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DIY Lemon Sugar Body Scrub

I’ve always been intrigued by homemade body scrubs and finally decided to try my hand at whipping one up recently. I researched a bunch of different recipes and finally settled on a lemon sugar scrub, which seemed perfect for me considering my signature personal fragrance is Fresh Sugar Lemon. Love that stuff! This scrub is perfect as a little treat for yourself, as a hostess gift or as bridesmaid gifts or bridal shower favors. Just fill up a pretty jar and add a tag with a bit of twine and you’re set to go!

Supplies –

  • 3 cups of sugar
  • 3/4 cup of olive oil
  • Juice from one lemon
  • Zest from two lemons
  • 2 tablespoons of vanilla extract
  • Jar(s)
  • Twine
  • Tags (I used a shipping tag like these, which I always keep handy)

So as a quick disclaimer, this is about the easiest thing you’re ever going to do. Hooray for simple! Put your sugar in a large mixing bowl, then mix in the oil and vanilla extract. You can scale this recipe up or down depending on how many jars of body scrub you’d like to end up with and how large the larges are that you choose. I went with a large glass jar with a flip-top lid so it would stay nice and fresh. I made a nice big batch, but feel free to make less if you’re working with a smaller jar you already have at home. Just make sure it’s good and clean!

Next up, zest two lemons and add it to the mix. Juice one lemon and add that, too. Then just mix to combine! Like I said. Easiest thing ever. But it makes such a great gift! Then just gussy up your jar however you’d like. You could use ribbons to coordinate with your wedding colors, add a label to the top of the lid, string a tag on a bit of twine like I did or just leave the jar simple and unadorned.

Many thanks to my lovely friend Alice G. Patterson who is going to be rockin’ out all kinds of awesome DIY shoots with me in the coming months. Stayed tuned for lots more!

{Photos by Alice G. Patterson.}

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Laurie B

Monday 24th of June 2013

Just a note that using grape seed oil is better for your pores. Olive oil can be a bit heavy for some skin types.

Denise

Monday 17th of June 2013

Hi Cyd, how long will this last before it goes bad?

cyd

Tuesday 18th of June 2013

Hi Denise! I find it keeps fine for a few weeks although I'm not sure what would be technically recommended. I usually use it up faster than that though! :-)

Twolfmom

Friday 18th of January 2013

I made this last night & used canola oil instead because that's what I had on hand. I showered with it this morning & my skin feels wonderfu! I also made a second batch using coconut oil & skipped the vanilla. I didn't use as much lemon because I was afraid the two scents would clash. I will make it again w/ coconut oil & use lime in the amounts suggested for lemon. Thanks for posting this. :)

cyd

Friday 18th of January 2013

Coconut oil and lime?! Incredible. I need to try it that way, too. :-)

Jami

Monday 8th of October 2012

What kind of instructions could I put on the back of the tag? I know if I give this to my aunts for a gift, they will have no clue how to "use" it. :)

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Friday 5th of October 2012

[...] smelling, totally healthy body scrubs? I know I’d be happy to open that package… {via: The Sweetest Occasion} Posted by Sarah on Oct 05, 2012 print article e-mail to a friend PDRTJS_settings_585243 = { [...]

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