Beauty and the At Home Facial
1. Wet the face and put some cleanser on a clean and wet cloth. Cleanse the face by moving the cloth in an outward circular motion.
2. Gently blot the face with another cloth that has been wet with warn water. Do this for two to three minutes to remove all traces of the cleanser.
3. Splash the face with warm water.
4. Pour boiling water on some loose herbs (lavender, rosemary, sage, etc) placed in a bowl. Let cool for about 30 seconds.
5. Drape a towel over your head and steam for five to ten minutes. Close eyes and breathe deeply. If the steam is too hot wait a few more seconds to cool. Steaming softens the face and loosens dirt.
6. Pat the face with a clean, wet and warm cloth.
7. Apply an exfoliating mask (see face section of website for recipe) avoiding the eye area. Leave on for five minutes and rinse with warm water.
8. Moisturize.
2. Gently blot the face with another cloth that has been wet with warn water. Do this for two to three minutes to remove all traces of the cleanser.
3. Splash the face with warm water.
4. Pour boiling water on some loose herbs (lavender, rosemary, sage, etc) placed in a bowl. Let cool for about 30 seconds.
5. Drape a towel over your head and steam for five to ten minutes. Close eyes and breathe deeply. If the steam is too hot wait a few more seconds to cool. Steaming softens the face and loosens dirt.
6. Pat the face with a clean, wet and warm cloth.
7. Apply an exfoliating mask (see face section of website for recipe) avoiding the eye area. Leave on for five minutes and rinse with warm water.
8. Moisturize.
Aromatherapy: The Benefits of Essential Oils
"A perfumed bath and a scented and a scented massage every day are the way to good health"
Hippocrates (4th century, B.C.)
Since it has been discovered that smells can influence our moods and general well being, aromatherapy through the use of essential oils is used to enhance emotional health while promoting healing and balance of the mind body and spirit making it one of the best homemade beauty tips. It does not hurt that it smells divine too! Aromatherapy is one of the best natural beauty tips and remedy.
Essential oils are distilled or cold pressed from plants and flowers. Pure essential oils are very strong and can irritate or burn the skin so it is important to use or dilute them with a "carrier" oil. The best carrier oils are almond, jojoba, grapeseed, sunflower oils which unlike some other oils such as olive oil, do not interfere with the fragrant scent of the essential oil. When you make your own mix at home, use one to two drops of an essential oil and add a few teaspoons of carrier oil of your choosing.
Mix your own based on your scent preference and your wellness needs. Do not forget to add a carrier oil. Here are a few examples;
Grapefruit - Best for boosting energy
Oil Eucalyptus - Best for easing tightness and for cooling
Rosemary - Use to invigorate, energize and clear the mind
Rose - Best for easing stress
Mint - Stimulates and soothes tired muscles
Peppermint - Elevates the mood
Lavender - My personal favorite because it is soothing and relaxing
Chamomile - Calming and soothing to the skin
Hippocrates (4th century, B.C.)
Since it has been discovered that smells can influence our moods and general well being, aromatherapy through the use of essential oils is used to enhance emotional health while promoting healing and balance of the mind body and spirit making it one of the best homemade beauty tips. It does not hurt that it smells divine too! Aromatherapy is one of the best natural beauty tips and remedy.
Essential oils are distilled or cold pressed from plants and flowers. Pure essential oils are very strong and can irritate or burn the skin so it is important to use or dilute them with a "carrier" oil. The best carrier oils are almond, jojoba, grapeseed, sunflower oils which unlike some other oils such as olive oil, do not interfere with the fragrant scent of the essential oil. When you make your own mix at home, use one to two drops of an essential oil and add a few teaspoons of carrier oil of your choosing.
Mix your own based on your scent preference and your wellness needs. Do not forget to add a carrier oil. Here are a few examples;
Grapefruit - Best for boosting energy
Oil Eucalyptus - Best for easing tightness and for cooling
Rosemary - Use to invigorate, energize and clear the mind
Rose - Best for easing stress
Mint - Stimulates and soothes tired muscles
Peppermint - Elevates the mood
Lavender - My personal favorite because it is soothing and relaxing
Chamomile - Calming and soothing to the skin
Relaxing Oil Beauty Recipe
3 teaspoons of jojoba oil (carrier oil)
2 drops each of chamomile, rosemary, juniper, eucalyptus and peppermint essential oils
Add this mixture to a bath while the tap water is running and soak. Can also be used for a foot massage. Simply combine the ingredients in a bowl and have someone special massage your feet. Follow the massage by covering your feet with socks and calling it a night! Shake before use.
2 drops each of chamomile, rosemary, juniper, eucalyptus and peppermint essential oils
Add this mixture to a bath while the tap water is running and soak. Can also be used for a foot massage. Simply combine the ingredients in a bowl and have someone special massage your feet. Follow the massage by covering your feet with socks and calling it a night! Shake before use.
Relaxing Oil
3/4 cup jojoba oil
2 teaspoons of any of the following essential oils - jasmine, ylang-ylang, chamomile, clary sage, sandalwood, marjoram, or geranium
Mix the jojoba oil and whatever essential oil you choose from the above and store in a tightly sealed container in a dark storage place. Add two teaspoons whenever you desire under a running tap for your bath. Can be used for massage as well (1/2 teaspoon essential oil mixed with 1/2 cup jojoba oil). Shake before use.
2 teaspoons of any of the following essential oils - jasmine, ylang-ylang, chamomile, clary sage, sandalwood, marjoram, or geranium
Mix the jojoba oil and whatever essential oil you choose from the above and store in a tightly sealed container in a dark storage place. Add two teaspoons whenever you desire under a running tap for your bath. Can be used for massage as well (1/2 teaspoon essential oil mixed with 1/2 cup jojoba oil). Shake before use.