03 Oct Scent-sational and Simple Body Mist Recipes for Summer
We all love smelling good, but perfume can be pretty expensive luxury. Some beauty brands make alcohol-based eau de toilettes, which can be harmful to your skin, while other cosmetic companies use chemicals that consumers have allergies to. Now that people know the truths behind the scents it has caused many to seek alternatives. If you would like to ensure that your body spray is the perfect scent for your personality and lifestyle, as well as cruelty-free, and eco-friendly, why not consider making your own body mist?
I’m all about cosmetic DIY. From natural face masks and body scrubs to homemade egg-scara, I love taking on the challenge of making earth-friendly products that can stand up against the store-bought stuff. And as the weather begins to warm, I’m keen to try out a few refreshing body mist recipes that will keep me cool and smelling sweet all summer long. Below is a basic body mist recipe, followed by four fragrance combinations I’ve come to love.
INGREDIENTS
For 240ml of body mist
- 10 tablespoons of witch hazel – an equally effective substitute for alcohol which preserves the mist and keeps the oils from collecting at the bottom of the bottle
- ½ tablespoon of essential oil(s)
- 4 tablespoons of distilled water – to ensure your mist lasts longer
- ½ tablespoon of vegetable glycerin – to bind all the ingredients
METHOD
In a clean bowl, stir witch hazel and essential oil(s) together thoroughly.
In a separate bowl, mix the vegetable glycerin and distilled water.
In your body mist bottle, pour both mixtures together and shake well for about 30 seconds.
Store in a cool dark place for at least two weeks. This will let the ingredients infuse successfully for a wonderfully fragrant mist.
TIPS:
Use dark bottles to store your body mist as exposure to sunlight can diminish the scent.
Using rose water or orange blossom water instead of distilled water will add to the fragrance notes, but also have the benefits of being mood enhancers and skin toners.
If you can’t find vegetable glycerin, vegetable oil or jojoba oil will work just as well.
Shake your body mist well before every use.
For a longer lasting fragrance, apply body mist right after you get out the shower. Your open pores will absorb and hold the fragrance.
Spray body mist from afar and direct it towards your pulse points (neck or chest, inside the elbow or inside the wrist, behind the knee). By targeting the warmest parts of your body, you amplify the scent. Spraying from afar means the mist covers a greater surface area of your skin.
CREATING YOUR OWN INFUSION
Now the fun part. Below is a selection of some of my favourite fragrance combinations. They are named based on the positive effects they have on your skin and body.
CLEANSING
7 drops juniper berry – to combat oily skin, muscle and joint pain, as well as muscle fatigue.
3 drops ginger – restores colour and radiance to dull skin.
4 drops sweet basil – an antiseptic that controls the outbreak of acne and boils.
REFRESHING
6 drops eucalyptus – the antifungal, antiviral and antibacterial keeps skin irritations at bay.
3 drops peppermint – to help cool and soothe the skin.
3 drops sweet orange – to produce collagen, even your complexion and stimulate blood flow.
4 drops balsam fir – pain reliever and combats body odor.
CALMING
7 drops lavender – effectively treats eczema and dermatitis. Great relaxing aid.
5 drops rose – natural skin toner and great moisturiser.
3 drops coriander seed – the antioxidant tones and rejuvenates skin. Also great for minimising breakouts.
DELICIOUS
6 drops vanilla – smells SCENTsational, and an effective treatment for acne and has anti-aging properties.
4 drops lavender – reduces anxiety and emotional stress, as well as memory and general improve brain function.
Q&A with Le Riche Naturals: Making Your Own Perfume with Essential Oils
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