Calling all self-care lovers — this one’s for you. Before we get into today’s DIYs, I want to recognize that self-care means many things, not only spa treatments and candles. It’s so important that we approach this subject from the inside out, nourishing our bodies and minds, so that we can keep authentically and powerfully showing up for ourselves and others. On that note, February is not only a time to celebrate love — it’s also a time when we especially honour Black history. While that should be happening every month, I don’t think I can talk about self-care without mentioning Audre Lorde, who first coined the term.

And while self-care IS more than skin deep, I also think every moment that we can nurture and appreciate the bodies we’re in is significant. Every moment we can love ourselves internally and externally is a win. I am a big advocate for doing things that make us feel good!

This month, I’m all about low waste, easy, affordable body scrubs that soften me physically as I try to stay soft emotionally amidst life’s challenges. I’ve got three recipes that are so quick to make and lovely to use. There’s one with coffee grounds, one with coconut sugar, and one with pink Himalayan sea salt. How delicious does that sound?

These scrubs are all wonderful for natural exfoliation and better yet, they’re free of any microplastics or harsh chemicals. There’s a recipe below meant for your lips (it’s seriously the yummiest, simplest, and most effective lip scrub I’ve ever tried!), and two that are perfect for the body: hands, feet, elbows, and anywhere else that’s a little rough this time of year.

Note: please only use the scrubs on the specified areas. These will be too harsh for the face!

You can make batches of these and reuse tins or jars from your home (or get some from the store that you can reuse in the future!). Each scrub makes a wonderful gift for friends and family and, of course, is a great way to treat yourself. Keep the lids on tight and they’ll be good for at least 2-3 months, or you can store in the fridge so they last longer!

Keep reading to learn more and if you give any or all of these a try, let me know what you think!

DIY Coffee Body Scrub

Save those coffee grounds! Next time you’re making your morning cuppa, hold onto the grounds so you can make and enjoy this scrub.

Mix together, combine well, and add to reusable containers:

1/2 cup coffee grounds
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup coconut oil

Coffee scrubs are awesome for exfoliating your legs, arms, etc. in the shower!

DIY Coconut Sugar Lip Scrub

If you like coconut, you will LOVE this one. The only problem is resisting the urge to eat it!

Mix together, combine well, and add to reusable containers:

4 teaspoons coconut sugar
2 teaspoons coconut oil

The best way to exfoliate your lips before going in with your favourite lip balm!

DIY Pink Lavender Salt Scrub

The perfect Valentine’s gift to yourself or someone else. Read the full blog post for this scrub here!

Mix together, combine well, and add to reusable containers:

1 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons fine ground pink Himalayan salt
1/4 cup organic virgin coconut oil (liquid at room temperature)
8-10 drops ethically sourced lavender essential oil (we use Doterra)

Use to soften your hands and feet! Note: this is only for the body. Keep away from sensitive areas!

I hope you and your loved ones enjoy these low waste DIY scrubs. I had so much fun making them! Comment below to let me know what you think, and/or tag me in your photos and videos @thepurposefulyou on Instagram and TikTok! Most of all, I hope you are able to take time to give yourself some extra TLC this month. You deserve it.

With love,