Heat Got You Down? Make a Keep-Your-Cool Face Mist

Remember when you were a kid and all you wanted to do on hot summer days was run through every sprinkler in the neighborhood? The face mist is a grown-up version of those cooling, refreshing sprinklers – spritzing your overheated skin without getting chased off a stranger’s lawn. On top of that, a face mist also helps tone your skin, wards off excess oil, hydrates a dry complexion, soothes irritation, protects against environmental toxins and restores skin’s pH balance. And it helps to refresh and enliven your mood with fragrant aromatherapy oils.

Plus, a face mist is ridiculously simple to whip up and there are many different variations for various skin types. So, if you have issues with greasy or dehydrated skin, or if you just get extra-toasty in the summer heat, this may be your ticket to relief!

face-mistAloe Face Mist for Dry & Sensitive Skin

How-to: Fill a small spray bottle halfway with natural aloe vera juice. Then add enough orange blossom water to nearly fill the bottle to the top. Add 3 drops of lavender essential oil. Shake well; spray this mist on your face and neck whenever skin starts to feel dry.

Why it works: Orange blossom water calms and tones with its gentle astringency, while lavender essential oil helps reduce inflammation and gives skin a nourishing boost. Aloe vera moisturizes and encourages skin repair and healing, making it perfect for dry, sensitive, and damaged skin. Taken together, these ingredients keep skin looking dewy and moist instead of dull and dry.

Citrus Face Mist for Acne-Prone Skin

How-to: In a big pot, boil 2 cups of distilled water, 1 grapefruit (cut into chunks with the skin still on) and 2 tablespoons of rosemary (fresh or dry). Once the mixture comes to a boil, turn the heat down to medium and let it simmer for 10 minutes. Then remove the pot from the heat and let everything steep for another few minutes. Finally, strain the liquid to remove the grapefruit and rosemary, let it cool, pour it into a spray bottle and refrigerate.

Why it works: Grapefruit’s natural cleansing action helps battle acne, while refreshing the face and giving the complexion a nice pick-me-up. The rosemary, in the meantime, helps fade acne scars and blemishes. Voila!

Rose Hip & Calendula Face Mist for Oily Skin

How to: Mix 4 drops of organic Calendula oil, 4 drops of Argan oil, 6 drops of Rose Hip oil and enough orange blossom water to fill 3/4 of your spray bottle. Mix well and store in the refrigerator; shake before use to ensure that ingredients are properly blended.

Why it works: Sounds counter-productive but Argan oil is terrific at busting excess oil that may get caught in your pores. Similarly, Calendula oil is great for sensitive or inflamed skin, making it a good choice to bust breakouts. And Rose Hip oil helps to heal both inflammation and scarring. Finally, the orange blossom water acts as a potent toner, helping to combat oil levels.

face-mist-2Green Tea Face Mist for Sun-Scorched Skin

How to: Place 1 tablespoon each of dried sencha (Japanese green tea), dried ginseng root, whole dried chamomile flowers (or one tea bag of chamomile tea) and 1 teaspoon lime peel in a glass jar. Pour 1 cup of hot water over the ingredients and steep for 30 minutes. Strain the liquid and add 1 tablespoon of witch hazel (optional), 10 drops of tangerine essential oil, 5 drops of basil essential oil and 5 drops of peppermint essential oil. Store in a dark glass bottle and refrigerate.

Why it works: The antioxidant powers of green tea are great for reversing the effects of environmental toxins and guarding against sun damage. At the same time, the reviving qualities of ginseng, refreshing lime, chamomile flowers and aloe vera leave skin softened, hydrated and regenerated.

Rose Hip & Chamomile Face Mist for Dull Skin

How to: Blend together 3.5 oz of strongly brewed rose hips tea, 3.5 oz of strongly brewed chamomile tea and 2 oz of aloe vera juice; pour everything into a spray bottle. Mist generously and leave to absorb. Can also be misted on top of makeup for a dewy look.

Why it works: Rose hips contain nature’s highest concentration of vitamin C, which strengthens collagen and perks up the complexion. Chamomile soothes and calms, while aloe vera is lightly hydrating and eliminates redness. Result? This energizing face mist is perfect for use as a skin brighter or a quick pick-me-up.


Cheers: Toning Up With Champagne!

Planning to break out the bubbly this weekend? Why not use the leftovers to make your skin glow? Champagne, after all, is extremely high in antioxidants due to the grape seed extract, which packs more vitamin C and E than your average toning and anti-aging products. The result? Superb protection for the skin’s vital collagen and elastin from free radicals and oxidative stress. Or, in normal English, a halt to premature ageing and goodbye to wrinkles.

champagne-skin-tonerPlus, champagne’s tar­taric acid content is a known skin lightener. So, if you have unwanted pig­men­ta­tion or want to even out your skin tone, cham­pagne is a won­der­ful solu­tion. And that’s not all: tar­taric acid also helps clear up blem­ishes (it has anti-bacterial proper­ties) and detoxifies the complexion.

And the lovely bubbling action of cham­pagne helps constrict the pores while stepping up micro-circulation, thereby making skin firmer and giving you a pretty, dewy glow. All these qualities make champagne one of the best toners for normal or oily skin (while it contains less alcohol than most store-bought toners, it’s still probably not hydrating enough for very dry skin). And women across France have been using it for zillions of years.

Ready to try it? Just soak a cotton pad in chilled champagne (or sparkling wine) and wipe thoroughly across a cleansed face, neck and décolleté. It should feel incredibly light, cool and refreshing, and you can actually feel the bubbles fizzing! Don’t rinse off; follow with your regular mois­tur­izer. And enjoy your new glow!

Let me know how it works out for you!

PS: Champagne isn’t the only beverage you can use as a beauty ingredient – CLICK HERE to learn what you can do with vodka!

DIY Skincare: Roses Pack a Potent Beauty Punch

Today, my thoughts keep wandering back to roses… I have no idea why! Maybe it’s the Absolis by Patyka rose face toner that landed on my table first thing in the morning. Or the fresh batch of rose water I made last evening… the lush fragrance is still wafting through my rooms. Or the Lancôme Absolue L’Extrait that I have been road testing since last month.

Anyway, whatever the reason, I can’t help but notice that roses are everywhere in the beauty world right now. And these fragrant flowers are doing far more than just adding their charmingly feminine scent to our products: their delicate petals are also chockfull with antioxidants, which help heal skin and reduce inflammation. Plus, they have superb antiseptic and antibacterial properties, making them ideal for a number of skin problems.

Rose petals are chockfull with antioxidants, which help heal skin and reduce inflammation. Plus, they have superb antiseptic and antibacterial properties, while also being intensely hydrating

In fact, roses were a prominent element of traditional Indian, Chinese, Persian, Arabian, Egyptian, Greek and Roman medicine before making their way to European apothecaries. Which set me thinking: wouldn’t it be amazing if we could harness the therapeutic properties of this precious plant right at the source? Make its beauty benefits even more potent by adding fresh roses to the mix? So, to help you enjoy a little petal power, here is a bouquet of rose-based lotions, potions and scents. And since roses are said to banish melancholy, I hope these beauty recipes also help to chase away the mid-week blues for you!

rose-beauty-benefits

First, some tips

  • Use the freshest flowers you can find – ideally, they should be picked on the same day.
  • Where the recipe calls for rose water, you can buy it from the market (look for organic versions) or make it yourself with these easy recipes.
  • Look for organic or pesticide-free blooms since these will be applied to your skin.

Rose Petal Body Polish

How-to: Gently rinse 1 cup rose petals to remove dust. Grind the petals as finely as possible, using mortar and pestle. Mix the ground rose petals with 1 teaspoon sea salt, 1/4 cup rolled oats, 1/4 cup buttermilk powder, 1 teaspoon cornmeal and 3-5 drops of essential rose oil. Pour everything into a food processor and process until you have a fine mixture. Add just enough olive oil to create a paste when you want to use the scrub. Store remaining mixture in a lidded container.

The science: Rose petals boost the body’s circulation, while simultaneously purifying the blood by flushing out wastes and toxins.

Did you know that one cup of rose hips has more vitamin C than 60 oranges?

Floral Bath Soak

How-to: Mix together 3 cups Himalayan pink salt, 3 cups Epsom salts, 1 cup baking soda, 2 cups rose petals and/or miniature rose buds, a few drops of glycerin and 1/2 teaspoon rose absolute oil. Add the blend to a warm bath, then slip into the tub and relax for 10-15 minutes in fragrant bliss.

The science: When used aromatically, rose calms and soothes the mind. In fact, rose petals are a staple in Ayurvedic medicine to detoxify and calm.

rose-beauty-benefits-2

Rose & Almond Body Oil

How-to: You’ll need 1 cup of rose petals (2-3 roses) and 1 cup of almond oil (rich in vitamins E and D, yay!). Put the petals in a jar, crush them up a bit with a wooden spoon and pour in the oil. Let the mixture sit for 1 week, then strain and use. This feels so good right out of the shower and smells simply delish!

The science: Rose oils help reduce swollen spots or redness on your skin. Its calming properties can also help sooth rosecea and eczema.

Refreshing Rose Toner

How-to: Mix together 1 cup rose water, 6 drops of glycerin and 3/4 cup witch hazel. Pour into a sterilized bottle. To use, moisten a cotton pad with the rose toner and swipe all over your face after cleansing.

The science: As a natural astringent, rose helps tighten pores and restore suppleness for a glowy complexion. Unlike conventional alcohol-based toners, it leaves skin feeling smooth, not dried out. Plus, the addition of glycerin and witch hazel in this recipe helps make it astringent and hydrating.

Fresh Rose Face Mask

How-to: Heat one teaspoon of honey till it reaches a liquid consistency. Add 6-8 rose petals, two teaspoons rose water and one teaspoon plain yogurt; mix everything until you have a smooth paste. Apply this on your face and neck and wait for 10-15 minutes, then rinse with warm water. Skin will feel super-hydrated and shall recover its lost nutrients.

The science: The natural oils found in roses help lock moisture into the skin, keeping it silky smooth. Rose is especially beneficial for those with sensitive skin because the sugars in its petals create a soothing feeling.

Deep Cleansing Face Mask

How-to: Mix 3 tablespoons of rose water with 1 tablespoon of plain yogurt and 2 tablespoons of oat flour. You may prepare oat flour by grinding rolled oats in a blender, food processor, or coffee grinder. Apply this facial mask for about 20 minutes and then wash it off with lukewarm water. Your skin will be deep cleansed and feel super-supple.

The science: The naturally antibacterial rose essential oil is great for treating acne and acne-prone skin. Plus, the sugars found in rose petals add to their soothing effect, helping calm down troubled complexions.

Rose Renewing Moisturizer

How-to: Pour 2 cups of rose water in a small mixing bowl. Then break 2 vitamin E capsules and squeeze their contents into the bowl. Add 4 teaspoons each of olive oil, honey, coconut oil and rosewater. Mix well and transfer to a container that has a lid. Refrigerate when not in use.

The science: Rose contains high amounts of vitamin C – a powerful antioxidant that can help strengthen skin cells and regenerate skin tissue. It also helps protect skin cells from the damage wreaked by the sun and other environmental hazards, thereby preventing premature ageing.

rose-beauty-benefits-3

Rose Petals Hand Cream

How-to: Mix 1/3 cup glycerin and 2/3 cup rose water. Store in cool dry place.

The science: Rose oils are not only incredibly moisturizing, they also help stimulate circulation in the skin while simultaneously tackling thread veins and broken capillaries.

Smoothing Plumping Lip Balm

How-to: Well rinsed and lightly blotted rose petals ground with milk butter into a paste can be used to prevent your lips from drying. Keep in a small covered tin to apply easily throughout the day. The darker the color of the rose, the darker your lips will become.

The science: Roses contain high levels of vitamin C, oils and proteins, which help keep skin soft and moisturized. Plus, it has retinol (vitamin A), which treats lines, wrinkles and other visible signs of aging.

No-Sweat Rose Tea

How-to: Combine the following: 4 cups boiling water, 1 teaspoon dried hops, 1 teaspoon stinging nettle, 1 teaspoon fresh cut rose petals, 1 teaspoon fresh or dried strawberry leaves, 1 teaspoon fresh walnut leaves, 3 tablespoons of dried sage leaves. Cover and steep for an hour. Strain and sweeten with honey if desired. When brewed and drunk as a tea are reported to reduce perspiration within 2 hours of use with its effects lasting several days.

The science: The rose oils inhibit water loss from the skin and lower the concentration of cortisol (a stress hormone) in the body.

What are your secret recipes – or product picks – for these pretty petals?

rose-beauty-benefits-4

Beauty Secrets of the Ancient Geishas

Every time I travel to Japan, my skin develops an inferiority complex. I mean, have you ever seen those Japanese women with their smooth, glowing, absolutely flawless skin? There is not a single blemish or an enlarged pore to be seen anywhere. And this time it was even worse, considering that I was in Kanazawa to meet with one of the greatest cultural icons of all times: an honest-to-goodness geisha. One of those magical superwomen who can seduce with a downward glance, fascinate with her silent sensuality and entrance with a flick of the wrist. And then there is that unbelievably smooth, porcelain-like skin, glossy hair and ruby red lips that are unrivalled across the world.

So, this time I decided to tackle the eternal question: what are the secret skincare and haircare recipes that make geishas so beautiful, so ageless and so dazzling? There really just a few of them and they can be incorporated in daily life to get those results.

geisha-beauty-secretsSea Salt

Since Japan sits on the waters, it makes sense that sea salt would be a part of the geisha’s skincare routine. Salt is a wonderful body scrub, while also being terrific for cellulite. However, unlike us mere mortals who mix it with oil, the Japanese geishas prefer whipped cream. Follow suit by blending 2 tablespoons of sea salt with a little whipped cream to create a body scrub. Massage in circular motions over warm skin, preferably halfway through a shower. Finally, rinse and finish off with body lotion. Massaging with sea salt breaks down fat and makes skin firm and smooth. Easy, ain’t it?

Rice Bran

The chemical composition of rice bran is similar to that of human skin. Add to this its potent water retaining and exfoliating abilities and you can see why this husky flour has been a skincare staple of the geishas since 1100 AD. An added bonus: while other scrubs can tear and damage the skin cells, rice bran leaves them rejuvenated, cleansed and healthy. For the best results, mix 1 tablespoon of rice bran flour with enough milk or yoghurt to form a smooth paste. Apply this to warm, freshly cleansed skin and leave on till dry (approximately 10 minutes). After that, remove the mask using warm water and circular motions of your fingertips. Pat dry and apply your usual skincare.

Rice

The beauty benefits of rice have been treasured for hundreds of years by women not only in Japan but also in Indonesia and other Asian countries. That’s because rice is rich in gamma-oryzanol – a powerful antioxidant that boosts collagen production. The most popular rice mask involves powdering 2 tablespoons of rice in a coffee grinder. Mix this rice flour with 1 tablespoon of whipped cream. Apply this paste to your face and neck; rinse after 20 minutes.

Persimmon

Known as the fruit of the Gods in ancient Greece, persimmon contains calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, iodine and super-high levels of vitamins. Japan’s geishas understood the multifaceted benefits of this fruit and used it in many different ways – from face masks to skin tonics and detox diets. A favorite recipe: mix 1 tablespoon of mashed persimmon with 1 teaspoon each of honey and egg yolk. Apply to clean skin and leave for 15-20 minutes before washing off with warm water. This face mask will hydrate, nourish and protect against environmental damage.

geisha-beauty-secrets-2

Green Tea

Green tea is loaded with polyphenols, which fight free radicals, reduce skin inflammation, provide protection against skin cancer and bust any nasty toxins or bacteria that may be lingering in your pores. Geishas are famous for their elaborate tea ceremonies, often involving green tea, but it is a less widely known fact that they use that very same tea to keep their skin glowing and gorgeous. How? Boil, strain and cool 1 cup of green tea. To this, add 1/2 cup ground oats, 1 tablespoon avocado oil or mashed avocado and 10 drops lemon juice. Mix the ingredients into a paste that you apply on clean face. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then remove with washcloth and lukewarm water. Do this twice a week for skin that absolutely radiates its flawless perfection.

Apple Cider Vinegar

The enzyme-rich apple cider vinegar literally melts away dead skin cells. Which is why geishas add it to their shampoo to prevent dandruff and stimulate hair growth. They also add it to the bath to keep their skin young and healthy. Follow in their footsteps by mixing organic apple cider vinegar in the ratio of 1:1, soaking a cotton pad in the mixture and patting it onto your skin. Leave on skin for 5-7 minutes, then wash off with plain water. The result? Clean and fresh new skin.

Camellia Oil

Japanese women have known for centuries about the wonderful haircare benefits of camellia oil. It is exceptionally high in oleic acids, proteins and glycerides that are perfect for maintaining hair health, as well as adding volume and gloss. And using it is super-simple: lightly heat 1 teaspoon of camellia oil and rub it along the length and tips of wet hair. Then cover your strands with a towel for 20 minutes. Finally, shampoo your hair and rinse well; condition as usual.

Will you be trying any of these secret beauty recipes of the geishas? Tell me in the comments section below!

Three Beauty Mistakes We Are All Making

Thinking two litres of water are enough

beauty-mistakesWater flushes out toxins to keep our complexion clear, rehydrates the cells to moisturise skin from the inside and maintains the vital balance of nutrients to make everything soft, supple and beautiful. That’s why most of us religiously glug down two litres of water every day. However, research has now proved that these 6-8 glasses are not enough and water needs vary according to your weight, health, activity levels, diet and climate.

For example, a woman who weighs 165 pounds (75 kgs), exercises for 45 minutes, lives in a moderate climate and has one alcoholic or caffeine-laced drink should have approximately 2.9 litres of water through the day. What’s your number? Try the water calculator here. And remember that skin is the last in a long line of water recipients through the body – digestive systems and vital organs being the first – so any shortfall will show up on your complexion immediately!

Not applying enough sunscreen

Feel proud of yourself for remembering to apply that SPF 30 UVA/UVB sunscreen every single morning? Most probably, it’s still falling far short of the mark. Studies prove that almost all of us use about half the amounts at which the sunscreens are tested – which means that the label may say SPF 30, but you are actually getting just SPF 12 or 15.

So, what’s the right amount? According to the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, you need to apply sunscreen in amounts of 2 mg per square centimetre of skin. Since most of us are not really going to sit and calculate to this detail, here is a thumb rule: A teaspoon each on the chest and stomach combined, the back, and each leg; plus half a teaspoon each on the head and neck combined (including the ears) and each arm. Then re-apply every 2-4 hours, depending on the SPF and whether you are in the house or on the streets.

beauty-mistakes-sunglassesNot wearing sunglasses

While sunglasses have now become a fashion statement rather than a functional accessory, not wearing them when you step out of the house can be hazardous to the skin around your eyes. Skipping the shades will not only increase your chances of vision deterioration and cataracts, it will also make your eyes look ghastly in the here and now.

Remember that the skin under your eyes also has melanin, which reacts to sunlight and produces pigmentation that leads to dark circles. Plus all that squinting quickens fine lines, wrinkles and crows feet.