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:

• Hotel Beauty Hacks

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?