Homemade beauty products

[Rionach aka Spec K]

what are your favorites...tried and true?

i've been really into making salt and sugar scrubs - experimenting with different carrier oils, essential oils, different types of salts and sugars, different textures, different add-ins (flower petals, crushed almonds, seaweed, lavender, etc.) I love 'em and so much cheaper than buying them at a pharmacy.

I've been reading up on using things like mayo and honey in the hair for extra conditioning...

[Rionach aka Spec K]

nadda?

No homemade hair rinses? Moisturisers? Nothing handed down from grandma that you use?...weird uses for cod liver oil or castor oil?

[georgi]

I've always wanted to try the mayo thing. :funny1:

What are your "recipes" for salt and sugar scrubs? I've always wanted to do that, too. :)

[Nevrmore]

coarse sugar + honey makes a good facial scrub. The sugar exfoliates and the honey is a natural antibacterial. I can only use it about 2x a week though, because I have such sensitive skin.

also, mashed strawberries, mixed with a little soy milk makes a good mask for brightening skin tone (my sister uses it, I can't because I'm allergic to strawberries)

[Rionach aka Spec K]

Easy. Just fill a jar (I've been saving empty cranberry sauce, jam, salsa jars) with salt or sugar - fill about 3/4 of the way. Then add oil (you can use baby oil if you want). I've been experimenting with different kinds of oils (olive, coconut, almond). Make sure you mix the oil in well with the salt/sugar (if you don't do this, the stuff at the bottom stays drier than what's on top). You can mix as to the consistency you like - I like a more thick, drier consistency. Epsom salts work well (they contain magnesium sulfate which draw toxins from the body and are very inexpensive). Or you can use very fine sea salt or I use rock salt that I crush in a zip lock bag first (gives a rougher texture). Raw sugar works well. Then just add a few drops of your favorite essential oil - I like rose, lavander, tea tree (soothing!). You can add dried, crushed flower petals or colorful bits of seaweed (works well with salt scrubs), or crushed almonds (works well with sugar scrub, using almond oil and vanilla essential oil). Voila !

[Rionach aka Spec K]

coarse sugar + honey makes a good facial scrub. The sugar exfoliates and the honey is a natural antibacterial. I can only use it about 2x a week though, because I have such sensitive skin.

also, mashed strawberries, mixed with a little soy milk makes a good mask for brightening skin tone (my sister uses it, I can't because I'm allergic to strawberries)

nice ! :thumpup:

[sums]

i have really sensitive skin too. i use a scrub that my son's girlfriend makes out of ground up oatmeal, almonds and rose petals. another really good way to deep clean your face without using soap is to put a little lavender essential oil in some water and do a facial "steam". it's also great for congestion if you add some oil of eucalyptus and/or thyme ;)

[Jersey Thug]

i posted a link to the oil cleansing method site a week or so ago. i use castor oil, olive oil and coconut oil on my face, that's about it. my skin is SO sensitive to OTC products.

[lil pixi]

I made a great mask a few weeks ago from avacado, mashed carrot, cream, egg whites & honey. It smoothed & tightened everything & gave my skin such an enhanced pretty glow. =)

I've just recently heard about & gotten into the benefits of natural at-home beauty tips. Interesting stuff.

[lil pixi]

This looks like a good one too. There are so many & so many different tips.
You can really keep your skin & hair, etc. extra healthy w/ the properties in many fruits & vegetables. It loves the nourishment.

The Benefits of Cucumber as a Beauty Ingredient and Recipe For Cucumber Honey Toner

Many women know that cucumber is an excellent all natural remedy for swollen, puffy eyes. This is because the cucumber has an anti inflammatory property to reduce the swelling around the eyes. That is why in many day spas or at home, women will have two slices of cucumber over thier eyes. The cucumber also has many other benefits as a beauty ingredient. It has cooling and astringent properties as well.

Try this homemade, all natural beauty recipe for a cucumber and honey facial toner. This works as an excellent skin care product
(http://www.xomba.com/the_benefits_of_cucumber_as_a_beauty_ingredient_an d_recipe_for_cucumber_honey_toner#) as an alternative to store bought products. This will work just as good.


Take one cucumber, peel it, cut it into small pieces, puree it. Use cheesecloth over a bowl and place the cuc on top to strain. Mix the juices that come through the cheesecloth with 2 tablespoons honey. Use a cotton ball to sweep over the face in the morning and at night. Let it air dry.

[lil pixi]

Coffee as an exfoliant, for example. :lol:

I know there are a good few things that can be used as natural exfoliants, but this is a lil different to me. lol.
I'm not sure how down I'd be w/ it. Brewed? I dunno about this one. :lol:

The Benefits of Coffee as a Beauty Ingredient and Coffee Scrub Recipe


"When most people think of coffee, they think of thier favorite morning beverage. Most definitely don't think of it as a beauty product. But actually, coffee has many uses as a beauty ingredient and many wonderful properties. The coffee bean actually contains magnesium and vitamin E. It acts as an antioxidant and it has antibacterial, exfoliating and stimulating properties.

For a natural exfoliant, try this invigorating facial and body scrub to gently remove dead skin cells giving you soft, silky smooth skin.

Brew organic, caffeinated coffee. Use the warm coffee grounds with in twenty minutes of brewing. It is best to do this immidiately after you brew. Get in the shower and GENTLY rub onto skin over the entire body. Rinse. Enjoy fresh, healthy skin.

Repeat as often as you normally exfoliate."

[Amethyst]

I use coffee as an exfoliate as per a tip from a fellow boardie years ago!

I also, use coconut oil as a moisturizer...

um, let me think i'm drawing a blank here

[lil pixi]

So it does work? Do you brew it 1st?

Another good one...

Vitamin E mask recipe

You will need:

1 capsule of Vitamin E
1 medium size (fairly ripe) banana (peel it)
1/4 cup of heavy whipping cream.

Preparation and use

Using a mixer (or fork), blend together banana and whipping cream. When the mix is consistent, add the contents of Vitamin E capsule. Apply the mask liberally on face and let it rest for 15 minutes or so. Wipe off using a towel or wash of with lukewarm water.

[lil pixi]

Chocolate Face Mask - A Guilt Free Way To Nourish & Soften Your Skin :smile:

Not only is it diet friendly, this chocolate face mask recipe is an excellent moisturizer that leaves your skin soft and glowing.

Known about since the times of the Mayas and the Aztecs, chocolate has a special place in our nutrition. It is filled with tryptophan, an essential amino **** that is a precursor of serotonin, neurotransmitter that is thought to regulate mood.

Recently, a very popular massage offered in beauty salons is chocolate massage. It is one of the most gentle and relaxing massages available. Not only is it beneficial to the skin, it helps stabilize your mood by initiating serotonin release. It is very rejuvenating and helps you feel more at peace, happy, and relaxed.

I have also heard of chocolate body wax, similar to honey based honey wax. What makes it effective is sugar present in it, that makes it sticky and able to adhere to hairs. Due to fatty acids present in cocoa, the skin becomes soft and nourished.

Cocoa powder, which is what chocolate is made of, is a wonderful and powerful antioxidant. It protects and frees the skin from free radicals, that cause significant damage to skin layers.

It is a mistake to think that chocolate causes acne. Although chocolate has been blamed as one of the causes of acne , this has not been scientifically proven as of yet. Actually, dermatologists say that what causes acne in people who consume chocolate is milk that is added to it, not the chocolate itself. As I mentioned, it has free radicals present, and is far from detrimental so don't let a little myth stop you from consuming this divine treat http://www.skincaretalk.com/images/smilies/smile.gif

Back to chocolate face mask recipe...

This cocoa recipe has many variations. It might as well be called cocoa powder facial mask recipe as you really need cocoa, not chocolate to prepare it. But you must agree, for the sake of skin care, chocolate mask sounds so much more appealing.

Chocolate face mask recipe

Ingredients


1/3 cup cocoa
1/4 cup of honey
2 tablespoons of heavy cream (sour cream will work as well)
3 teaspoons of oatmeal powder



Preparation

Mix all the ingredient until the mass in consistent. Apply on the face, gently massaging it so that oatmeal can start exfoliating the dead skin cell layer. Leave it on for about 20 minutes and rinse off with luke warm water.

In case you are wondering, there is a reason oatmeal and honey are added to this mix. Similar to its use in body scrub recipes, oatmeal it is recommended for sensitive skin, but can be used in preparation of facial masks for any skin type, as well as for preparation of facial exfoliants as it is gentle on the skin, yet highly powerful.

Honey on the other hand, is a great anti-bacterial agent, deeply cleanses your skin, and opens up clogged pores.

Now that you know all these benefits of chocolate, not only can you be guilt free while eating it, you can prepare an excellent chocolate face mask recipe and aid to your skins youthful look and nourishment.

[lil pixi]

I used to use an exfoliating soap from Bath & Body Works that was made up of oatmeal & grated orange rinds. It was wonderful stuff.

Making natural soaps is def something I'd love to try, and esp. recreating that recipe. =) But oatmeal is one of the leading natural exfoliants.

I was thinking of someday coming up w/ a natural product line - Incredible Edible Faces. :lol:

[lil pixi]

Homemade Beauty Recipe For Kiwi Facial Cleanser


For an all natural approach to skin care, try this kiwi facial cleanser (http://www.xomba.com/homemade_beauty_recipe_for_kiwi_facial_cleanser#). This homemade recipe is easy to make and you can do it right at home using these simple ingredients.
1 kiwi fruit
2 tablespoons yogurt
1 tablespoon orange water
1 tbsp. apricot oil or almond oil
1 tbsp. honey
1 tbsp. finely ground almonds
2 drops of orange oil

Kiwi is rich in Vitamin C and has strong enzymatic and detergency properties. This makes it an excellent natural cleanser for skin. Try using this as an alternative to purchasing beauty products from your local drug store. Think of it as your way of going green and helping in saving the environment.


:smile:

[Rionach aka Spec K]

good ones, lil pixi !!

[Rionach aka Spec K]

i posted a link to the oil cleansing method site a week or so ago. i use castor oil, olive oil and coconut oil on my face, that's about it. my skin is SO sensitive to OTC products.

yes, I read that and have been looking everywhere for castor oil...for whatever reason I can't find it !!!

[lil pixi]

Castor oil is an effective remedy for wrinkle prevention, as is...
- Massaging the face with coconut oil before going to bed
- a mixture of honey, olive oil and cream applied on the face.

"Eating one tablespoonful of shredded ginger with honey will provide the skin with a healthy glow."

"B complex vitamins are the best for skin so the foods like eggs, beef, chicken and whole wheat should be included in the diet in good amounts. Other vitamins like A, C and E act as antioxidant and gives the skin a healthy look. So these vitamins should also be consumed in liberal amounts."

"Avoid excess of smoking and alcohol as it causes puffiness of the skin. Thus, leading to wrinkles. "

A GREAT recipe for soft, supple skin is a mixture of powdered milk & honey applied to the face.

I :heart: this thread. :lol: :smile:

[bsktcase]

So it does work? Do you brew it 1st?

Another good one...

Vitamin E mask recipe

You will need:

1 capsule of Vitamin E
1 medium size (fairly ripe) banana (peel it)
1/4 cup of heavy whipping cream.

Preparation and use

Using a mixer (or fork), blend together banana and whipping cream. When the mix is consistent, add the contents of Vitamin E capsule. Apply the mask liberally on face and let it rest for 15 minutes or so. Wipe off using a towel or wash of with lukewarm water.

How do you resist adding chocolate and licking it off your face?

[lil pixi]

That's what the chocolate mask recipe I posted is for. :wink: :lol: :smile:

[bsktcase]

That's what the chocolate mask recipe I posted is for. :wink: :lol: :smile:

Sounds delicious!! :lol:

[lil pixi]

Hey, I ALWAYS wanted those edible chocolate paints. :naughty:

Now my lover can just eat a chocolate pudding like substance right off my face, cheaper. :lol:

[sure-ur-rightdancer]

all these sound really good but please just remember - sterilize your container first, don't make a bigger batch than you can use in a short period of time, be careful with natural exfolients - the particle size and uniformity are very important - big, ragged crystals will tear your skin and can cause infection and moisture loss and be careful with your ingredient sources - quality, contamination and actual activity vary greatly with most ingredients

other than that its a fun hobby - if you plan on selling it though you have to be a lot more careful as you will be liable for any damages you cause

[lil pixi]

Very good advice & information, sister! :thup:
Thank you. I will always keep those things in mind. :smile:

I did notice that about large grains of oatmeal as an exfoliant in the past. I wonder what would be the at-home substitute for something as gentle yet effective as Jojoba beads.

[sure-ur-rightdancer]

unfortunately there really isnt an at home substitute for beads - they are specifically manufactured to be precise, uniform and smooth on all sides (which is why I personally find them to be the best exfoliants) - you might want to look into something like super-fine sugar (maybe at a baking suppy store or online)

also remember the honey and oatmeal you buy in the store aren't the same kind that are used in cosmetic products - same with oils...... there are different grades and specifications for food and for cosmetics and while you might think that everything that is safe to eat is ok for the skin its not always true (especially for sensitive and/ or broken skin)....... my parent company makes food products but in order to sell them to cosmetic companies we have to do a whole bunch of additional testing to make sure they are safe

[lil pixi]

It does make total sense.

And what about ppl w/ food allergies? I'd think if certain foods can cause allergic reactions to the tongue, throat, airways, etc..they could most certainly cause an allergic reaction on the skin. :eek:

I might still want to just treat myself to some quality beads, though.

[georgi]

Got this in my Sara Snow newsletter. :)

Homemade Rosemary Body Scrub</SPAN>

As seen in the April issue of BETTER HOMES and GARDENS (http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102533004872&s=3028&e=001pD4xgpjkUBZUi0X-CQ8MVlStGDAPQfcTKx70sA_s629Kg_vYGNFmx2RmoE8Dd72KSe TqZ3305XeVTJd4dixrlimQQvMKNXndQQThSdHoGa8=)

Check out page 27 of April's Better Homes and Gardens for Green Entertaining Tips From Sara Snow.

Mixed in with the entertaining tips, I show my homemade jojoba and epsom salt body scrub.

As the weather warms and you break out your sandles and tank tops, give your shoulders, knees and toes a natural and rejuvenating scrub.

Homemade Rosemary Body Scrub
1 cup epsom salts
1/4 cup jojoba oil
1 tablespoon dried rosemary

Grab an old jar from the recycling bin and wash it well. Mix the ingredients in the jar and keep on hand for weekly scrubs.

[lil pixi]

That sounds awesome!! :smile:

The Benefits of Rosemary as a Beauty Ingredient

"When most people think of rosemary, they think of their favorite herb to season chicken, tomato sauce or other foods. Most people don't know that rosemary has many other properties including some uses as a beauty ingredient. For example, did you know that rosemary is has antibacterial and antifungal properties? It's true. Also, rosemary is used frequently in hair care products for it's tonic properties."


I wonder if Rosemary & Lavendar oils would work good in place of a V05 hot oil treatment, which I love every now & then.

[Nevrmore]

lil pixi, have you seen this site? I order her stuff and it's great!

http://www.kerrysherbals.com/

[TEO]

Generally just water, varying temperatures.

[lil pixi]

lil pixi, have you seen this site? I order her stuff and it's great!

http://www.kerrysherbals.com/


I'll check it out, mama. Thanks. :thup: =)

I think at some point this weekend I might have a lil edible face party :funny1: & maybe try the cucumber honey toner, honey & powdered milk mask & the avacado mask w/ just the avacado, cream & honey. :cheesy: :smile: