Category: Body

4 Tropical Beauty Recipes to Try This Spring

Harness the power of tropical fruit and ocean water with these easy beauty recipes! Perfect for reawakening your springtime and summer beauty routine.

  BRIGHTENING PAPAYA FACE MASK

Packed with antioxidants, vitamin-C and natural fruit enzymes, the papaya is a staple ingredient in many Australians beauty routines. Rich in natural AHA’s (alpha hydroxy acids), papaya helps to break down dead skin cells and even out skin tone and texture. Blended with anti-inflammatory oatmeal, yogurt and honey, this mask will help to reveal a refreshed, glowing complexion. For those with sensitive skin we recommend using this mask every two weeks.

INGREDIENTS

¼ ripe papaya (Use the rest for this skin-loving tropical smoothie recipe!)
3 heaped tbsp Greek yogurt
2 tbsp finely ground rolled oats
2 tbsp honey

METHOD

  • STEP 1

    Remove the skin and seeds of the papaya and slice the flesh into cubes.

  • STEP 2

    Using a food processor, combine all of the ingredients.

  • STEP 3

    Apply a thick layer of the mask to the face and rinse off after 30 minutes for bright, glowing skin.

      COCONUT COFFEE BODY SCRUB

    This coconut coffee scrub is a great, chemical-free way to exfoliate and revitalize tired skin. Massaging the coffee grounds into the skin helps to stimulate the circulation and reduce the appearance of cellulite. Rich in antioxidants, the coffee grounds help to increase collagen production while their high caffeine content also help to stimulate blood cells, toning and tightening the skin. Blended with hydrating coconut oil, this scrub will leave you feeling (and smelling) amazing.

    INGREDIENTS

    1 cup of raw sugar
    ½ cup of coconut oil
    2 tablespoons desiccated coconut
    2–3 tablespoons cocoa
    2 tablespoons ground coffee

    METHOD

    • STEP 1

      Submerge a small bowl of coconut oil in boiling water to soften and allow it to cool but not solidify.

    • STEP 2

      Combine all the ingredients and store in an airtight container or mason jar.

    • STEP 3

      Use 2-3 times a week for soft, silky skin.

       LAVENDER BATH SALTS

      The benefits of bathing in Epsom salt has been known for centuries. Rich in magnesium, a mineral we are often lacking, bathing in the salts helps to flush the body of environmental pollutants, ease joint pain and reduce inflammation. Blended with either lavender or rose essential oil, this healing soak is the perfect way to unwind after a long day.

      INGREDIENTS

      1 cup Himalayan pink salt
      1/2 cup Epsom salts
      1/2 cup baking soda
      10 drops rose or lavender essential oil

      METHOD

      • STEP 1

        Combine the ingredients in a bowl and mix thoroughly.

      • STEP 2

        Store in an airtight container or mason jar to preserve the fragrance of the lavender.

      • STEP 3

        To use, add two tablespoons of the soak to a warm bath and enjoy.

          SEA SALT HAIR SPRAY

        Many hair care brands have worked to develop products that mimic the salty properties of the sea. Using a blend of sea salt, nourishing coconut oil and conditioning aloe vera, this recipe is sure to create waves, no beach necessary.

        INGREDIENTS

        1 cup warm water
        1 Tbsp sea salt
        1 tsp Epsom salt
        1 Tbsp organic coconut oil
        1 Tbsp aloe vera gel
        5 drops essential oil, optional

        METHOD

        • STEP 1

          Pour the warm water into an empty spray bottle and combine ingredients.

        • STEP 2

          Put the cap on the bottle and shake until the sea salt and Epsom salts are dissolved.

        • STEP 3

          To use, spray on damp hair and towel scrunch until dry

Continue reading “4 Tropical Beauty Recipes to Try This Spring” →

Fall Scented Natural Skin Care

I love the smell of everything Fall. Cedar, pine, cloves, cinnamon, vanilla, ginger, and cardamom are all fragrances that I can’t get enough of when the seasons start to change. I usually stock up on some essential oils and make my own skin care products inspired by all things Fall. But isn’t it so appealing when you can just buy exactly what you’re looking for without the fuss. Enter Pantry Products, an all-natural, small-batch apothecary based in Brooklyn, NY and Reno, NV. No doubt aromatherapy is good for the soul, and when Fall rolls around, Pantry Products’ Fall Essential Goodies really serves up some warm fragrances to protect us against that crisp, drying air. Here are some of my favorites!

Autumn Spice Sugar Scrub

Autumn Spice Sugar Scrub is a 100% natural blend of organic coconut oil, fractionated coconut oil, raw sugar, vitamin e, ground orange peel, cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, and cardamom.

Spiced Chai Lip Balm ingredients include organic coconut oil, raw shea butter, pure beeswax, therapeutic-grade essential oils, castor oil for shine, and carrot seed oil for sun protection. These Lip Balms come in other yummy Fall flavors like orange-vanilla and earl grey.

 Lemon + Vanilla and Coconut +Chai Hand Lotions are a blend of organic lotion, aloe gel, vitamin e, and pure essential oils.

Vanilla + Spice and Cardamom + Clove Air & Linen Sprays will round out your spa days at home by adding a lovely blend of essential oils to the air, or even your bath towels!

DIY Clarifying Aloe Rose and Hibiscus Skin Scrub + Mask

Aloe is giving me life lately. All I can say is that I’ve never been more impressed with a natural skin care ingredient than I have with aloe. I’ve been whipping up all kinds of amazing little homemade beauty products using everything from fresh aloe to aloe vera gel, and even aloe vera powder (yes that’s a thing!). Anyway, I’ve been preparing my skin for the cold weather that’s just around the corner. It’s so important to transition your skin care routine with the changing of the seasons, but through it all aloe vera is a mainstay.

This particular scrub/mask recipe unleashes the detoxifying and moisturizing power of aloe vera and pairs it with the detoxifying and toning powers of clay and witch hazel. If that isn’t enough, the addition of hibiscus tea leaves gives this scrub/mask a boost of antioxidants that improves the overall clarity of the skin.  What really takes this recipe over the top is the creamy, mousse-like texture. Like, you really feel all kinds of spa type luxury when you smooth this over your skin. The recipe makes a little bit more than you really need for your face alone, but trust me when I say it won’t go to waste. You’ll want this all over your body!

Aloe Rose and Hibiscus Skin Scrub + MaskALOE ROSE AND HIBISCUS SKIN SCRUB + MASK

ingredients

  • 2 tbsp witch hazel rose petal toner (find it here)
  • red clay (find it here) *for sensitive skin, you may want to try green clay
  • aloe vera juice (find it here)
  • hibiscus tea leaves (find them here)

Directions:

  • Add hibiscus tea leaves to witch hazel and let the hibiscus steep for 1-2 minutes.
  • Mix hibiscus in with clay until fully distributed.
  • Add in aloe vera juice slowly, until the whole mix becomes fluffy and spreadable.
  • Apply to clean skin, exfoliating first is a good idea.
  • For a mask: Apply to skin and leave on for 20-25 minutes.
  • Rinse with warm water and washcloth, tone, and moisturize.
  • For a scrub: Start with clean skin and take a dime sizes amount and scrub in circular motions to cleanse, exfoliate, and detoxify.
  • Rinse with warm water and washcloth, tone, and moisturize

Source: the Free Spirited

This Skin Care Ingredient is an Absolute Game Changer

Let’s jump right back in, shall we? It’s been a while since I’ve talked to you guys and I’ve totally missed you. I had an amazing Summer, though, filled with travel adventures and some much needed rest and relaxation. But I could hardly wait to get back to you and share some of the things I’ve discovered over the past couple of months. I’m a year older, a little bit wiser, and so much more focused. So let’s go!

Remember when french clay, white kaolin, and bentonite mud masks were all the rage? Of course you do. I mean there were so many recipes out there that we even had the opportunity to start multi-masking. I still love all of those, but if you haven’t heard of diatomaceous earth yet, let me be the first to blow your mind. This stuff is so safe, gentle, and versatile that it’s used for everything from natural pet care to organic gardening and meal planning. Say Whaaaat?!!

Diatomeceous earth is a naturally occurring, soft sedimentary rock made from the fossilized remains of tiny aquatic organisms called Diatoms. This soft clay is chock full of trace minerals that have some amazing health benefits. Add a bit to your favorite smoothie, make your own toothpaste, or use it to purify your drinking water. This stuff is no joke! Not only is it safe to consume, but you can also use it topically to make what has quickly become my absolute favorite DIY beauty recipe.

Diatomeceous Earth Facial Cleanser

one teaspoon of food grade diatomeceous earth and enough distilled water to make a paste is all you need for this cleansing face wash. You can even add that teaspoon of D.E. to your favorite facial cleanser to add a little gentle exfoliation to your beauty routine.

Diatomeceous Earth Face Mask

In a small glass bowl, add about 2 tbsp of water and 1 tbsp of diatomaceous earth. Add ½ tsp of coconut oil and 3 drops of tea tree essential oil. Mix well and apply the paste on your face and neck, avoiding the eyes. Allow the mask to dry (2-5 minutes). Follow up with your favorite moisturizer.

Spring to Summer Beauty DIYs

These DIY face masks are perfect for transitioning your skin from Spring to Summer!

Blackhead Buster

ingredients

  • 1/2 fresh lemon
  • 3-4 drops of raw honey

directions

  • mix the juice from half a lemon with 3-4 drops of raw honey
  • apply the mixture to your face
  • leave the mask on for about 5 minutes and rinse off with cold water

Brown Sugar Coconut Body Scrub

ingredients

  • 1 tbsp raw honey
  • 2 tbsp coconut oil
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1⁄2 cup sea salt
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, plus
  • 1 tbsp of your favorite essential oil

directions

  • Combine ingredients in a bowl until it forms a paste
  • Apply to moist skin in a circular motion using your fingertips to help get rid of dead skin cells
  • Rinse off with warm water

Honey & Oat Facial

ingredients

  • 2 tbsp natural yogurt
  • 1 tbsp raw honey
  • 2 tbsp dry oatmeal
  • 1 tbsp ground almonds
  • squeeze of lemon

Directions

  • Combine all ingredients in a bowl to form the exfoliating facial scrub
  • Massage gently onto face, and rinse with warm water

Balancing Avocado Face Mask

ingredients

  • 3 tbsp green clay powder
  • 1 small avocado, mashed
  • 1⁄2 small cucumber, finely grated
  • 1 tsp fresh lemon juice

Directions

  • Combine ingredients in a small bowl
  • Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes
  • With clean, dry skin, apply a thick layer to your face and neck, avoiding the eye and lip areas
  • Leave for 10-15 minutes, and wipe skin clean with a damp cloth

Exfoliating Breakfast Mask

ingredients

  • 1 tbsp raw honey
  • 1⁄4 banana, mashed
  • 1 tbsp Greek yogurt

Directions

  • Combine ingredients in a bowl, and apply to face for 15-20 minutes
  • Rinse off with cool water, and pat dry face

Source: Coveteur