4 Quick Steam Facials

I love the feeling of a steam facial, it makes my face feel so fresh and hydrated.  Facial saunas are a wonderful way to bring a healthy glow to anyone's complexion. The warm steam opens pores, washes away impurities, and hydrates the skin. Fresh herbs, teas and essential oils increase the benefits.

I am sharing with you today four quick easy ways to add a little steam to your face.

{ #1 }

Lavender Glow Steam Treatment

Dip a soft washcloth into a basin of warm water mixed with a few drops of lavender essential oil.  Wring out the cloth and hold it to your face for a few seconds, or until cooled.  Repeat each morning for a week to bring back a glowing complexion.

{ #2 }

Aromatherapy Facial Steam

Pour four cups of hot boiling water into a large bowl.  Add two drops of lavender essential oil and let it steep for five minutes.  Then make tent over your head and the bowl with a large towel.  Breathe deeply, and stay under the towel for 10 minutes.  This steamy therapy effectively soothes and refreshes.  I love IT!

{ #3 }

Floral Facial Sauna

Combine four cups of water, and one tablespoon of each of the following dried herbs.  Dried rose petals, chamomile, and lavender buds.  Bring the water and herbs to a boil in a large pot.  Let the herbs steep for about five minutes.  Pour into a bowl and make a tent over the bowl with a towel.  Enjoy the steam and the amazing smell for about 10 minutes.  You will love the feeling, and nourishing effects on your complexion.

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Green Tea Facial Sauna

Make a large cup of hot freshly brewed green tea, pour into a basin or bowl.  Dip a washcloth into the bowl and gently wring it out.  Hold it on your face for a few seconds, or until cooled.  The antioxidants will calm  inflamed skin, evening your skin tone.

Another great advantage of steaming is that it can boost the blood circulation which is essential for the reproduction of healthy and new cells.  After each treatment follow up by rinsing your face with warm water, spray on a toner and apply a facial moisturizer.

I hope that you will get steamy very soon.

Smiles, Paula

{ Follow Me On Pinterest } Paula Parrish

DIY Dried Botanical Facial Mask

I love to pamper my skin with a facial mask about twice a month.

If you are frequent reader here on my blog, then you know that I love whipping up different homemade facial mask recipes.  I love the way my face feels smoother and softer after using a face mask.  So here it goes another facial mask recipe to try at home.

DIY Dried Botanical Facial Mask

Ingredients:

• 2 Tablespoons of Finely Ground Dried Botanicals; Lavender Buds, Rose Petals, Calendula Petals.
• A Few Drops of Lavender Essential Oil
• 2 Tablespoons of Bentonite Clay
• 1 Tablespoon of Powdered Milk
• 1 Tablespoon of Finely Ground Oats

Directions:

Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and mix well. Store in a jar with a tight fitting lid.  Store in cool dry place for up to a year or more.

How To Use:

Take one tablespoon of the dry mixture and combine it with about one tablespoon of water, milk or yogurt.  Mix until you have a thick paste.  Apply to your freshly washed face and neck.  Leave on 20 minutes, and rinse with a warm soft washcloth.

Tips:

• The milk contains lactic acid that helps lightens and softens the skin.
• The dried botanicals and oatmeal both make a wonderful natural exfoliant.
• Bentonite clay has the ability to absorb toxins, impurities, and detox the skin.
• This recipe makes four face mask treatments.

I store my combined dry mask ingredients with the essential oil added in a bottle.  It is super easy to mix up a mask by just adding a splash of water, milk or yogurt.

If you have a favorite facial mask recipe. 
I’d love to hear about it, so please leave me a comment below. ;o)  

Smiles, Paula

{ Follow Me on Pinterest } Paula Parrish

DIY Hot Oil Treatment

I remember when I was younger, as in my teenage years

using a store bought hot oil treatment on my hair.

I recall that it came in a small bottle with

what looked like oil that you heated up at home.

The hot oil treatment deep conditioned my hair,

and added moisture to my hair, making it feel and look fabulous.

When I went to get my haircut a few weeks ago,

I noticed a pack of hot oil treatment available for purchase at my local salon.

While looking at the package this phrase immediately

popped into my head, “I can make it”.

Of Course we all know that homemade is just the best,

plus easy on the pocketbook.  Love It!

DIY Hot Oil Treatment
Ingredients:
¼ Cup of Sweet Almond Oil
1 Tablespoon of Honey or Light Corn Syrup
Instructions:
Pour the oil and honey in a microwave safe container and heat until it is warm, about 30 seconds.
Directions:
To use, apply the entire mixture to dry hair and massage into your hair and scalp.  Now get cozy, wrap your hair in a warm towel, and leave the treatment on for up to 10 minutes.  Then rinse thoroughly with warm water and shampoo your hair as usual.

Tips:

• This is the ultimate treatment for dry and damaged hair.
• If your hair is color treated use the corn syrup instead of the honey because the honey can be mildly bleaching on your color.
• Apply this treatment right before you shower for maximum effect.
• Sweet almond oil has been  know to prevent hair loss, promote shine and strengthen hair.
• For a weekly hair treatment, moisten your fingertips with several drops of sweet almond oil and gently massage the scalp.

I hope that you enjoy this recipe at home.

I am loving the new look of my hair just in time for the Holidays.

I'd be curious to know if you use this DIY recipe at home,

so leave me a comment.

Smiles, Paula

{ Follow Me on Pinterest } Paula Parrish

DIY Facial Toner

The question that people often ask me is; why should I use toner?  Facial toner is sometimes called an astringent, freshener and a skin ph balancer. Toner removes excess oil, dirt, grime, makeup and dead skin from the pores of your face that you may have missed after cleansing.
Why Use Facial Toner?
Toner is designed to restore firmness to the skin, and is used after cleansing and before moisturizing. Toner does not need to be washed off your face. It is designed to restore the pH balance back to skin, as well as help minimize wrinkles. Toner eliminates oil and shine and refreshes the skin; plus it feels super amazing.  Toner is applied to the face using a cotton ball or spraying directly on your face.

DIY Facial Toner
Ingredients:
2 Cups of Distilled Water
¼ Cup of Raw Apple Cider Vinegar
10 Drop of Essential Oils of Lavender, Lemon and Geranium
Instructions:
Combine all of ingredients and shake until well blended.
How to Use:
Close your eyes and spray directly on face.
Tips:

• Toner also can treat acne before it emerges and help to unclog pores.
• Toner has a softening effect on the skin.
• This toner doubles as a hair treatment, simply pour the entire recipe over your hair after rinsing out your conditioner. Use weekly on your hair to remove styling product buildup and enhance shine.
• Spray toner on your face during the day for a quick pick me up.

Do you use facial toner daily?
Smiles, Paula