift, I really like using plastic dome lids to keep the scrub and the body butter separate. 

PSL Body Butter

1/c coconut oil

pinch of nutmeg or pumpkin spice
--Feel free to add a spoonful of pumpkin seed oil, but cut down the coconut oil amount to about 1/4c

Melt coconut oil in microwave. 

Freeze.

Using a hand mixer, mix the coconut oil until it becomes body butter consistency.

I used a piping bag to add it to the top of my sugar scrub.

Sprinkle with nutmeg or pumpkin spice. 

Sometimes I will add a drop of vanilla to the coconut oil after melting.

Coconut oil is VERY oily, so sometimes I'll use shea butter instead.

Remember, you don't have to put the two diys together. You can make either or both, like I did!

Also, be aware of skin sensitivities to cinnamon.

Doesn't it look like the real thing?

Extra Elle:

Busy weekend of football games, a visit to the Hello Kitty Cafe food truck, and a friend's birthday party. It flew by!

CHECK OUT MORE PUMPKIN RECIPES:

• DIY Pumpkin mask for Stressed Out Skin
• DIY PSL Macaron Bath Bombs

Best Cleansing Balms/Makeup Melters

Have you ever tried a cleansing balm? I *love* them and have been a fan for years--I even make my own. It sounds exactly like you think--a thick balm that melts once it makes contact with the skin and liquifies. It reminds me a little of vaseline but in a firmer consistency, like a salve.

• It's also called a Hot Cloth Cleansing Balm because many come with a cloth that you wet with hot water and place on the face to remove the makeup once the balm has been rubbed in.
• While it's usable for all skin types, dry and normal will really love it. 
• If you wear a lot of makeup, you'll love it. It does not leave the skin oily or with residue.
• I think of it as a mini spa treatment as well. Off and on the past couple of years, I've tested 10 cleansing balms (actually more) and am finally ready to share them with you!
• I am rating these 0-10, and tested them against all types of makeup, especially liquid lipsticks and waterproof mascaras.

1-Botanics Hot Cloth Cleansing Balm

• $8.49
• Target, online
• Hypoallergenic, gluten free, Mineral Oil-free, labeled paraben-free
• comes with cloth
• Overall: 7

2-Hemish All Clean Balm

• $18.50
• No paraben / No Synthetic perfume / No Artificial pigment
• This comes with a scoop, which I love, and it has THE cutest packaging
• Overall: 10 LOVE this

3--Banila All Clean Zero

• $16.70
• Comes in 3 scents
• Korean--referred to as a "sherbert cleanser"
• comes with a cloth
• Overall: 9

4--It Cosmetics Bye Bye Makeup 3-in-1 Makeup Melting Balm

• $38
• softens skin and can be used as a masque
• I bought one but then I also received one as a sample.
• Overall: 9.5

5--Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm

• $57
• Help to recondition dull, dry, dehydrated and mature skins
• Comes with AMAZING thick cloth. The other cloths are usually muslin.
• This was the one that was the highest-recommended by others.
• Overall: 9

6--Colleen Rothschild Radiant Cleansing Balm

• $65
• Loofah Seed and Moringa Oil
• One of my faves, and similar to the EH one.
• Comes with cloth
• PR sample
• Overall: 9

7--Pixi Nourishing Cleansing Balm

• $20
• sweet almond oil, shea butter, and vitamin E
• PR sample
• Did not do a good job of removing makeup
• Overall: 5

8--Clinique Take the Day Off

• $29
• Small for the price, but really good
• Overall: 9

9--The Balm Balms Away Eye Makeup Remover

• $18
• Fortified with vitamins A, C, and E and a blend of plant-derived sterols and lipids
• Technically just for eyes, but I have used it on my face in a pinch--just wanted to show an option for those who just do eye makeup.
• The only one that was unscented
• Overall: 8

10--Eve Lom Cleanser

• $14.99 for a tiny container
• Comes with a cloth
• Has a rougher texture, almost like tiny beads that instantly dissolve.
• Smells like apple
• Overall: 9

In Conclusion:

• Based on the prices for most of these, cleansing balms can definitely be a luxury item, but I love using them. 
• I know some of you will suggest coconut oil. This is kind of similar in texture and purpose, but coconut oil leaves the skin oily/moisturized, like you can tell you have product on afterwards. Cleansing balms leave you with soft, clean skin. Plus, none of these have ever broken me out, and coconut oil breaks out my skin every time it's on my face.
• I also reviewed a cleansing balm from ELF back in January and thought it was ok.

Have you ever tried a cleansing balm?

Extra Elle:

• Thanks everyone who read this post yesterday!! Your support has been amazing!
• Big news: I'm going to be a speaker for the Social Media Panel for the General Assembly next week in Atlanta. It's free if you'd like to go. Let me know and I'll give you all the details.

DIY Shimmer Beachy Waves Spray

I consider myself a bit of a diy beachy waves spray expert--something that started as a kid, when I figured out the salty sea air made my waves in my hair appear. My hair had never been cut until I was in high school, so any bit of wave in my then stick-straight hair delighted me. I desperately wanted wavy hair like my mom, sister, and cousin when I was little.

Over the years I've purchased many and made my own versions. I've got around 15 recipes so far, and make it a tradition to share one of them on the blog every year. 

This year I'm adding a little shimmer to the mix. The idea came a few years ago when I had some left over mica from some diy highlighters and luminizers I had been making, and decided to throw some into a bottle of beachy waves spray. I kind of wanted to recreate the NUXE body oil, but for hair. This is easy to make, and you can leave out the shimmer if you'd like.

DIY Shimmer Waves Spray

• empty spray bottle
• distilled water
• coconut oil (fractionated is easier to use)
• organic aloe vera gel
• kosher salt (I used a couple of pieces of rock salt to help mix, but it's not a necessity)
• mica powder in color of your choice (order online or use a bit of a sparkly shadow/highlighter)
• essential oil (if desired)
• tiny funnel, if needed

To Make:

Since spray bottle sizes vary, I'll give general guidelines here.

• Pour 1 tsp of salt into empty spray bottle
• Add 3 tbsp of aloe gel 
• Pinch of mica (it should be body-safe)
• 1 tsp coconut oil
• 5 drops essential oil
• fill the rest with distilled water
• Shake away!

Apply to damp hair and use an old t-shirt to scrunch waves. Or use on hair curled with curling wand or curling iron. The effect is subtle, and looks better in person. If you have blonde hair, you'll definitely see it.

Mesmerized by the swirl!

Have you ever made beachy waves spray?

Extra Elle:

• Thunder storms knocked out my power for most of the day, so I'm a little behind with everything, including visiting your blogs. I did get a good nap in though! ;)
• I have been dealing with jaw/ear/neck/shoulder pain all week. I think it's TMJ. 
• Did you miss this post to win $100? Just leave a comment here: 

Pineapple Solid Sugar Scrub DIY

I might be a little addicted to all things pineapple. It's practically a requirement of summer. I happen to be a little addicted to all things beauty DIY as well. I decided to marry the two in a fun diy that takes moments to make. If you like the result of a sugar scrub but not the mess, give these a try. I use these on my feet and body--my skin is instantly soft and lightly moisturized. PLUS did I mention they are cute as all get out?

You'll need--

• 1 part soap base 
• 2 parts carrier oil
• 2 parts sugar
• essential oils/body-safe scented oil
• yellow soap colorant
• glass bowl
• spoon
• pot holders
• pineapple mold--I used a pineapple ice cube tray from Amazon

Real life, y'all, is sometimes messy.

You'll do--

• Heat the soap base in the microwave in 30 second intervals until melted. A double-boiler is the best method, but I was in a hurry. Carefully remove using the pot holders.
• Mix in the sugar, oil, and scent.
• Spoon into mold.
• Allow to cool 30 minutes.
• Pop out of mold. 

You'll use--

• Take one pineapple and use with water to gently exfoliate, cleanse, and moisturize skin. 
• These last 6 months.

FYI--

• I like using these on my feet in the summer. I also use them on my body before shaving. I do not recommend using them on the face. You can get many uses from one pineapple.
• I added a little less sugar to make sure the pineapple design popped in the pics, but that's the best part of this DIY--you can change the proportions. Sometimes, like in the colder months, I'll add more oil or change the oil I used. Here I used Argan, but sometimes it's coconut. It depends on my need. You can change the sugar type as well.
• These make ADORABLE gifts.
• These are perfect for travel, too.

Would you make these?
Have you ever tried a solid sugar scrub?

Extra Elle:

• My weekend was too fast! The air quality was bad in Atlanta, so I tried to stay in as much as possible. I did go to Trader Vic's to celebrate a friend's birthday early.

PS: Want more solid sugar scrubs?

• Lemonade solid sugar scrub
• Cherry ice cream solid sugar scrub