In the desert, it can be hard to find a diverse array of cosmetics to pamper yourself with. But you can make your own spa ingredients, using kitchen ingredients. Homemade cosmetics, the old-fashioned kind your granny used to make, are fresher and healthier for your skin, than products with chemicals in them to expand their shelf lives.
For instance, you can have a fabulous facial by combining in a bowl:
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 T. egg white
- 1 T. honey
- 1 t. rose water
Beat together and then apply to the face and neck. Leave on for about 10-15 minutes, then rinse off with warm water. You will be amazed how refreshed you feel.
After the facial, you can spritz your face with a facial toner made from:
- 1/2 c. distilled witchhazel
- 1/2 c. rose or lavendar water
- 3/4 t. vegtable glycerin
Shake your toner before each use, and spray or pat on your face when it is feeling dry.
Another easy home cosmetic is nonpetrolium jelly, or “fake Vasoline.” In the top of a double boiler, with water simmering underneath, melt and stir together:
- 1 1/4 oz. grated beeswax
- 3/4 c. almond oil
Remove from heat and pour into containers. Use for dry, cracked feet, or gardeners’ hands, chapped lips, or for lip gloss base. For a firmer gel, use 1 1/2 ounces beeswax.
Or make your own aloe vera gel, to soothe irritated or burned skin, or use as a hair gel, etc. Slit an aloe vera leaf open, and scrape the inner gel into a bowl with a sharp knife then put it in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Dilute it with water until it is as thick as you want. Keep the gel in the refrigerator.
Treat yourself to luxurious bath salts. (These make nice gifts too). Mix:
- 4 c. Epsom salts
- 2 c. sea salt
- 3/4 c. baking soda
Plus 25 drops of lavendar essential oil - 25 drops of lemon essential oil
- 15 drops of orange essential oil
- 15 drops of peppermint essential oil.
Mix together and use one cup per bath to relax.
Another nice smelling combination is to add instead 10 drops of eucalyptus * 10 drops of clove oil * drops of peppermint * 10 drops of lemon oil.
As with all cosmetic and herbal products, test on small parts of skin first to avoid allergic reactions. I am fair-skinned and have personally used all of these recipes without any problem. Enjoy! And remember, you are more beautiful than you ever imagined!
