Beauty comes from within apparently. Today I’d say that my skin and hair whole-heartedly agree. The stress, the cold and a distinct lack of hydration have taken their toll and so it’s time for a little boost.
First of all I need to drink more water all through the day (not just after exercise) and stop nicking salted chocolate from the cupboard while I homeschool. Secondly, it’s time to call in the beautifying troops in the form of a soothing facial serum and an invigorating hair rinse.
I can’t afford expensive lotions and potions but I also made a pledge a few years ago to try and reduce my packaging on the self-care and home cleaning front. Writing The Heritage Herbal published last March, gave me the perfect opportunity to develop some herbal beauty remedies, using fresh herbs and/or essential oils and reusable glass bottles and jars.
Making these products is as rewarding as using them – the plucking of herbs and the blending of oils – so looking forward to making new batches to see me through the coming weeks and months. Recipes below for a Borage-seed Oil Soothing Facial Serum, a rosemary-infused Invigorating Hair Rinse and an aromatic and moisturising Fennel and Grapefruit Body Wash for anyone who wants to partake.
With skin products, do ensure to do a 24-hour patch test first in case of any adverse reactions. Some essential oils and herbal formulas should also be avoided during pregnancy or in the case of some illnesses or conditions including allergies (e.g. nuts) so always check the content of recipes against your personal needs and requirements first.
BORAGE-SEED OIL SOOTHING FACIAL SERUM
Combine borage-seed oil – super high in omega-6 and GLA (also plentiful in evening primrose oil) – with a similarly nourishing carrier and essential oils to help restore moisture and smoothness to dry, damaged or irritated skin.
Makes 1 x 30ml (1fl oz) bottle
20ml (2/3fl oz) argan or jojoba oil
1ó tsp 100 per cent cold-pressed borage seed oil (additive-free)
6 drops vitamin E or wheatgerm oil
4 drops geranium essential oil
2 drops frankincense essential oil
3 drops lavender essential oil
3 drops patchouli essential oil
Method
1 Pour the argan or jojoba oil into a 30ml (1fl oz) dropper bottle until it reaches two thirds of the way up.
2 Add the borage seed oil until it reaches nearly to the top.
3 Drop in the vitamin E or wheatgerm oil and essential oils.
4 Place a dropper lid on the bottle and gently shake to combine.
5 Do a skin test on your hand to ensure no irritation occurs. Wait 24 hours and if all clear apply a few drops of the serum to your face morning and night. Avoid if you suffer from a nut allergy and during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
INVIGORATING HAIR RINSE
Rosemary makes a naturally stimulating rinse to boost circulation, promote glossier and thicker hair, or help treat an itchy scalp. Breathe in the woody, floral scent as the rinse works its therapeutic magic.
Makes 1 x 500ml (17ófl oz) spray bottle
6 sprigs of fresh rosemary
Method
1 Bring 500ml (2 cups) of water to a boil in a small pan.
2 Strip the rosemary leaves from the stems and drop into the water. Reduce the heat, cover (to stop volatile oils escaping) and gently simmer for 2–3 minutes. The solution should turn a dark brown with an oily surface film.
3 Allow the liquid to cool and then strain into a 500ml (17ófl oz) sterilised glass mister bottle, closing with a spray cap. Compost the discarded rosemary.
4 Spritz onto hair after shampooing, massaging in until all the liquid has been absorbed. Leave on hair for at least 20 minutes.
5 Rinse with cool water to help close the cuticle on the hair shaft and bring added shine. Comb gently and allow hair to dry.
FENNEL AND GRAPEFRUIT BODY WASH
Imbue a homemade body wash with the uplifting yet comforting scent and detoxifying, nourishing properties of fennel essential oil. Pair with zesty citrus essential oils such as lemon, sweet orange or grapefruit plus skin-smoothing coconut, jojoba or sweet almond oil for a pampering, refreshing start to the day. For a lovely gift, add a natural card label embellished with a pressed fennel flower.
Makes 1 x 500ml (17½fl oz) bottle
375ml (1½ cups) unscented liquid castile soap (preferably organic)
8 tbsp raw runny honey
2 tbsp fractionated (liquid) coconut oil, jojoba oil or sweet almond oil
2 tsp vitamin E or wheatgerm oil
40 drops grapefruit essential oil
30 drops fennel essential oil
Method
1 Place all the ingredients in a jug. Mix well with a spoon or wooden stick. If a little more scent is desired add a few more drops of essential oil.
2 Decant into a 500ml (17½fl oz) amber glass or fully recyclable PET plastic pump top bottle.