Homemade Astringents, Tighteners & Toners

1) Here is how you can make a toner at home. For quickly refreshing your skin, grate a cucumber. Then use a wash cloth and apply the cucumber juice to your face. Cucumber juice is a natural astringent. It can tone and tighten skin!
2) Eggwhite Toner
Clean face thoroughly using any natural cleanser. Apply raw eggwhites to the skin and leave on for at least 15 minutes. Wash off with tepid water.
3) Elderflowers, lavender, orange flower water and rosewater are all classic toners for all skin types. Make a strong infusion of any of the above, refrigerate and use within 3 days.

4) Lecithin Toner
Dissolve lecithing granules in jojoba or almond oil. Apply to face and throat as a day or night cream.
5) Lemon is a strong astringent, dilute with water before using, being careful to keep away from eyes.
6) Lemon Toner
1/2 cup lemon juice
1 cup distilled water
2/3 cup witch hazel
Combine all ingredients. Pour into a clean bottle or decorative cosmetics container. Shake well before using. Apply with a clean cotton ball.

7) Pine Toner
2 cups fresh pine needles
1 cup distilled water
1/2 cup witch hazel
Place pine needles in small saucepan with distilled water. Bring water to boil. Allow water to cool completely then strain and discard pine needles. Add witch hazel and stir well. Pour into a clean bottle or decorative capped container. Apply to skin with a cotton ball. Store in a cool dark place.
8) Protein Toner
Beat together 1 Tbsp milk, 1 tsp honey and 1 egg. Apply to face and neck. Leave on as long as desired. Rinse off with warm water followed by a splash of cold.
9) Queen of Hungary Water
This water can be used as an astringent, aftershave, deodorant, hair and skin tonic and even as an inhaled headache remedy:
1 part roses
1 part lavender
1 part rosemary
1 part sage
1 part orange peel
1 part lemon peel
2 parts mint
To 2 ounces apple cider vinegar, add 2 ounces of the above herbal formula. Put in an air-tight glass jar, let steep for about 2 weeks. Strain and add 1 1/2 cups pure distilled rosewater. Pour into a decorative, air tight decanter and use daily.
10) Rose Water & Glycerine Astringent
1/2 pint olive oil
1 ounce rose water
a few drops of glycerin
1 ounce vodka
11) Sage Astringent
4 Tbsp dried sage
4 Tbsp vodka
1/4 tsp borax
3 Tbsp witch hazel
10 drops glycerin or honey
Steep the sage in vodka for 2 weeks then strain. Dissolve borax in witch hazel, stir in the saged vodka and glycerin. Pour into bottle with a tight cap. Shake before each use.
12) Strawberry: Mash strawberries, use as an astringent and cleansing face mask.
13) Violet: Simmer violet flowers in a little milk to make a softening and mildly astringent face lotion.
14) Witch Hazel: Use an extract of witch hazel as an astringent, a skin freshener and to soothe skin irritations.
15) Lemony Lavender Toner
3 drops lemon oil
3 drops lavender oil
3 teaspons of distilled water
Use a soft cotton ball to massage mixture into the skin after cleansing. Follow with a moisturizer if desired.
16) Honey and farina (hot cerial) Toner
You first find something to place it in and put the hot cerial and honey in together. Then you add hot water until its in a thick consistancy. Then put it on your face. Then wait for it to dry then scrub it off with a towel.

Dry Skin Care - Home remedies for dry skin

Dry skin has a thin and papery texture.
It feels dry to touch.
The pores are very fine.
After a wash it feels tight, as though it is too small for the face.
By midday flaky patches appear.
Hardly ever break out in spots.

Dry Skin Care

For dry skin use a creamy cleanser to melt away dirt. Leave it on your skin before sweeping it away with cotton wool. Splash cold water onto your face to clean and refresh your skin. Use a thick cream moisturiser to seal in as much moisture as possible Home remedies for dry skin 

1) Make a puree of 1 banana and 1 papaya, peach or avacado. Apply to skin. Leave on for at least 20 minutes then rinse with warm water, followed by a moisturizer of natural margarine or natural vegetable oil.
2) Apply natural mayonnaise, either homemade or from natural foods store. Massage into skin, leave on for 15-20 minutes, rinse thoroughly with warm water.

Oily Skin Care - Home remedies for oily skin

Oily skin feels very greasy.
The texture is often very thick and coarse.
There are large, visible pores.
After a wash it feels fine.
By midday it looks shiny.
Often break out in spots.

Oily skin care

To care for oily skin you should start with a gentle, foaming facial wash. This will remove dirt and oil without stripping away moisture. Soak cotton wool in a gentle astringent lotion and sweep it over your skin to refresh and cool it. Even oily skin needs a moisturiser, but chose a light, watery fluid; this will be enough for your skin. Allow the moisturiser to sink in and then absorb the excess with a tissue to prevent shine.
A clay mask works wonder for oily skin. We recommend this clay mask:

Skin Vitamins - For a healthy and glowing skin

Some facts about vitamins and skin

1. Lack of vitamins can make skin lifeless, blotchy and dull.
2. A number of studies reveal that certain vitamins and minerals, when taken internally, can positively influence skin appearance, beauty, and a woman's overall health.
3. Researches have shown a strong relationship between nutritional intake and skin health.
4. Getting your vitamins for the day, i.e. taking a multi-vitamin or eating fruits and vegetables rich in all the nutrients is necessary for good health.
5. The number of skin care products containing vitamins has more than tripled since 1991.
6. Most people are deficient in vitamins, minerals and herbs that are important for your body to function properly.
You need to understand what vitamins work for what skin conditions and choose skin care products accordingly.

Skin Vitamins Glossary

1. Vitamin A
- strengthens the protective tissue of the skin and prevents acne. Recommended dosage to fight acne: 10,000 IU.
- helps reduce sebum production.
- essential for the maintenance and repair of the tissue which the skin and mucous membranes are made of.
- powerful antioxidant to flush out free radicals and toxins from your body which improves wrinkling and fine lines.
2. Vitamin B Complex
- help to maintain healthy skin tone - also helpful in relieving anxiety and stress.
- Fights acne.
- vital for healthy skin by improving circulation and metabolism. important in the functioning of your immune system and your antibody production.


3. Vitamin C
- acts as an antioxidant and is considered vital in wound healing because it aids in stabilizing collagen.
- essential to maintain your good look and prevents the appearance of "broken blood vessels".
- When applied topically, vitamin C can reduce fine lines and wrinkles and may lessen the severity of sunburns.
4. Vitamin E
- another antioxidant that may have anti-inflammatory effects on the skin.
- When applied topically, vitamin E has been known to improve moisturization, softness and smoothness and also provide modest photoprotection.

Refreshing Fruit Facials

PEACH TIGHTENING MASK
1 Peach, ripe, peeled, pitted
1 Egg white
Whip the peach and egg white together in a blender until smooth. Gently pat the mixture all over your face. Relax for 30 minutes, then rinse it off with cool water.

APPLE MASK FOR NORMAL SKIN
1 Apple, cored & quartered
2 T Honey
Drop the apple pieces into a food processor and chop. Add honey and refrigerate for 10 minutes. Pat the mixture onto your face with a light tapping motion, tapping until the honey feels tacky. Leave it on for 30 minutes and then rinse.

 

CUCUMBER MASK FOR OILY SKIN
1/2 Cucumber
1 Egg white
1 T Lemon juice
1 tsp mint
Puree everything and refrigerate for 10 minutes. Apply the mixture to your face and leave it on for 15 minutes. Rinse with warm, then cool water.

Facial Recipes

Honey Facial * (warning - do not use this if you are allergic to eggs!)
1 tablespoon honey
1 egg yoke
1 teaspoon olive oil
Beat the egg yoke with a fork, add the oil and blend well. Add the honey using a spoon that you have rinsed with hot water and blend well again. Smear it all over your face with your fingers, except do not cover your eyes. Leave it on your face for 15 minutes, then rinse it off.

Cucumber Facial
1 cucumber
1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon witch hazel (you can buy this in any drug store)
1 egg white, beaten with an electric beater until fluffy.
Peel the cucumber and run it through a blender or a food processor. Pour the cucumber pulp into a colander or strainer and force it through, catching the liquid that comes out in a bowl underneath. Combine the cucumber liquid with the lemon juice and the witch hazel. Stir it and add the beaten egg white gently. Put it on your face and leave

  

Strawberry Mask

Strawberries are used in stimulating masks as they gently refresh and exfoliate the skin removing impurities, and reduce redness as well as swelling.

  Recipe 1: Take ½ cup of very ripe strawberries and ¼ cup cornstarch. Mix them together to make a paste. Apply to face and leave it on for 30 minutes and rinse with cool water for a clean and fresh looking face.

Recipe 2: Crush strawberries into a pulp and add honey to it. Apply this mixture on to your face and let it sit for a few minutes. Rinse off.

Recipe 3: Thaw one frozen strawberry in a small cup in the microwave. Mash it up to a pulp and stir in 1 – 2 tbsp of cornstarch and forma smooth paste. Apply this paste on your face and neck. Allow it to dry in 15 – 20 minutes. Rinse with warm water.



Recipe 4: Take 1 tsp lemon juice, 2 egg whites, 2 tsp honey and 1 cup strawberries. Blend all of these ingredients and apply to face and leave on for 10 minutes. Wash your face with lukewarm water and pat dry with a soft towel.

Dry Skin Brushing Benefits

After an exhausting day our skin will be thrilled to explore the dry skin benefits. Those who devote special importance to their complexion should be keen to test the advantages of a similar easy-to-handle recipe that would grant them with a flawless and reinvigorated look. Use a simple cosmetic brush to have radiant and healthy skin in a few steps.
Cellulite: Dry skin brushing and also massaging can contribute to the elimination of cellulite. In order to reduce the unpleasant visual effect of cellulite you’ll be able to use this revolutionary ritual.

Cleansing Grains

1) Almond Cleanser
Grind almonds to a fine powder in a blender. Wet face then rub on almond powder. Rinse. Store powder in a tighly sealed container.
2) Orange & Oats Scrubbing Grains
1 cup dried orange peel
1 cup cooked oatmeal
1 cup almonds
Place peels, oats, and almonds in food processor, blend until mixture is a fine powder. Place some in the palm of your hand and moisten with a few drops of warm water. Rub paste onto face with a gentle circular motion. Rinse with warm water.

Homemade Cleansing Creams, Milks and Scrubs

1) Apricot Butter Cold Cream (For Dry Skin)
10 oz apricot kernel oil
2 oz cocoa butter
2 oz beeswax
Heat all in top of double boiler until wax and butter are melted. Beat with a wooden spoon until smooth and cooled. Transfer to jars, cap and refrigerate.
2) Buttermilk and Fennel Cleansing Milk (For Oily Skin)
1/2 cup buttermilk
2 Tbsp crushed fennel seeds
Heat the milk and fennel seeds in top of double boiler for 30 minutes. Turn off heat, let steep for 2 hours. Strain, cool, pour into bottle and refrigerate. Keeps for 2 weeks.
3) Chamomile Cleansing Milk (For Dry and Sensitive Skin)
1/4 cup cream
1/4 cup milk
2 Tbsp chamomile flowers, fresh or dried
Simmer ingredients in top of a double boiler for about 30 minutes, do not allow milk to boil. Turn off heat and let sit for about 2 hours, strain. Keep refrigerated. Apply with cotton balls to the face. Variations: Use elderflowers, sweet violets or lime blossoms in place of chamomile
4) Cornmeal Cleanser (for Oily Skin)
Castile soap
1 Tsp Cornmeal
Wet face. Pour a little castile soap into the palm of your hand, add cornmeal. Mix meal and soap into a lather, wash face, being careful to avoid the delicate skin around the eyes.

5) Honey Cleanser (For Dry Skin)
Castile soap
1 Tsp Honey
Wet face. Pour a little castile soap into the palm of your hand, add honey. Mix honey and soap into a lather, wash face.
6) Honey Almond Scrub
2 Tbsp almonds
2 tsp milk
1/2 tsp flour
1/2 tsp honey
Grind almonds in a blender. Add milk, flour and honey, mixing until a thick paste is formed. Rub into skin, rinse with warm water followed by the pH balancer.
7) Honey 'n Oats Scrub
1/2 cup uncooked oatmeal
1 Tbsp honey
1 Tbsp cider vinegar
1 tsp ground almonds
Moisten face with a warm washcloth then apply mixture to face avoiding the sensitive area around the eyes. Let mixture dry, then remove with a warm, damp washcloth.

8) Lemon Cleansing Cream (For Oily Skin)
1 Tbsp beeswax
1 1/2 Tbsp Unpetroleum Jelly (available in natural foods stores)
3 Tbsp jojoba oil
1 Tbsp witch hazel
1 Tbsp strained lemon juice
1/8 tsp borax
6 drops essential oil of lemon
Melt beeswax and unpetroleum jelly over low heat. Add warmed jojoba oil to wax and jelly mixture, blending for 3-5 minutes. Mix witch hazel and lemon juice, warm gently, mix in borax until dissolved. Slowly add this to the wax mixture, beating until cool and creamy. After completely cooled, add lemon oil, spoon into clean jar.
 
9) Milk and Honey Cleanser:
Mix 1 tsp warm honey with 1 tablespoon milk or cream. This recipe should be prepared fresh each time.
10) Peppermint Patty Scrub: (For Oily Skin)
2 cup rolled oats
1 cup almonds
2 tsp dried lavender
2 tsp dried peppermint
2 cup white cosmetic clay
Grind oats, almonds and herbs to a very fine powder in blender or with a mortar and pestle. Mix ground herbs with clay, store in covered container. To use: mix 1 heaping tsp of mixture with water to make a paste. Massage into skin then rinse well with warm water.

11) Sesame Oil Cleanser: (For Dry Skin)
Apply sesame oil to face and neck. Remove oil and makeup with a washcloth that has been soaked in hot water and wrung out. Finish with a rinse of the pH Balancer.
12) Sweet Butter Cleansing Cream: (For Dry Skin)
Whip sweet, unsalted butter, transfer to container with a tid lid. May be stored at room temperature away from heat sources or refrigerate.

Home Remedies for Hair Loss and Split Ends

Hair loss may be caused due to a variety of reasons, for example, tension, malnutrition, illness etc. Split ends, if not treated travel up to the root giving the hair an uneven length. Here are some simple home remedies to combat hair loss and split ends:
1) Apply olive oil at bed time and wash off the hair next morning.
2) At home, wash hair with cold water, rub scalp with fingers. This is a simple, and effective remedy against hair loss.
3) Boil Heena leaves in mustard oil till they are burnt, the oil can be filtered. A regular massage of this oil is helpful.
4) Seeds of lime and black pepper ground together to a fine paste helps treat patchy baldness.

5) Apply coconut milk all over the scalp and massage into roots.
6) Scrub the area of patchy baldness with onions untill it becomes red. Follow up by applying honey over this patch.
7) Trim the hair every 4 to 5 weeks even if you are growing it.
8) Avoid rubber bands, sharp clips, spiky brushes and do not brush hair when it is wet.
9) The juice of leaves of bhongra massaged into the head is an effective hair tonic to check falling hair.
10) The paste made from powdered seeds of shana with coconut/sesame/castor oil is used as a hair tonic.
11) The juice of kanta karika  mixed with honey applied to the head acts as a hair tonic.
12) The oil extracted from rohisa, briskly rubbed into the head encourages the new growth.
13) The oil extracted from the seeds of sagvan is massaged on the head to check premature loss of hair.

Lemon for Skin Care

Lemons can be rubbed directly onto skin and left for about 2 hours before rinsing. This is good to reduce wrinkles and treat blemishes.

 

The treatment will work better if followed by olive oil after rinsing. It works by speeding up skin renewal and uncovering a fresh new layer of skin. However, it is important not to do this before going out in the sun as it will have a bleaching effect.

Another beauty treatment that can be done with lemons is a hair tonic. Massage some lemon juice onto hair and leave it for a while before rinsing. Again, do not do this before going in the sun. This treatment is especially good for greasy hair as it will regulate the sebaceous glands which produce oil and make the hair shine and prevent dandruff.

Home Made Mask For Glowing Skin

Mask .1
Mix 2 tablespoons honey with 2 teaspoons milk,
smooth over face & throat,
leave on for 10 minutes,
rines off with warm water.



Mask .2
Mash apricots mix it with warm olive oil to form a paste,
apply it on your face & leave it for 10 minutes,
then wash off..

Lip Care:Problem and Safety Tips

A beautiful smile lights up a day. It makes your face more beautiful and lively. Your lips are the most important and exquisitely sensitive part of your body. And therefore you have to take special care of your lips.
Lip Problem
Again, your lips are mucus membranes, so leeching is a problem there just like your eyes.

Other possible effects are swelling, numbing, discoloration, mouth ulcers, and toxicity when ingested (even small amounts can make you quite ill-
Winter Lip Care
Lips tend to dry out the fastest at this time of year. Be sure to keep them covered with a good lip balm applied several times during the day. Warm sesame oil will also soothe your lips . Avoid licking your lips and don’t bite the skin on the surface of your lips.