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| Method for Facial Masks and Feeds |
Facial masks and feeds have to be the easiest and most instant natural skincare products you can make. They can be as easy as just mixing a few ingredients from the fridge up in a bowl, or - for longer term use - you can make clay- and herbal-based facial masques to preserve in tubes. The only equipment you will need are bowls, measuring spoons, a measuring jug, spatulas and a fork or whisk. A pestle and mortar can be used tp grind ingredients, but you may prefer to use an old coffee grinder or blender. You can use your normal kitchen utensils, provided they are well washed (preferably in a dishwasher) before being used for food again, though if you are going to make skincare products at home often, it's worth investing in a separate set of pans, bowls etc. If you are making your face masks or feeds to use fresh, you won't need to store them, but if you are preserving them to use later, you will want to use specially purchased tubes for wet masks. Dry masks (powder) can be kept in airtight containers or jars and mixed with floral or mineral water a little at a time when you are ready to use it. As ever, unpreserved products with water-based ingredients can go mouldy, which can present a challenge. If you are not happy using some preservatives, always make your facial masks and feeds fresh, or make clay-based masks as a powder and mix a little up each time you wish to use. |
| Sample Recipe: Facial Feed for Dry Skin I use the term 'feed' to mean a (usually) fruit or yoghurt-based application to the skin which is as easy as getting a few ingredients out of the fridge. Unlike more conventional clay-based facial masks, these will not dry on the skin, but are perfect for a quick home facial! Ingredients: One quarter of a ripe or very ripe avocado 1 teaspoon runny honey 2 tablespoons organic Greek-style yoghurt OPTIONAL: 2 drops jasmine essential oil, 2 drops rose geranium essential oil, 1 drop neroli essential oil Method: 1.) Mash the avocado with a fork and mix with the rest of the ingredients, or use a blender. Add the essential oils, if using. 2) Apply liberally to the face, using circular, massaging motions. Leave for ten to fifteen minutes, then wipe off gently with a damp cloth and wash face thoroughly. Your skin should feel soft and refreshed. Sample Recipe: Clay Facial Mask for Oily Skin Using clay is as simple as mixing the powder to a paste with water and applying to the skin, but you can make your masks a bit more special and tailor them directly to your skin type by adding a few more ingredients. Remember, if you intend to keep the mask for more than one use, it is strongly recommended that you use a broad spectrum preservative. Ingredients: 40 ml peppermint hydrosol (proprietary, or 10g peppermint leaves steeped in 40ml hot water and strained) 35 ml distilled or mineral water 75g Yellow Clay OPTIONAL: 10 drops Preservative OPTIONAL: 3 drops each ylang-ylang, peppermint and tea tree essential oil, 2 drops lemongrass essential oil Method: 1.) Simply mix the ingredients together, then add preservative (if using) and essential oils. Apply to the face, avoiding the sensitive eye area and lips, leave for 10-15 minutes or until dry, then remove with warm water. |
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