Thursday, March 23, 2017

TWO Ingredient Fixes


Many of you read my recipes and say that there are too many ingredients. Too many things that you might not just have on hand. Well if you’re one of those people, this post is for you. Today I want to share with you some great things you can make with only TWO ingredients. I’ll give you options if you want to add other ingredients. But these products are all great when just made with the initial two items. Now, water is a freebie, so don’t complain and think I’m adding an ingredient if you see water listed. Water doesn’t count lol! There are literally hundreds of things you can make with just two ingredients. I’m starting with a few of my favorites!

Body Powder: Make your own powder (think for babies, rashes, sweating, itchy skin, etc.).
You’ll need: Raw/dry oats and either cornstarch or pure zinc ozide powder.

To do: Put dried oats into a blender or food processor. Pulverize these until they form a light flour. You’ve just made oat flour! Mix ¾ cup oat flour with 1/8 cup of pure zinc oxide powder. This makes a great powder to use for diaper rash. Leave out the zinc and substitute cornstarch for another version of body powder. This is skin soothing and protecting. Never buy baby powder full of chemicals again!

Want to add? You can add 10 drops of lavender, or 5 lavender and 5 chamomile essential oil to this powder. Add slowly and mix well. Don’t overdo the essential oils or your powder will be wet. These oils are great for soothing irritated skin.

Itchy Skin Bath Soak: Make your own bath salts to help with dry, irritated, itchy skin.
You’ll need: Epsom salts and raw/dry oats.

To do: Make oat flour as shown in the recipe above. Mix 1 cup of Epsom Salt with ½ cup of oat flour. That’s it! Sprinkle about ½ - ¾ cup of this into warm running water. Let dissolve in bath, and soak for 20-40 minutes.

Want to add? You can add essential oils to this mixture to really amp up your soak! For example, adding 5 drops eucalyptus and 10 drops peppermint essential oil is great for soothing aching muscles. Add 5 drops rosemary and 5 drops lavender to that and it’s great for those with colds or flu symptoms. Want to go a step further with this? Try adding 4 cup of dried milk flakes to this mixture. It amps up the skin soothing and leaves skin soft.

Skin balm: Make your own all natural skin balm. Throw out lotions and Vaseline!
You’ll need: Coconut oil and beeswax.

To do: Melt together 4 ounces of coconut oil and 1 tsp of beeswax pellets. Pour into a glass jar that can be well sealed (or a small metal container). Set in fridge and allow this to set up. Then you can use it as a skin balm and protectant, on lips, on rashes and cuts, and even on your hair. Carry it with you everywhere you go.

Want to add? Think about adding essential oils to this balm. You could add 10 drops of lavender for a real soothing and relaxing fragrance. Most essential oils work great in this recipe. But keep it at 10 drops or less for four ounces of balm. Adding frankincense and/or patchouli makes for a great nightly facial moisturizer. Note: change the ratio to ½ coconut oil and ½ beeswax. Use this as a harder, longer lasting lip balm.

Eyeliner: You can make eyeliner at home quick and easy!
You’ll need: Pure witch hazel or pure aloe gel and some activated charcoal tablets.

To do: Open one tablet of activated charcoal. Pour it gently into a very small container (size of a contact case). Add witch hazel OR aloe gel one drop at a time and gently mix. Continue until it reaches a very firm but thick mixture. That’s it! Now you just need a small eyeliner brush and you’re ready to make up those eyes. This washes away well but doesn’t rub off during daily activities.

Want to add? You can add ONE drop of lavender oil to this recipe. I would not recommend adding any more than that or other oils since this will be used around the eyes. ALWAYS do a skin test before using products around the eye area.

Charcoal tooth paste/polish: You can make this at home very easily and start whitening teeth.
You’ll need: Activated charcoal, baking soda and water.

To do: In a small bowl mix together on tablespoon of baking soda, and 1 teaspoon charcoal. Add drops of water slowly until it reaches a paste-like consistency. Make sure it is well mixed. Keep this in a tightly sealed container. Dip clean toothbrush into it and brush as normal. OR spread on teeth with a Q-Tip and allow to soak for a few minutes before rinsing. Rinse mouth well after each use.

Want to add? I would highly suggest adding a few (2-3) drops of peppermint, spearmint, lemon or cinnamon essential oil to this. This will taste very much like a baking soda toothpaste. Baking soda has a salty flavor. Adding the oil will give it a better taste.

DOUBLE DUTY – This serves double duty as a spot treatment for acne! If you see a new bump pop up on your face, rub in a dab of this! Rub well and let it remain all night.

Facial exfoliater: This will help scrub away dead skin cells, cleanse pores, and remove makeup.
You’ll need: Baking soda and Activate charcoal

To do: Mix together ½ cup of baking soda and 1 tablespoon of activated charcoal. Add a little water to make a thick paste (not too much). Mix well and put into a plastic, sealed container. Keep in fridge. Wipe face with warm water to remove makeup and dirt build up. Wet face. Use a small amount of this scrub to cover face and scrub with hands in circular motion. Do not get in eye area. After scrubbing, rinse face with warm water.


Want to add? You can add 6 drops of tea tree oil to this scrub if you have acne issues. If your skin is really dry, try adding a little honey, vitamin E oil, or olive oil to this mixture. If you have a facial soap that works well for you, try adding that instead of the water to make this scrub.

Do YOU need a quick fix that only contains two ingredients? Let me know and I'll see if I can come up with a two ingredient fix for you!

~Gypsy Mama