In the later years, I began to use something a little more complicated and a lot more chemically-created to treat my skin. It felt a bit on the clinical side and I find that I miss the “fun” aspect. I’m all for revisiting the natural  homemade facial masks of my youth and this time around I get my daughters in on it. At 16 and 10, I’ve been teaching them about the importance of good skin care for awhile now.

Certain household items are used frequently in the facial masks that you purchase in the store. Fruit acids exfoliate, honey has anti-bacterial properties, milk soothes, oatmeal exfoliates – most of us have these at home already, which makes them convenient for homemade facial masks.

To get the full at-home spa effect, begin with a facial steaming to open your pores. Heat a large pot of water up to the boiling point, then place to the side to cool a bit. Steam your face over the warm water to which you’ve added 5-6 drops of the essential oil of your choice.

Here are a few ideas:

For oily skin or acne, use tea tree oil
For dry skin, use rose or a chamomile tea infusion
For combination skin, use eucalyptus, lavender, or lemon

Now you are ready for the mask of your choice:

Cocoa Infusion Facial Mask – moisturizing and cleansing

1/3 cup cocoa powder
1/4 cup of honey
2 – 1/2 TBs of milk or soy milk
4 tsp oatmeal

Mix together in a bowl, apply to face, avoiding eye area, and massage in a circular motion. Let the mask set for 15 minutes, while you put your feet up. Then, rinse with warm water, and pat dry.

Olive oil makes a wonderful facial massage oil, but if you prefer, you can substitue Apricot oil instead.

Olive Oil Facial Massage Mask – exfoliating and smoothing, increases circlation

5 ripe strawberries
1 TBS olive oil
1 tsp honey

Mash strawberries into a pulp. Add olive oil, then honey. Mix, then apply to the face, avoiding the eyes. Massage into your face and neck for 5 minutes – use an upward smoothing motion on neck, gentle upward, inward circles on the face. Tissue off excess, rinse thoroughly with warm water, pat dry.

To make a vegan version of this mask or the scrub below, simply skip the honey.

Facial Scrub Mask – smoothing, softening

Ground nuts can be added to honey for an easy exfoliating scrub.  Grind 1/4 cup of walnut or almonds in a coffee grinder, then add to either 2 Tablespoons of honey or yogurt (can substitute soy yogurt for a vegan scrub). Mix well.  Apply to the face, again avoiding the eye area, and massage gently, in a circular motion for 2 minutes. Rinse with warm water, pat dry.

Image credit: All Posters.com

Post from: Pretty by Nature

So I mixed up a concoction to soften my cuticles so that maybe I could stand to look at my hands. I find that no matter how much lotion I apply, by the end of the day my cuticles are looking pretty scary. I mixed two tablespoons of olive oil with two teaspoons of Apricot Kernel oil and put it into a little squeeze bottle I had. Re-purposing containers rocks! I’ve been smearing it on my cuticles every night for three days and my hands look so much better; younger even. My nails were so wicked sweet after using this, I almost felt like I had gotten a manicure…almost.

So just how sweet you ask? Well if like there was like this guy and he was all hot and was like, “hey do you wanna go to Tony Roma’s for dinner? and I was all, “like on a date, date?” and he was all, “yeah totally”, I would be all like, “no way cause I have to soften my cuticles”. That’s how much this stuff rocks.

Cheap, natural and effective. What more do you want from me? I think the key is to apply it after washing your hands in warm water (soak them for about five minutes if you can) and then let it absorb overnight. Softer, younger looking hands without the effort. You’re welcome. The first one is free.

Via aurocacia.com

Post from: Pretty by Nature

Here’s a few of my most crave-worthy finds on Etsy for your viewing pleasure.

Pursha Earl Grey and Cacao soap. I’ll take a scone with that please. No seriously does this not look amazing. My soap list is getting quite long.

Spartasoap has a Ginger Lemongrass salt bar that is calling my name. I already feel exfoliated and smooth. They also have an Almond meal and Apricot Kernel bar that would make an awesome Mother’s Day gift…hello.

DressGreen is featuring a delicious concoction of Grapefruit and Bergamot in a lovely Shea Butter body cream. Need I say more? Really why are we still talking? You should be ordering.

Have a great weekend and enjoy some pampering!

Via Etsy shop DressGreen

Post from: Pretty by Nature