102 SurfGirl Magazine
DIY Beauty
and Cleaning
COURTNEY FROM CONSCIOUS
SHORES, WHO HOSTS
PLASTIC-FREE WORKSHOPS IN
CORNWALL, SHARES SOME OF
HER HOMEMADE BEAUTY AND
CLEANING PRODUCTS TIPS.
Courtney, how did you get into making your own
products?
I got really inspired when I was travelling in Australia. I was
already trying to cut plastic out of my life when a wonderful
friend came into my life. She already made all her own
cleaning and beauty products and I was amazed at how
simple it was, so I got hooked.
Why should people bother making homemade recipes?
Products you buy in the supermarket, even when they’re
labelled ‘eco’, are still packaged in plastic. These plastics
leach into our foods, drinks and cosmetics, disrupting
hormones and our health. And they are detrimental to our
planet. Making your own products saves so much money, is
super simple and the most natural thing possible. Caring for
yourself and the planet works hand in hand – that’s what I
love most!
Is it time consuming and expensive to make your own?
Nope, it’s quick and easy! Plastic-free living doesn’t have
to be all fancy expensive products, it can literally take a few
pantry staples and fi ve minutes of your time. You just need
a few ingredients in your home to make multiple products.
Once you’ve got a few things to get you started it’s easy.
What store cupboard ingredients do you use?
White vinegar, bicarbonate of soda, coconut oil, poppy
seeds, ground coff ee, lemon peel... these are things lots of
people have lying around their house or can easily got hold
of.
What are your favourite essential oils to use?
Essential oils are little bottles of magic that can be used to
clean your home, support your health and create beautiful
natural scents wherever you go. I use a company called
DoTERRA. I love lavender, frankincense and peppermint
for anything beauty; and lemon, grapefruit and On-guard (a
DoTERRA blend) for cleaning.
How do you store them?
I store everything in airtight, glass jars. These are sometimes
repurposed from old jam, peanut butter or olive jars. Other
times I go and hunt in the charity shops to see if I can fi nd
some cool vintage ones. You can buy mason jars from loads
of places, but I always like to save money and reuse instead.Find out more about Courtney’s plastic-free beauty
workshops @conscious.shoresknowledge
CLARE JAMES