5 Minute DIY Gifts

5 Minute DIY Gifts

Need some stocking fillers and a little pressed for time? These little DIY wonders are all super fun and easy to make! They only take a few minutes to whip up, and require minimal ingredients and know-how. You can even get the kids involved to make their own gifts for friends.

Lip Gloss Oil

Who doesn't love a little lip gloss? Keep those lips glossy, moisturised and summer-ready with this easy lip gloss oil.

Ingredients:

You can go even more simple and omit the cocoa butter, but we love the scent and it adds a touch of viscosity.

Method:
  1. Gently melt the cocoa butter and castor oil together, until the butter is fully melted.
  2. Stir in the vitamin E oil.
  3. Mix everything well.
  4. If you are using mica powder, add it now and stir well.
  5. Decant into the roller bottle.

Notes: cocoa butter granules may start to crystalise in very cold weather, but it's perfect for summer.

Mica is not soluble in oil, but it is dispersible. If you find it settling to the bottom, just give it a quick shake up and it will re-disperse.

Lip Scrub

A little lip scrub to go with that lip gloss? Sign us up for the combo set!

Grapefruit Sugar Scrub

Ingredients:

Method: Combine everything together and decant into a little jar. Yup, as easy as that!

To use: massage into lips for a few minutes. Rinse off and follow up with a moisturiser/lip oil.

Clay Face Mask

Make up a clay powder mixture that requires the user to add in a little water or hydrosol to activate it - it's a fun interactive experience.

Making up a facial clay mask isn't an exact science and there are no rules to what can be added. These ratios can be a guide:

Method: Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix thoroughly. Spoon into tins or jars and label or decorate it.

To use: Scoop out a spoon or two of the clay powder mixture and add just enough water or hydrosol to make it into a nice spreadable paste. Apply to clean skin and leave on for 10 minutes then rinse off and apply moisturiser.

Mini Bath Salts

It doesn't get any cuter than a mini bottle of bath salts!

Ingredients:

Method: Combine everything in a bowl until well mixed, then spoon into the clear glass bottle. Decorate with a little ribbon or string and a label for a cute mini gift.

You could double the recipe and make it in a 100ml glass jar for a slightly bigger gift.

Luxury Facial Oil with Rose Petals

No one will believe you made this yourself!

Ingredients:

Method:

We like combining 3 or more oils together to make a beautiful facial oil blend. Choose at least three oils and combine them together in equal amounts in the bottle. Add in the Vitamin E oil and shake to mix it in, then drop in a couple of rose petals for an ultra luxury look.

Calming Anti Irritation Balm

Ingredients:

Method:

  1. Melt the avocado butter and stir in the allantoin.
  2. Stick it in the fridge for 15 minutes to solidify a little (don't let it harden up fully).
  3. Stir in the essential oil.
  4. You can either decant as is into the tin, or you can whip the butter mixture to make it lighter and fluffier and then spoon into the tin, up to you!

Apply as an after shave, or to any areas of itchiness or irritation.

Hydrosol & HA Spritzer

This is one of my bathroom staples and it's the easiest hack to get your hyaluronic acid in without any fuss. Simply add 3 pipette-fuls of HA to your 50ml hydrosol, pop on a spritzer cap and shake well. Spritz on generously and enjoy the plumping and hydrating effect of the hyaluronic acid!

Juliette van der Meer

Fascinated with all things Nature, Science, Chemistry and Cosmetic Formulation; slave to four cats; my sweet tooth fuels my sweet nature.

I like to constantly learn new things. I also love crime series, which is totally not a red flag :)

I graduated from Rhodes University with a Degree in Geology but later switched to Cosmetic Science and haven't looked back - proof that flipping your life around can lead to much happiness.

BSc Hons, Adv. Dip. Cosmetic Science