Beauty Update: Moisture overload

As I mentioned previously I want to make sure my skin will be well looked after for my coming months in Spain considering the quality of water over there is nothing like what we have in NZ and also my skin is exposed a lot more to pollution, dust, sun and every other external element over there! Therefore I had a day of creating 2 moisturisers for both me to take to Spain and also for family members here.

My parents absolutely LOVE an over-night moisturiser I made for them a couple of months ago and asked for a top-up so I decided to use the original recipe I used for them as well as adapt it for both a daily face moisturiser.

I have used essential oils: Sweet Orange & Lemon but you can used whatever essential oils you prefer - This is just what I had in my home and want to use the ingredients before I head off overseas.

So I want to share 2 recipes - Created in exactly the same way but just a slight change in ingredients.

Apricot&Coconut Body Cream:

7 Tbl Apricot Kernal
2 Tbl Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
2 Tbl Vitamin E Oil
2 Tbl Organic Beeswax
1 Tbl Coco butter
2 tsp Pure Lanolin
10 Tbl water
1 tsp Vegetable glycerin
20 Drops Sweet Orange Essential Oil
20 Drops Lemon Essential Oil

Method:

1. In a double boiler place Apricot Kernal, Coconut Oil, Vitamin E, Beeswax, Coco butter and lanolin and melt very gently until the beeswax has JUST melted.
2. At the same time put the water and Vegetable glycerin in a separate pot and heat gently until almost boiling.
3. Take both pots off heat and leave on kitchen bench uncovered for approximately 10 minutes or until the oil mixture has a glazed appearance and is almost like a salve.
4. Place the oil mixture into your food processor and pulse for 30 seconds - It will become thick and yellowish in colour.
5. Slowly add the water mixture to the food processor mixing constantly on a slow speed - It will become beautiful and silky-white.
6. Add the essential oil and mix through.
7. Pour into small jars and leave lids off until completely cool.

I would recommend this moisturiser for the body as it does appear quite thick and buttery, alternatively use an overnight cream.

The main ingredient; base oil - Apricot Kernal is recommended for use around the eyes and face as it contains the ability to tighten then skin and also has a astringent quality.

Almond&Coco Butter Cream:

7 Tbl Almond Oil
2 Tbl Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
1 Tbl Vitamin E Oil
2 Tbl Organic Beeswax
2 Tbl Coco butter
10 Tbl water
1 tsp Vegetable glycerin
20 Drops Sweet Orange Essential Oil
20 Drops Lemon Essential Oil

Same method as above.

Almond Oil has a high fatty acid content and has the ability to penetrate the skin well. I use this moisturiser as my daily face cream in the morning and I opt to use Almond Oil alone at night time before sleeping.

Let me know if you need any help or have any questions about these recipes!

X

Sunday morning facial

After 2 nights out and 1 of them where I ended up being rather sick.. I decided that my poor body not only needed a bit of a detox but my skin was feeling tired and drawn so I decided to go about creating a morning facial.

It is very simple to follow and I found all ingredients already present in my house so I do hope those of you who like it will be able to re-create it easily in your own homes!

I would recommend this for all skin types but especially for those needed a bit of hydration after a hard week or busy weekend.

So the complete facial consists of:

Cleanser
Facial steam
Mask
Moisturiser

1. Cleanser
This is a very basic simple recipe but also acts as an exfoliant to the skin. This is not a cleanser to be stored but rather just make the amount you want to use and discard anything left over.

1. In a food processer whizz 3-4 whole almonds (raw), only pulse maybe 4-5 times as you have to be careful with almonds not to process them to a butter!
2. Put the processed almonds in a small mixing bowl and add 1 tsp of milk, mix until it makes a spreadable paste
3. Leave for a minute to thicken.
4. Massage into your face using your fingers for a couple of minutes.
5. Rinse off face and lightly pay-dry your face with a towel.

2. Facial steam
You can change the ingredients of this steam according to what you prefer and required for your skin. I am using Apple Cider Vinegar in this recipe as it helps to restore the natural pH level in your skin.

1. Boil 3 cups of water with 1/4 cup of Apple Cider vinegar in a pot.
2. Once boiled take off heat and add 3-4 lavender heads, 3 tsps of fresh rosemary, 3 sprigs of fresh mint.
3. Place the lid on the pot and let it brew for 5 minutes.
4. Get a large towel and place it over your head and shoulders so that it covers the pot also (creating a tent like structure), breathe in deeply and relax.
5. Stay like this for 10 minutes and enjoy the relaxing smells..

3. Mask
With this recipe I make up a great lot of the dried mix and just add 1-2 tsp of the mix with cream as I go. So just beware that this recipe makes a bit and can be stored in a zip-lock bag for months.

1. Whizz in the food processer 1/4 cup of rolled oats, 5-6 whole almonds (un-roasted) and 1/8 cup of sunflower seeds. Process till it makes a chunky powder - It does not have to be perfect!
2. Place the processed mix into a mixing bowl and add 2 tsp of finely chopped rosemary leaves and a small dash of cinnamon
3. Put in a zip-lock bag for storage
4. Mix 3 tsp of the mix with 1-2 tsp of cream so that it makes a spreadable paste - leave to thicken
5. Spread all over your face and neck and leave for 20 minutes
6. Rinse your face well!

4. Moisturiser
This is a very basic moisturiser which I use all day long - it is so refreshing through this hot weather and smells so good :) You can purchase Vegetable glycerin from Huckleberry Farms, this product is a carbohydrate derived from plant oils and helps to replenish the moisture in your skin.

1. In a jar place 1/2 cup of water, 2 tsp vegetable glycerin and 6 drops of lemon essential oil
2. Shake well and put in a facial spray container.
3. Every time you use this shake it well before spraying on your face.

Fresh and clean!