Danny Davis
Essential oils have been a staple in beauty routines across the world. These potent, yet fragrant oils are used for healing, beauty, grooming, and even promoting balance. Although relatively new commercially, ancient civilizations used various oils to achieve naturally beautiful results. The Egyptians, for example, are known for their innovative, and sometimes obnoxious grooming techniques. In 4500 BCE, they used a compilation of 16 oils and herbs called “Kyphi.”
Many of these oils were poured into wax cones and worn as headpieces. The idea was for the oil and wax to gradually melt throughout the night, leaving an alluring fragrance trailing behind the person wearing it.
Not only did these oils serve as a perfume, they regarded the use of aromatic oils to be spiritually enlightening. So much so, only priests could initially use them. As time went on, members of the high court like Pharaoh and Cleopatra were gifted with their own specific blends.
The ancient romans used essential oils in a more grandiose way. Popularized by their luxurious baths, the Romans mixed juniper, pine, and other extracted oils to further enhance their bathing experience. By mixing these oils with the heat surrounding the water, they were able to “soak in” the oil more efficiently. This process helped to influence the modern day spa experience we see frequently. This practice was set aside only for the high class. In fact, the use of essential oils in this manner was associated with a prestigious social status.
Indian practitioners, who popularized the medical term “Ayur Veda” are known for using essential oils as an antibiotic replacement. Much like the ancient Egyptians, they viewed these oils as sacred and philosophical.
The idea behind Ayurvedic medicine is to bridge the gap between healing and spirituality. Many institutions who practice this form of medicine still follow these ancient guidelines.
Essential Oils In Modern Times
As Western practitioners learned how essential oils can greatly benefit overall health, they began to create spas with the sole intent of implementing balance through the use of oils. Now, many people experience how essential oils can benefit both the body, mind, and soul.
The Power Of Essential Oils
In addition, essential oils can be used to cure a variety of common illnesses. When mixed with tea, certain oils have healing properties. Many have found them to cure the common cold, bronchitis, and even irritable bowel syndrome! This proves that the botanical products found in nature are actually quite beneficial as opposed to traditional medicine.
From Frankincense to peppermint oil, the abundance of nature’s best kept secret is vast. Now, there are hundreds of essential oils to choose from with varying uses. In fact, many can be blended together to create a unique and personalized oil. This factor alone is what makes using essential oils so fun! Some individuals even find great relaxation with blending their own unique mixtures.
Many people prefer essential oils because of their natural roots. As opposed to cosmetically enhanced products, essential oils are free from chemicals, radicals, and harmful bacteria. The process behind obtaining oil from a plant is intricate and time conscious. Lavender oil, for example, is derived from the flowers, and leaves of the lavender plant.
When these items are removed from the stem, they undergo a drying process. After the leaves are completely dry, a natural oil is added to the foliage. After time passes, the oils from the plants begin to slowly secrete. This releases all of the nutrients from the leaves into the oil. This infusion can create a beautiful aroma that is used for calming and relaxation.
In addition, other methods involve boiling or steaming the plant until the oils secrete. No matter the distillation process, the ending results in an oil jam packed with botanical nutrients. Now, essential oils can be purchased on a commercial level or even through local markets at an affordable price. Virtually anyone can have access to natures awesome gift!
50 Ways To Use Essential Oils For Beauty
Essential oils are practical and easy to use tools that can provide a host of benefits. If you are searching for a holistic alternative to your beauty routine, let’s consider 50 ways you can implement essential oils into your regimen today!
1. Hormonal Balance
When pesky hormones occur due to stress or menstrual cycles, they can cause a lot of havoc on the skin. From pimples to rashes, the list is never ending. Many women like using clary sage and time oil to help balance their hormones. This results in an improved mood, balanced skin, and a decrease in breakouts. Besides, a truly beautiful person is someone happy! This, in turn, will reflect wonderfully on your skin, attitude, and overall confidence.
2. Hair Growth
Growing strong and healthy hair is a feat in itself. With breakage and unnecessary damage, we can place a lot of pressure on our hair. However, essential oils like rosemary, geranium, and myrrh are awesome alternatives. You can add them to your shampoo or conditioner for optimal results. Many people also find that rubbing these oils directly on the scalp stimulates growth as well. Black castor oil is another great alternative to help stimulate scalp growth and overall hair strength.
3. Body Detoxification
After eating badly or consuming too much caffeine and alcohol, the body can begin to feel stuck. This can result in bloating, breakouts, and even excessive weight gain. Some essential oils can help with cleansing the body of unwanted toxins. Many of which include grapefruit, lemongrass, and eucalyptus. These can be added to smoothies or teas to boost results. Your body will feel fresh and rejuvenated!
4. Beauty Sleep
They don’t call it beauty sleep for nothing! When you miss out on a night’s rest, your skin reflects the exhaustion. This is to blame for underage bags and even wrinkles. Lavender and Roman chamomile oil are great alternatives to addictive sleeping pills. By rubbing a bit of lavender oil on the wrists or under the nose, you will begin to feel immediate calm and relaxation.
5. Acne Treatment
Tea Tree and rose oil have been used to treat acne for centuries. Since tea area oil is extremely potent, it is recommended to test this oil prior to use. This will determine if the oil is too strong for your skin type. Rose oil, however, is light and safe to use for all skin types. This will help to calm down redness and reduce the visibility of acne.
6. Scabs and Marks
Tea Tree oil is naturally made to fight off bacteria and infections. Manu people use it to treat wounds and even rash breakouts. When applied to areas of the skin and hair that are reacting adversely, the results are amazing. If you have unwanted scars, blisters, or pesky bruises that won’t go away, tea tree oil is both clarifying and cleansing. Although tea tree oil is useful, it’s imperative that you test your bodies reaction to this oil prior to regularly using it. The potency can be quite strong.
7. Treating Cellulite
Cellulite is an annoying, yet realistic part of life. Many men and women struggle with this skin condition. It can result in a lack of confidence and self-esteem. Unfortunately, many women find getting rid of these beauty bubbles a challenge.
Grapefruit seed oil mixed with natural sea salt may be the option you’ve been looking for. When areas with cellulite are exfoliated and then replenished with moisture, it makes it difficult for these bubbles to return. This, in addition to a proper diet and exercise will help decrease cellulite.
8. Natural Deodorant
With the many studies coming out on the harmful chemicals found in commercialized deodorant, it’s no wonder many people are going the natural route. Cedarwood, tea tree, and lavender oil are subtle, yet fragrant options to add to your natural deodorant recipe. By mixing it with baking soda or corn starch, you are bound to fall in love with this deodorant.
9. At-Home Pedi
Want the experience the spa from the comfort of your own home? Why not invest in some eucalyptus, clove, or lavender oil? This can be added to your own personalized foot bath to smooth the skin and decrease dryness.
10. Natural Perfume
When making your own natural perfume, you have the power to add any compilation of essential oils to your blend. Ylang Ylang, vanilla, rose, and jasmine oil are popular options. These can be applied topically or mixed with water for a subtle scent.
Ylang-ylang oil has also been known as a natural aphrodisiac. Why not spray some of this homemade potion on prior to a hot date? You will surely grab the attention of your caller with this romantic scent. It’s easy to use and subtle enough to speak for itself.
11. White Teeth
Who doesn’t want whiter, brighter teeth? Peppermint oil can be added to your toothpaste routine to both freshen your breath and give your teeth an extra scrub. You will notice that your teeth will be visibly whiter as you continue to use it. This mixed with activated charcoal can be a great natural alternative to bleaching your teeth.
12. Natural Toner
Beauty gurus debate on whether or not toner is good for you. Some think that toner inhibits the skin from breathing while others swear by it. This debate is mainly because commercialized beauty companies add harmful chemicals to their mixtures. Often times, consumers are unable to decipher the ingredients being used. This creates a conundrum of opinions in the beauty world. However, toning after a facial wash can be great for clarifying your skin. It can tighten and promote the creation of collagen in the face. By mixing rose and geranium oil into water, you are able to tighten the skin without harmful additives.
13. Deep Moisturizing Conditioner
After the wear and tear of the day, why not relax with a nice argon oil treatment. After washing and conditioning the hair, apply argon oil into your scalp and ends. Wrap in a warm towel or shirt and leave in for 20-30 minutes. After rinsing, this will leave your hair feeling soft and strong. This method can also be used routinely on your ends or areas of heavy damage.
14. Skin Brightening
Rose hip oil is packed with vitamin C. These two work together to brighten, tighten, and boost skin elasticity. When this occurs, your face will be bright and sun-kissed! Add this oil into your daily face wash and bask in the benefits. This oil is especially beneficial for after-sun use. Your skin will sting bright like the diamond it is.
15. Repair Dead Ends
If you suffer from broken and dead ends, try rubbing Ylang-ylang oil on them. Many women during ancient times would place this oil on the ends of their hair to protect it from environmental harm. This will help enable your hair to grow strong with limited breakage. Place it in your combs or brushes to receive optimal benefits.
16. Eliminate Dandruff
Dandruff is embarrassing and often times unmanageable. Some dandruff shampoo products leave your hair feeling dry and brittle. In order to combat that, add bacteria fighting tea tree oil into your routine. This will give your hair the moisture it needs to fight dandruff. As always, test out this oil as it may create a tingly burn on the scalp.
17. Natural Body Wash
Orange essential oil can be added to your body wash to give you that energizing boost when needed! The citrus, tangy aroma will help to awaken your senses on those harsh Monday mornings.
18. Holistic Shaving Cream
If you want to add some extra moisture and care to your problem areas, why not add some lavender oil into your shaving cream. If you want to keep it all holistic, you can mix lavender oil, shea butter, and coconut oil to create the perfect shave.
19. Exfoliating Scrub
The skin needs a deep, exfoliating scrub at least once a week. One of the best additions to a salt or sugar scrub is an essential oil. Vanilla and Ylang-Ylang oil can add a refreshing scent to your scrub. In addition, the calming nutrients found in lavender oil can provide a relaxing element to the scrub.
20. Facial Primer
Many face primers are full of chemicals and harmful additives. Rose, cypress, and tangerine oils are awesome alternatives to a facial primer. You can either use them topically alone, of biz them with your facial moisturizer to give your skin that instant glow.
21. Under-Eye Bags
Pesky under eye bags can make you look older and tired. They are also extremely difficult to get rid of! However, certain essential oils work to lift the skin and increase collagen production. Fennel, German chamomile, and cypress oil are among the many beauty revitalizing secrets of the nature world. They can be applied directly under the eye or mixed into your daily moisturizer.
22. Eliminate Crows Feet
Crows feet surrounding the eye occurs when there is an absence of elasticity. Frankincense oil is excellent for revitalizing that collagen and tightening the area surrounding the eyes. By applying this topically, you will begin to prevent signs of aging and boost the elasticity of your skin.
23. Dewy and Sun-kissed
When summer begins, everyone seeks to achieve that dewy, summer glow. You can make that allure last all throughout winter by applying jojoba and grapefruit oil into your daily moisturizer. You will begin to gradually see your skin brightening up with these two beauties.
24. Natural Makeup Brush Cleanser
Makeup brushes are expensive and delicate to the touch. In addition, you use these tools on your face; this is why routine brush cleaning is so important. If you are seeking to avoid unknown ingredients and chemicals, opt for soaking your brushes in water mixed with grapefruit oil. This oil has disinfecting properties that is safe to go on your face!
25. Odor Prevention
When wearing flats or shoes without socks for a majority of the day, the feet can tend to get a little funky. This is especially true during hot, summer days. In order to combat that, apply lavender oil to the bottom of your feet nightly. This will help to alleviate signs of odor and provide your foot with a pleasing aroma.
26. Hair Shine
Seeking a natural hair shine without the chemicals found in hairspray? Add geranium oil to your hair care routine. This oil will give your hair a weightless shine in addition to a subtle aroma of mint.
27. Increased Vitality
Ylang-ylang has often been referred to as the “love” oil. It’s romantic floral aroma is used to induce romance and create happy emotions. In addition to setting the mood, ylang-ylang oil is a great anti-aging serum. By applying this to your moisturizer or mixed with coconut oil, you will age gracefully.
28. Reducing Dryness
Dry skin can be a major problem, especially when commercialized moisturizers just don’t seem to cut it. Almond and avocado essential oils are great ways to hydrate dry skin. This non-greasy alternative is awesome as a stand-alone moisturizer or in addition to your preexisting cream.
29. Combating Oily Skin
In order to reduce excess oil in the face, grapefruit and cypress essential oils are a great option. They are quickly absorbing without leaving your skin dry.
30. Makeup Additions
Some eye shadows look better with a glossy finish. Adding primrose or even rose oil to your eye shadow applicator will give your shadow a beautiful finish.
31. Wrinkle Treatment
Although getting rid of wrinkles is extremely difficult, you can achieve a softer look to your wrinkles. Frankincense is able to heal your wrinkles while working to prevent others from forming.
32. Sunspot Removal
When the sun hits certain sensitive areas of the skin, small “sun spots” will occur. Tea tree and frankincense oils have been known to reduce these spots.
33. Makeup Setting Spray
Makeup setting spray has been known to make your makeup last longer and prevent smudging. If you want to add a little holistic pizazz to your routine, create your own DIY setting spray using essential oils. By mixing water, witch-hazel and primrose oil, you will experience a soothing finish to your overall look.
34. Mascara Smoothing
When mascara gets old and dry, it’s hard to use. Instead of buying a brand new bottle, why not add some lavender oil to your mascara. This will loosen the product and make application easier. In addition, your makeup will last longer.
35. Acne Scaring
Picking at your skin or even certain injuries can result in acne scaring. These dark spots can seem hard remove without intensive bleaching. Helichrysum essential oil helps your skin to create new cells and brighten your face. You can add this to your skincare routine or use it topically.
36. Relaxing Bath Oil
The best way to relax after a long day is to unwind with a bath. By adding your favorite essential oil to your bathwater, you are able to experience a relaxing and totally detoxifying experience! This leaves your skin feeling soft and smooth.
37. Beautify Your Home
What better way to feel beautiful than to have a clean and inviting home. Essential oils such as lavender, thieves, and lemongrass can be used to clean specific areas of the home. You can mix it into your dishwasher, washing machine, or even clean your surfaces.
38. Aromatherapy
The most beautiful people are stress free and relaxed. Aromatherapy is an awesome way to achieve balance within the home. Adding essential oils like lavender, ylang-ylang, and even rose oil into your diffuser will help restore balance and calm your nerves. What a great way to embrace relaxation!
39. Healthy Teeth
Teeth are some of the most overlooked beauty staples. When your teeth look good, your whole face shines. Thieves oil can be orally consumed or mixed with your toothpaste in order to maintain healthy oral health!
40. Clothes Refresher
When your clothes aren’t dirty, but could use a boost, try mixing lemon essential oil with water and spraying it on your clothes. Your clothing will have a subtle aroma that is both uplifting and refreshing.
41. Revamp Your Jewels
When real silver or gold begins to tarnish, the finish is tacky. Instead of spending money on new items, simply clean your existing ones. Lemon essential oil is a great natural jewelry cleaner. This helps to alleviate rust, tarnish or other imperfections.
42. Hair Highlights
While we’re on the subject of lemon essential oil, this gem can be used to create hair highlights! The trick is to apply this oil to your hair and immediately go out into the sun. This is a modern take on the traditional lemon juice trick.
43. Revamp Your Soap
Peppermint oil is a great additive to rejuvenate your soap or body wash. Add this to subtle or fragrance free products to receive an energizing boost.
44. Pre-Workout
Did you know that by adding peppermint oil to your water prior to a workout will help you push through? The awakening scent of peppermint oil helps to give you the push you need. In addition, taking a quick whiff prior to hitting the gym will be just as effective!
45. Homemade Lip Balm
Basil, peppermint, and grapefruit oil are great additives to homemade lip remedies. They even come with a subtle flavor.
46. Skin Vitality
Carrot seed essential oil is great for reducing the signs of aging. By adding this into your beauty routine, you can reverse the effects of aging with a few simple uses!
47. Shoe Deodorizer
After wearing shoes for a long period of time, they can get a little stinky. Mix tea tree, eucalyptus, and thyme oil into a bottle. Spray them into your shoes and let the mixture sit overnight. This will give your shoes the freshness they need.
48. Reuse Gym Clothes
Tired of washing your gym clothes every day? Add melaleuca and lavender oil into a spray bottle mixed with water. Spray your clothes and gym items for an instant refresh!
49. Lice Treatment
Lice is a pesky problem that can impact hair health and confidence. In order to combat that problem, add some tea tree oil to your scalp and rid yourself of those annoying mites!
50. Metabolism Booster
If you are seeking to speed up your metabolism and shed some pounds for the summer, add grapefruit seed essential oil into your morning water. This subtle taste will help you to curb cravings and feel energized!
Making Homemade Beauty Products
If you are seeking to create your own homemade beauty care products, you will need carrier oils to blend with essential oils, as these oils are very strong and should not be used topically at full strength.
Best Carrier Oils
Almond Oil
- Rich in vitamin E and K
- Helps restore skin elasticity and promotes cell regeneration
- Improves skin circulation
- Protects against UV rays
- Odorless and absorbs quickly into the skin
Avocado Oil
- Rich in vitamins A and E
- Intense hydration from fatty acids
- Boosts collagen production and skin elasticity
- Use at night to rejuvenate skin and benefit from its anti-aging properties
Argan Oil
- Intense hydration from its 80 fatty acids
- Promotes elasticity
- Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
- Excellent carrier oil for anti-aging homemade blends
- Protects against environmental agents and free radicals
- Helps treat acne
Jojoba Oil
- Mimics natural oils produced by the body
- Great for sensitive skin
- Intense hydration and moisturizing of face and body
- Body & Scalp Massage
- Lip Conditioner
- Replaces shaving cream
- Deep conditioner for hair
- Removes frizz from hair
Olive Oil
- Rich in antioxidants
- Rich in vitamin E
- Rich in vitamin A
- Intense hydration and moisturizing of face and body
Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
- Antibacterial
- Antifungal
- Cleansing
- Moisturizing and hydration
- Dishpan Hands
- Massage
- Replaces Shaving Cream
- Deep Conditioner For Hair
- Remove Eye Makeup
- Body Scrubs
Grape Seed Oil
- Dries out pimples and prevents oily skin
- Contains linoleic acid, which has anti-inflammatory and healing properties
- It effectively dries out pimples and helps oily skin, which can clog pores
These can be used in a variety of ways to enhance your beauty routine. In addition, they are inexpensive and can be found in any commercial store. Essential oils are awesome and inexpensive additives that can greatly enhance your beauty routine. By adding them to your preexisting home mixtures or using them alone, you will be able to reap their natural and wonderful benefits.
If you want to be extra aware of where your products are coming from, you have the option of growing your own botanicals for beauty use! Many plants such as lavender and basil are easy to grow.
This way, you know exactly where your items are coming from. By adding these essential oils into your daily routine, you will soon reap their awesome benefits! As always, consult with your healthcare professional prior to implementing these products into your daily routine.
