Home Made Beauty Products

Christmas time or any other time of celebration often wrecks havoc on our skins. How often do you wake up in the morning during these times, look in the mirror and wish you hadn’t?

Where did those wrinkles around your eyes suddenly come from?

Why does your skin look taut?

Where has the bloom gone?

Why do my eyes look piggy?

What has happened to my face?

If any of the above apply to you, now is the time to start taking more care of yourself.

In these difficult economic times many of us just cannot afford luxuries such as moisturizing creams, beauty masks facial tonics, under eye cream — the list goes on, so it is now time to raid the fridge or larder and prepare yourself some home made beauty products.

The following are a few yummy recipes that do not cost the earth,. Not only will you benefit from the effect of the natural ingredients it is also sometimes necessary to give yourself a little private pampering that will result in you feeling and looking better and able to cope once again with the onslaught of party times.

VITAMIN E CREAM

2 tsp. plain yogurt
1/2 tsp. honey
1/2 tsp. lemon juice
3 capsules vitamin E (equivalent of 300 units)

Combine yogurt, honey and lemon juice. Open the vitamin E capsules and fold contents into the mix. Gently massage into skin; Leave on skin for 15 minutes. Shelf life: 3-4 days.

Vitamin E is an anti oxidant that has been scientifically proven to prevent free radical damage caused by too much exposure to the sun.

SPA INDEX HONEY OATMEAL FACIAL

1/4 cup plain yogurt or buttermilk
1/2 cup oatmeal
2 tablespoons of honey

Finely grind or process the oatmeal in a blender or food mixer. Set aside. In a small bowl, stir together honey and yogurt, and then add ground oatmeal. Mix thoroughly until a smooth paste consistency has been reached. Smooth over your face and neck, leave on for fifteen minutes, then rinse off with warm water. Can be used daily.

Honey is now accepted as having powerful medical and antisceptic properties.

ROSE WATER

1 C. rose petals
1/2 C. rubbing alcohol
1 1/2 C. water

Simmer rose petals in water for 10 minutes. Strain. Add alcohol (optional, but acts as a preservative. See Note.). Keeps in fridge for up to two weeks with alcohol, or one week without. Note: Rosewater without a little alcohol will quickly develop a residue on its surface. If you don’t wish to use rubbing alcohol, you may substitute Vodka.

Frozen Egg & Honey Facial Mask

Recommended for dry skin

1 egg
1/2 cup coconut oil, melted (but not hot)
1 tbs. honey

Step 1: Beat the egg in a small bowl until frothy and well-mixed. Slowly add the liquid coconut oil and honey, beating until your mask is the consistency of mayonnaise.

Step 2: Take an empty toilet tissue roll and set it on end in a clean bowl. Spoon the mixture into the cardboard roll. Place tube, in the bowl, in the freezer overnight.

Step 3: To use, peel away just the top 1/4 inch of the cardboard roll and smooth the frozen stick over your face (think of it as a push up pop). Leave your mask on for 5 to 10 minutes, then rinse off with warm water.

Cover the cream stick with plastic wrap and keep frozen between uses. Keeps indefinitely

This is particularly soothing on areas of sunburn skin.

The above recipes courtesy of Spaindex.com