Indie Lee’s DIY Vanilla Body Cream

The founder of a luxury skin care line may be the last person you’d think would be such an avid sharer of DIY beauty recipes. But really, that’s what Indie Lee is all about: giving her beloved customers access to healthy personal care products, and information about the health risks that stem from common harmful cosmetic ingredients (she knows all about this first-hand; see Indie’s amazing story here!).

“My skin dries out all the time, especially in the winter, so I came up with something I felt comfortable putting on my skin, my children’s skin, your skin,” says Indie of this all-natural recipe. And who doesn't need a remedy for scaly, parched skin when it's cold outside? This one is made with mango butter, which is highly emollient; beeswax, a superstar hydrator and skin-protector; and antioxidant-rich coconut oil. Slather it on all over after a shower or bath for the softest skin ever. It's also excellent for healing dry cuticles. 

You Will Need

• 2 Tbsp. beeswax
• 2 Tbsp. mango butter (buy it on Amazon or at specialty food stores)
• 8 Tbsp. coconut oil
• 10 drops vanilla essential oil
• double boiler or a metal pan and glass bowl
• airtight container

Steps

1: In a double boiler, combine mango butter and coconut oil.

2: Heat slowly until the ingredients melt together; you want it to look like a translucent liquid.

3: Then add beeswax and stir until completely melted.

4: Remove from heat, add essential oil, and stir well.

5: Pour into an airtight container. Within minutes, it will start to harden into a thick cream. That’s it!

A couple of extra ideas:

• Make multiple batches, and create custom labels for your jars. This cream is the perfect gift!

• If you don’t like vanilla, switch out the essential oil for whatever you prefer to customize the scent.