The College Survival Basket They'll Actually Use
(Because ramen and dirty laundry shouldn't be the only things getting them through the semester.)
Even though August is just getting started, this is the time of year many families are already checking off college packing lists, squeezing in those last family dinners, and wondering how move-in day arrived so quickly.
Whether you're sending a freshman off for the very first time or helping a returning student head back for another semester, the countdown is officially on.
Packing for college is kind of wild when you think about it. You spend weeks shopping for bedding, command hooks, laundry baskets, shower shoes, and enough snacks to feed a small village. Then suddenly it's move-in day, you're carrying mini fridges up three flights of stairs, trying not to cry, and wondering how your baby is old enough to live on their own.
While everyone else is busy checking off the typical dorm essentials list, I wanted to share what I'd pack in a simple college survival basket. These are the things that don't take up much room, pull double (or triple!) duty, and can make dorm life just a little easier.
Start with a Simple Cleaning Basket
Dorm rooms get gross. There really isn't a nicer way to say it.
Instead of packing a dozen different cleaning products, I'd keep it simple. Grab a small basket, add a bottle of Thieves Household Cleaner, an empty spray bottle, and either a couple microfiber cloths or washable rags. If you know your college student isn't exactly excited about doing laundry, swap the cloths for a roll of paper towels instead.
Here's the part I love: Thieves Household Cleaner is concentrated. Just one capful mixed with water makes a full spray bottle that can clean just about everything—desks, counters, mini fridges, bathroom sinks, microwaves, and those mysterious sticky spots that somehow appear out of nowhere.
That one bottle will last them far longer than a semester... even if they cleaned twice a day.
And let's be honest... we all know that's not happening. 😆
Don't Skip the Diffuser
At first glance, a diffuser might seem like something that's nice to have, but I actually think it's one of the most useful things you can pack.
Dorm rooms have a way of collecting smells... gym shoes, sports gear, last week's pizza box, and whatever your roommate forgot to throw away. A diffuser helps freshen the room, but it also becomes useful during cold season, late-night study sessions, stressful weeks, and bedtime. One little diffuser ends up doing a whole lot more than making the room smell nice.
If I Could Only Pack Two Oils...
The first would absolutely be Thieves.
Thieves is the signature blend behind the entire Thieves cleaning line, and I think that tells you just about everything you need to know about what it was created for. Diffuse it in the dorm room, make a roller bottle to keep in a backpack, or keep it on hand during those inevitable weeks when everyone on the floor seems to be sharing the same bug.
In fact, I'd throw a couple of empty roller bottles into the basket before move-in so they can make a few blends at home before they leave. They take up almost no room and are much easier to carry around campus than a collection of full-sized bottles.
The second oil I'd never send them without is Peppermint.
Whether it's questionable cafeteria food, an 8 a.m. lecture after staying up way too late, or trying to stay focused while studying for finals, Peppermint seems to find its way into the routine over and over again.
I love diffusing it while studying, but my favorite trick is making a roller bottle to toss in a backpack. A quick swipe behind the ears before class is the perfect little "wake up and pay attention" moment.
Because Dorm Germs Are Relentless
Even with all the best intentions, sometimes the sniffles still happen.
That's why I'd add a SniffleEase roller to every college survival basket. It's already made, easy to use, and doesn't require digging through a box of supplies when you're not feeling your best.
Sleep Is Not Optional
College students have an amazing ability to function on way less sleep than they should. Unfortunately, eventually it catches up with them. Whether they're studying late, adjusting to a roommate, missing home, or simply enjoying college life a little too much, good sleep matters.
For bedtime, I'd choose either Lavender or Cedarwood, depending on what your just-barely-adult likes.
Lavender has earned the nickname "the Swiss Army Knife of essential oils" for a reason. It has so many uses that it deserves a spot in just about every dorm room. If they aren't a fan of floral scents, Cedarwood is another wonderful option that has a warm, calming woodsy aroma.
A Few Bonus Favorites
If there's still room in the basket, I'd consider adding a few extras.
NingXia Red is one of my favorites because let's face it... college nutrition isn't always exactly balanced. When dinner consists of ramen, frozen pizza, and whatever was left in the vending machine, it's nice to have something that adds a little nutritional support.
I'd also tuck in one calming or grounding oil.
Stress Away smells like an island vacation in a bottle. Valor is wonderful for those first few weeks when everything feels unfamiliar or before presentations and interviews. My personal favorite is Northern Lights Black Spruce. It has a fresh tree scent that always reminds me of deep roots. College life can feel overwhelming sometimes, and this one just has a way of helping me feel grounded.
One more bonus I'd definitely consider is Purification. Dorm rooms get stale. Sneakers get funky. Trash cans get forgotten. And let's just say... not every dorm bathroom has earned a five-star review. 😆 A few drops in the diffuser can help freshen the air after all of life's less-than-pleasant college moments.
And for those long days, Zyng is a great natural energy drink without a lot of the ingredients I'd rather avoid.
Round Out the Basket
Once you've packed the essentials, finish the basket with the practical things they'll actually use.
Think Band-Aids, a thermometer, hand sanitizer, electrolyte packets, tissues, a reusable water bottle, protein bars, an extension cord, phone chargers (because somehow they always disappear), and maybe a coffee shop gift card for those inevitable late-night study sessions.
🛒 Build Your College Survival Kit
If you're thinking, "Okay...I love this. Now where do I find everything?" I've got you.
I created a College Survival Kit that includes everything I mentioned in this post—from the must-have essentials to the optional "Extra Credit" favorites.
Just click the link below and you'll be taken straight to the kit. From there, you can remove anything you don't want, add additional products, or customize it to fit your student's personality, needs, and your budget.
No hunting down products one by one. No guessing what to include. Just a simple starting point to help you build a basket they'll actually use.
👉 Build Your College Survival Kit Here
Included in the Kit
- Diffuser (Choose your own but I love the Fresh Start)
- Thieves® Household Cleaner
- Thieves® Essential Oil
- Peppermint Essential Oil
- SniffleEase™ Roller
- Lavender or Cedarwood (your choice)
- NingXia Red
- Purification
- Choose one: Stress Away, Valor, or Northern Lights Black Spruce
- Zyng
One Last Thing...
The truth is, this basket isn't really about the products. It's about sending a little piece of home with your student. It's knowing that when they're exhausted, overwhelmed, homesick, or fighting off whatever dorm bug is making the rounds, they have a few simple tools to help them through it. And maybe—just maybe—it helps Mom and Dad breathe a little easier too.
If you've already sent a child to college, what's one thing you packed that ended up being a lifesaver... or one thing you wish you had sent? Share your best advice in the comments!
💜 Thanks for Stopping By Keeping It Real!
I hope this gave you a few ideas for building a college survival basket that's actually useful instead of filled with things that end up shoved under the bed until move-out day.
Whether you're sending your first child to college or your last, here's your reminder...
They've got this.
And so do you. ❤️
Looking for More?
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Summer is all fun and games...until your hair decides it's had enough.
One day it's soft, shiny, and cooperating. The next it's frizzy, dry, tangled, smells like the community pool, and somehow manages to be greasy at the roots while feeling crunchy on the ends. Explain that one.
Thanks, summer.
Between the blazing sun, humidity that laughs at your styling efforts, chlorine, salt water, sweat, messy buns, baseball caps, and enough dry shampoo to earn its own parking space in your bathroom, your hair has officially been through the wringer.
Let's talk about why summer is so hard on your hair—and a few simple ways to help it survive until hoodie season.
Your hair doesn't have just one enemy during the summer...it has an entire lineup:
We all know the sun can do a number on our skin, but your hair doesn't get a free pass. Hours in the sun can dry out your strands, fade color, weaken the hair's natural proteins, and leave it looking dull instead of healthy and shiny.
Ah yes...the weather that makes your hair completely ignore every ounce of effort you put into styling it.
Straight hair suddenly develops "personality." Curly hair has a mind of its own. Frizz shows up uninvited, volume disappears where you want it, and somehow appears where you don't.
Nothing says summer like a day at the pool...except what chlorine leaves behind.
Chlorine strips away your hair's natural oils, leaving it dry, rough, tangled, and more prone to breakage. If you have lighter-colored hair, it can even leave behind that not-so-lovely green tint.
Those effortless beach waves look amazing...until it's time to run a brush through them.
Salt water pulls moisture from your hair, leaving it dry, tangled, and more likely to break. That carefree beach look can come with a not-so-carefree amount of damage.
Can we talk about the one nobody warns us about?
Between sweat, sunscreen, styling products, and the occasional "I'll wash it tomorrow," your scalp can end up with quite the buildup. The result? Greasy roots, flat hair, an itchy scalp, and hair that just feels...blah.
Your hair isn't beyond saving. It doesn't need an expensive salon intervention or a cabinet full of products you'll use exactly once.
A few simple habits, a handful of easy DIYs, and a few products that actually earn their keep can make a big difference. Let's help your hair survive summer without having to surrender to the messy bun until Labor Day.
Ready to show summer who's boss? Let's start with a few simple habits that make a big difference.
Summer is going to do what summer does. The goal isn't perfection—it's giving your hair a fighting chance.
A cute hat isn't just an accessory. It helps shield your hair (and your scalp) from hours of blazing sun. Bonus points if it also hides the fact that today is a dry shampoo day.
The best time to protect your hair is before you cannonball into the deep end.
Think of your hair like a sponge. If it's already hydrated before you hit the pool, it won't soak up nearly as much chlorinated water.
Even better? I've got a ridiculously simple DIY hair prep spray coming up that takes less than a minute to make and gives your hair a little extra backup before every pool day.
Trust me...you're going to want this one.
Whether you took a dip in the pool or the ocean, don't let chlorine or salt water hang out in your hair any longer than they have to. A quick rinse helps wash away what your hair definitely didn't invite.
It sounds backward, but washing your hair every single day can strip away the natural oils that are working hard to keep it healthy. If you can stretch an extra day between washes, your hair will probably thank you.
Sweat, sunscreen, dry shampoo, and styling products can build up quickly during the summer. If your roots are feeling greasy or your scalp is getting itchy, consider using a clarifying shampoo every couple of weeks to hit the reset button.
Summer steals moisture, so it's only fair that you put some back. Treat your hair to a deep conditioning treatment once a week to help keep it soft, manageable, and less likely to resemble a tumbleweed.
Wet hair is at its weakest. Instead of attacking it with a brush like you're trying to win a wrestling match, grab a wide-tooth comb and gently work through tangles. Your hair—and your drain—will appreciate it.
Now for my favorite part...
You know I can't write a blog without throwing in a few easy DIYs. These take just a few minutes to make, smell amazing, and give your summer hair a little extra love without breaking the bank.
Here's what's currently taking up way too much space on my bathroom counter...
Do you need all of these? Absolutely not.
But if DIY isn't your thing—or you're simply looking for a few ready-to-go products that make life easier—these are the ones I reach for again and again during the summer.
After sweaty days, pool days, or whenever my hair just feels...blah, this is my reset button.
It gives my scalp a deep clean without leaving my hair feeling stripped or dry, making it the perfect way to hit the reset button after everything summer throws at it.
Summer has a way of leaving hair dry, tangled, and just plain cranky.
This conditioner helps bring moisture back where it's needed most, makes detangling so much easier, and leaves my hair feeling soft instead of crunchy.
If I could only keep one hair product on my bathroom counter all summer long, this would probably be it.
Just a few drops help smooth frizz, tame flyaways, add beautiful shine, and make dry ends look much happier. A little truly goes a long way.
I know...
It's made for skin.
But one of my favorite little summer hacks is lightly misting it onto the ends of my hair after a long day outside. The aloe and moisturizing ingredients help soften dry, tangled ends and make brushing through them much easier.
Sometimes the best tips are the ones that weren't in the directions. 😉
If you've made any of the DIY recipes in this blog, you've probably noticed Lavender makes more than one appearance.
There's a reason for that.
It finds its way into more of my DIY recipes than just about any other oil because it's incredibly versatile, leaves my hair feeling soft, and smells amazing.
Rosemary is another staple in my hair routine.
Whether I'm adding it to a hair mask, a pre-swim spray, or another DIY treatment, it's one of my favorite oils whenever my hair needs a little extra TLC.
💜 Not a DIY Person? I've Got You.
Let's be honest...
Some days we're mixing up homemade hair sprays. Other days we're just trying to get everyone out the door with matching shoes. If DIY isn't your thing, don't worry—I rounded up all of my favorite summer hair products in one easy wishlist.
The best part? It's completely customizable. Remove anything you don't want, add anything you do, and you're ready to go.
Because sometimes convenience wins...and that's okay too.
Summer is meant for cannonballs, beach trips, backyard barbecues, vacations, and making memories—not stressing over frizz, tangled hair, or ends that feel like straw.
Your hair is probably going to lose a few battles this summer...and that's okay.
A little prevention, a little extra moisture, and a few simple habits can go a long way toward keeping it healthy, happy, and ready for whatever adventure comes next.
Whether you choose the DIY route or prefer to grab a ready-made product, the goal is the same: spend less time fighting your hair and more time enjoying your summer.
What's your biggest summer hair battle?
☀️ Frizz?
🏊 Chlorine?
🌊 Beach tangles?
🥵 Humidity?
Or are you rocking the messy bun until September? 😆
I'd love to hear your best tips, funniest summer hair stories, or even the products you swear by. Drop them in the comments!
If you enjoyed this post, I'd love to keep in touch.
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If social media is to be believed, summer is supposed to look effortless.
The gardens are perfectly weeded. Everyone is drinking gallons of water. The kids are making core memories. Dinner is healthy. The house is clean. And somehow there's still time to sit on the porch with a cute drink and watch the sunset.
Meanwhile, here in the real world, my garden is trying its best, my water bottle is mostly decorative by 4 PM, and the mosquitoes have once again decided I'm their favorite person.
And honestly? I'm okay with that.
The older I get, the less interested I am in doing things perfectly and the more interested I am in finding simple things that make life a little easier.
Take my garden, for example.
Every spring I convince myself this is the year I'm finally going to stay ahead of the weeds. I buy the flowers, plant the vegetables, and spend way too much time deciding where everything should go. For a few weeks it looks great. Then life gets busy, we get some rain, and suddenly I'm staring at weeds wondering where they all came from.
Last weekend I went outside planning to pull "just a few weeds." Three hours later I was still out there. My back was reminding me that I'm not twenty anymore, and Deep Relief became my best friend for the rest of the day.
I do have a few things that make gardening season more enjoyable though. Peppermint is one of my favorite oils to keep nearby on hot days. A little on the back of my neck before heading outside feels refreshing, especially when Maryland decides it's going to be ninety degrees before lunch. I also love running a diffuser with Citronella nearby while I'm working. The mosquitoes don't seem to appreciate it nearly as much as I do.
One thing I've enjoyed experimenting with over the years is adding a few drops of DiGize to my watering can. It might sound strange if you've never heard of it before, but many gardeners have incorporated it into their gardening routines as part of their efforts to support healthy soil and thriving plants.
My goal these days isn't a magazine-worthy garden. It's keeping the plants alive, growing a few things we can enjoy, and spending some time outside without turning it into another item on my to-do list.
Speaking of things that don't always go according to plan, let's talk about hydration.
Every summer I tell myself this is going to be the year I become one of those people who effortlessly drinks water all day long. You know the type. They carry a giant water bottle everywhere and somehow finish it multiple times before lunch.
I am not that person.
Every morning starts with good intentions. My water bottle is full. It's sitting right next to me. I genuinely believe today's the day. Then I get busy, answer emails, run errands, work outside, and suddenly it's late afternoon and I've somehow survived on iced coffee, pure determination, and about six sips of water.
I've learned I need all the help I can get. Adding Jade Lemon Vitality or Lime Vitality to my water makes a huge difference because plain water gets boring fast. Starting my day with NingXia Red has become one of those habits I rarely skip, and when I'm spending a lot of time outside, especially working in the garden, I'll often add electrolytes because some days water alone just doesn't seem to do the trick.
Am I perfect at it? Not even close.
Am I doing better than I was a few years ago? Most days.
I'll take the win.
Then there are the mosquitoes.
If you've followed me for any length of time, you know I've accepted that mosquitoes apparently find me irresistible. Ball games, cookouts, walks around the neighborhood, evenings on the porch—it doesn't matter. If there's a mosquito nearby, it will find me.
That's why Young Living's Insect Repellent lives in my bag all summer long. It's one of those products I don't think much about until I need it, and then I'm really glad I have it. The bottle is generously sized too, which is good because it seems to get used constantly this time of year.
For the DIY crowd, I also love making a simple outdoor spray with distilled water, witch hazel, Citronella, Geranium and Purification. It takes about two minutes to make and is easy to keep by the door before heading outside.
Another favorite trick is running a cordless diffuser with Citronella on the porch while we're sitting outside in the evenings.
It's simple, it smells nice, and anything that helps me enjoy summer without becoming a mosquito buffet is worth trying.
The funny thing about all of this is that none of these habits are complicated.
As I've gotten older, I've realized the wellness habits that stick aren't usually the fancy ones. They're the simple things you can repeat over and over again without having to think too hard about them.
For me, that looks like NingXia Red, drinking more water, getting some movement every day, using my daily oils, and taking a handful of supplements. Nothing groundbreaking. Nothing that would make for an exciting Instagram reel. Just a few habits that fit into my life.
Some days I do great. Some days I'm reheating the same cup of coffee for the third time and wondering how it's already time to make dinner.
That's life. And maybe that's my biggest summer reality check.
The garden doesn't have to be perfect. The wellness routine doesn't have to be perfect. I don't have to do summer perfectly.
I just want to enjoy it. Spend time with my family. Make some memories. Keep the plants alive. Stay mostly ahead of the weeds. And maybe, just maybe, finish my water before 4 PM.
If I can pull that off, I'm calling it a successful summer.
So tell me—what's your biggest summer reality check?
A Little Bonus for Making It to the End
If you've stuck with me through the hydration struggles, mosquito complaints, and garden confessions, you deserve a prize.
Unfortunately, all I have are recipes.
The good news is they're pretty good recipes.
Now I'd love to hear from you... What's one simple thing that makes your summer a little easier?
Before You Go...
Welcome to Keeping It Real with the EssentOILS, where wellness is practical, life is busy, and I believe you shouldn't have to read a novel to find a helpful tip.
Around here you'll find real-life stories, practical wellness ideas, and blogs that get straight to the point—with just enough sarcasm to keep things interesting.
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The Bathroom MVP You Probably Aren't Using Enough
One Product. Three Surprisingly Handy Uses.
Let's be honest...
I'm all about products that earn their keep. If something only has one purpose, there's a pretty good chance it'll end up tucked in the back of my bathroom cabinet until I stumble across it months later and think, "Oh yeah... I forgot I even owned that!"
That's one of the reasons I always keep Young Living's Charcoal Mask within easy reach.
Sure, it was designed as a facial mask, and it's fantastic for that. But since I only use it about once a month, one tube lasts me a long time. Along the way, I've discovered a few other ways to use it, and now it's become one of those products I reach for far more often than I ever expected.
Honestly, if a product can pull triple duty instead of sitting around waiting for facial-mask day, that's a product worth hanging onto.
So... What Makes This Mask Different?
The Charcoal Mask combines gentle cleansing ingredients with botanical extracts to leave your skin feeling refreshed without feeling stripped.
🖤 Charcoal Powder helps absorb excess oil and lift away dirt and impurities from the surface of the skin.
🤍 Kaolin Clay is a gentle mineral clay that helps cleanse and absorb excess oil while remaining suitable for most skin types.
🌿 Salicylic Acid provides light exfoliation by helping clear away dead skin cells and keep pores looking cleaner.
💧 Botanical Extracts including cucumber, chamomile, licorice root, bilberry, and comfrey help soothe and condition the skin.
🌸 Essential Oils like Lavender, Peppermint, Lemon, Tangerine, Rosemary, Bergamot, and Patchouli give the mask its fresh scent while complementing the overall skincare experience.
The formula also contains naturally derived alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) from fruit extracts like bilberry, lemon, sugarcane, and sugar maple. These gentle acids help exfoliate away dead skin cells, leaving skin looking brighter and feeling smoother after you rinse.
Now for my favorite part...
🖤 1. A Monthly Facial Reset
This is exactly what the Charcoal Mask was designed for, and honestly, my face has a lot to deal with during the summer. Sunscreen, sweat, humidity, makeup... it's basically working overtime.
About once a month, I smooth on a thin layer, let it dry, and rinse it off. The whole process takes very little effort, but my skin always feels noticeably cleaner, smoother, and refreshed. It's one of those simple routines that reminds me skincare doesn't have to be complicated to be effective.
When you apply the Charcoal Mask, you may notice a mild tingling or tightening sensation as it dries. That's completely normal and comes from the combination of naturally derived fruit acids (AHAs) and peppermint essential oil working together. I find it invigorating and refreshing.
Another thing I appreciate is what you won't find in the formula. It's dermatologist tested, hypoallergenic, cruelty free, and made without parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrances, synthetic dyes, or petrochemicals. You know how I feel about crappy ingredients.
🖤 2. Give Your Armpits Some Love
Yep... we're talking about armpits.
Stay with me on this one because I've actually been doing it for years.
Once a month, after showering, I apply a thin layer of the Charcoal Mask to clean underarms, let it sit for about 10–15 minutes, and then rinse it off. It's become one of those simple little maintenance routines that takes almost no effort but leaves my underarms feeling extra fresh.
No, I'm not trying to perform some magical overnight "detox." I simply like using the charcoal and kaolin clay to give my underarms a deep clean and help remove the buildup that can accumulate from deodorant, sweat, and everyday life. If you're just making the switch from traditional antiperspirants after years of use, you may find it helpful to use the mask once a week for the first month. After that, pay attention to how your skin feels and decide whether you'd like to continue weekly or switch to a once-a-month maintenance routine like I do.
Sometimes our skin just appreciates a fresh start—and if it only takes 15 minutes once a month, I'm happy to add it to my routine.
🖤 3. Bug Bite Relief
This is the newest Charcoal Mask hack I've learned, and my first thought was, "Why have I never tried this before?"
Now, before anyone says it... yes, I absolutely love my Insect Repellent, and it's my go-to all summer long. But let's be real—every once in a while I get distracted, head outside for "just a minute," and completely forget to spray it on. That's usually when the mosquitoes decide it's an open invitation.
When that happens, I usually mix up a DIY itch-relief roller. Then I learned you can simply dab a little Charcoal Mask directly onto an itchy bug bite, let it dry, and rinse it off later.
The charcoal and kaolin clay create a cooling, soothing feeling as the mask dries, making it a simple way to help calm the itch and keep yourself from scratching.
Will I still make my DIY roller? Probably. But the next time I forget my bug spray and end up with a mosquito bite, I have a feeling I'll be reaching for the Charcoal Mask first. It's already sitting on my bathroom counter, ready to go, and there's something to be said for using what you already have instead of making one more DIY.
Anything that simplifies life—and saves me from washing another tiny roller bottle—is a win in my book.
Why I Love Multi-Purpose Products
The older I get, the more I appreciate products that can do more than one job. My bathroom cabinets aren't getting any bigger, and I'm not interested in buying five different products when one can do the trick.
When one tube can pull triple duty, it earns permanent counter space in my house. Less clutter. Less waste. More value from something I already own.
Honestly, if a product works this hard, the least I can do is let it stay on the counter. 😄
💡 Did You Know?
Activated charcoal is incredibly porous, which is one of the reasons it's such a popular ingredient in skincare. Its porous surface helps absorb excess oil and lift away dirt and other surface impurities, leaving your skin feeling fresh and clean.
In the Young Living Charcoal Mask, it's paired with gentle kaolin clay to help absorb oil without over-drying the skin. Salicylic acid provides light exfoliation to help keep pores looking clearer, while soothing ingredients like aloe, cucumber, chamomile, licorice root, and other botanical extracts help leave your skin feeling balanced and refreshed.
It's a thoughtful combination of cleansing and soothing ingredients that works together to deep clean your skin while still being gentle enough for most skin types.
Keeping It Real...
One of my favorite things is discovering new ways to use products I already have instead of adding one more thing to my shopping list. I love a good DIY, but I also love finding simple solutions that don't require mixing, measuring, or buying another product.
Life is busy, bathroom cabinets only hold so much, and most of us don't need a separate product for every little problem. If I can make one product work a little harder, that's a win in my book.
Whether you're giving your skin a monthly refresh, showing your underarms a little extra love, or keeping this trick in your back pocket for the next time you forget your bug spray, the Young Living Charcoal Mask has definitely earned its permanent spot in my bathroom.
Now I want to hear from you! Have you discovered an unexpected way to use one of your Young Living products? Share your favorite "Why didn't I think of that sooner?!" hack in the comments. There's a good chance you'll teach the rest of us something new!
Want to Give It a Try?
If you're anything like me, you appreciate products that work a little harder so you don't have to. If you'd like to add the Young Living Charcoal Mask to your own bathroom counter, you can shop using the link below.
🖤 Shop the Charcoal Mask: https://www.youngliving.com/us/en/myaccount/wishlist?listId=6a4e6040660254000aa4dc02&enrollerId=3410574&sponsorId=3410574&userName=Jessica
Welcome to Keeping It Real with the EssentOILS
Around here, you'll find short-ish, sassy blog posts that skip the fluff and get straight to the good stuff. Real life is busy enough—you don't need to scroll through 800 words about my childhood before getting to the tip you came for.
If you enjoy practical wellness ideas, simple DIYs, diffuser blends, and realistic ways to use essential oils, be sure to follow me on Facebook, where I share even more education, recipes, and everyday inspiration.
And don't forget to check back here at Keeping It Real with the EssentOILS for more blogs that help you get the most out of the products you already have—with a little humor mixed in along the way. 💜
Jade Lemon Essential Oil: Why It's Always in My Summer Rotation
I recently placed an order for the Jacob & Kait summer blends and a new supplement for my hubby. As a bonus, I received a bottle of Jade Lemon.
Now, Jade Lemon wasn't new to me, but getting that free bottle reminded me just how often I reach for it.
If you're a citrus lover, there's a good chance Jade Lemon will quickly earn a permanent spot in your collection.
Bright, fresh, slightly sweet, and a little less sharp than traditional Lemon, Jade Lemon has become one of my favorite oils for summer.
What Makes Jade Lemon Different?
Jade Lemon has become one of Young Living's most-loved citrus oils, and once you smell it, it's easy to understand why.
It has a bright, sunny citrus aroma that's slightly sweeter and softer than traditional Lemon. It's uplifting without being overpowering and blends beautifully with everything from Lavender and Peppermint to other citrus oils.
What I love most is how versatile it is. Some oils have one specific purpose. Jade Lemon somehow ends up everywhere.
It's in my water, my diffuser, my room sprays, my cleaning recipes, and occasionally in projects I hadn't originally planned to use it for.
That's usually the sign of a really good oil.
My Favorite Way to Use Jade Lemon: Water
Let's be honest. Staying hydrated is not exactly my superpower.
Every morning I start with good intentions, and somehow by mid-afternoon I'm wondering why my water bottle is still mostly full. Adding Jade Lemon to my water makes hydration a little more enjoyable and encourages me to drink more throughout the day.
Important note: If you're adding Jade Lemon to water, it’s helpful to know that Young Living makes Jade Lemon with a Vitality (dietary) label.
Jade Lemon Summer Water
- 16-20 ounces water
- 1 drop Jade Lemon Vitality
- Ice
Simple, refreshing, and perfect for hot summer days.
Citrus Hydration Boost
- 20 ounces water
- 1 drop Jade Lemon Vitality
- 1 drop Lime Vitality
- Optional: Mineral Essence
This one tastes like summer in a cup.
Jade Lemon in the Diffuser
If I had to describe the scent of Jade Lemon in one word, it would be sunshine.
It's fresh, cheerful, and instantly brightens a room and It's one of my favorite oils to diffuse when I want my home to feel clean without smelling like a cleaning product.
Fresh Start Blend
- 3 drops Jade Lemon
- 2 drops Peppermint
- 2 drops Lavender
Summer Sunshine Blend
- 4 drops Jade Lemon
- 3 drops Orange
- 2 drops Lime
Clean House Blend
- 4 drops Jade Lemon
- 3 drops Citrus Fresh
- 2 drops Peppermint
Perfect for those days when company is coming over and you're trying to make it look like you've had your life together all week.
Jade Lemon DIY Sprays
Jade Lemon shines in DIY recipes because it adds such a bright, fresh scent. Whether you're freshening a room, your linens, or your car, it instantly makes everything smell cleaner.
Fresh Linen Spray
- 2 ounces distilled water
- 1 tablespoon witch hazel
- 10 drops Jade Lemon
- 5 drops Lavender
Shake before each use.
Summer Room Spray
- 2 ounces distilled water
- 1 tablespoon witch hazel
- 8 drops Jade Lemon
- 5 drops Lime
- 3 drops Spearmint
This one smells like a summer vacation.
Car Refresh Spray
- 2 ounces distilled water
- 1 tablespoon witch hazel
- 10 drops Jade Lemon
- 5 drops Peppermint
Perfect for freshening up the car after sports practices, road trips, and all the snacks that somehow end up under the seats.
Jade Lemon and Cleaning
One of the reasons citrus oils are so popular is because they naturally make everything smell fresh and clean.
Jade Lemon is one of my favorites to add to simple household cleaning recipes.
Countertop Spray
- 1 cup distilled water
- 1 capful Thieves Household Cleaner
- 15 drops Jade Lemon
- 10 drops Lemon
Combine in a spray bottle and shake gently before use.
This is one of my favorite everyday cleaning sprays because it leaves counters smelling fresh and citrusy without the overpowering scent of many conventional cleaners. The Jade Lemon and Lemon give it a bright, clean aroma that makes the kitchen feel instantly refreshed.
Sink Freshener
- 2 drops Jade Lemon
- 2 drops Lemon
Add directly into the sink drain and run warm water.
Simple but effective.
Why Jade Lemon Is Perfect for Summer
Every season has its oils.
For me, Jade Lemon is definitely a summer oil. It finds its way into my water bottle, diffuser, room sprays, cleaning products, and even my car.
It's bright. It's cheerful. It smells amazing.
And unlike some oils that only get used occasionally, Jade Lemon is one I reach for over and over again.
If you've never tried it before, this might be the summer to change that.
I'd Love to Hear From You
Have you tried Jade Lemon yet?
If so, what's your favorite way to use it? Leave a comment below and share your favorite diffuser blend, DIY recipe, or hydration hack!
