Before you go think this pumpkin spice craze has gotten out of hand and are waiting for the pirates to show up, remember that the spices we're talking about were possibly used as medicine before they were used in food -- and they were probably first added to food to help retard spoiling.
More than just great smelling, the pumpkin spice in this lip scrub and balm help keep your lips smooth and glowing.
As you remember from our into, pumpkin pie spice is made up of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice. All of these spices are rich in vitamins that increase the blood flow and help regulate oxygen in the blood stream. All of these spices have anti-microbial properties, which help keep your skin clean and ward off acne and blemishes. All of these spices are antioxidants. Cinnamon and ginger are anti-inflammatory, while cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg have been long used as a skin lightener.
You may hear the term "skin whitening" and wonder what racist loons are actually worried about this. However, what it actually leads to is removal of dead skin cells giving your skin the healthy glow it should have, whatever your skin color may be, and an even skin tone.
So, all this means that pumpkin spice is great for use in any skin or hair product!
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Today, we're making lip goodies. Yes, men, you can use these too - it will certainly make you more kissable, and I won't tell anyone you use it. As with all my recipes, as I practice Responsible Debauchery, these are completely vegan.
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Pumpkin Spice Lip Scrub
I don't put anything on my lips that I shouldn't eat gobs of, and this certainly qualifies. It's very edible and very effective.
Ingredients:
- 2 Tablespoons coconut oil
- 1 Tablespoon agave nectar
- 1 Tablespoon raw(ish) sugar
- 1 Teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
Note on Agave: While many people realize that you can replace honey with agave in cooking, they don't realize that they also have many of the same chemical properties. Agave nectar (or syrup) has the same anti-microbial properties that honey has, making it great in skin care products. Some beauty product makers prefer agave, even ones that use bee products. Remember that honeybees are not native to the Americas and the South American Indians have been using agave medicinally for centuries in much the same way their European counterparts were using honey.
We start with some coconut oil. You can use your favorite. I chose a solid kind that has been only slightly processed. Unprocessed coconut oil is a solid at room temperatures.
In a bowl, mix it together with the tablespoon of agave nectar. Then comes the sugar. I used turbinado sugar in the pictures, but any large crystal brown sugar will work. Sprinkle in the pumpkin pie spice and stir until all ingredients are mixed, but stop before the sugar dissolves too much.
The mixture will fill the air with a heavenly scent, and it will call to you to press it to your lips...rubbing it all over until your lips are sticky, plump, and slightly raw from the motion. Or maybe that's just how I use lip scrub...
Enjoy the bits that fall in your mouth and wipe the rest off with a towel, along with the dead skin the scrub has removed.
Store in a small lidded jar.
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Pumpkin Spice Lip Balm
After the invigorating scrub you need something to sooth your lips and this will do just the trick. This is not a gloss or a balm to last the whole day, but just a quick soother. If you want a gloss or a longer lasting solid, add 1 teaspoon melted wax or petroleum jelly to the mix.
Ingredients:
- 2 Tablespoons coconut oil
- 1 Teaspoon agave nectar
- 1/4 Teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
We start with some coconut oil. You can use your favorite. I chose a solid kind that has been only slightly processed. Unprocessed coconut oil is a solid at room temperatures, but melts quickly to the touch of warm skin. In order to make mixing easier, heat your mixing bowl by rinsing it in hot water. Stir everything together until well blended and buttery looking.
Resist the urge to pop spoonfuls in your mouth and use your finger to smooth a bit onto lips anytime your lips feel chapped.
Store in a lip balm container or a small jar.
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