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Bug Bites Be Damned! How To DIY Your Own Mosquito Repellent

Illustrated by Elliot Salazar.
Mosquitos are the worst. The aftermath of their bites can be painful, itchy, and uncomfortable. But thankfully, there are a few natural ways to deal with this summer annoyance. I have two great mosquito-repellent formulas that are all-natural and easy to make with just a few ingredients. A few spritzes of this, a few dabs of that, and you'll be bug-bite-free. All the essential oils used below are known for their ability to repel bugs.
Ingredients
1/4 cup distilled water
1/4 cup witch hazel
15 drops rosemary essential oil
10 drops cinnamon essential oil
5 drops cedarwood essential oil
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Instructions
Combine all ingredients in a 4-ounce spray bottle and shake well. Spray it directly on skin, focusing on pressure points.
Body Balm
Kick the recipe up another notch by making a balm that not only keeps the bugs at bay, but also hydrates and softens the skin. This little pot is the gold standard for summer skin-care routines. Ingredients
1/3 cup of beeswax pastilles
1/3 cup of coconut oil
1/3 cup of shea butter
2 tbsp castor oil
20 drops of lemon-eucalyptus essential oil and lemongrass essential oil
5 drops of peppermint essential oil, lavender essential oil, and cedarwood essential oil
Instructions
Melt beeswax, coconut oil, and shea butter slowly over low heat, continuously stirring (note that the beeswax will take a few minutes to melt). When beeswax has completely melted, remove from heat and let mixture cool slightly. Then, add castor oil and all essential oils in and stir. Pour into a metal or glass container. This will work as a repellant for up to three months. If you really don't have time to make one of the above, you can always take the shortcut of picking up a bottle of lemon-eucalyptus oil. Just shake it up and apply a few drops directly to your pulse points (especially wrists, neck, and ankles). Commence enjoying your bug-free summer.
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