We’re counting down 12 homemade beauty products that are much better than their store bought counterparts.

1. Body Scrub: Brown Sugar, Honey and Extra Virgin Olive oil Mix all ingredients together and store in an airtight container in your shower. To use, scoop a small amount in the palm of your hand and  gently massage all over your face or body as needed. Rinse after 15 minutes.

2. Olive Oil: a great moisturizer for face and body and only a little is needed. It is also good in removing makeup. Honey is another awesome moisturizer that helps the skin retain moisture, and gives your skin a beautiful glow.

3. Brown Sugar: can be used as an exfoliate for face because it is softer than regular sugars yet strong enough to scrub dead cells away, promoting a healthy glowing skin

Exfoliating helps to remove the dead skin cells and other impurities that clog pores. When we exfoliate it helps to keep our  complexion clear and our skin looking healthy!

4. Oatmeal: another great exfoliate. A mixture of uncooked oats, honey, nutmeg, cinnamon, dried lavender or rosemary is a great combination to use to exfoliate.

5. Lavender is known as a soothing herb that is used to calm your mind, stomach, and skin. It is an antioxidant, improves mood and supports brain function, heals burns and cuts, is great for headaches and can be used to promote sleep and fight insomnia.

6. Cinnamon: an antimicrobial that soothes dry skin, relieves eczema, enhances skin complexion, great for halitosis (bad breath), and is even known to cure ringworm. Cinnamon can be used both internally and externally. My Cinnamon-Coffee soap may be used as an exfoliate.

7. Sweet Almond Oil: rich in vitamins A, B1, B6, and E. It is known to promote hair growth and blood circulation. It can be used to gently remove sebum from the pores and helps to prevent future acne. It is also safe for those with sensitive skin. Sweet Almond Oil is great for your heart as it addresses bad cholesterol, and cleanses your colon.

8. Pineapple: rich in vitamin C and antioxidants which are extremely beneficial in treating and preventing acne, sun damaged and uneven skin tones. It softens the skin against inflammation and swelling.

9. Shea Butter: a moisturizer that reduces inflammation, is rich in vitamins A, E, and F, and can be used on both hair and skin. It also encourages the production of collagen.

10. Papaya: hydrates & lightens your skin while brightening its complexion, reduces acne and pimples and fades scars & dark spots on your skin. It is high in fiber and can be used both internally and externally. It is said to absorb toxins in the colon because of its high fiber content and aids in digestion. It is also rich in vitamin C. It is a powerful antioxidant that moisturizes your skin, reduces wrinkles, cures eczema and psoriasis, stimulates hair growth, boost immunity, helps ease menstrual pain, reduces stress, and a whole lot more.

TIP: I use papaya often. I eat it, make smoothies and I blend even the skin and the seeds. I puree the skin more for soap making, body wash or skin creams. I love this fruit as it works wonders for my skin.

11. Himalayan Pink Sea Salt: used to detoxify the body by balancing the body’s pH levels. It also improves hydration, helps to balance blood pressure, soothes away soreness and helps to repair sore damaged muscles. Take a warm bath infused with Himalayan pink salt and find yourself de-stressed, relaxed, mineralized and free from aches and pains.

12. Coconut Oil: naturally anti-fungal, antibacterial and an excellent moisturizer for both skin and hair. Where I come from in the Caribbean, we make our own coconut butter, coconut cream and coconut oil. It is a fabulous makeup remover, and an ideal deep cleanser. It protects against sunburn, and  reduces facial wrinkles thus preventing premature aging. Coconut oil can also be used as an insect repellent when mixed with peppermint and catnip leaves. I use it as mouthwash as well.