Have you ever been to a spa? The idea sounds both a little scary and a little desirable at the same time, right?
First, I'm a bit anal about other people looking that closely at all my flaws, let alone touching them...I'm ticklish, you see. Takes all the relaxation out of the attention, or so I imagine. But mostly, there's no way I can justify spending that kind of money on something that seems so...frivolous. Still, everyone enjoys some sort of escape or get-away even if it's just a few minutes to pamper ourselves at home.
So, what's your favorite self-pampering natural/herbal routine?
Here's one of mine...
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| The pink bars in the center are my cold cream bars |
First, using a bar of homemade soap that I've added a little cold cream to, I gently wash away the make up, daily grime and in hot humid weather, excess salt from perspiration. I like to use "facial" style massage, with just my fingertips, in slow circles, always up and out. Washing first eliminates the chance of opening my pores and allowing grime, etc. to get in there and cause blockage or irritation, which may result in a, yes, I'm going to say it, ZIT! Also, if you have existing blemishes, you don't want to risk opening them to reinfection.
Then, I follow that with a mild sugar scrub. The ideal facial sugar scrub contains about a tsp of your favorite, non-hydrogenated oil, like jojoba or almond if you have it or olive if you don't, 1/4 tsp. of sugar (this is the only place I'd recommend regular, white sugar) and *1 drop* of an Essential Oil of your choice. You can choose something refreshing, like peppermint, or calming like lavender or chamomile, even healing like tea tree for acne or memory stimulating like rosemary. Again, using very gentle, light, upward and outward circles, avoiding the eye area, exfoliate your face and don't forget your chin, neck and even your decollete (doesn't that sound sexy? I'll bet they use that word at the spa!) if you are so inclined. After a few moments, rinse. Don't worry about removing all the oil at this point.
Here comes my favorite part! A mask! Now there are all sorts of mask types out there and if you already have a favorite, insert it here. I like to use something cooling, like this
Mask that I developed while I was part of a community theater play where I had to apply and remove a mask every night for one of the scenes. After the clay dries out a bit, it's easy to remove the mask with a warm cloth and a little water if needed. This leaves behind a dewy layer of moisture and a bit of oil.
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The dark, brick red bars are my Grapefruit Mud Mask Facial Bars
that are helpful for combating acne.
This could be used in place of a traditional mask. |
If it's a bit too heavy for you, you can follow with an astringent toner like green tea or witch hazel with a drop of your favorite essential oil. If you need a pick-me-up, try peppermint but again, be sure to avoid the eye area.
What's your favorite home pampering recipe? Share it with us by linking it below.
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Much herbal love,
Welcome to the 28th edition of Wildcrafting Wednesday!
