Natural Beauty

Recently, I have become something of an advocate for "natural beauty" I suppose I always have been, what with not wearing makeup and all. I am a big fan of natural hair, letting it go wild and free with no hairspray and heat styling.
 Today I'm talking about something different. I'm talking about all the junk in cosmetics today. There are plenty of articles out there saying that this is bad and that is bad, and this is good for you-wait actually it's not. I don't know what is true, I'm not a chemist or an herbalist and I don't claim to have a wealth of information and knowledge. But I can break free of the confusion and take control by making my own cosmetics! That's right- I have been making my own facial cleansers, masks and hair treatments! I know what is going into my products, and with sensitive skin and living on a budget, it's not hurting me at all! In fact, it's a lot of fun! My husband isn't too crazy about me using vinegar on my face because of the smell, and I had to get used to it myself, but once he saw how soft it made my skin, he appreciated it! The most fun is that I get to use essential oils to make it smell however I want!
There are a ton of websites with recipes and articles, and some things sound a little made up and out there and new agey, but most things can be made with stuff I already had in my pantry!
There are some things I can't use on my skin, like honey and avocado, but I know they are plenty good to use on skin and hair If you should so desire and are not cursed with alligator skin.

Here is a list of what I have been doing so far:

slightly cooked oatmeal rubbed on my face for about 15 minutes as an exfoliating mask, your skin will look positively radiant!

Apple Cider Vinegar Toner:
bring 1 cup water to a boil, add 1 tbsp crushed mint and let steep 20 minutes. Strain and put in a jar with 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar, and a couple drops of essential oils (I use lavender! soo amazing).
Store in refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. Use after washing your face, dab on with a cotton ball and rinse. It does wonders for you skin! Apparently lavender oil is a disinfectant.
Do make sure you are using real, pure essential oils though!

1 egg yolk and 1 tbsp milk whisked together, I put this on my face for 30 minutes if I get acne and it has gotten rid of it for me! I know it sounds a little gross, and you can't move your face for the whole time, but you feel really good afterwards!

For my hair, once every couple weeks I mix baking soda with some conditioner and wash my hair with it (I no longer use shampoo) then rinse with diluted apple cider vinegar.
It really cleanses and removes buildup, but you need to use vinegar afterwards to restore the pH in your hair.

My next grocery trip I am going to buy carrot juice and mix it with bananas and pineapple, I've heard it does amazing things for your skin.
 I am also going to try straight aloe vera gel for my hair. I would love to make all my own hair products! If I could make my own face cream, I would lol
 Am I going a little granola? Maybe... But I like knowing what is going on my skin. I know what goes into my food because I make all my food fresh, why shouldn't I do the same for my skin? My goal is to save money and know what I am putting on myself, and break free from harmful chemicals in cosmetics today.