Part of the fun of living a green clean life is learning how to make beauty products for yourself. This is why we love “Make Your Place” by Raleigh Briggs. Briggs has compiled one of the sweetest little DIY health and beauty books that we have seen in ages. Each page is in clear handwriting and explains the basics of making salves, tinctures and balms in such an easy and straightforward way. She gives a basic guide to essential oils that makes what can often seem an overwhelming world of oils, a simple and straightforward adventure into fun!

The book offers DIY vegetarian, cruelty-free and green recipes in a variety of subjects, including health, cleaning and gardening. Of course, we flipped right to the beauty section!

Briggs offers an entire table of the best herbs to use for both skin and hair, depending on the type of each that you have. The book offers simple and nurturing recipes for DIY shampoo, conditioner and body wash. Our favorite recipe is for “Super Precious Face Oil,” which Briggs says she uses on her face everyday. We made some for ourselves and love it! Our skin has become so soft and glowing!

Raleigh Briggs’ Super Precious Face Oil

2 oz carrier oil, such as jojoba oil for oily or normal skin, olive oil for dry skin, and avocado oil for very dry skin.
15 drops essential oil, such as rosemary and bergamot for oily skin, peppermint and lavender for normal skin, and rose and orange blossom oil for dry skin.
A dark glass bottle with a dropper

Combine the ingredients in a small bowl and then pour into the glass bottle. To use it, combine 4 drops with warm water, rub your hands together to emulsify the oil and then gently pat it onto your face until your skin has absorbed it.

This book would make a fantastic gift for a girlfriend, wife, sister or mother. It is a fun and quick read, and offers so much useful information. Get your copy here.