7 HOMEMADE FACE MASKS AND SCRUB

7 HOMEMADE FACE MASKS & SCRUBS

Who needs a salon when you can easily create your own face masks and body scrubs at home?

General Tips:

• Before you get started, be sure to cleanse your face gently and follow the mask with toner and some moisturiser.
• Don’t apply any ingredient if you think you might be sensitive or allergic to it. Test the ingredient on the inside of an arm and see if any itching or burning sensation occurs. If you get an allergic reaction to any ingredient, wash the area thoroughly with cold water and pat dry. Seek medical attention if the reaction does not disappear.

• 1. MOISTURISING AND ANTI-AGEING FACE MASK

Milk products contain lactic acid, which is said to help remove dead skin cells and reduce signs of ageing.

What you’ll need:

• 2 tbsp. oatmeal
• ¼ cup milk
• 1 tbsp. olive oil

Cook the oatmeal and milk together until soft. Add the olive oil and mix well. Once the mixture has cooled, apply to face and neck and leave for 20 minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water followed by a cold rinse. Tone and moisturise.

• 2. DEEP-CLEANSING PAPAYA FACE MASK

Papaya helps to remove dead skin cells, making this skin treatment especially useful in treating open pores and blackheads. It also works to soften the skin, removes blemishes and helps with healing wounds and inflammation.

What you’ll need:

• 1 tbsp. of papaya (if you prefer a thicker mask, use as much as you want)

Purée the papaya and apply to the face using a soft brush. Keep working it over the area. Leave on for 7 minutes to give the enzymes time to work. Remove with lukewarm water, followed by a cool rinse. Note: Do not use this skin treatment if you have very sensitive skin.

• 3. AVOCADO AND HONEY FACE MASK

This mask is great because honey can help soothe irritated or inflamed skin.

What you’ll need:

• 1 ripe avocado
• 1 tbsp. honey

Mix into a paste, apply to face and neck for 15 minutes and wash off with lukewarm water.

• 4. EXFOLIATING COFFEE SCRUB

Apart from helping with exfoliation, the coffee grounds contain antioxidants and can help improve blood circulation.

What you’ll need:

• ¼ cup used coffee grounds
• 1 egg white

Combine ingredients and massage gently over skin. Gently scrub for 2-3 minutes. Rinse off first with lukewarm water then cool water. Tone and moisturise. If you want to make a body scrub, simply increase the above quantities.

• 5. MOISTURISING OATMEAL AND ALMOND FACE SCRUB

Oatmeal works wonders by removing dead skin cells, providing plenty of moisture and soothing sensitive skin.

What you’ll need:

• 1 tsp. oatmeal
• 6 almonds
• ½ tsp apple cider vinegar

Use a mortar and pestle or blender to crush the almonds and oatmeal until fine. Add the apple cider vinegar and a pinch of salt. Gently rub the mixture over your skin using damp fingers. Rinse well with lukewarm water and then a final rinse of cool water.

• 6. EPSOM SALT AND ROOIBOS BATH SOAK

Rooibos tea is rich in minerals and antioxidants, is soothing and has anti-ageing properties. This soak will help detox the body, while relieving muscle cramps and inflammation.

What you’ll need:

• 1-2 cups Epsom salt
• 5 Rooibos tea bags

Add the ingredients to a hot bath and soak in it for 20 minutes. This bath soak has a detoxifying effect so it’s important to drink lots of water afterwards.

• 7. MOISTURISING HAIR MASK

Olive oil and avocado are great moisturisers, while eggs can work wonders to strengthen skin and hair.

What you’ll need:

• 1 avocado (use ½ for short hair)
• 1 egg yolk (you can save the egg white for the coffee scrub above)
• 2 tbsp. honey
• 2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

Mix ingredients together until creamy and apply to your hair. Cover with a plastic shower cap or clingfilm and wrap a warm towel around your head. Leave the hair mask on for 30-45 minutes, rinse, shampoo and condition as normal.

TROPICAL CARPET DEODORISER RECIPE

Ingredients:

• 1 cup baking soda
• 10 drops organic lemongrass essential oil
• 10 drops organic mandarin essential oil
• 10 drops organic ginger essential oil
• 1/4 cup organic lavender flowers

Directions:

1. Mix together in bowl and transfer to powder containers.
2. Sprinkle blend onto carpet.
3. Allow to sit at least 30 minutes, then vacuum as normal. Makes a wonderful mattress deodorizer, too!

Nice day!!!

😙😙😙

7 Anti-Aging Hacks for Ageless Eyes

Happy New Year!

 

Since the eyes are typically the first place to show age – and can also give it away – I thought I would focus today’s hacks on some ways to brighter, healthier, younger eyes.

So here are your anti-aging hacks:

 

1.    Dark circles can come with age.  As the skin thins you can start to see the blood vessels underneath.  Caffeine shrinks those blood vessels. Many eye products now contain caffeine for this reason.  But you can do it yourself. Mix together 4 tablespoons of organic aloe vera gel with 2 teaspoons of coffee oil and 2 teaspoons of pure Vitamin E oil.  Store in an small glass container and apply nightly. To make your own coffee oil, grind 2 tablespoons of organic coffee beans to 4 tablespoons of organic olive oil in a small crock-pot (I use a small 1.5 qt crock-pot) and cook on low for 3-4 hours.  Strain with a cheesecloth.

 

2.    Straight up pure aloe vera is a great way to reduce crow’s’ feet – apply morning and night.  Also, regular egg-white masks tighten the area. Just separate from the yolk and apply as you would any mask.  Leave on 15-20 minutes and rinse with warm water. Last but not least, practice prevention by wearing sunglasses, using a natural sunscreen and staying hydrated.

 

3.    Thinking about an eyelift?  Try this first – a daily massage around your eyes.  You can use a little coconut or olive oil so there isn’t any friction.  Here’s the method: use your middle fingers and start at the inside corner of your eyes.  And gently make circles for 30 seconds. Next take your middle fingers and start at that middle of your eyebrows and massage up.  Stop at the hairline and repeat for 30 seconds. Do this every day for a week and you’ll cancel that eyelift.

 

4.    Lashes thin with age, but they don’t need to.  For a natural lash-growth formula mix 2 teaspoons of castor oil and ½ teaspoon of coconut oil to an amber dropper bottle (found at the Vitamin Shoppe or online).  Apply a small amount to the lash line at bedtime, every night. Shake well before each use. With regular use you should start to see results in as little as six weeks.   If you are tempted to try lash extensions, the American Academy of Ophthalmology warns that there are risks, “namely: trauma to or infection of the eyelid or cornea; allergic reaction to the glue; and permanent or temporary loss of eyelashes.”  

 

5.    Sparse eyebrows can also make you look older.  Fill in those areas with a pencil but do it lightly.  You can also apply some of the lash-growth formula nightly when you are applying to your lashes.

 

6.    I wrote this hack a while back but it fits in here and I think it’s worth repeating:  This might sound a bit weird to you – as it did to me. But researchers are finding that honey drops treat blepharitis, dry eyes, sore eyes and protect your vision.  Some studies used Manuka honey while others didn’t specify the type of honey, other than raw. To make your own eye drops take a sterilized two-ounce amber bottle (you can get from The Vitamin Shoppe) with a dropper and add 8 parts distilled water to 1 part honey. Shake well and make sure it’s completely mixed before using.  If you feel it’s not mixed enough, or are worried, close the top tight and run under warm water for a few minutes and shake again. Make sure it’s not too hot before using. Apply one drop to each eye and use as needed. Store in the refrigerator for up to one week. If you want to make a stronger version you can do a ratio of 1:5 = honey: distilled water.  (for further reading and studies you can Google my references below).

 

7.    Keep your vision sharp and prevent age-related eye diseases. Eat a healthy diet of green leafy vegetables, eggs, oily fish, carrots, citrus fruits, seeds, nuts, grassfed beef and green tea.  Or take a supplement with nutrients like omega-3s, Vitamins A, C, and E, lutein, zinc and zeaxanthin.  In fact, research shows that supplementing with omega-3 can lower intraocular eye pressure (good to know).

And I have to say it even though you already know it – sleep is the best way to bright eyes.  If you have trouble sleeping try a natural sleep aid.  You may be sorry you didn’t try something sooner.

Have a great week!

For a younger healthier you!

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