The cosmetic industry has grown financially as well as in popularity in the last few decades. The main reason for this is the increased beauty consciousness that has aroused in people, especially among womenfolk. However, though these cosmetics or beauty products seem to be effective in the beginning, what people do not realize is that most of these products are made of chemicals that can have a negative effect on the skin in the long run. One way of saving oneself from these harmful chemical-based products and still retaining the effect that they have on one's face and body is to start using home-based cosmetic products. The concept of making cosmetics at home is several centuries old. So, if you are really interested in adopting these natural products, here are some recipes that can help you. Handmade Cosmetic Recipes The biggest advantage of using homemade cosmetics is that they are safe as they do not contain chemicals or other preservatives. You have the advantage of controlling the ingredients, including their quantity as well as quality. Apart from this, one of the best things about making one's cosmetics is that it is quite inexpensive compared to the commercial ones, as you will be using the ingredients that are used regularly for household purposes. Facial Mask Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon chamomile flowers
• 1 tablespoon carrots, fully mashed
• 1 tablespoon marigold flowers
• 1 teaspoon wheat germ oil
• 4 ounces water
• 1 tablespoon Lecithin granules
• Almond oil, as much as necessary

Preparation In a medium-sized container, take 4 ounces of water and allow it to boil. When the water reaches boiling point, take it off from the stove and pour it into the vessel that contains the marigold and chamomile flowers. Allow the flowers to stay in the water for sometime by covering it firmly with a lid. Meanwhile, take the mashed carrots in a bowl and add wheat germ oil to it. Mix well and then drain the water from the flowers and add them to the bowl containing carrots. Put in the lecithin granules and blend thoroughly with the blender. Add a little bit of almond to this mixture and mix. To apply this mixture, first wash your face with water and spread the mixture all over your face. Allow the mixture to stay on your face for fifteen minutes and then take it off with tissues. Rinse your face with warm water followed by refreshing cold water. Face Cleanser Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 2 teaspoons cider vinegar

Preparation A face cleanser is the easiest cosmetic product to make at home. Moreover, it is an effective homemade product because its ingredients, like olive oil and honey, are known to make the skin soft and supple. To make this cleanser, all you have to do is to mix all the three ingredients in a bowl. When they have completely blended, apply it on your face and neck and wash it off with warm water after 15 minutes. Facial Toner Ingredients

• 1 cup water
• 3 teaspoons lemon juice
• 1 peppermint tea bag
• ¼ cup witch hazel

Preparation Take water in a vessel and when it starts boiling, put the tea bag in the water. Let the tea bag steep in the water for fifteen minutes. Once this is done, take out the tea bag from the water and let the water cool at room temperature. When the water becomes cool, put in lemon juice and witch hazel and mix well. Take a clean glass container and store the solution in it. Use the toner everyday after cleansing your face. Moisturizer/Face Cream Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons beeswax, grated
• 6 tablespoons jojoba oil
• 2 tablespoons rose water
• 3 teaspoons vitamin E oil
• 4 drops rose essential oil or 8 drops sandalwood essential oil
• 3 teaspoons pure aloe vera

Preparation Once you are done with cleansing and toning, the next important step is to moisturize the face. To make homemade moisturizer, the first thing one has to do is take jojoba oil in a bowl and blend it with beeswax and vitamin E. Boil water in a shallow pan and place the bowl in it and heat it till the beeswax melts completely. Take the bowl from the pan and keep it for cooling at room temperature. While it is being cooled, take aloe vera and rose water in a food processor and blend. Once this is done, pour the cooled oil in the processor, and blend on high speed till all the ingredients are completely mixed. Put in some drops of rose or sandalwood essential oils in this mixture and mix well. Transfer this mixture into a glass jar and apply it instead of your regular moisturizer. Natural Lip Gloss Ingredients

• 2 teaspoon beeswax
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 7 to 8 teaspoons almond oil
• 5 drops of any essential oil
• Vitamin E capsule

Preparation Take beeswax and oil in a microwave friendly dish and microwave it for 1 to 2 minutes. Take the dish out of the microwave and set aside. With the help of a pin, pierce the vitamin E capsule and put the contents into the dish followed by honey. Stir the mixture till it is fully set and then transfer it into a small container. Though making these cosmetics at home does take time, the end result is definitely worthwhile. Moreover, once you know the effectiveness of these products, you will surely consider the process to be a rewarding one.