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DIY with Essential Oils - Projects to Try

Here are some fun DIY projects to try with essential oils! If you are someone who has no idea what to do with essential oils or maybe you are getting bored with the same uses over and over again.

Here are some great ideas for essential oil DIY projects:

Homemade Body Butter

Homemade Body Butter

Homemade body butter is really fun and easy to make! Not to mention, it is also all natural and good for your skin.

What you need:

  1. 1 cup coconut oil
  2. 1/2 cup shea butter
  3. 10 drops of essential oils (my favorites are Lavender, Stress Away, Geranium, or Joy)
  4. Mason Jar

Directions:

  1. Melt the coconut oil and shea butter in a sauce pan (or you can microwave it).
  2. Add the essential oils and stir.
  3. Combine in a mason jar and store at room temperature.

DIY Reed Diffuser

DIY Reed Diffuser

DIY reed diffusers are both inexpensive and fun to make! Reed diffusers are popular decorative air fresheners that you can put around your home. You can make it all natural by using essential oils using the recipe below. 

To make your own reed diffuser you will need:

  1. A glass container – you can buy unique reed diffuser bottles or reuse a glass container you already have (learn how to remove the label/sticker from your glass containers HERE)
  2. Reed sticks
  3. Essential oils
  4. Splash of vodka
  5. 1/4 cup water

Directions:

  1. Drop about 12 drops of essential oils into the diffuser bottle (more for a strong scent). 
  2. Add a splash od vodka to mix with the essential oils.
  3. Top it off with the water.
  4. Add the reed sticks and rotate them when the scent begins to fade, about once a week.

Homemade Thieves Hand Purifier

Homemade Thieves Hand Purifier

All natural homemade hand purifier is extremely easy to make and better for you than the store-bought kind.

Avoid the added chemicals, dyes and preservatives and make your own all natural homemade hand purifier by following this simple recipe:

  1. Combine equal parts aloe vera gel (try to get the purest you can find with no added lidocaine) and rubbing alcohol.
  2. Add 5-10 drops of Thieves essential oil blend since it supports the immune system.
  3. Add to a squeeze bottle, shake it up then it’s ready to use!

Homemade Dry Shampoo – For Light or Dark Hair

Homemade Dry Shampoo - For Light or Dark Hair

Here is a recipe for making your own all natural dry shampoo with ingredients that you can find around your kitchen. It lasts for a long time and works great!

For Light Colored Hair

Ingredients:

  1. A container (I used these empty salt and pepper shakers which made it easy to shake onto my hair)
  2. Equal parts cornstarch and baking soda
  3. 5-10 drops of essential oils – I use rosemary or lavender because they are great for hair and scalp health!

Directions:

  1. Mix the ingredients in a small bowl and transfer into your container.
  2. Shake, brush or sprinkle your dry shampoo onto your scalp and brush through to ends.

For Dark Colored Hair

Ingredients:

  1. A container
  2. Equal parts cornstarch and unsweetened cocoa powder
  3. 1 tbsp baking soda
  4. 5-10 drops of essential oils (again, I like lavender and rosemary)

Directions:

  1. Mix the ingredients in a small bowl and transfer into your container.
  2. Shake, brush or sprinkle your dry shampoo onto your scalp and brush through to ends.

Homemade Laundry Soap

Homemade Laundry Soap

This cheap homemade laundry soap is not only all natural, but it will only cost you about 3.5 cents per load! Who says all natural laundry soap has to cost more than the cheap kind? Not in this case! This recipe is also HE friendly.

Here’s what you will need:

  1. A mixing bowl
  2. A cheese grater (fine)
  3. 2 bars of soap (I use Dr. Bronner’s pure castile bar soap)
  4. 4 cups of Borax (I buy it in bulk and use it for many things)
  5. 4 cups of baking soda

Directions:

  1. Grate the bars of soap
  2. Add in the Borax and baking soda and mix together and add to a container.
  3. Add essential oils – great choices are lavender, citrus fresh, purification and joy.
  4. Use 1-2 tablespoons per load or more for large or heavily soiled loads.

Homemade Deodorant

Homemade Deodorant

This homemade all natural deodorant sure beats store-bought deodorants that may come with many health hazards. Save money and protect your health with this all natural deodorant that works great!

Here is what you need to make homemade all natural deodorant (makes 2):

  1. A mason jar (specifically for making deodorants- the leftover beeswax will stick to it)
  2. Used deodorant containers (you can buy new ones online if you prefer)
  3. 1/4 oz beeswax (I cut an ounce block into 4 pieces with a sharp knife)
  4. 1/4 cup coconut oil (melted)
  5. 1/3 cup baking soda
  6. 1/3 cup corn starch
  7. 10 drops of therapeutic grade essential oil – I prefer tea tree, lavender or eucalyptus, but you can use whichever essential oils you want.

Directions:

  1. Combine the baking soda, corn starch and coconut oil in the mason jar and stir.
  2. Add the eucalyptus oil and beeswax.
  3. Microwave the mason jar for approximately 2 minutes. It will be very hot so please handle with kitchen mittens.
  4. Swirl it around to make sure everything is mixed together evenly. It should be completely melted and hot.
  5. Pour the mixture into your deodorant containers.
  6. Let it cool and replace cap.

DIY Thieves Spray

DIY Thieves Spray

DIY Thieves spray is easy and fun to make at home! Thieves spray is an immune supporting essential oil spray that can be used to clean surfaces and hands on the go or at home!

How To Use Thieves Spray:

I use Thieves spray to clean anything from toys to household surfaces and public surfaces (like airplanes, restaurants, restrooms and shopping carts) to using it as a hand cleaner or air freshener spray.

How To Make Copycat Thieves Spray:

  1. Add 1 teaspoon Witch Hazel to a 2 oz Glass Spray Bottle
  2. Add 10 drops of Thieves Essential Oil
  3. Top it off with distilled water (approx 2 oz)

Homemade All Purpose Cleaner

Homemade All Purpose Cleaner

This recipe is for homemade all purpose cleaner that costs about $3 per gallon to make. Can’t beat that!

Homemade All Purpose Cleaner Only $3 Per Gallon:

  1. 1/2 cup white vinegar
  2. 1 tablespoon castile soap
  3. 20 drops lemon essential oil
  4. 2 half gallon mason jars (or reuse a gallon milk jug or something similar)

Directions:

Fill the remaining container with warm filtered water. This cleaner is perfect for all kinds of household cleaning! I love the lemon scent too.

  • Keep in mind that the $3 price is when you buy in bulk at the cheapest price. I buy all of these ingredients in bulk because I can use them for so many other things! Prices can vary by store and location. This price does not include the mason jars. Save money by reusing containers.

DIY Stain Remover Spray

DIY Stain Remover Spray
I love this DIY spot and stain remover spray! I use in on my carpets and rugs, clothing, linens and anything around the house that gets stained.

What you need:

  1. A spray bottle – I use this amber glass bottle to preserve the essential oils
  2. 2 tablespoons hydrogen peroxide
  3. 1 tablespoon white vinegar
  4. 1 tablespoon castile soap
  5. 10 drops thieves essential oil
  6. Water

Directions:

Add the ingredients to the spray bottle then top the rest off with water. Use this spot and stain remover on many surfaces to remove stains naturally.

DIY Diaper Balm

DIY Diaper Balm

This DIY diaper balm using essential oils is the perfect alternative to store-bought diaper creams. Plus, when I read those labels I see many questionable ingredients. Not to mention, they are also expensive!

What you need:

  1. Lavender Essential Oil
  2. Coconut Oil
  3. Optional – Beeswax (for thickness and to prevent melting during warm months)
  • Ratio: 1 tablespoon coconut oil for every 2-4 drops of lavender

Directions:

Mix the ingredients together for your very own DIY diaper balm and keep it handy in a container or mason jar.

Homemade Eyeliner

Homemade Eyeliner

Homemade eyeliner is a healthier alternative to those toxic makeups out there. It also saves you money! Here is how you can make homemade eyeliner for cheap! It is all natural, naturally colored and easy to remove.

What you will need: (This recipe makes 10 eyeliners – adjust as needed)

  1. Containers
  2. Mason jar
  3. 1/4 ounce beeswax
  4. 1 ounce coconut oil
  5. 20 activated charcoal capsules
  6. Optional: 5 drops lavender essential oil

Directions:

  1. Open activated charcoal capsules and pour charcoal into the mason jar.
  2. Add the coconut oil and beeswax into the mason jar and microwave for about 1-2 minutes or until melted but not scolding hot. *You can also add the mason jar to a pot of boiling water to melt the ingredients as a healthier method* I make sure to use a mason jar designated to making eye liner since the excess beeswax will stick and I do not recommend pouring it down your sink.
  3. Next, add the essential oils and swirl until well mixed.
  4. Add to your containers and let it harden sitting out or in the fridge.

Homemade Bath Salts

Homemade Bath Salts

It is a fun project to make your own bath salts. There is something so soothing about relaxing in the bath with some amazing bath salts. One thing I have noticed are the store-bought bath salts having synthetic ingredients and scents. It’s a much better idea to make your own if you can. It is a fun project or a homemade gift idea too!H

What you need:

  1. Epsom salt
  2. Essential oils
  3. Optional – dried herbs or flowers like dried lavender
  4. A pint sized mason jar

Directions:

Add a few drops of essential oils and stir. Add in the dried herbs/flowers too. Add to a mason jar. Personalize it with some twine or decals for a nice homemade gift!

Use 2 cups for a full body bath soak. Use less for foot soaks.

Copy Cat Burt’s Bees Lip Balm

Copy Cat Burt's Bees Lip Balm

This copy cat Burt’s Bees lip balm recipe is seriously amazing! Who loves Burt’s Bees lip balm as much as I do? Best part is, it is a fraction of the cost to make it than buy it!

What you will need: (This recipe makes 20 burt’s bees lip balms, so adjust as needed – a great gift idea too)

  1. Lip Balm container
  2. Mason jar
  3. 1/2 ounce beeswax (grated)
  4. 2 ounces coconut oil
  5. 4 drops rosemary essential oil
  6. 20 drops peppermint essential oil

Directions:

  1. Put the coconut oil and beeswax in a mason jar and microwave for about 1-2 minutes or until melted but not scolding hot. I make sure to use a mason jar designated to making lip balm since the excess beeswax will stick and I do not recommend pouring it down your sink.
  2. Next, add the essential oils and swirl until well mixed.
  3. Add to your lip balm containers and let it harden sitting out or in the fridge.

Homemade Potpourri

Homemade potpourri is the perfect natural alternative to chemical air fresheners and sprays. Did you know that many of those air fresheners we use and love can contain over 300 toxic chemicals also known as “fragrance”? Many fragrances contain formaldehyde and other chemicals linked to cancer. No thanks!

Here is a recipe for homemade potpourri:

You can use any combination of the following –

  1. herbs (fresh or dried)
  2. flowers (fresh or dried)
  3. fruit rinds or dried fruit
  4. cinnamon sticks
  5. essential oilsI used my dehydrator to dry some fresh rosemary and rose petals from my garden. You can buy the ingredients also. Once dried, I mixed them in a bowl and added some cinnamon sticks.I then added a few drops or so of lavender essential oil and lemon essential oil, but you can use whatever essential oils you want, depending on the scent you are going for.Put your homemade potpourri mixture in an open container or mason jar and use it in any room as a natural way to deodorize and freshen the air.

Homemade Carpet Deodorizer

Homemade Carpet Deodorizer

I use this easy homemade carpet deodorizer at least once a month and not only does it make my home smell so fresh and clean, it really does clean my carpet. If you are looking for a natural and easy way to deodorize your carpets, look no further! Instead of using store-bought carpet deodorizers filled with toxic and synthetic ingredients, make your own at home using this easy recipe.

What you need:

  1. 1 1/2 cups baking soda
  2. 10 drops purification essential oil

Directions:

  1. Combine the ingredients in a mason jar.
  2. Use a colander or strainer to pour the mix into and sprinkle it over carpets.
  3. Let it sit for up to 20 minutes then vacuum it up. Isn’t that carpet deodorizer easy to make or what?

Homemade Sugar Scrub

Homemade Sugar Scrub

These DIY sugar scrubs with free printable labels are so unique and fun to make! DIY sugar scrubs are a well-loved gift idea too. Here is my simple 3 ingredient recipe for homemade sugar scrubs. Below you will also find the free printable labels to make these scrub the perfect gift.

DIY Sugar Scrub Recipe:
  1. Mix equal parts coconut oil and sugar. I use 1/2 cup of each to fit into an 8 ounce container
  2. Add 5 drops of essential oils for every 8 ounces (free lavender, peppermint and lemon labels are below)
  3. Stir and add to a mason jar
Free Printable Sugar Scrub Labels:

Free Lavender Sugar Scrub Labels
Free Peppermint Sugar Scrub Labels
Free Lemon Sugar Scrub Labels

DIY Face Serum

DIY Face Serum

Instead of spending money on expensive anti-aging creams (which are filled with tons of chemicals and chemical fragrance), make your own DIY face serum using all natural ingredients! 

With this recipe, you are looking at spending less than $20/year per bottle of face serum. Buying the ingredients upfront will pay off in the end when you can make many bottles of face serums or use the ingredients for other DIY beauty projects.

This DIY face serum promotes great skin health and may slow signs of aging.

To make your own face serum you will need:

  1. A glass dropper bottle (ortry reusing an old essential oil bottle)
  2. 1 ounce of liquid carrier oil (like almond, avocado, olive, etc)
  3. 1 drop of lavender essential oil
  4. 1 drop of frankincense essential oil
  5. 2 drops of joy essential oil
  6. 2 drops of gathering essential oil

Add all of the essential oils and carrier oil to the bottle and lightly shake.

How to use your face serum:

  1. Cleanse the face – try using a homemade facial toner
  2. Rub 1-2 drops of this face serum onto your face, focusing on problem areas
  • Keep in mind that a little goes a long way! This will save you money in the long run, plus it is all natural!

Add Lavender Essential Oil to Mascara

Add Lavender Essential Oil to Mascara

I am going to tell you why you should add lavender essential oil to your mascara. I know it sounds weird, but I am telling you, it is amazing! I have heard about so many people trying this and obsessing over it, so I decided to add one drop of  lavender essential oil to my tube of mascara.

Lavender essential oil is said to support healthy hair growth and strengthen your lashes. Why wouldn’t we all add lavender to our mascara? 

I have found that adding a drop of lavender to my tube of mascara also helps it from drying out and breeding bacteria. The smell is amazing too!Have you tried adding lavender essential oil to your mascara? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.

Homemade Sleep Spray

One way I love using lavender essential oil is in my homemade sleep spray. I like to spritz it on all of our pillows before bed.

What you need:

  1. 2 ounce spray bottle
  2. 1 teaspoon witch hazel
  3. 10 drops of lavender essential oil
  4. Distilled water

Directions:

  1. Add witch hazel and lavender essential oil to the bottle then top it off with distilled water.
  2. Shake before each use.

DIY Face Powder (using ingredients in you kitchen)

DIY Face Powder Using Ingredients in Your Kitchen

Not only does this recipe use all natural ingredients you can find in your kitchen, but it is also non-toxic and can be used on all skin tones. And, it is SO cheap to make!

Here’s a scary thought. Did you know our skin rapidly absorbs anything we put on it and goes directly into our bloodstream? Most women absorb 5 pounds of makeup per year! Sadly, store-bought makeup contains many chemicals and fragrance (which can contain hundreds or thousands of chemicals alone).

Ingredients:

  1. A container
  2. Unsweetened cacao powder
  3. Ground ginger
  4. Ground clove
  5. Ground sage
  6. Cornstarch
  7. Essential Oils: I like using Lavender, Tea Tree, Frankincense, or Geranium

Directions:

This recipe is all about experimentation to find the right combination for your skin tone. The cornstarch is used as the base. Ginger serves as the yellow tint, clove as red, sage as green and cacao as brown.

For example, those who get reddened skin easily, more sage (green) would help balance your skin’s color.

  1. Mix up everything and add more as needed. Test a small patch on your hand to see if it matches. What is great about this recipe is that you can always adjust the color, especially when your skin changes tone or gets darker in summer months.
  2. Next, add your essential oils. All of my above suggestions are great for supporting the appearance of healthy-looking skin. I usually only need a few drops, depending on how much powder is being made. For 1/2 cup of powder, about 5 drops is all you need.
  3. Add to your container and enjoy your new non-toxic face powder.

DIY Belly Rub (for mamas changing body)

DIY Belly Rub (for mamas changing body)

This DIY belly rub supports mama’s skin, especially during and after pregnancy when your belly is changing. This recipe supports healthy skin and normal signs of aging. I used this recipe when I was pregnant and early postpartum with all three of my kids and I must say, it is amazing!!

To make your own belly rub you will need:

  1. 1/4 cup organic extra virgin coconut oil
  2. 2 drops lavender essential oil
  3. 2 drops frankincense essential oil
  4. 4 oz Mason Jar

Directions:

Combine the oils in a mason jar for storing. Apply to the belly and to stressed skin twice daily.

Homemade Chest Rub

Homemade Chest Rub

This homemade chest rub is perfect for little ones and adults alike. This beats buying chest rubs with synthetic ingredients or scents. Made with real essential oils and natural ingredients, this chest rub is perfect for supporting the immune system during cold and flu season.

What you need:

  1. 1/2 cup Coconut Oil
  2. 2 teaspoons Beeswax
  3. 30-60 drops of Essential Oils (less for children)
  4. A 4 ounce Mason Jar
  • Some great choices for essential oils include any or all of the following (check out our post about essential oils for children to learn which oils are safest):
  1. Thieves
  2. Eucalyptus
  3. Peppermint
  4. Lavender
  5. Tea Tree
  6. Lemon
  7. Copaiba
  8. Rosemary

I used a combination of all of the above oils, with mostly eucalyptus, peppermint and tea tree.

Directions:

  1. Melt coconut oil and beeswax together in a mason jar. You can melt it in the microwave or by placing the mason jar in a hot pot of water. Stir.
  2. Add the essential oils, stir and store in a mason jar or container.
  3. Use a dab as needed rubbed onto the chest, neck, and/or back. I also like to rub a little bit on the upper lip.

DIY Makeup Remover Pads

DIY Makeup Remover Pads

These DIY lavender makeup remover pads are the perfect alternative to store-bought makeup removers. By making your own makeup remover pads, you won’t have to question the ingredients. 

What you need:

  1. 2 tablespoons organic coconut oil
  2. 4 drops lavender essential oil
  3. 1 tablespoon witch hazel
  4. 2 tablespoons filtered or distilled water
  5. 10 cotton rounds
  6. 4 ounce mason jar

Directions:

  1. Add ingredients to mason jar and shake.
  2. Add the cotton rounds to the jar and store with the lid on tight. Use these DIY lavender makeup remover pads to remove makeup as needed.

DIY Lush Bath Bombs

DIY Lush Bath Bombs

I know there are a lot of LUSH lovers out there! Sadly, they make it seem as though their products are all natural, but that is not really the case. Some alarming ingredients include fragrances and dyes. But that doesn’t mean you can’t make your own! They are also much cheaper and they make unique gifts that your friends and family with love!!

What you need:

  1. 1 cup baking soda
  2. 1/2 cup epsom salt
  3. 1/2 cup citric acid
  4. 1/2 cup corn starch
  5. 1 tablespoon water
  6. 3 tablespoons melted coconut oil
  7. 10-20 drops of essential oils (use more or less for desired scent)
  8. Silicone heart molds

Directions:

  1. Combine the dry ingredients making sure there are no clumps.
  2. Mix the wet ingredients in a separate container.
  3. Slowly add in the wet mixture into the dry mixture while stirring. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand.
  4. Use your hands or a spoon and press the mixture into the heart molds.
  5. To make them extra fancy, add a dried flower or herb to the bottoms of the molds.
  6. Immediately take them out of the molds and place on a flat, dry surface to harden.
  7. Make sure you store them in a container or bag that has some breathe to it. If not, the bath bombs with get moist and sweat and/or burst open.

DIY Monster Away Spray For Kids

DIY Monster Away Spray For Kids

This is such a fun activity to do with your kids when they start developing fears of monsters under their bed and other creatures in their bedroom. Let them pick out a spray bottle that they can decorate. Add stickers or whatever else to make it personal and fun!

What you need:

  1. Spray bottle (dollar stores are a great place for these)
  2. 5 drops lavender essential oil

Directions:

  1. Add the essential oils to the spray bottle.
  2. Top off with water.
  3. Shake well before each use and spray under the bed, on linens or wherever the monsters might be lurking. 

Homemade Rose Water Toner

Homemade Rose Water Toner

Homemade rose water toner is super easy to make! Be careful of those store-bought rose water toners, they may contain synthetic fragrances or fake ingredients. How about some real rose?!?

What you need:

  1. 1/4 cup witch hazel
  2. 1/4 cup rose water (see below for recipe)
  3. 5 drops rose essential oil – Rose essential oil is expensive but amazing. You can substitute for another floral oil like lavender instead if you want. It takes thousands of roses to make a bottle of rose oil, so makes sense right?

For the rose water toner:

  1. 2 cups organic rose petals or rose buds
  2. 3 cups distilled water

Directions:

  1. To make the rose water, bring the water and rose petals to a boil.
  2. Reduce to simmer for 45 minutes.
  3. Once cooled, strain the rose water using a cheese cloth or coffee filter.
  4. Combine with the witch hazel and essential oil and store it a glass spray bottle or container. Products with essential oils do best in a glass. 

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