Think about how often your yoga mat touches the floor, especially if that floor is in a public yoga studio. Now think about all of the sweat, oils, and bacteria that accumulate on the mat during your yoga session. It’s safe to say that your yoga mat needs to be cleaned regularly, but does that happen? We are not here to judge; rather, we are here to provide a natural cleaner that helps remove all of that dirt and grime. 

What Is A DIY Yoga Mat Cleaner?

Think of this as a general cleaning spray, only without all of the harsh chemicals. This homemade solution contains vinegar or witch hazel, and essential oils, all of which help to remove sweat, germs, dirt, and oils from your yoga mat. That helps make your mat not only cleaner, but wonderfully scented. 

Using a DIY yoga mat cleaner also helps save you money and reduces waste. Not to mention, it gives you control over what touches your skin. Plus, making your own cleaner can feel both rewarding and creative, almost as if crafting your own wellness ritual. Keeping your yoga mat clean can help avoid skin irritation, in addition to the following benefits: 

• Helping prevent breakouts and skin rashes
• Removing odors caused by sweat
• Keeping the yoga mat free of bacteria and germs
• Extending the yoga mat’s life
• Enhancing the overall yoga experience 

Why Use Vinegar?

Vinegar is a staple household ingredient that is highly useful when it comes to cleaning certain items and surfaces. Regarding cleaning, vinegar’s most useful asset is its acidity. It is mild enough not to damage fabrics and surfaces, while being strong enough to get rid of stubborn stains and deposits. It can have a pH as low as 2.2 to 10 times as acidic as the average soft drink. 

One of the advantages of vinegar is that it exhibits antimicrobial activity. Some highly evolved bacteria can survive in acidic environments, but most find it difficult to thrive and replicate in these conditions. According to research, cleaning with vinegar can kill a range of pathogens, including E. coli. It has also proven to be an effective cleaning agent for dentures or a disinfectant for fruits and vegetables. 

What About Witch Hazel?

Yet another medicine cabinet hero! Witch hazel is typically for beauty applications, but it can be a powerful addition to your natural cleaning arsenal. Witch hazel is typically used as an astringent to help clean minor cuts or soothe bug bites. The astringent and antibacterial properties make it a fantastic cleaning agent. It is great for light cleaning tasks, especially when you want to avoid harsh chemicals. 

Not only can witch hazel improve your at-home cleaning game, but it can also help neutralize odors. Just keep in mind that witch hazel is not an approved disinfectant by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). You should not rely on witch hazel to eliminate viruses or bacteria; rather, use it as a complementary cleaner for light tasks. 

DIY Yoga Mat Cleaner

Ingredients:

• 1 cup distilled water
• 1/2 cup distilled white vinegar or witch hazel (whichever you prefer)
• 10 drops tea tree oil
• 10 drops lavender essential oil

Instructions:

• Pour the distilled water into a spray bottle and then add the vinegar or witch hazel. 
• Drop in the essential oils and then screw on the top. Shake gently before each use to thoroughly mix up the ingredients. 
• To use, lightly spray on your yoga mat and wipe with a soft cloth.

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A lot of people struggle with the appearance of large pores, which can be quite frustrating. Sure, it’s possible to experiment with a variety of skin care products, but not all of them agree with your skin. In fact, some can cause serious irritation and cause additional problems that outweigh the concern of large pores. 

DIY serums, particularly those that contain grapefruit and witch hazel, can be very effective at reducing the size of pores. These natural ingredients work to tighten the skin and help control excess oil production. These two actions make them ideal for anyone looking to enhance their skin care routine.

Benefits Of Grapefruit Extract

Naturally rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, grapefruit extract provides nutrients that are essential for the skin. The presence of antioxidants helps reduce oil production, making it beneficial for people with oily skin. Grapefruit extract’s astringent properties work to tighten the skin, minimizing the visibility of large pores. Additionally, it may help to brighten the skin, contributing to a vibrant glow and clearer skin by combatting bacteria that can cause acne. 

Benefits Of Witch Hazel

Similar to grapefruit extract, witch hazel is a natural astringent that helps to soothe the skin. It works to reduce inflammation and redness, making it a great skin care ingredient for people with acne-prone or sensitive skin. Witch hazel works to diminish pore size and improve the skin’s overall texture. In addition to balancing the skin’s oil levels, witch hazel helps to ensure hydration without leaving the skin greasy. Some studies indicate that witch hazel may improve circulation, which contributes to a healthy glow. 

Preparing Your Skin For The Serum

Before you apply the serum, make sure that your skin is clean. Start by using a gentle cleanser to help remove dirt and oil. Without this step, the pore-tightening serum cannot penetrate the skin effectively. After you cleanse, exfoliate the skin once or twice per week. Gentle exfoliants can help remove dead skin cells without causing irritation. They also help prevent clogged pores, giving the serum a better chance for efficacy. 

Optional Application Method

When ready to apply the serum, use clean hands to ensure that you are not contaminating the skin. Use a small amount of serum and massage it into your face with your fingertips. Use upward motions and concentrate on the T-zone, where pores are typically more visible. The T-zone is the area of the face that encompasses the forehead, nose, and chin. You can also use gentle tapping motions with your fingertips to encourage optimal absorption. Allow the serum to sit on the skin for a few minutes before you apply any additional products. 

Post-Application Care

Once your skin absorbs the serum, apply a lightweight moisturizer to hydrate the skin without clogging your pores. That is a crucial step after applying a serum! You can also apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen if you apply it during the day. Also, if you notice any unusual dryness or irritation, you may want to adjust your application frequency or consider making adjustments to your routine. Always listen to your skin’s needs. 

DIY Pore-Tightening Serum

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup grapefruit juice, freshly squeezed
• 1/4 cup witch hazel

Instructions:

• Add both ingredients to a glass bottle with a dropper lid. Screw the lid on a shake well to combine. 
• The serum is ready to use!

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If you are someone who loves a room with a scent, chances are that friends or family will give you candles this holiday season. Candles are an easy gift to give, and they are even easier to regift if you don’t like the scent. Unfortunately, a lot of candles and air fresheners or wall plug-ins contain harsh chemicals that affect the endocrine system. They can even be harmful for respiratory systems, especially if you have little ones in the house. 

Scientific research indicates that there is a lack of oversight in the United States when it comes to the fragrance industry. You may not know it, but you are surrounded by fragrances in shampoos, detergents, makeup, creams, toners, lotions, and so much more. All of these products contain unnamed artificial fragrance blends. There are over 4,000 fragrance ingredients disclosed on the International Fragrance Association (IFRA) transparency list. Many of them are linked to serious health problems, including cancer, hormonal imbalances, and respiratory issues. 

Due to copyright laws, though, manufacturers do not have to disclose the ingredients in their fragrance blends. Even fragrance-free products can contain some problematic ingredients on the IFRA transparency list. The unfortunate reality is that many of these ingredients are in a lot of products that you probably use right now. That’s why we encourage you to boycott air fresheners and candles and make the room sprays in this article instead.

DIY Holiday Room Sprays

These holiday room sprays are quick and easy to make, and they make your home smell amazing. What’s even better is that they are free of toxic chemicals and make for excellent gifts, which is great if you are trying to save some money this holiday season. Additionally, you can spray them on your bed to freshen up your linens. A quick note before we provide the recipes is that you should use dark glass bottles for these sprays. The reason for that is because essential oils contain potent compounds that can break down and react when they come in contact with plastic. Essential oils also go bad if exposed to UV radiation. 

How To Make Holiday Room Sprays

You will need your dark glass bottles, distilled water (if possible), and high quality essential oils. Make sure that your essential oils are pure because fake essential oils are just as bad as synthetic candles and air fresheners. Finally, you will need witch hazel, which helps combine water and essential oils, allowing the scent to linger in the room for a long time. 

Holiday Cheer Spray

Ingredients:

• 10 drops peppermint essential oil
• 10 drops ylang ylang essential oil
• 15 drops orange essential oil
• 2 ounces witch hazel
• Distilled water

Instructions:

• Add the essential oils to a four-ounce dark glass spray bottle followed by the witch hazel, screw on the top, and shake well to combine. 
• Unscrew the top and fill the remainder of the glass with distilled water. Screw on the top and shake again to combine. Spray when ready.

Christmas Tree

Ingredients:

• 10 drops cedarwood essential oil
• 10 drops balsam fir essential oil
• 5 drops nutmeg essential oil
• 10 drops cypress essential oil
• 2 ounces witch hazel
• Distilled water

Instructions: 

• Add the essential oils to a four-ounce dark glass spray bottle followed by the witch hazel, screw on the top, and shake well to combine. 
• Unscrew the top and fill the remainder of the glass with distilled water. Screw on the top and shake again to combine. Spray when ready.

Winter Wonderland

Ingredients:

• 10 drops each: wintergreen, cedarwood, and cinnamon essential oils
• 2 ounces witch hazel
• Distilled water

Instructions:

• Add the essential oils to a four-ounce dark glass spray bottle followed by the witch hazel, screw on the top, and shake well to combine. 
• Unscrew the top and fill the remainder of the glass with distilled water. Screw on the top and shake again to combine. Spray when ready.

Deck The Halls

Ingredients:

• 10 drops frankincense essential oil
• 15 drops peppermint essential oil
• 10 drops cedarwood essential oil

Instructions:

• Add the essential oils to a four-ounce dark glass spray bottle followed by the witch hazel, screw on the top, and shake well to combine. 
• Unscrew the top and fill the remainder of the glass with distilled water. Screw on the top and shake again to combine. Spray when ready.

Candy Cane

• 15 drops peppermint essential oil
• 15 drops spearmint essential oil
• 2 ounces witch hazel
• Distilled water

Instructions:

• Add the essential oils to a four-ounce dark glass spray bottle followed by the witch hazel, screw on the top, and shake well to combine. 
• Unscrew the top and fill the remainder of the glass with distilled water. Screw on the top and shake again to combine. Spray when ready.

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The dry heat of summer can take a toll on the skin, especially if you spend the majority of your days outside. Salty beach air and sand or the chlorine in a pool can wreak havoc on the skin. While the good times may have ensued, your skin pays the price, feeling itchy and dry at the end of the day. How do you restore hydration, especially to your face, without using harmful products? 

This homemade cooling mist helps to rejuvenate the face, neck, and chest, giving your skin the hydration it needs to look the best. Should you incorporate it into your daytime routine while you’re outside, it may help to moisturize the skin. Protection is key if you don’t want your skin to dry out. You can also use it as an after-sun spray if you got a little more sun that you wanted to. Just keep a bottle with you at all times and you can treat yourself to a cooling mist whenever you want!

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil has several cosmetic benefits. It may help to stimulate blood flow near hair follicles to produce hair growth and help treat dark spots. Tea tree oil also has a moisturizing effect on the skin, helping to fight the drying effects of the sun. If you experience itching or dryness after a long summer day, tea tree oil may work to reduce irritation and itching. 

Frankincense Essential Oil

Since ancient times, people have used frankincense essential oil for its many health benefits and beautifying properties. Dermatologists agree that frankincense oil tends to be safe for all skin types, especially mature complexions. It is a luxurious oil that may boost the skin’s radiance, especially after using a cleanser and moisturizer. After a long day, applying or misting frankincense oil onto the skin with the rest of the ingredients in this spray may restore your skin’s texture. 

Aloe Vera

Skin experts say that aloe vera has a few primary benefits for soothing the skin. It works to soothe itchiness or irritation, calming inflamed or irritated skin that may result from extended sun exposure. When you are in the sun for a long time, it’s possible for the skin to lose moisture via transepidermal water loss. This happens when the skin gets dehydrated and inflamed. The phytosterols in aloe vera may prevent transepidermal water loss, which is especially important for sunburnt skin. Finally, aloe vera works to hydrate the skin and provide a cooling effect. Plus, the polysaccharides in aloe are known for their hydrating benefits. 

Witch Hazel

Indigenous to North America, witch hazel is a tree-like plant, from which extract is derived either from the bark or leaves. The bark and leaves are distilled to bring out the plant’s active compounds. Witch hazel’s anti-inflammatory and astringent properties provide a tightening effect on the skin. This is great for soothing puffiness, redness, general irritation, and skin tone. It may also sop up excess oil via the antioxidant-rich tannins. This is why witch hazel is a common ingredient in toners. 

Homemade Cooling Summer Face Mist

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup distilled water
• 1 teaspoon coconut oil (or fractionated coconut oil)
• 1 teaspoon witch hazel
• 1 tablespoon aloe vera gel
• 4 drops frankincense essential oil
• 2 drops tea tree oil
• 4-ounce glass spray bottle with mist sprayer 

Instructions:

• Pour the distilled water into the glass spray bottle. Use a funnel if you need to, or use a glass measuring cup with a pour spout. 
• Melt the coconut oil and pour it into the bottle. You can also use fractionated coconut oil so that it remains liquified. 
• Add the witch hazel, aloe vera gel, and essential oils to the glass bottle. Screw on the lid and shake well to combine. 
• Use the face mist as needed, but make sure to shake the bottle before each use.

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Do you want to uplift your mood and create a calm space without plaguing your home with chemical fragrances? You came to the right place! With each spritz of this body mist, you detect floral and citrus notes that refresh the senses. The aroma also helps bring about a little vibrance to your day. It’s truly invigorating, light, and perfect for almost any occasion. 

The combination of jasmine essential oil and orange blossom essential oil is very balanced. It isn’t one of those mists that overwhelms the senses. It’s a little zesty yet subdued in the best way. The refreshing scent lingers in the air without overpowering the environment. And the best part is that it is so easy to make. We are going to ensure that you have the right instructions and information necessary to make this mist, which captures the essence of late spring/early summer. 

Creating The Body Mist

Before you make the mist, you have to source your ingredients. When it comes to essential oils, try your best to choose high-quality options that are pure. Not only will these offer the most vibrant scents, but also the most aromatic health benefits. Although you can use regular water for the mist, we recommend that you use distilled water, as it helps maintain the spray’s purity. It also allows the natural oils to be more present and doesn’t interfere with any potential impurities. For the mist, you will need:

• Jasmine essential oil
• Orange blossom essential oil
• Witch hazel
• Distilled water

The Benefits Of Jasmine And Orange Blossom Essential Oils

Jasmine and orange blossom essential oils offer their own unique aromas and health benefits. Jasmine’s floral scent can help create a sense of tranquility, which is why aromatherapists use it to elevate mood and establish a calming space. Inhaling jasmine’s aroma may help alleviate feelings of stress and anxiety. 

Orange blossom essential oil offers a zesty and cheerful fragrance, which complements jasmine’s scent in a harmonious way. Known to stimulate and refresh, orange blossom essential oil may help bring about feelings of positivity and joy. Together, jasmine and orange blossom create a balanced blend that can help promote emotional well-being. Use it throughout the day if necessary!

Before we provide the recipe, there is one thing to note about witch hazel. If you do not have it in your possession, you do not have to include it in the spray. Witch hazel helps the body mist last longer, though. It also acts as an astringent, exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, and can help maintain a healthy skin barrier. 

Homemade Body Mist

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces distilled water
• 1 tablespoon witch hazel
• 10 drops jasmine essential oil
• 10 drops orange blossom essential oil

Instructions:

• Get an eight-ounce spray bottle (ideally glass) and pour about seven ounces of distilled water into the bottle. Add the witch hazel and stir to combine. 
• You want to make sure that you leave enough room in the bottle because a small air gap can allow for proper mixing. 
• Add the essential oils, screw on the top, and shake well to combine. 
• Store the body mist in a cool, dark place because that will help maintain the fragrance and integrity of the spray.

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Sometimes, you come across a beauty product that can only be described as “tasty.” It smells so good that you want to take a bite! This homemade grapefruit mint body wash is one of those recipes. Not only is it incredibly easy to make, but it also works to boost the health of your skin. After soaping up in the shower, your skin will feel silky smooth. Let’s take a look at the ingredients that elevate this body wash (and your skin) to the next level. 

Castile Soap

Liquid castile soap originally contained laurel oil and olive oil. After laurel oil became unavailable, it was exclusively made with olive oil. Nowadays, liquid castile soap contains other oils, including coconut oil. Castile soap is made more ethically and is way more environmentally friendly than a lot of other soaps out there. In addition to being biodegradable and nontoxic, castile soap does not strip away the skin’s natural oils. Instead, it helps to clean the skin while hydrating it at the same time. 

Almond Oil

Almond oil is a nourishing oil that is suitable for every skin type. It assists with cleansing the skin while adding moisture simultaneously. Almond oil is a rich source of monounsaturated oleic acid, an omega-9 fatty acid and linoleic acid, a polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acid. Researchers note that almond oil is also a rich source of vitamin E, providing nearly 261% of the recommended daily value per 100 milliliters. 

Witch Hazel

As an astringent with anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties, witch hazel may help soothe inflammation and fight acne. It is commonly applied to the skin and scalp to reduce skin irritation. Roughly 45% of Americans have sensitive skin, and some research indicates that topical application of witch hazel to sensitive skin may help treat broken, irritated, or inflamed skin. One study found that using a lotion with 10% witch hazel extract helped reduce skin inflammation and effectively treated erythema. 

Peppermint Essential Oil

Peppermint essential oil exhibits a long list of benefits for skin health. It contains antimicrobial, antibacterial, anti-itching, and anti-inflammatory properties. The primary compound (menthol) in peppermint essential oil may exhibit anti-inflammatory effects when applied to the skin. Researchers note that menthol has cooling effects on the skin, which can help diminish the sensation of itching triggered by histamine. 

Grapefruit Essential Oil

Grapefruit essential oil is bursting with vitamin C, an antioxidant that helps to brighten and hydrate the skin. It even works to support the production of collagen. Grapefruit essential oil also contains other antioxidants that work to protect the skin from harmful free radicals. It also contains fruit acids, which help exfoliate the skin. Finally, it has d-limonene, which exhibits antibacterial, antifungal, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties, making it an effective ingredient to help fight acne.

Grapefruit Mint Body Wash

Ingredients:

• 1 cup water
• 2/3 cup witch hazel
• 1/4 cup liquid castile soap
• 1/4 cup almond oil
• 20 drops grapefruit essential oil
• 10 drops peppermint essential oil
• Foaming soap dispenser

Instructions:

• In a large bowl or glass measuring cup, add all of the ingredients and stir well to combine. 
• Place a funnel into the foaming hand soap bottle and pour the mixture into the dispenser. Leave an inch or so of room at the top for residual foam. 
• Pump, soap, and enjoy!

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If you wear makeup then you probably use micellar water to remove it at the end of the day. It dissolves makeup gently and cleanses the skin with ease. If you are conscious of what you put on your skin, perhaps you use a non-toxic micellar water, which can be quite expensive. Can you make your own non-toxic version and will it be as effective? The last thing you want is to have to scrub your face with elbow grease to remove makeup.

What Is Micellar Water?

Micellar (pronounced “mi-sell-ar”) water originated in France and is a common skin care product that aids makeup removal. Additionally, it works to remove impurities from the skin in a gentle way. The name comes from the word micelle, which is a collection of molecules. Micellar water has a mild concentration of soap or detergent molecules in the water, so there are microscopic bubbles that float in the water. It doesn’t feel like a soapy solution when you apply it; rather, it just feels like washing your face with water.

How Is It Different Than A Toner?

In a typical skin care routine, you apply a toner to your face after washing it with a cleanser. You usually follow up the toner application with a moisturizer or serum. Traditional toners help to get rid of excess oil or residual dirt or makeup that you don’t wash away with your cleanser. New toners are more focused on skin hydration, with cleansing taking a back seat. Water is the primary ingredient in most toners, and the same goes for micellar water. The difference between micellar water and toners is in the added ingredients (there are no micelles of soap, but low concentrations of alpha or beta hydroxy acids for anti-acne purposes). 

Does Micellar Water Remove Makeup?

Dermatologists agree that micellar water can get rid of most makeup and some waterproof cosmetic products. This is because regular micellar water contains a mild detergent. It doesn’t remove all types of makeup, though. Specialized makeup like stage makeup or certain types of waterproof cosmetics, such as mascara, prove difficult for micellar water to remove. It may remove some, but not all of it, and that is usually sufficient for most people. 

The Non-Toxic Version

The non-toxic micellar water recipe in this article only contains five ingredients, all of which are completely natural. It contains jojoba oil, coconut oil, vegetable glycerin, almond oil, and witch hazel. Jojoba oil is perfect for anyone with sensitive skin and it is incredibly hydrating, working to lock moisture into your skin. Some people use coconut oil to naturally remove makeup because it dissolves makeup and cleanses the skin with its antimicrobial properties. Almond oil isn’t necessary for the recipe, but it helps to add extra moisture and reduces puffiness. Vegetable glycerin is another moisture-locking ingredient that helps to soothe the skin and break down grime and makeup. Finally, witch hazel works to relieve inflammation, fight acne, and tighten your pores. 

DIY Non-Toxic Micellar Water

Ingredients:

• 1 cup distilled water
• 2 teaspoons jojoba oil
• 1 tablespoon fractionated coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon almond oil
• 2 teaspoon vegetable glycerin
• 1 tablespoon witch hazel

Instructions:

• Pour all of the ingredients into a sealable container and shake well to combine. 
• When you use this micellar water to remove makeup, make sure to use it with a reusable cotton round. 
• This recipe feels exactly like any store bought version, if not better! Let us know how you like it in the comments below.

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Are you a perfume junkie? Do you enjoy spritzing body sprays and walking through them to bask in their scent? There is nothing wrong with wanting to smell pleasant or amazing. After all, it is better to smell good than to smell like dirty socks. The problem is that all of these perfumes and body sprays contain synthetic fragrances. 

Synthetic fragrances are very common in perfumes or body sprays. Because of the U.S. Fair Packaging and Label Act, manufacturers are not required to list the ingredients in those fragrances. Most of these fragrances do not contain natural products. Pyridine, methyl eugenol, benzophenone, and styrene are a few of the toxic chemicals in perfumes and synthetic fragrances. According to research, these toxins have been known to disrupt endocrine function, cause fertility and reproductive issues, and increase neurological degeneration. 

Those are just some of the chemicals. There is no way of knowing the exact ingredients in store bought perfumes and body sprays. That is why homemade body sprays are much safer and better for your health and the environment. The spray in this article, for example, is toxin-free and filled with beneficial essential oils. Do you want to know the best part? DIY body sprays are very easy to make!

DIY Body Spray Ingredients

Free of synthetic chemicals, the DIY body spray only requires a handful of ingredients. It doesn’t call for a double boiler, long infusion process, or anything of that nature. The only thing we emphasize is that you use amber glass bottles. The reason to use amber glass instead of regular glass is because they prioritize the longevity of essential oils. Amber glass essentially shields the essential oils from harmful ultraviolet (UV) light. Exposure to UV rays can cause essential oils to break down and lose potency over time. 

Distilled Water

Why should you use distilled water in place of tap water for your body spray? The minerals in tap water can clog your spray nozzle and leave residue on the surface. Since water is the base for this body spray, opt for distilled water. 

Essential Oils

These give your homemade body spray its lovely scent. You will need a few different essential oils to get the blend that you want. The recipe calls for 20-30 drops of essential oils. If you want a floral aroma, use 10 drops of bergamot essential oil, 10 drops of geranium essential oil, and five drops of ylang ylang essential oil. Prefer a citrus scent? Use 10 drops each of tangerine, lemon, and grapefruit essential oils. Finally, 10 drops of patchouli essential oil, five drops of frankincense essential oil, and five drops of cedarwood essential oil will give an earthy scent. 

Vegetable Glycerin

Vegetable glycerin aids the combination of essential oils and water. It is an optional ingredient, but it does help the scent last a lot longer. Just keep this in mind when you make the body spray. 

Witch Hazel

Similar to vegetable glycerin, witch hazel helps combine essential oils and water. If you want your scent to linger for a lot longer, this is a necessary ingredient. 

DIY Body Spray

Ingredients:

• 1/2 tablespoon unscented witch hazel
• 1/2 tablespoon vegetable glycerin (optional)
• 10 drops bergamot essential oil
• 10 drops geranium essential oil
• 5 drops ylang ylang essential oil
• Distilled water

Instructions:

• Pour the witch hazel, vegetable glycerin (optional), and the essential oils into the amber glass spray bottle. 
• Fill the rest of the spray bottle with distilled water, attach the nozzle, shake well, and spray when ready.

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Cologne can be hit or miss. It is a very common gift for men, especially fathers who enjoy wearing cologne or aftershave. Due to personal preference and powerful or varying scents, picking the right cologne can be tricky. Not to mention, most commercial colognes contain synthetic fragrances, which can include carcinogens, respiratory irritants, environmental toxins, and more harmful substances. 

Making your own cologne with all-natural essential oils ensures a product that you can use safely and confidently. Don’t worry, because essential oil colognes will not make you smell awful, or like you just stepped out of a wild animal’s cave. In fact, the cologne recipes in this article may help you smell like freedom, the wild, and volcanos. Well, to each their own regarding the scents!

Some Cologne Notes

It is helpful to understand a few notes before you mix up your essential oil blends. You need to understand fragrance notes, which are divided into three classes: top, middle, and base. The top note is the first scent you notice after application, but it is also the quickest to fade. That leaves you with the next lasting scent, the middle class. Finally, the bass class is the scent that lasts the longest. A general formula is 10-15% for the top note, 25-30% for the middle note, and 55-65% for the base note. You can adjust the ratios any way you please, but that is simply a suggested starting place.

Nightlife

Getting ready to have a night on the town? Apply this gentlemanly blend that has notes of citrus with a perfectly earthy smell of vetiver. Researchers state that the essential oils in this blend help to support immune function and promote positive feelings. The recipe is as follows:

• 3 drops of lemon essential oil (top note)
• 4 drops of cardamom essential oil (middle note)
• 4 drops of ylang ylang essential oil (middle note)
• 6 drops of vetiver essential oil (base note)

Earthy 

Crave the smell of the woods? This simple blend is great to apply for any time of day, as it helps you smell like a flannel-wearing, ax-yielding lumberjack. Frankincense and copaiba are great for reducing stress and anxiety, making this a great workday cologne. The recipe is as follows:

• 4 drops of lemongrass essential oil (top note)
• 6 drops of copaiba essential oil (middle note)
• 8 drops of frankincense essential oil (base note)

Outdoorsy

This is the go-to blend for anyone who loves the outdoors. Because this blend contains cedarwood essential oil, you’ll smell like you lathered yourself in pine trees. Don’t worry, though, because it has a citrusy zest, giving this blend a refreshingly manly scent. This recipe is as follows:

• 3 drops of lemongrass essential oil (top note)
• 3 drops of basil essential oil (middle note)
• 4 drops of cedarwood essential oil (base note)
• 6 drops of Douglas fir essential oil (base note)

Office

Great to wear during the workday, this blend of essential oils has beautiful notes of citrus and the woods. The essential oils help to ground your emotions, balance the mood, stimulate the brain, and promote focus. The recipe is as follows:

• 4 drops of wild orange essential oil (top note)
• 6 drops of sandalwood essential oil (middle note)
• 10 drops of frankincense essential oil (base note)

How To Make DIY Cologne

This is an easy method for a homemade spray cologne using the above essential oil blends. To make the spray cologne, use a glass spray bottle, the essential oils, vegetable glycerin, and witch hazel. 

Instructions:

• In a two-ounce glass spray bottle, combine the essential oils and 1/2 tsp of vegetable glycerin.
• Top off the rest of the bottle with witch hazel, screw on the top, and shake well. 
• Spray on the chest, wrist, or neck when ready to use and make sure to shake before each use.

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You spent a glorious day in the park, hiking with friends, or walking your dog and now you feel itchy and notice splotchy red bumps. Poison ivy, or poison oak or poison sumac, has claimed yet another victim. All three of those plants contain urushiol, an oily, allergy-inducing sap that exists in every part of the plant, including the leaves, stem, fruit, and root. 

How Does Poison Ivy Rash Develop?

Bumps, blotches, and a linear streak of swelling or blisters typically indicates a poison ivy rash. It’s also possible for the rash to be weepy, crusty, and painfully itchy. The rash may not appear right away, as it can take four to 96 hours to show up. That said, a rash can take up to two weeks to appear if it’s your first time being exposed to poison ivy. The reason for this is because the immune system has to develop an allergic reaction first. If the body has never encountered it, the rash will take some time to appear. 

Although the best way to deal with poison ivy is to completely avoid it, that isn’t always possible. Even if you wear clothing that protects every inch of your skin, you can still rub your clothes that have brushed up against it and develop a rash that way. It spreads easily, even from pets to humans, and you can see a rash from the original point of contact to the places that you touch. If you do end up with that characteristic poison ivy rash, experiment with the following home remedies to soothe your skin and accelerate the healing process. Before you experiment with them, though, make sure to clean the affected areas and wash clothing and pets with detergent or soap. 

Aloe Vera

This succulent plan houses a sticky gel when you break it open. This gel is a common treatment for minor burns, sunburn, and other skin rashes, including poison ivy. Aloe exhibits cooling and anti-inflammatory properties that may relieve the itchiness that accompanies the rash. Unfortunately, several studies found that aloe vera does not accelerate the healing process, but it does provide temporary relief from burning and itching. 

Baking Soda

Baking soda is another common home remedy for relieving itchiness, especially if it accompanies a poison ivy rash. Research notes that you can also use baking soda to soothe irritated skin from dermatitis, bee stings, and other rashes. There are two ways to use baking soda to help relieve poison ivy rash. The first way is to add about one cup of baking soda to a lukewarm or cool bath and soak in it for about 20 minutes. The second way is to mix baking soda with water to form a paste that resembles toothpaste. Apply that paste directly to the rash. 

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a common pantry staple that has uses in many culinary applications. Research also shows that it may have a place in home remedies because of the health properties it exhibits. Apple cider vinegar has antibacterial properties that may help reduce the risk of skin infections that result from scratching. Because apple cider vinegar is acidic, be careful when experimenting with it, especially if the poison ivy rash contains blisters. Dilute the vinegar with a small amount of water and dab a cotton ball into the solution. Dab it onto a small patch of the rash and if it doesn’t irritate the skin and stops the itch, it may be a viable remedy. 

Colloidal Oatmeal

For anyone with itchy skin or rash, a great option to soothe the skin is to soak in a bath with colloidal oatmeal for 10 minutes. Colloidal oatmeal is made from finely ground oats and, unlike traditional oats, it doesn’t sink to the bottom of the bath. Instead, colloidal oatmeal easily disperses throughout the water to coat the skin and relieve the itch. You can typically find colloidal oatmeal at drugstores. 

Witch Hazel

Made from the leaves and bark of the Hamamelis virginiana plant, witch hazel contains tannins that work to fight infection and reduce swelling. You can pour witch hazel in a small bowl, dip a cotton ball in the liquid, and then dab the cotton ball on the affected areas. It can be beneficial to place the witch hazel in the refrigerator beforehand for an added cooling effect.

Rubbing Alcohol

Rubbing alcohol can effectively remove urushiol from the skin. Although this may not relieve itchy skin or other symptoms, it can help reduce the spread if you use it soon after exposure to poison ivy. Apply the rubbing alcohol to the affected area and then rinse thoroughly with water. You can also do the same thing to remove urushiol from your shoes.

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