DIY Natural Cosmetics
We are all stuck at home with maybe a little more time on our hands, which means we have time for some self-care. Yay! But with many stores not stocking our favourite "essential" masks and exfoliators at this time, we've taken up on some more natural & DIY methods... I ain't complaining! Down below I've given you a few little options that you can even do in order to give yourself a full facial.
I've tried to do a mixture of products so that each skin type can benefit. Enjoy Babes! Heres me loving' my Nana Choc Treat mask ;)
STEP 1, CLEANSE:
HONEY, ALMOND & LEMON CLEANSER
1 TBSP Honey
1 TBSP of finely ground almonds
1/2 Tsp of Lemon Juice
Method: Mix all ingredients and dab gently onto the face, for more of an exfoliating benefit gently massage in rotaries to leave your skin feeling fresh and polished!
LEMON & CUCUMBER CLEANSER FOR OILY SKINS
Apply equal amounts of lemon and cucumber juice on the face. Leave for 15 minutes and wash off. This has wonderful toning and exfoliating benefits as lemon is a natural Alpha- hydroxy (citric acid) which has brightening and exfoliating properties.
STEP 2, STEAM:
Facial streams are always a great idea. They are known to relieve congestion and even tension headaches. Facial steam can help more than just overworked pores and glands. The warmth used for steaming helps to ease muscular and mental tensioning to boost circulation, given that we have so many muscles in our face. You shouldn't over do steaming if you have dry skin. If your skin is dull or prone to blackheads this treatment is ideal.
Place boiling hot water from your kettle into a large bowl. Place your face above the bowl, not too close and wrap the towel around your head to avoid the steam from escaping. Take deep breathes and steam for about 5-10min.
Here are some herbs you can throw into your boiling water bowl:
- Lemongrass
- Peppermint
- Lavender
- Lime
- Marigold flowers
If you've got essential oils those are great too. Just remember 2-3 drops is more than sufficient, don't want to feel light headed.
STEP 3, TONE & REFRESH:
A fresh herbal infusion is a great way to calm, cool and reduce any redness after steaming.
Infusions are easy to make- just like making a cup of tea. Just steep herbs in 255ml of boiling water until cool. Strain and use within 12 hrs.
Herb options:
Lime Flowers - Improving circulation
Marigold Flowers - Perfect for those who have large pores or prone to pimples
peppermint - Soothing
Rosemary - Astringent ( reduce oil & gives a tightening effect)
Sage - perfect for oily skins
Rose - Softening
Rose-water: The method is the same as above, use strongly scented rose petals in hot water. Store for a few days before use.
STEP 4, FACE MASKS:
HONEY, YOGHURT & OAT MASK (2 in 1)
This is a popular combo of ingredients as its so soothing & exfoliating!
1/2 Cup of Oats
1/2 Cup of Plain yoghurt
Squeeze of honey
Apply evenly on your face & leave for a couple minutes for an exfoliating benefit, massage in the oats and then rinse.
TURMERIC & HONEY SPOT TREATMENT:
1/4 Tsp-1/2 Tsp Turmeric
1Tsp Honey
Mix together and apply to your spots. Applying this all over your face could make you look very yellow and stained... Trust me I know! ( Don't do it, haha)1/4 T
EXFOLIATING ENZYME MASK TREATMENT ( #FAV )
70g Ripe Papaya, alternatively blitzed Pineapple
1 TBSP of Raw Honey
1/2 Tsp of almond flour
Papaya contains the enzyme called papain or if you using pineapple it contains bromelain which both gently dissolves the sticky protein bonds between dead skin cells, leaving your skin super soft and smooth. It promotes cell turnover, brightens dullness & unclogs congested pores. #yesplease You can even keep this mask up to 3 days in the fridge. Just store it in a sealed glass jar.
NANA CHOC TREAT MASK:
1/2 Ripe banana
1 Tsp of Cocoa Powder
1 Tsp of Almond Milk
Blend all together, alternatively smash the ripe banana in a bowl and whip the other ingredients in by hand. Apply to the face and neck after cleansing, then rinse with cool water & pat dry.
Enjoy & Don't forget to share your pics to your instagram story and tag me!
@amandafromafrica
Lots of Love,
Amanda
xoxo