Lush is one of my favorite luxuries in this world, but it’s also ridiculously expensive, which definitely doesn’t work for everyone. I know this firsthand: As a college student, I can’t always afford to buy a lot of the crazy-priced items they offer (including Angels on Bare Skin), even if the value of what you get for that money is undeniable.
The solution? For those products that I really love, but don’t want to shell out the big bucks on, I make my own versions!
One of the pricier face and body cleansers at Lush is Angels on Bare Skin. Described as a “heavenly blend of cleansing kaolin clay, ground almonds and a soothing blend of lavender, rose and chamomile oils,” Angels on Bare Skin “has been a customer favorite for years. A quick scrub with this nubbly cleanser leaves skin calm, balanced, soft and smooth, and because it’s so gentle, anyone can use it.”
While it’s a fan favorite for its superior cleansing abilities (which I fully agree with), the scent and the price threw me off. Coming in at $16.95 for 3.5 ounces or $41.95 for only 8.4 ounces, Angels is definitely only for the richest or most committed Lushies. Even if I was willing to spend that amount of money for a daily cleanser, Angels on Bare Skin is one of the few Lush products that I hate the smell of. I love lavender and rose in general, but something else in the mix throws off the smell for me.
I looked up a few recipes for DIY Lush products, and one of the first results that popped up was Angels on Bare Skin! There were two recipes in particular that seemed promising, so I tried both (If you don’t like mine, try theirs here and here). While they both worked relatively well, I found that if I modified the recipes slightly and changed around the ingredients to suit my own preferences, I created something new that I like even better!
My DIY Angels on Bare Skin Recipe (Approximate–I adjust as I go)
- 5 tbsp Pink Kaolin Clay
- 4 tbsp Almond Flour
- 1 tbsp vegetable glycerin
- 1 tbsp rose water
- Lavender Oil to preference, I like 1-2 drops
- Dried Lavender Flowers to preference
First, mix the clay and almond flour. Next, add in the glycerin and then the rose water and mix. The result should be a squishy ball that is easily mushed and molded like play dough. The mixture should not be watery at all. Add in the lavender oil and flowers if you like, then roll the mixture into a ball. Leave it to dry a bit before putting it in your container of choice. The mixture will dry out over time, but it’s still good unless the smell is off or its color changes.
Please keep in mind that I tend to adjust these measurements as I go: This is just a starting point. If the mixture is too dry, I add more glycerin or rose water. I add kaolin clay if it’s too wet. Also: I bought my ingredients in bulk, but either way, it can be a bit expensive to make this recipe. One batch lasts me a little over a month with daily use, so I think it’s more than worth it.
How to Use my version of Angels on Bare Skin
Pinch off a piece of cleanser slightly bigger than a pea. After wetting your face, sprinkle a few small drops of water into the mix on your hand, then apply it as you would a normal face cleanser, rubbing gently to exfoliate. Leave it on for a few minutes or rinse right away with cold water. No toner or moisturizer should be required afterwards: Your face will feel soft and appear smooth!
I hope you enjoy my recipe! If you tried it, be sure to let me know what you think.
Love Lush? Check out my other Lush-related reads below:
The Ultimate Quarantine Lush List
If My Favorite Lush Products Were Songs…
A Review of EVERY Lush Hair Product I Have Ever Used!
Review: Lush Birthday Party
Lush Feature: Rose Jam
Hi there. Great recipe and I loved it. however it started molding up within a week after creating a batch. I know Lush AoBS is “self preserving”.. not sure what I did wrong. Any ideas?
Hi Samala! Thanks for your comment! While my recipe isn’t self-preserving, it should last at least two to four weeks if kept in a dark, sealed container (I like to keep mine in an old Lush pot). Maybe it was too wet before you put it in, or the container wasn’t sealed enough? Other than that, maybe your almond flour was too old? Fresh ingredients work best. I hope you try it again with better luck! Keep me updated 🙂