What Archetype Are You? Use Your Archetype To DIY This Holiday!

What Archetype Are You? Use Your Archetype To DIY This Holiday!

Aiden van Wyk

You finally get time off… and suddenly, you have no idea what to do with it?

Honestly, same.

Free time, like holidays and weekends, is a recurring (and often torturous) fantasy - but the moment it arrives, all you do is get swallowed by your social media feed. You look up again, your holiday is over, and you have nothing to show for it.

No more!

You could be productive with your time, connect with those around you by DIYing together and maybe initiate what may become a skill - a skill that you could monetise to build your own cosmetic empire.

How To Choose What To Make

Sometimes the hardest part is just figuring out where to start - so why not let your archetype guide you? :)

Scroll through the list below and see which one resonates most. Each archetype comes with a beginner-friendly DIY to get you going.

This is just a fun, light starting point - don't overthink it. You might see yourself in a few... but one will cause a twinkle in your eye - do that one.

What Does Archetype Mean?

Before we get into it, we should probably explain what an archetype is:

An archetype simply refers to a pattern of behavior.

The concept of archetypes was developed by Swiss psychologist Carl Jung, who noticed recurring character patterns in myths and stories from cultures all over the world - even ones with no contact with each other. He believed that these recurring figures reflect universal human ways of being.

In other words, if we see the same characters over and over across cultures, they probably reflect something deeper than our rational minds making choices about the world we live in - something instinctual, embedded in human nature.

It's true that pop culture has reinterpreted Jung's original ideas. Jung focused on inner psychic figures like the Anima, Animus, Shadow, and Self - moving parts of what he called the unconscious. We in more easily digested media, however, tend to focus on characters that represent familiar, less complex archetypes - like the Hero (Harry Potter), the Explorer (Indiana Jones), or even real people we associate with certain roles, like Princess Diana as the Caregiver or the class clown as the Jester.

How Do You Figure Out Your Archetype?

To figure out your archetype, ask yourself: "How would the people around me describe me?" Their perspective can reflect how you actually move through the world - further than how you think you show up. To be more specific, ask yourself:

  • Who do I feel most natural around? And how would they describe me?
  • What roles do I fall into, even without trying?

You're a mix of all the archetypes to some degree. But there will be one or two that feels just right - the Goldilocks Zone of archetypes - or that's commonly used when describing you.

A quick note:

Sometimes the truth stings. You might want to be the Hero, but your behaviours align more with the Innocent. That's okay. Remember that one archetype is not inherently better than the other, and that self-awareness is not judgment - it's where you begin. Once you know where you stand, you can decide what to nurture, shift, or grow into.

Find Below A Brief Description Of The Archetypes.

The Hero:

The Hero is someone who has a strong sense of justice, standing up for what's right faster and louder than anybody else.

You know this is you if - You call things out, take initiative and don't back down when you know what's right.

The Rebel:

The Rebel challenges expectations. They instinctively reject any sort of pressure that comes at the cost of authenticity.

You know this is you if - You absolutely love your freedom, particularly freedom to break social norms; you find it satisfying and encourage the people closest to you to do it too.

The Lover:

The Lover is someone who loves harmony, affection, and sometimes would apologise just to restore peace, even when they aren't responsible for the conflict.

You know this is you if - You love bonding with the people closest to you, and find conflict very stressful, so much so that you'd prefer people just let things go.

The Creator:

The Creator comes alive through nurturing the new. While they may consume others content, their consumption is almost always for inspiration - to supplement their art.

You know this is you if - You love discovery through creation and crave that feeling of disappearing as your body gets taken over by your creative spirit.

The Innocent:

The Innocent is warm, bubbly and generally well liked by all. Their joy is contagious, and they tend to see the best in others.

You know this is you if - People often say you see the world through rose-tinted glasses - and while that sometimes backfires, you still choose to believe in people's goodness.

The Sage:

The Sage lives between worlds of higher thought. Always seeking existential depth, they tend to be interested in the science of existence (i.e. philosophy, history and psychology).

You know this is you if - You're a great listener, are highly self-critical, and often find yourself craving deeper conversations than most people seem up for, leaving you feeling slightly isolated.

The Explorer:

Explorers can't stand still. They are ADDICTED to trying new things, never refuse a challenge and become bored by activities sometimes too quickly.

You know this is you if - You love that rush of starting something new - even if you don't always stick with it long enough to master it (ten extra points if you have an app like Duolingo on your phone right now, another five if you're "learning" more than one language, and another fifteen points IF THAT LANGUAGE IS SPANISH!)

The Magician:

The Magician sees the patterns and potential of the world, and with their charisma easily influence others to join them in that vision.

You know this is you - You see opportunity everywhere and somehow always get people to believe in your wildest ideas - even when you're still figuring out the 'how'.

The Caregiver:

The Caregiver is the one overflowing with empathy - always giving and too often neglecting to fill their own cup.

You know this is you if - Those who love you become frustrated when they see you giving too much, especially to those who don't deserve it - and deep down, you know it's a problem too.

The Ruler:

The Ruler is responsible, has a clear, near certain vision of the future, and wants the people around them to thrive in that vision too - and in their wanting others to thrive, they can sometimes push too hard, thinking they know what's best.

You know this is you if - You're always the one planning ahead, feeling "the pressure" and can become frustrated by the people around you and their decisions. You know their lives could be better if they just made better choices.

The Jester:

The Jester will use every opportunity to make the people around them laugh - no matter the cost. Their act of joy is often unknowingly deeply perceptive and exploratory.

You know this is you if - You live to laugh, and love making others laugh too - even if that means covering up painful emotions. You believe something like "Laughter makes life's most painful moments bearable, and life's most joyful moments euphoric."

The Everyperson:

The Everyperson is down-to-earth, loyal and realistic. They aren't trying to jump through any unnecessarily extreme hoops or reinvent a working wheel. While sometimes viewed as disinterested, they're actually just focused on belonging and being connected.

You know this is you if - You're not interested in flashy things or competition. You value a good life, solid people and peace of mind.

Now The Formulas:

If you found the archetype that you resonate with best above, find their corresponding DIY below.

The Hero - Chemical Exfoliants

The Symbolic Death.

It's the one thing that every hero does near the end of every story - of every good story at least. Completely break down and come back renewed.

A symbolic death is the cornerstone of the hero's journey.

And in cosmetics? What greater "death" is there than the death of your old skin cells, sloughing away to reveal the fresh, brighter, truer you underneath?

Since we're aiming this at beginners, we'll keep it simple with a gentle exfoliator. But if you're ready to face your greatest enemy and emerge victorious, try Glycolic Acid. Otherwise, start with this beginner-friendly Citric Acid Chemical Exfoliator:

You'll need:

Method:

  1. In a small bowl, combine the Xanthan Gum and Glycerite. Stir until the gum is fully dissolved.
  2. In a separate container, dissolve the Citric Acid in the room temperature water.
  3. Add the Citric Acid solution into the Gel. Mix thoroughly.
  4. Add the Geogard 221 and stir again.
  5. Check the pH - aim for between 3 and 5. If it's too low, add a few drops of *baking soda solution (more on that below).
  6. Store in a cool, dark place - this should last for about 3 months.

Before Use: Always do a patch test with any new product. For this specifically, a light tingling is normal, but burning means it's too strong. If that happens, dilute with a bit more water and/or glycerite. It's also possible that your skin might simply be too sensitive for chemical exfoliants.

To Use: Apply a thin layer to clean, damp skin. Leave on for 5-15 minutes and then rinse thoroughly. Follow with your usual skincare routine, but keep it gentle. Avoid layering too many actives - if your toner is very astringent or your serum is dense with potentially irritating ingredients, consider skipping them in your exfoliating routine.

Exfoliation leaves your skin feeling vulnerable. So, follow-up with a gentle routine: think nourishing, calming ingredients like Camellia Seed Oil or Rosehip.

The Rebel - DIY Toothpaste

Rebel against the system - starting with your smile.

Of all the things to DIY, toothpaste might seem like the least glamorous. But as a formulation, it'll be the most controversial product you'll make. Go ahead, tell someone you make your own toothpaste.

You'll hear:

"Oh! Interesting... but... is that safe?"

And that's your chance to ask: Well, how safe is that store-bought toothpaste, with its plastic packaging, crazy chemicals, and microbeads really?

Then comes the awkward "Oh!" moment where people realize that they just accept society's givens without further thought. But you're different. You aren't satisfied with the default answers; you go looking for better ones. That's what this is.

While we have a few milder, more classic formulas - this one brings a kick. It's warm and spicy.

You'll need:

Method:

  1. Combine all the dry ingredients in a bowl.
  2. Stir in the water to form a paste.
  3. Mix in the oils (Coconut and Vitamin E).

This will make about 230ml of Toothpaste. Store in a clean glass jar and use within a few weeks.

The Lover - Massage Candle

The Lover is all about affection, intimacy, and taking care. A massage candle fits this perfectly: the gentle flame warms the mood, envelops your area with aroma, and melts into am inviting, nourishing oil.

Whether it's for somebody else or a moment of self-care, massage candles are a beautiful way to slow down and express care with your hands.

What you'll need:

Method:

  1. Fix the wick in the centre of your jar. Use a dab of melted wax or glue to secure it, and rest a pencil across the top to keep the wick upright.
  2. In a double boiler or water bath, melt the soy wax and butter together.
  3. Stir in your carrier oil.
  4. Once fully melted, remove from heat and mix in the vitamin E. Let the mixture cool slightly.
  5. Add essential oils just before pouring to preserve their scent.
  6. Pour the blend into your jar, keeping the wick straight.
  7. Allow to set completely, then trim the wick.

To use it:

Light the candle and let a small pool of wax form. Blow it out, test the temperature (it should be warm, not hot), and gently pour or scoop it onto the skin.

The Creator - Face masks

Ever wish you could literally wear your creativity on your face?

Now you can!

Build your own mask with clays, oils, hydrosols, and botanicals that just sounds right to you. Pick the Pink Clay, go for Rhassoul, try something more obscure. Throw in ingredients you've never heard of but feel drawn to - Zinziba Essential Oil, Mafura Butter, Helichrysum Hydrosol, White Willow Bark... Make it as unique as you are.

Bonus points if it doubles as a hair mask.

Here's a basic structure to play with:

Remember to melt your butters, add the honey last, make sure everything's clean and let the clay rest a bit to completely absorb the liquid. Mix it all up and use immediately - we are not adding preservatives so you're going to want to use it soon, and store in the fridge to use the rest of the week if it's not all used up immediately.

Also, do patch test before full application, particularly if you're using an ingredient you're unfamiliar with.

The Innocent - Gentle Skin Cleanser

As an Innocent, you represent the best and brightest parts of us. You're someone we want to keep around - a source of light, joy, and quiet steadiness. Like a good cleanser, you help gently wash off the day's cynicism.

That's why you'll make a simple and clean face wash that is kind to the microbiome. Nothing harsh or too complicated, just pure ingredients that leave your skin a little clearer.

What you'll need:

Phase A

Phase B

Phase C

Tools

Method:

  1. Hydrate the xanthan gum by stirring it with the vegetable glycerine.
  2. Then add in the water bit by bit, stirring well.
  3. Add in the Geogard here too.
  4. Gently heat the Phase B surfactants. Lauryl glucoside is very thick so heating it helps it blend easier.
  5. Add in the essential oils if using.
  6. Then add the Phase A and Phase B together, stirring gently until combined.
  7. Give it a whoosh with an immersion/stick blender just to make sure everything is well mixed.
  8. Lastly, add in the cocamidopropyl betaine.
  9. Test the pH with pH test strips and add in a few drops of citric acid solution (mentioned below) if necessary. You are looking for a pH of just above 5.5.
  10. Pour your face wash into a pump bottle and store in a cool, dark place. 

To use, pump out a small amount and lather it on your skin, rinse off with warm water then follow up with your skincare routine as usual.

The Sage - Anti-Aging Trifecta

The Sage seeks wisdom - but that doesn't mean you have to look wise. Staying well-moisturised and wearing sunblock, that is its own kind of enlightenment. So here you'll formulate a simple antiaging trio to keep your skin supple, supported and naturally radiant. Start with a hydrating Hyaluronic Acid, follow with brightening Vitamin C, then seal it in with a nourishing oil blend.

Note, for all three bottles you'll probably use best a pipette bottle.

Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid:

What you'll need:

Method: Combine all of the ingredients in a beaker and mix until one solution is created. Pour into your bottle and in a cool, dark place.

Antioxidant Brightening Vitamin C

What you'll need:

Method:

  1. Sprinkle finely the Ferulic Acid into warm water while continuously stirring. Do this until it's completely dissolved - NOTE: remember to let it cool to room temperature before you add in the Vitamin C as Vitamin C is notoriously unstable and heat sensitive.
  2. Add the Vitamin C, Sodium Gluconate and Geogard 221 to the room temperature water and mix until completely dissolved.
  3. In a different beaker, add your Xanthan Gum to your Vegetable Glycerine and mix to form a slurry.
  4. Add Vitamin E to the slurry and mix well.
  5. Add the Vitamin C Water solution into your Xanthan Gum Slurry and combine till a slight gel is made.
  6. Check your pH, aim for around 3.5 - 4. If it's too high, use a citric acid solution mentioned below.

Bottle up and store in a cool, dark place. This should be stable at least three months if stored at room temperature - do consider storing it in the fridge to extend shelf life!

Antiaging and nourishing oil serum:

What you'll need:

Method: Warm all of the ingredients gently together until completely combined. Once completely combined, bottle up and store in a cool, dark place. This should be stable for at least six months.

The Explorer - Black Soap

Everyone talks about making soap - but they don't do it. Because they aren't as brave and curious as you are. You're willing to try something that could go wrong in ten different ways - and still do it anyway.

Because the real win is the attempt.

Soapmaking can be treacherous. Lye gets hot. Things can explode (kind of). But you do it anyway - maybe even with Tallow, just because who else is using Tallow? And then make it black. Why? Because most soaps are white but what if it isn't? Add charcoal and then use the most fun mold you can find - I like the bees one.

This is done by weight specifically because with Soapmaking it needs to be more specific. Please do use a scale and try to be as precise as possible.

Ingredients:

Safety:

Before you do anything, please make sure that you are wearing the appropriate protective clothing, including gloves and goggles. From one explorer to another, lye burns your skin and has a funny way of getting under your nails. Keep pets and young children away. Work in a well-ventilated area and make sure anything you use for soapmaking will not be used for foodmaking ever again.

Method:

  1. Slowly add the sodium hydroxide into the distilled water (never the other way around) while stirring until fully dissolved. Set aside in a safe spot to cool.
  2. Gently melt all your oils, tallow, and shea butter together. Allow the mixture to cool.
  3. Once both mixtures have cooled to around 50°C (or cooler), and ideally within 10°C of each other, you’re ready to combine.
  4. Slowly pour the lye water into the oils. Using a stick blender, pulse and stir the mixture until you reach light trace - this may take a few minutes or longer depending on temperatures, oils, and blending style (And don't worry if it seems too runny, it'll thicken up nicely).
    Light trace looks like a runny dessert custard - the mixture thickens slightly and you can see a faint trail when drizzled over itself.
  5. Once light trace is reached, quickly add in the activated charcoal, essential oil, and sodium lactate. Blend briefly to combine - the soap will likely thicken more at this stage.
  6. Pour the soap batter into your mold, tapping it gently to release air bubbles.
  7. Cover and insulate the mold for 2–3 days to allow the soap to harden. Once firm, unmold and allow to cure in a cool, dry place for at least 6 weeks before use.

The Magician - Colour-Changing Bath Salts

While it may be on the nose - let's do a bit of magic.

As the Magician you transform the ordinary into something extraordinary - and of course the same applies to your hot baths. Not only do they smell like heaven and soothe your skin - they change the colour of your water, turning your relaxing soak into a potion.

It literally looks like you're in a glass of wine.

You'll be adding nourishing oils, buttermilk powder and gentle skin exfoliants. You'll be using natural colourants for the colour change and a scent to elevate the entre experience.

What you'll need:

Method:

  1. Mix Epsom salts, Himalayan salt, and baking soda.
  2. Add oils and essential oils, stir well.
  3. Add hibiscus powder, beetroot powder, and rose petals
  4. Mix until evenly distributed

When you use this, it's not absolutely neccessary, but do consider keeping it in a Muslin. The powders, though it disperses well in the bath, can get into your hair. It's also easier to clean up if kept in a muslin. 
You may want to use about 3 tablespoons to a bath.

Do note that this might stain your bath, particularly fiberglass tubs with scratches. This may not be the change you're looking for, so to minimize this:

  • Rinse tub immediately after bathing while still warm
  • Wipe down with a damp cloth right after draining
  • Clean with baking soda paste if any residue appears

The Caregiver - Healing Calendula Salve

As the caregiver, helping others feel better brings you joy - how beautiful. And we know just the salve for you - it's a nourishing blend to help heal dry skin, cuts, scrapes, eczema, aftershave irritation, or even cracked lips.

It's made with ultra gentle ingredients, so it's safe for most kids (considering their personal allergens), strong enough for grownups and kind enough to share. You could pour it into smaller tins to give to folks as they need.

What you'll need:

Method:

  1. Weigh out the butters and Beeswax into a heat safe bowl, and melt them together
  2. Once melted, remove from the heat and add the oils (excluding the Bisabolol and Vitamin E). Mix until completely combined.
  3. Then add the arrowroot powder and gently whisk it in so no lumps remain.
  4. Allow the salve to cool further before adding the Bisabolol and Vitamin E - mixing in thoroughly.
  5. Pour into a tin and let set.

Store in a cool, dark place.

The Ruler - Luxury Body Butter

Using your hard-earned cash and the sacrifices you're always making for the future, you deserve some high-quality self-care. Use these ingredients to make the best body butter that has ever been known to man: if you'd like to glow like a God, add some gold mica

What you'll need:

Method:

  1. Melt the butters and stearic acid together in a beaker.
  2. Add in all the carrier oils and the arrowroot powder.
  3. Stir well to combine and pop in the fridge for a bit until it solidifies. It will look grainy before whipping, that's normal.
  4. Take it out of the fridge, add in the Vitamin E and Essential Oil, and whip until smooth and fluffy with a stick blender or electric beater (the beater beats in more air so will yield a fluffier texture).

To use: Massage into clean skin after showering. It soaks into the skin in a few minutes and leaves skin feeling ultra soft and nourished.

The Jester - Fun Bubble Bath

Of all the things to formulate, bubble baths carry the strongest hint of childlike joy - and that's exactly why you'll make it. Give people a chance to feel that again, alone in the bathroom, turning an ordinary bath into a moment of amplified freedom and fun. We have even added some ingredients that'll make your skin feel great once you leave!

What you'll need:

Method:

  1. In a separate beaker, blend your coco betaine, coco glucoside, and glycerine together gently.
  2. In another container, dissolve the buttermilk powder and Geogard 221 into your water and aloe gel.
  3. Add the surfactant mixture to the water, stirring gently to avoid foaming.
  4. Blend in any child friendly essential oils.
  5. Adjust the pH using a citric acid solution - aim for around 5-5.5.
  6. Bottle and you're ready to go.
    Kindly note: This may make slightly more than 200ml

To use: Shake before you use and use 1 - 2 tablespoons per bath.

The Everyperson - Daily Face Moisturiser

You don't need anything fancy - just a simple product that works. A dependable moisturiser to start your day off right. Light, hydrating, maybe even with a touch of brightening to keep you looking fresh.

Ingredients:

Water phase

Oil phase

Cool down

You also use a Pump Dispenser Bottle. This should make slightly more than 100ml. See here for a 150ml Pump Dispenser.

Method:

  1. Melt the oil phase ingredients together in a beaker.
  2. While they are melting, make a thin paste with the xanthan gum and rosa canina glycerite.
  3. In a seperate beaker, dissolve the Niacinamide and Sodium Lactate into your Heatd Water, and add that to the Glycerine Gel made in step 2.
  4. Once the oil phase is melted through and has reached about 70-75 degrees, bring the water phase up to a similar temperature, then add the water phase to the oil phase and homogenise until an emulsion forms.
  5. Blend in the aloe gel and then stir by hand until cool down.
  6. Add in the cool down phase ingredients.
  7. Decant into a pump bottle or jar and enjoy!

And there you have it!

Give it a try - you'll probably realise that it's way easier and more fun than you'd expect. You get something practical out of it, and it actually makes your free time feel worth it. You'll also use what you made and continuously give yourself the gift of holistic self-care.

Maybe team up with a few people in your life - each of you picking a different archetype. Let the Innocent mix up a gentle face wash, the Jester handle the bubble bath, the Sage formulate a few serums, and the reliable Everyman take care of the moisturiser. Make a day of it. Split the cost of ingredients, make your one independently and come together to share your creations - and maybe fun mistakes!

Next time try stepping into a different archetype to explore a new part of yourself. And hey, who knows? Maybe try teas, tinctures, home cleaning or even deodorants.

At the end of it all, you've not only made a product you'll use - you've made memories, started skills that benefit yourself and the Earth, and maybe even began a monthly ritual for you and your friends.

That's time well spent.

The pH Adjustment Note:

Mix 6g citric acid with 14g of distilled water. Add a few drops at a time and check Ph throughout.

Mix 6g baking soda with 14g of distilled water. Add a few drops at a time and check Ph throughout.

Fun Soap Molds

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Aiden van Wyk

Aiden is an eccentric explorer of ideas, endlessly curious and always eager to share his discoveries. His mind is a maze of rabbit holes, each leading to new insights (and occasionally pure chaos). In all honesty - he's a little impulsive, he's easily distracted, delightfully scatterbrained, and unapologetically himself. But through every deep dive and misstep, his mission remains the same:

To make the world a teeny tiny little better, one lesson at a time :)


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