Mint is one of the most refreshing flavors and scents known to woman kind, whether you’re drinking it, eating it or rubbing it on your face. And it turns out that, like coconut oil, mint has quite a few beauty benefits. For skin, it can reduce redness, control excess oil and unclog pores. It can add shine, cut dandruff and help simulate growth for your hair. We surfed around to find 11 minty hacks to freshen up your beauty routine. Drinking a mojito while reading along is encouraged as well.
1. Mint Chocolate Sugar Scrub: Have a weakness for chocolate? This scrub is a way to indulge without adding inches to your waistline. It smells like cookie dough, but avoid eating it and your body will be rid of dry skin to leave you feeling silky smooth and soft. (via Henry Happened)
2. Bliss Micro Magic Spa-Powered Microdermabrasion Treatment ($48): You can take this spa-quality treatment home with you. It exfoliates and uses peppermint extract to refresh and revitalize the skin. Like the name implies, it really is almost like magic.
3. Homemade Mint Soap: This stuff is no joke when it comes to washing away dirt and grime. We’re talking brawny enough to stand up to the hands of mechanics, artists and gardeners. And the bar itself is pretty enough to use as a nifty gifty. (via Soap Deli News)
4. DIY Peppermint Lip Balm: Mint overload! A DIY peppermint-oil lip balm in an Altoids box? This hack is serious about sticking with the minty fresh theme. (via Beautylish)
5. Tarte LipSurgence Lip Tint ($24): If you’re looking for a color boost for your lips, Tarte’s lip tint uses a smart technology that responds to the skin’s natural PH level to give a personalized tint of pink. Simply genius.
6. Paul Mitchell Lavender Mint Moisturizing Shampoo + Conditioner ($26): Aromatic moisturizing shampoo and conditioner replenishes overly dry and unruly hair. But it’s the winning combination of lavender, mint and tea-tree scents that soothe the mind for a beauty refresh inside and out.
7. Citrus Mint Toner DIY: Those who experience a touch of oily skin can benefit from a daily acidic mint toner. The creator of this recipe says the mixture of citrus and mint will help reduce the appearance of pores and prevent breakouts. Sign. Us. Up. (via Life Ann Style)
8. Cooling Aloe Mint Body Lotion: There might be an occasion where you forget to put your SPF 50 on every hour while you’re at the beach. Appreciation doesn’t begin to describe what you’ll be feeling for the cooling effect of aloe and mint. (via GI 365)
9. L’Occitane Almond Firming and Softening Oil ($42): Three essential oils, including peppermint, combine to protect the skin and restore elasticity. And then they go on to repair and nourish the epidermis — quite the treat for the skin.
10. DIY Lime Mint Foot Soak: Had a long day? Sit back and relax your achey feet with this refreshing soak. If you want your pals to feel the same relief, there’s a free printable label included. This tutorial just keeps making your life easier. (via Tidy Mom)
11. Rosemary Mint Shaving Cream: Sundress season is on the horizon. You’re going to need some serious shaving cream to get through to those Sasquatch-esque legs that have been hiding under pants and tights all winter long. This cream uses only oils and butter, meaning that you’ll get a much smoother and closer shave than other creams. (via Food for My Family)
Which of these beauty hacks will refresh your routine? Let us know in the comments below.
Getting the word out about your brand takes time, drive, and ingenuity. And it doesn't come easy for many entrepreneurs. As part of our collaboration with Office Depot, we're chatting with Selfmade alum Taylor Morgan McPherson, founder of Sustainable Sparkle Bar, about ways in which she scored press as a solo startup brand and what she learned from Selfmade to take her brand marketing up a notch.
B + C: How did you know Sustainable Sparkle Bar was your business to start?
Glitter has always been my thing, so when I started my event company I decided to make it my niche. I started telling people I threw glitter-themed parties where people would get sparkled with glitter body art and makeup. Six months after that I applied to my first festival and to work with SUR restaurant in West Hollywood.
B + C: What's one strategy that's helped you start your business?
I honestly can't say that I've had a specific strategy that I've followed when it comes to getting my business off the ground. I have a PR background so I was just constantly pitching new business and posting on social media.
B + C: What's the biggest challenge you face as a small business owner?
I would say creating a stable income and revenue stream. With a seasonal, event-based business it can be very up and down.
B + C: What was your most valuable takeaway from Selfmade?
The relationships I made and the push to start an email database.
B + C: How do you stay motivated?
I love what I do and I believe in myself 100%. Staying motivated isn't the hard part. Pushing myself to do the work and staying accountable is the hard part.
B + C: What's your best organizational tip? Do you use any apps that help you manage your business?
I keep multiple to-do lists, hand-written and digital. I also tell clients and partners that I will have something to them by a certain time or day so I have to stick to it.
B + C: What's one piece of advice you would give to female entrepreneurs on the brink of starting?
Just do it, take the leap. And don't worry about what anyone else says to thinks.
B + C: Who inspires you in the entrepreneurial space?
Issa Rae, I'm so inspired by everything that she's created being a creative and a black woman. It's my dream to have my own show one day based on my life and where I give advice and talk about the world. She's doing it and making people laugh and giving people joy. And it's based in LA. Watching Insecure only further cemented my dreams of wanting to live in LA.
B + C: How did you hear about the Office Depot scholarship?
One of my friends that I met through Camp No Counselors saw an IG ad for it and nominated me.
B + C: What has receiving the scholarship to Selfmade done to help you start/grow your business?
It's completely helped me level up and take my business to another level. Selfmade helped me host my first virtual event and taught me how to set up my website to sell tickets to events and get RSVPs.
B + C: How have Office Depot services or products helped you accomplish more in your business?
I got new cards to send in all of my orders with my discount code on them. I also bought a really cool 4K camera that I now use for my social media.
Thanks Taylor! You really know how to sparkle. We love her colorful, creative vibe. You can follow Sustainable Sparkle Bar on Instagram @sustainablesparklebar.
Let Office Depot OfficeMax help you stand out in the crowd. From signs, posters & banners to promote your business, to marketing materials to keep your customers informed, Office Depot OfficeMax offers a full suite of business services & solutions to help you & your business get noticed.
Head to Office Depot's Selfmade page to check out even more amazing business resources (and discounts!) to help you accomplish more on your entrepreneurial journey. These offers are available for a limited time only, so be sure to take advantage of all this goodness while supplies last. Want to join the next Selfmade cohort this summer? Check out all of the scholarship details right here.