Sunny Subramanian is the compassionate voice behind the Vegan Beauty Review blog. On the site, she does everything from reviewing the best beauty products to whipping up endless DIY recipes. Now she’s really outdone herself with a new book (or, in her words, “self-improvement manifesto”), The Compassionate Chick’s Guide to DIY Beauty: 125 Recipes for Vegan, Gluten-Free, Cruelty-Free Makeup, Skin and Hair Care.
Sunny and co-author Chrystle Fiedler will help revolutionize your beauty routine with recipes for cruelty-free and vegan mascara, hairspray, peppermint toothpaste, lip plumper, and so much more.
In case anyone is unclear: “Cruelty-free” means that a product was developed without testing on animals, while “vegan” means that it doesn’t include any animal-derived ingredients.
To celebrate the release of this terrific new DIY guide, here are some of our favorite recipes from Vegan Beauty Review:
DIY All-Natural Lipstick
Adapted from Vegan Beauty Review
3/4 tsp. candelilla wax
1 tsp. shea or cocoa butter
1 tsp. jojoba, sweet almond, coconut, or olive oil
1–3 tsp. beet root powder or red mica (the amount depends on how intense you want the color to be)
A couple of drops peppermint essential oil
Lip balm tubes or small tins
- Using a microwave or double boiler, heat the wax, butter, and oil in a glass bowl until the wax and butter have completely melted.
- Remove from the heat and add the beet root powder and essential oil.
- Immediately pour the mixture into lip balm tubes or tins.
- Refrigerate until cool.
DIY Flaxseed Scrub
Adapted from Vegan Beauty Review
1 Tbsp. flaxseed meal
2 tsp. granulated vegan sugar
2 Tbsp. sweet almond, coconut, olive, or jojoba oil
Add all the ingredients to a small jar and mix until well combined.
To use: Apply a small amount of the mixture to your face and gently scrub in a circular motion. Wash off with warm water and follow with your favorite vegan toner and moisturizer.
DIY Natural Deodorant Spray
Adapted from Vegan Beauty Review
2 oz. witch hazel
12 drops favorite essential oil (sweet orange is recommended)
Spray bottle
- Add the witch hazel and essential oil to a spray bottle.
- Put the top on and shake well before spritzing under your arms.
Support vegan beauty mavens like Sunny and Chrystle by purchasing a copy of The Compassionate Chick’s Guide to DIY Beauty: 125 Recipes for Vegan, Gluten-Free, Cruelty-Free Makeup, Skin and Hair Care.
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