Once upon a time, I was taught to make sugar scrub at a residence hall event. I bought the stuff to make my own and never looked back. I had entered the world of replacing the store bought with the homemade.

The more research I did, the more I realized how much unnecessary money I was spending on products I could make myself. I also realized how bad products like deodorant are for our bodies. Aluminum? Getting absorbed through our armpits?

The following are eight recipes for homemade products I use all the time. These recipes have been modified for effectiveness and tested by me. They are very inexpensive. The priciest product you will need is coconut oil, but the stuff goes a long way.

1. Homemade Deodorant

6 tablespoons of coconut oil (warmer, for easy stirring).

1/4 cup of baking soda.

1/4 of cornstarch.

Mix well. It should resemble mashed potatoes when complete. If you find the mixture is too runny, add more powdered ingredients in equal amounts until you are satisfied.

These ingredients make a deodorant that is more powerful than clinical strength for both sweat and smell. It is also way safer for your body. If there is an essential oil you love (lavender, sweet orange, etc.) add a few drops to the concoction to make this deodorant your own.

2. Homemade Sugar Scrub

Equal parts brown sugar (either raw or for baking) and coconut oil.

Mix well. The consistency should be like peanut butter. This rule isn't firm. Some like it crunchier. Some like it smoother.

Take this concoction into the shower with you and rub it on your legs and arms. The sugar will exfoliate your skin and melt away in the water. The coconut oil will moisturize. To make this smell good (and taste, but it's not like I've eaten it in the shower or anything) add a big splash of vanilla extract. Use a closable container so you can avoid any potential mold growth.

3. Just Plain Coconut Oil

Are you seeing a theme?

Rub this stuff everywhere. I don't like using it on my hair as a conditioner because it gives it a greasy sheen if not subsequently shampooed, but some people swear by it. It works great as lotion. Rub it on your legs and arms and everything you want to give a moisture boost. Use a small amount on your lips. Eat it. Cook with it. Google the benefits and decide where to use it in your life.

4. Homemade Face Mask/Scrub For Sensitive Skin

1 tablespoon honey.

2 tablespoons ripe avocado innards.

2 tablespoons ground oats (I use oat bran from the bulk section).

Mix well. It will look like guacamole.

Want a facial mask/scrub (the consistency is somewhere in the middle) but afraid of getting a rash or breakout because you don't know the ingredients? This is for you! Dampen your face and smear it all over. After 10-15 minutes, wipe it off or scrub it around for some extra love. Your skin will feel soft, smooth and refreshed.

5. Baking Soda Shampoo

I started this one at the recommendation of a friend. Baking soda is cheap and easy to access. Simply spill the amount you would normally use for shampoo into your palm and get it a little wet in the shower. Start at your scalp and rub it through your hair. It naturally cleans without damaging your hair or adding unnecessary product build up.

6. White Vinegar Hair Stripping Solution

If you don't start using baking soda shampoo and notice your hair is getting an oily sheen that can't be fixed by the shower, try washing with white vinegar. Vinegar is a safe cleaning agent that strips bad oils from your hair. Keep in mind that using too much can dry out your hair. When you're content with the effect, add some conditioner for good moisture.

7. Facial Hair Removal Scrub

1 tablespoon honey.

1/4 tablespoon ground oatmeal (I use oat bran from the bulk section).

A few drops of lemon juice.

Mix into a paste.

Spread the paste on your face where you want to remove hair. I recommend using this on your lip and between your eyebrows, but not for removing under eyebrow hair. You don't want to make any mistakes. Leave on for 15 minutes and then rinse completely. Do this 2-3 times a week and expect to see results in a month. Don't leave the concoction on your face for too long, as lemon juice is very acidic and can hurt your skin. I can't comment on this prodcut's ability to remove masculine facial hair or hair anywhere else on the body!

8. Sore Throat Cure

A mug of tea you love (or hot water).

2 tablespoons honey

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (you can use any vinegar, but this tastes a bit better).

Cinnamon (skip it if you don't like it or can't get it).

2 tablespoons lemon juice.

Mix and drink!

Though best used right when you feel it coming on, this can give you relief from a sore throat any time you need it. The heat soothes the ache. The honey has anti-bacterial properties that will reduce the germs causing the problem. The lemon and apple cider vinegar are highly acidic and will help with bacteria in your throat. Cinnamon is a natural pain reliever and the smell opens your sinuses. Voila!

Can't decide what to do for gifts this holiday season? Consider putting these products in cute mason jars and bottles!