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Of all the homemade beauty treatments in the world, sugar scrubs are my favorite. Maybe it’s because I have such a sweet tooth and slathering sugar all over my body somehow connects to that 🙂 The great thing is that almost everyone has the basic ingredients for a sugar scrub in their kitchen all the time. It’s so easy and so cheap to whip up and the results are AMAZING. If you’ve never tried it you’ll be amazed at how soft your skin can be. The little granules of sugar rub off all of those dead skin cells leaving the fresh, baby soft kind behind and then the oil seeps in and makes it velvety soft.
The basic ingredients for a sugar scrub are Sugar + Oil. Told you it was easy. You can use any skin-safe oil. Oils suitable for massage work well for sugar scrubs. I personally always use olive oil, but there are lots of options. You can also play around with the sugars. Plain white sugar, brown sugar, raw sugar. When you find a sugar/oil mixture you like, add some fragrance. Herbs, spices, and essential oils work great. I love white sugar with lavender buds and a few drops of lemon essential oil.
My favorite however, is one that smells like something fresh from the oven (is anyone surprised??) So here’s my recipe for a sweet and spicy brown sugar scrub. Rub this all over, and try not to lick yourself.
Sweet and Spicy Sugar Scrub
1/4 C brown sugar
1/4 C white sugar
1/2 t cinnamon
1/2 t ground ginger
1/2 t ground cloves
Oil: olive oil*, almond oil, grape seed oil, apricot oil, jojoba, etc.
optional: a few drops of essential oil, such as cinnamon
*I use olive oil for my sugar scrubs, which does have a scent. If the smell bothers you, try a “light” olive oil which has a milder taste and smell. Or just use a different type of oil all together.
Directions: Combine everything but oil in a bowl and then add in oil and stir to combine. I suggest starting with just part of the oil and adding it until it’s the consistency you want it. Store in a container with a lid. I suggest keeping it in the fridge if you have left overs, it should last quite a while. Stop using it if it smells gross 🙂
For Use: Soap off in the shower so you have clean skin. Stir the sugar scrub and then massage into skin in circular motions for several minutes. I use it from my neck all the way down to my toes. After rinsing, if your skin feels too oily you can use a little bit of soap to wash it off. I personally leave it. By the time I finish my shower it doesn’t feel too oily anymore and it adds to the benefits of a sugar scrub. It will trap in the moisture and make your skin so soft and smooth. After you get out of the shower, slather on some lotion and try to keep everyone from touching you!
I’ve made these scrubs for gifts before. For the holidays, this brown sugar scrub is perfect. Add a little cinnamon essential oil to make it even better. Pop it in a cute jar with a ribbon and a label with instructions and you’ve got one awesome (and unique) little surprise for someone. (Note: these jars are just for cuteness- they are not actually “canned” and sealed)
Now I know you all have sugar and oil. Go make some sugar scrub now! Your skin will thank you!
I loved one reader’s tip yesterday about sprinkling sugar on a half of a grape fruit and then using it to massage your skin. A citrus scrub- doesn’t that sound amazing?? I tried it with the other half of my orange from my smoothie and loved it. And I totally licked my arm. She also puts a layer of marbles in the bottom of her favorite foot soak so it doubles as a massage. Thanks Stephanie for those great tips!
Other Spa in the Kitchen Features:
Facials
Hair Treatment
Smoothie
What a cute gift idea. Personalized and wont’ break the bank!
What a great gift idea!
I’m loving the idea of giving it to my kids teachers, thanks!!
WOW! Great idea! I have bought sugar scrubs so many times and it never occurred to me to make it myself! How easy!
This is great – all the benefits of the spa without leaving the house!! I have read a lot about these home treatments and am excited to try this!
I am definitely going to be using this as a gift in the near future. Thanks!
Oh! I love sugar scrubs but hate paying for them at the store. I’ve never made one at home… can’t wait to try it. 🙂
I’m no good with creativity. If I did this as a gift for teacher’s, what would be fun/cute/creative instructions to put on the jar?
I can’t just give it, without trying it myself. So, darn it, I’ll have to make some for me first. Ah, the sacrifices I make for my kids.
I love scrubs! Thanks for the great recipe!!!
I’ve only been following for a short while, but I’m LOVING this spa week!
Thank you!
I have friends with birthdays coming up….spa basket. Sounds good to me.
Traci
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Scrubs for girfs… GREAT idea!!!
This sounds great, I.m going to try it right away!
Looks good enough to eat! I bet this smells divine! Can’t wait to try it!
Great Idea! The spa I go to for pedicures uses a sugar base scrub. It is so much better than salt based scrubs. This one sounds yummy!
Sounds fun, although it will probably make me really hungry!
Heckuva lot cheaper than the ones from Origins – looks like a great gift idea!
I have never heard of this! What an awesome gift idea! I’m totally putting this one in my ‘file.’ Thanks!
This week is awesome, I am going to have one spectacular weekend . . . if only I can talk my husband into doing facials with me.
I’ve heard of this “sugar and oil” scrub. It must work wonders. I love the cute little jar–I’ll be on the lookout for those:) Great tips there at the end too! Thanks!
Thanks for putting up those extra tips at the end from yesterday’s comments. I hadn’t read them, but they sound great!
This scrub looks wonderful! I will definitely try it, and if I am as impressed as I think I’ll be it will definitely make the Christmas gift giving list this year. Thank you!
About how much oil do you start with? And how much do you think you usually end up adding? Thanks!
Mattie
I am so going to try this right now!
Love sugar scrubs, you inspired me to do one last night.
I’m totally going to make little spa packages for all my friends for Christmas this year!! What a great way to save some money and give something awesome! Thanks!
Looks like a good spread to me =P Love the spa theme. Simple and cheap to make.
This would make a great teacher gift for the end of the year! Thank you for sharing.
I am seriously lovin the spa theme! thanks!!
Oh, yeah, finally! Something I have HERE! I am SO trying this tomorrow! You are great!! Keep it up!!
What a fun gift idea!! And super afforable too…man I love you guys!