Kitchen Counter Cosmetics

How would you like to get the benefits of the priciest anti-aging treatments without the hefty price? If you're handy with a gram scale — or even a measuring spoon — you can whip up a batch of cellulite control cream, nutrient serum or skin brightening lotion.

We're not talking about those oatmeal and mayo masks you might have tried in your granola years. These days, you can buy the same active ingredients found in brands like Elizabeth Arden, Perricone or Adrien Arpel. What's more, you can buy them in bulk and, using recipes provided by the companies that sell the chemicals or your fellow amateur chemists, create batches of skin-care products at as little as 20 percent of the cost of the branded versions.

SkinActives.com provides recipes that let you recreate products from some of the most luxurious brands. You can also buy ready-mixed generic products that are comparable to department store products.

You can also make your own custom blend by browsing the ingredient lists. For example, BulkActives.com lists chemicals by categories, such as anti-inflammatory or exfoliating, and suggests the amount to be used in a product.

Besides saving money, there are some other advantages to mixing your own products. First, you can make small batches, so that you're always using a fresh product for maximum effects. Second, you can adjust the mix to suit your unique skin, as well as the season. If your skin is very oil in summer, you might want to up the percentage of quercetin, which is not only anti-acne but also helps to protect from sun damage. In the winter, you might want to add more hyaluronic acid for extra moisture.

Finally, you can be choosy about what goes into your lotion. You can be sure you aren't slathering on toxic chemicals, choose only plant-based ingredients, or make informed decisions about ingredients like DMAE. You can avoid fragrance and coloring that add nothing to the benefits of store-bought products but increase the cost.

It's as easy as making a batch of chocolate chip cookies — and a lot better for your health.