D.I.Y. Facial

How to do it:
Before you begin, gather your supplies, tell everyone else to leave you alone for an hour (it won’t take that long, but take all the time you can get) and make sure you can be comfortable for a while.

1. Cleanse

To cleanse your face, massage your oil of choice into your face. You don’t need a lot of oil but take time to really give yourself a nice, relaxing massage. One of my guilty pleasures is watching massage how-tos on YouTube – it’s almost as relaxing as getting the real thing. If you’re not sure about face massage, check out some YouTube videos before you begin, I like this one and this one (a little more intense!), but do what feels good to you. Even better, convince someone else to do this step on you! Once you’ve finished, take a warm, damp face cloth to wipe off any excess oil.

2. Scrub

A scrub exfoliates the dead skin cells off your skin. I actually do this on a semi-regular basis (about once every six months) by taking in a spoonful of sugar into the shower, dampening it, and rubbing lightly over my face before rinsing.
Using one of the scrub ideas above, lightly massage the scrub all over your face and neck. Rinse off with warm water. I use a combination of raw sugar, honey and lemon or lime juice and my skin looks great and feels smooth and soft, even after just this step.

3. Steam

Steaming opens the pores of your skin, can help you breathe but most importantly, can be relaxing. Steam from plain water is fine, or you could add some herbs, camomile tea bags or a drop of essential oil. Drape a towel over your head, relax and breathe in the steam for around 10 minutes. Pat your face dry.

4. Mask

The next step is to apply your mask. I use plain yoghurt with a little lemon or lime in it, but check out the recipes (link above) for alternate idea. Apply the mask then lie down and relax for 10 minutes. If you like, you can apply some cotton balls steeped in cold camomile tea to your eyes. Rinse off the mask in warm water and pat your face dry.

5. Tone

Toning is optional. I don’t bother as I add lemon to the mask, but you can tone you face using one of the ideas above if you feel it needs it. Simply wipe your toner over your skin with a cotton ball.

6. Moisturise

Finally, finish off by applying your favourite moisturiser.

Tips

• A little goes a very long way. You only need a tiny dribble of oil, a tablespoon of mask and half a teaspoon of scrub.
• If you want to massage along to a YouTube video, put the video on before applying the oil and use the auto play so you don’t get oil all over you computer mouse.
• Rinse the mask off well; you don’t want to be smelling like rancid milk later on.
• The scrub mixed with the mask tastes delicious and makes a nice treat.
• If you eat your mask before you use it then you have to go down and face a messy kitchen to get more, and that can kill the mood.

Moisturising Facial Oil

 

Moisturizing Oil Recipe Moisturizing facial oils For normal skin 2 tsp. aloe-vera oil 2 tsp. jojoba oil 2 tsp. sweet almond oil 5 drops lavender essential oil 5 drops neroli essential oil For dry, sensitive skin 1 tsp. aloe vera-oil 1 tsp. jojoba oil 2 tsp. sweet-almond oil 2 tsp. wheat-germ oil 5 drops palmarosa essential oil 3 drops carrot-seed essential oil 2 drops lavender essential oil For mature skin 2 tsp. jojoba oil 2 tsp. sweet-almond oil 2 tsp. wheat-germ oil 4 drops neroli essential oil 3 drops carrot-seed essential oil 3 drops rose essential oil	For oily, acne-prone skin 2 tsp. aloe-vera oil 2 tsp. hazelnut oil 2 tsp. jojoba oil 4 drops yarrow essential oil 3 drops cistus essential oil 3 drops lavender essential oil Mix the oils in a small, clean bottle with a glass-dropper top, which prevents the spread of bacteria. Shake thoroughly. Use within 6 mo. for maximum potency. Be sure to shake the mixture again before each use, as the oils may separate while sitting. Do not keep natural moisturizing oils for longer than 2 months at room temperature. If stored in the refrigerator, the oil will keep for 4-6 months. Take care Epileptics and pregnant women should not use undiluted carrot-seed, cistus or yarrow essential oils, as they may cause a sensitive reaction. Avoid using them entirely if you cannot obtain highly diluted versions of these oils.
Application: After thoroughly cleansing your face, Massage about 7 drops of moisturizing oil into your face, neck and throat, using gentle, stroking motions. Continue massaging for about 2 minutes or until the oil is absorbed in your skin.
Ingredient Benefits: Essential oils to protect skin: Neroli essential oil helps to firm all skin types in need of vitality and elasticity. Both palmarosa and carrot-seed essential oils nourish, sooth and smooth dry, mature skin while providing protection from wrinkles and chapping. Cistus essential oil can help to normalize oily skin and reduce puffiness, as it promotes lymph drainage. Itchy skin can benefit from lavender essential oil, which also protects the skin from dermatitis and eczema. Yarrow essential oil's astringent anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties can help dry and heal painful pimples. Aloe-vera oil for healing: The aloe plant is renown for its healing and moisturizing properties. Oil extracted from aloe leaves and added to a base, such as hazelnut oil, is excellent for all skin types. This double dose of oils replenishes and provides skin with healing ingredients. Wheat-germ oil to revitalize the skin: Wheat-germ oil contains high amounts of vitamin E and is beneficial for many skin types, but it is especially good for softening and conditioning dry, dull skin. This oil can also act as a preservative when added to other oil formulations. Facial Brushes: The effects of a moisturizing oil can be complemented and intensified with the use of a facial brush. The ultra-soft bristles function as a gentle exfoliant, removing dead skin cells and helping the active ingredients in moisturizing oil to penetrate into your skin. Use twice a week with small, gentle circular motions to exfoliate the skin on your face, neck, throat and chest. If you don't have a facial brush, try a home facial massage instead: After cleansing, use your fingers to gently massage and smooth moisturizing oil into your face, neck and throat.

Homemade Face Masks



Citrus fruits especially lemon are toning, astringent and antiseptic. Good for normal to oily skin.

Strawberries, apples and cucumber soften skin and reduce oiliness.

For dryer skin, bananas and avocado nourish.

Kiwi and paw paw are packed with good skin enzymes.

Egg yolks are nourishing, while egg whites tighten skin.

Milk and yogurt are full of natural enzymes that are great for the skin.

Honey is full of goodness to nourish skin. It is also healing.

Mash some strawberries and apply directly to the skin for a toning mask.

For dry skin mash either an avocado or banana and apply to skin. Leave for 10 minutes and rinse off with water.

Mix 1tsp of honey with some fine oatmeal and a little almond oil (olive oil just as good) to the consistency of a smooth paste. Smooth on and leave for 20 minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water.

Beat 1 egg yolk with 2 tsp of lemon juice and 1 tsp of honey until thick. Spread over face and leave to dry – about 10 minutes. Rinse off with cool water.

For dry skin mix together 2 egg yolks, 2 tbsp glycerine (buy it at the chemist or health food store) and 1 tbsp of cream. Leave on for 10 minutes and rinse off with lukewarm water.

Mix together mashed cucumber, yogurt and oatmeal for a refreshing mask.

Try yogurt and honey, yogurt and lemon, yogurt and turmeric, yogurt and eggwhite.

Mix together some banana yogurt and honey. Leave on for 10 minutes and rinse. Eat the rest while you’re waiting.

Beat an egg white until stiff. Add 1 tsp honey and leave until dry. Rinse off with cool water.

For a facial scrub, try plain sugar or add sugar to one of the masks. For a gentler option use oatmeal instead. Avoid scrubs if you have acne.

Try witch hazel (found at the chemist) as an alcohol free toner

Try pure aloe vera juice to sooth skin.

For the eyes the old cucumber slices work wonders or keep your used tea bags for a refreshing eye pad. Try camomile tea bags for the eyes.

Home-made Shampoo



Ingredients:
* water – of a cup * liquid castile soap – 1/4 cup * 1/2 teaspoon of sunflower or some mild vegetable oil of your choice
Directions:
Put all of the components for the liquid castile soap in a hollow container and mix well. Place the complete combination in an empty bottle to keep. Make sure that you rinse your hair well before and after shampooing.


Shampoo Preparation for Irritated, Dry Head with Dandruff
Ingredients:

* liquid castile soap – 6 oz * 5 drops of tea tree oil * 1/2 teaspoon of jajoba oil
Directions:
Place all the liquid castile soap ingredients in a hollow container and mix well. Place the finished mixture in an empty bottle to store. Make sure that you rinse your hair well before and after shampooing.


Shampoo Preparation for Treating Oily Scalp Conditions
Ingredients:
* liquid castile soap – 6 ounces * 5 drops of lavender oil
Instructions:
Rest all of the components in a hollow jar and mix very well. Put the complete mixture into an empty bottle to store. Just be sure you wash your hair very well before and after washing.


Shampoo Preparation For Dry and Dye Treated Hair
Ingredients:
* liquid castile soap – 6 ounces * avocado oil – 1/2 teaspoon * 1 teaspoon of coconut oil
Directions:

Place all of the components in a hollow jar and blend well. Place the complete combination into an empty container to store. Make sure that you rinse your hair well before and after washing.
Shampoo Preparation for Keeping Blond Hair Color
Ingredients:
* Castile liquid soap – 3 ounces * 4 chamomile of tea bags * 1/2 teaspoon of olive oil
Directions:
Fill covered pan with tea bags and water for about half-hour or so. Strain and permit cooling. When the ingredients are cool, combine our remaining ingredients before storing your liquid castile cleaning soap in a clean jug.
Shampoo Preparation to Dark Hair Maintenance
Ingredients:
* 3 oz Pure Castile soap * 1 tablespoon of sage * 1 tablespoon of rosemary * 2 black tea bags * 1/2 teaspoon of Olive oil
Rest all the components in a hollow bowl and mix very well. Place the finished mixture in an empty jug to keep. Just be sure you rinse your hair very well before and after washing with your liquid castile soap

Liquid Castile Soap

Liquid Castile Soap

Since making my very first batch of castile soap, I haven't bought hand-wash, body-wash, shampoo or soap.  In my children's shower, I havethe castile soap in a big pump pack in the shower.....and they use it on their hair AND bodies!!  What a cost saving!!  And no more allergy skin rashes!
Ingredients

- 1 cup firmly packed grated Castile soap (about two 4 oz. bars)
- 4 cups water
- 2 tablespoons vegetable glycerin

Before you begin, grate the castile soap with a cheese grater. Try to shred it as fine as possible since it will take less time to melt the soap down if the pieces are small.

Mix the grated castile soap with the water in a large pot. Set over low heat, stirring occasionally until the castile soap has dissolved. Add glycerin. Keep your eye on it! Once dissolved, transfer to a jar and cover tightly. This makes a thick liquid soap. For a thinner liquid soap, add more water until desired consistency is reached.

Extra tips:

• Instead of tossing out those leftover little bars of useless soap, save them up, and toss them into the food blender, when making up your next batch of liquid soap.
• I use natural, oatmeal soap, to make up a batch for my baby. It's great on her sensitive skin, and so much cheaper than buying the specialised baby products.