I so enjoy eating “biblically” that I spent years in pursuit of “biblical” cosmetics--mostly without success. Then I discovered a book that changed everything: Beauty Secrets of the Bible by Ginger Garrett (Thomas Nelson). I was thrilled to learn easy, effective ways of using God’s inexpensive, natural ingredients that were (mostly) already in my pantry. Here are a few of my favorite ideas from Ginger, as well as other sources around the web.

1. Rolled oats and powdered goat milk powder. For a gentle face cleanser, combine equal parts rolled oats and powdered goat milk (I use Meyenberg) in a blender and blend until fine. (For an exfoliating scrub, blend until course.) Store in an air-tight container. When you are ready to use it, wet your face, sprinkle a little on a wet washcloth, and use it to clean your face and neck thoroughly. Then rinse with cool water.
   
   
2. Olive oil. For a moisturizer, dab a few drops of olive oil into the palm of your hand, rub your hands together, and lightly rub your oiled hands over wet skin. Since applying olive oil to wet skin seals in moisture, it is good to keep some near your bath in order to coat your skin before drying off. (Applying olive oil to dry skin will makes skin greasy.) You can also use a drop of olive oil the same way to tame frizzy hair.
   
   
3. Honey. For a sweet facial treatment that helps tone skin and fight blemishes, rub a small amount of honey onto your face. Let it sit for about 20 minutes, then rinse with cool water. For maximum benefits, use raw honey.
   
   
4. Apple cider vinegar. For a powerful astringent to combat blemishes, stock up on apple cider vinegar. Mix one part vinegar with one part water in a small spray bottle. Then use a cotton ball to apply it to your face. You can also apply apple cider vinegar directly to warts or nail fungus, and it can be used it as a skin softener or a hair treatment. I’ve also been using a honey/apple cider vinegar drink to fight our family’s winter colds--with great results.

These amazing ingredients are inexpensive, have a relatively long shelf lives, and can be used in a variety of ways (externally and internally). Stock up on some today!