Category: Hair

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” →

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.

Ayurvedic Beauty Routine Essentials

Rasasara Skinfood is the one skin care line that has all your Ayurvedic beauty routine essentials covered!

Rasasara Skinfood has taken the guess work out of creating your dosha specific Ayurvedic beauty routine. This product line is 100% natural, cruelty free, and vegan. Every product is tailored to  specifically address the skin care concerns associated with each of the three doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Rasasara unlocks the power of establishing the healing practice of beauty rituals specific to your dosha. Take their quick skin type test to get you started. If you already know your dosha and you’re ready to dive right in, check out these amazing starter kits.

 

VATA (dry/mature): Vata types feel the cold, have fine, delicate skin, tiny pores, tan easily & are cool to touch. Imbalanced Vata skin becomes dry, flaky or rough & prone to fine lines, especially on the forehead & around the eyes.

BALANCE VATA skin with the warming, softening & moisture rich ingredients found in the Rasasara Vata range, which is especially suited to mature and dry skin.

Included in the Starter Kit:

Vata Hydrating Mist
Vata Face Nourishing Oil
Vata Herbal Face Exfoliant
Vata Face Cleansing Bar

PITTA (sensitive/combination): the skin is sensitive, imbalanced and feels the heat. Note their warm glowing cheeks, are often lightly freckled or dotted with beauty marks & burn easily. Imbalanced pitta skin is prone to conditions such as redness, acne, rosacea, an oily t-zone & broken capillaries.

BALANCE PITTA with cooling, calming ingredients found in Rasasara’s Pitta range.

Included in the Starter Kit:

Pitta Hydrating Mist
Pitta Face Nourishing Oil
Pitta Herbal Face Exfoliant / Mask
Pitta Face Cleansing Bar

KAPHA (oily/congested): Kapha skin type is classically pale OR rich olive skin which looks smooth, soft & lustrous. Imbalanced Kapha skin can appear sluggish, may feel damp or a little oily & be prone to blackheads or congestion.
BALANCE KAPHA skin with the application of stimulating & detoxifying ingredients found in Rasasara’s Kapha range.

Included in the Starter Kit:

Kapha Hydrating Aromatic Mist
Kapha Face Nourishing Oil
Kapha Herbal Face Exfoliant / Mask
Kapha Face Cleansing Bar

Tridoshic  (suitable for all skin types):

2 DIY Hair Mist Recipes to Rescue Your Winter Worn Tresses

With hat season quickly coming to an end, I’ve had to scramble to find a way to keep my hair smelling fresh and looking moisturized without having to actually put in the effort. I ditched commercial shampoos a long time ago, and my hair has never been healthier, but if I’m being totally honest, I kinda miss the intense (yet seriously toxic) fragrance that goes along with store bought shampoo. My go to has been this 3 ingredient herbal shampoo recipe, but even with the ease of making my own shampoo, and the hair care routine I follow (washing and deep conditioning once a week), I still wanted to find a mid week pick me up for my hair. Enter hair mist. I don’t even know how I ever lived without this stuff! These homemade recipes feature Aura Cacia Essential oil blends designed specifically for DIY hair care. Each recipe fits perfectly in a travel size mist bottle so they’re perfect for your purse, your gym bag, or your carry on!

Hair Protecting Mist

ingredients

  • 12 drops Aura Cacia Enrich Essential Oil Blend (find it here)
  • 1 tbsp Aura Cacia Organic Argan Skin Care Oil (find it here)
  • 1 oz distilled water

Directions

  • Combine all ingredients in a mist bottle
  • shake until well blended
  • to use, mist hair sparingly

Leave-In Conditioner Mist

Ingredients

  • 11 drops Aura Cacia Elevate Essential Oil Blend (find it here)
  • 2 tbsp aloe vera gel
  • 1/4 tsp Aura Cacia Organic Argan Skin Care Oil (find it here)
  • 5 tsp distilled water

Directions

  • combine all ingredients in a mist bottle
  • cover and shake until well blended
  • to  use, shake bottle and mist hair, then smooth with fingers

Rethink Clean: Restore and Maintain Good Bacteria on Your Skin

I’ve never rested my bare face on a subway pole. I have, however, held on to a subway pole at rush hour, used those same hands to swipe and accept a phone call, then placed that germy cell phone screen on my cheek for the duration of a conversation. Joseph Lister is spinning in his grave. Fortunately, the green beauty movement is hip to that. There’s a promising new generation of beauty products that seek to rescue our skin from the tech world and pollution. They’re using ingredients like lipids, adaptogens, ceramides,  and live bacteria (probiotics, yo!) to help strengthen our skin’s natural barrier, so it can function as it should. Instead of stripping away our skin’s natural defense against modern day irritants, product lines like Mother Dirt, are designed to nourish and support the ecosystem of our skin, while still delivering on what we’ve come to expect in our favorite beauty essentials. Here are some must have products from the Mother Dirt collection.

Cleanser

Less than ten ingredients, this entirely plant-based cleanser easily removes dirt, oil, and makeup without stripping, or drying out the skin. It’s suitable for all skin types and is preservative-free.

Moisturizer

This serum is a powerhouse designed to mimic our skin’s natural barrier. Start with a small drop and apply it to dry skin anywhere on your body. A little goes a long way.

Mist

This mist is my favorite! Think of this as the cherry on top of all of your Mother Dirt products. Designed to reduce our dependence on products like moisturizers, makeup, and even deodorant, AO+Mist improves the appearance of skin by replenishing essential bacteria to your skin’s natural barrier.

Shop the Bundle

The Bundle includes the cleanser, the moisturizer, the mist, and Mother Dirt’s shampoo which I didn’t include a description of because I’m having so much success with my 2 ingredient homemade herbal shampoo. If you try the shampoo, you should def tell me how amazing it is in the comments!