Summer might be a distant memory but just because our bodies haven’t seen the light of day in months and months doesn't mean we should neglect our skincare (that's the bits under our clothes, of course)
And while we're big believers that any body is a beach body and loving the skin we’re in, there’s no harm in a little skin prep to get our skin glowing, right? Particularly for the fake-tan lovers among us, a smooth, even surface is key to applying an even tan and body scrubs are the most luxurious way of getting rid of dead skin AND get you smelling great.
In an age where sustainability is the word on everyone’s lips and, let’s face it, we’re all saving our pennies for the myriad of social events we’ve been missing out on for the past year, a great – and super easy – option is to make your own scrubs.
Check out some of our favourites below.
CHECK OUT: the best DIY body scrubs for glowing skin
Closer best DIY body scrubs
1 of 10The Simple Veganista’s Glow Sugar Scrub
Blogger The Simple Veganista has shared a recipe for an effective sugar scrub using just three ingredients. They've also given plenty of info on the types of sugar and oils you can use to customise your scrub to a smell and consistency to suit you. Read the full recipe here.
2 of 10Cook, Craft, Love’s Brown Sugar Body scrub
Like the Simple Veganista's above, Cook, Craft, Love's recipe contains just three ingredients, and you're likely to have them all in your kitchen cupboards at home. With brown sugar and honey making up the key ingredients, this might smell good enough to eat, but it works wonders on your skin, too. Read the full recipe here.
3 of 10Country Hill Cottage’s Coffee scrub
Another one from the Cottage's archive, a coffee scrub is great if you need a pick me up in the morning – coffee isn't just for drinking, you know. Caffeine works to brighten the skin and balance the skin's pH levels, and mixed with coconut oil is incredibly nourishing, reducing the appearance of acne and cellulite. Read the full recipe here.
4 of 10Country Hill Cottage’s Lavender scrub
Blogger Country Hill Cottage is something of an aficionado of body scrubs. One of our favourite's is her lavender scented one, which is great for soothing dry skin with its anti-inflammatory properties and anti-oxidants, not to mention its lush smell. She suggests adding lavender essential oil, mica powder to dye and dried lavender buds for smell and presentation. Read the full recipe here.
5 of 10Meow Meow Tweet’s anti-aging strawberry scrub
Ethical beauty brand Meow Meow Tweet don't only want you to buy their handmade, cruelty free, low waste products – they also want you to try making your own. According to founder Tata Pelletier, strawberry purée is a great anti-aging ingredient as it's rick in antioxidants and vitamin C, which keeps the skin looking plump by stimulating collagen production.Ingredients:• 1 cup raw sugar• 1/4 cup coconut oil• 1/4 cup ground or even whole oats• 1/4 cup pureed strawberries (you can also smoosh using the back of a fork)**Directions:**Mix all ingredients together in a bowl with a spoon.Learn more here.
6 of 10Homemade BODY SCRUB BARS! Body Butter Scrub by Whole Elise
Body bars are super versatile and environmentally friendly and can be used for everything from shampoo to deodorant - and body scrubs are no exception. In this video by beauty blogger Whole Elise, you can learn how to make pretty scrub bars using things you probably already have in your house. Check out the full recipe here.
7 of 10Coconut Mint Lime Sugar Scrub Recipe by A Spectacled Owl
It might be winter, but who says you can't indulge in a summery scrub? This coconut, mint and lime scrub by A Spectacled Owl is the ultimate combination of summertime smells and scents and is perfect for adding a little zing to a dark winter day.Find the recipe here.
8 of 10DIY Peppermint body scrub by Mommy Made That
While summer is all well and good, let's not forget IT's CHRIIIISTMASSSS and that means a whole load of scents and smells are on brand right now. We love this Peppermint version from blogger Mommy Made This, and it'd make a fantastic Christmas gift for a friend, too. Find the full recipe here.
9 of 10Clay Milk Almond body scrub by Prevent
So you've probably got the formula by now - a coarse sugar and essential oils can make up pretty much any scrub your heart desires. But for a gentler scrub that's great for soothing acne prone skin (backne, we're looking at you) this clay version works a treat.In a bowl, combine 1/2 cup of bentonite clay, 1/2 cup of almond meal, and 2 tablespoons of whole powdered milk. Stir in 2 tablespoons of water, and enough almond oil to form a paste. Spread over skin and allow to dry before rinsing off with warm water.
10 of 10Green Tea body scrub by Everything Pretty by everything pretty
Green Tea has loads of health benefits, but it's not just for drinking. It's a mild abrasive that works well with sugar to cleanse pores or gunk and oil, is full of antioxidants and works to rejuvenate tired skin. It's also an anti-inflammatory and can neutralise redness.Follow Everything Pretty's recipe here.
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CHECK OUT the best shop bought scrubs
Best body scrubs
1 of 5British Rose Exfoliating Gel Body Scrub
This gel scrub from the body shop smells simply divine.
2 of 5MANGO + COCONUT POLISHING BODY SCRUB
You can't go wrong with this vegan and cruelty free sugar scrub from cult favourite Beauty Bay, which is currently on sale for Black Friday.
3 of 5Soap & Glory Smoothie Star Body Scrub 300ml
Soap and Glory have earned cult status for their powerful formulas and kitsch packaging and their body scrubs are their stand out products. This breakfast smoothie is the perfect way to start the day.
4 of 5Sol de Janeiro Bum Bum Body Scrub
This scrub uses microbeads instead of sugar for an ultra-gentle buff with cupuaçu seeds, sugar crystals, caffeine-rich guaraná and coconut oil - plus a hint of shimmer.
5 of 5PraNaturals Dead Sea Salt Body Scrub
Vegan, cruelty free and with no parabens or other additives, dead sea scrubs contain all the wonder-nutrients from the lowest place on earth.
And on the subject of sustainable beauty and healthcare, there's a whole load of fair trade and ethical brands out there making everything from make-up brushes to sanitary products, so you can be kind to the planet while taking care of yourself.
If you're someone who menstruates, you'll know the monthly trip down to the shops to grab whatever period product you need very well.
What if you could avoid that trip altogether, and instead stay tucked up in bed while your tampons/pads/cup/etc were delivered through your letterbox?
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This is where period subscription boxes could become your best friend.
We'll level with you here, they can be more expensive than grabbing your usual brand off the shelf, but in some cases they're actually the same price as a premium favourite, and could even work out less over time.
Period subscription boxes have the added bonus of almost always being run by SUPER COOL companies like Ohne, who do away with tampon tax, or DAME who've invented the world's first reusable tampon applicator. No biggie.