Category: Natural Cosmetics

Go Ahead and Mask the Problem

Smoothie
Mask

It all started when my aunt bought me a plant called lovage. “It’s an herb,” she explained. Kooky Aunt Pat and her “herbs”. Being the inquisitive type, I decided to do some research on herbs….and never looked back. Soon I learned that herbs had uses other than culinary. I could make stuff with them! Before long I was combining chamomile and calendula to make a hair rinse, green tea, oatmeal and lavender to make bath bags and ultimately yarrow, peppermint and bay to make our now famous Herbal Aftershave.

Working with basic natural ingredients that can be found in your kitchen is my true love. There’s no reason to drop big bucks at a beauty store or trendy spa, when all you need for beautiful skin is at the supermarket.

Homemade skin treatments aren’t a new idea. Thousands of years before commercial products were available, ancient Egyptians made powders, ointments and lotions by combining plant extracts with natural oils. In China, a combination of ground orange seeds and honey was used to help keep skin clear [source: National Honey Board]. And in the 2nd century, ancient Romans combined animal fats with starches to make facial creams.

When making your own facial mask, it’s important to know your skin type so you can choose the most beneficial ingredients for that type.

Normal skin does not feel dry or oily. At midday it still looks fresh and clean. Only occasionally does it have dry patches or break out. Oatmeal, fabulous as a bath soak, also makes a great face mask for normal skin. Grind it a bit in the food processor, add water to create a paste, and then allow it to sit on your face for a few minutes. Liquid face masks are also very simple and great for normal skin. Many celebrities swear by olive oil. Use extra-virgin, and spread it on your skin. Leave for 15 minutes and rinse with warm water. Skin is left feeling luxuriously smooth, and fine wrinkles are less noticeable. You can also try a honey- olive oil combination. Mix 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon of olive oil, and 1 teaspoon of honey. Apply to your face and leave on for 10 to 15 minutes. Rinse off with water water. Gently pat the face dry. Unflavored plain yogurt is also great for toning any type of skin. Apply a thin layer and let sit for ten minutes. Rinse and pat dry.

Dry skin has a thin texture and can feel dry to touch. It can feel tight after being washed, and by midday flaky patches may appear. Honey is the number one ingredient, in my opinion, for dry skin. It’s a humectant, meaning that it will help skin retain moisture. One of my personal favorite facial remedies involves applying raw honey to my face. I apply it in a thin layer, and leave it on for about 15 minutes. My dog Ginger used to love when I made this mask; so I’d have to make sure she was in another room or else I wouldn’t have any honey left on my face. Rinse with warm water and enjoy how very soft your skin feels. Flax seeds also make a wonderful one-ingredient mask. Flax seeds provide powerful, good-for-your-health omega-3 fatty acids. In a small bowl, mix 2 teaspoons of flax seeds and just enough water to cover. The seeds will swell and the water will become gelatinous. Spread the gel on your face. When dry, rinse off with warm water.

Oily skin often feels greasy. After washing it feels fine, but by midday it looks shiny. Break out spots can be frequent. Combat oiliness while firming your pores with an egg white mask. Whip the whites of two eggs into a light foam. Spread a thin layer of the foam to your face. Allow the foam to become firm, then simply rinse the mask away. Your skin will feel tighter and pores will be diminished. Oily skin can benefit from occasional gentle exfoliation. Try a tomato facial. Puree one ripe tomato with a teaspoon each of lemon juice and instant oatmeal. Spread the mixture across your face, allowing it to set for about 15 minutes. Then rinse away to reveal fresh skin. Other natural exfoliators include papaya and pineapple which both contain an enzyme called bromelain which removes dead cells and cleanses pores.

Combination skin is normal with a few dry patches and a few oily patches. Dryness is usually on the cheeks and oiliness is usually on the T-zone. Most women have combination skin. Green tea is great for combination skin, and has long been touted for its anti-aging and wrinkle fighting properties. Dissolve a single teaspoon of green tea powder (matcha) into a half teaspoon of water so you’re left with a thin, smooth paste. Spread the paste across your face, allow it to sit for about 10 minutes and then rinse away, revealing radiant skin. Sweet smelling roses are perfect for balancing out the oily and dry areas of your skin. Mix together 2 tbsps of rosewater, 1 tbsp natural yogurt, room temperature (not lowfat or non-fat), 1 tbsp honey. Apply mixture to skin and allow to remain for ten minutes. Rinse with warm water. I found the following recipe on line. It was created by facialist Chanel Jenae of Santa Monica. In the article, Jenae says pumpkin is loaded with natural exfoliating acids and antioxidants. She uses pumpkin pulp in her facial peels at her salon “to brighten, calm breakouts, and soften the appearance of fine lines and sun damage.”


Ingredients:

1/2 cup fresh pumpkin pulp
2 eggs
2 teaspoon almond milk


Preparation:

Purée the fresh pumpkin pulp into a thick paste. Add the egg (this acts as a binder). Stir in a splash of omega-rich almond milk. Mix well. Apply the mask, leaving it on for 15-20 minutes, depending on your skin sensitivity. Rinse with cool water and moisturize as usual.

Most face masks, whether homemade or bought, seem straightforward: Simply smooth the mask onto your face, then rinse off after a period of time. But properly applying the mask can make a big difference.

Gently rub the face mask into your skin. The massaging motions will help increase blood flow, improving your skin’s appearance. To get the most of your massage, apply light pressure to your jaw line with your fingertips. Slowly move upward until you reach your forehead, then start again.

Other benefits of massage include a decrease in the stress hormone cortisol, which can in turn lower blood pressure and boost your immune system, although this is more likely to occur if the massage covers more than your face.

After the massage, let the mask set for about 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the specific recipe instructions. Set a timer. When the appropriate time period has passed, rinse the mask off with warm water using a washcloth.

Don’t be afraid to add other spa-like experiences to your home beauty regimen. In addition to facial massage, set the tone for your face mask by changing your surroundings. Dim the lights, gather a few candles and play some soft music. Relaxing in the tub for a warm soak while your mask is doing its magic can help you unwind by providing a stress-busting experience without the hefty price tag.

Or consider having a natural beauty ritual party. Each guest can bring their favorite natural mask recipe, while the hostess provides basic ingredients like oatmeal, honey, eggs, yogurt, tea and some herbs from the garden. Play some cool music, whip up your own masks and kick back with some girl talk. Just don’t let anyone bring a camera!!

Summer – Sexy & Smoothies

Smoothie
Smoothie

Summer means shorts, bikinis and generally showing more skin. I’m overly conscious about my weight all year, but it’s less practical to cover up with an oversized sweatshirt in the summer. So this time of year I really try to watch what I eat and improve my diet (ironically as I write this, an employee comes in and puts a chocolate cupcake on my desk….*sigh*). Smoothies are a great way to get more fruits and vegetables into your diet. Protein smoothies derived from natural sources are an excellent component of wholesome eating.

Fruit and veggie smoothies are easy. You can pretty much throw any appealing combination of them into a blender with some ice and you have an instant tasty treat. Fruits are a natural source of energy. They also provide vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals. The antioxidants in fresh fruits help combat pollutants and harmful substances in the body. Adding fruits to your drinks and smoothies is a great way to boost your energy levels and help your body get rid of toxins. Fruits are also rich in many vitamins such as C, E, A and B-complex.

I personally find that protein smoothies sustain me longer and can make a healthy meal substitute. Protein sources can be any kind of nut butter (all natural – no added hydrogenated oils or sugar), whey protein, tofu, tahini (especially for folks on a raw diet) and yogurt.

And try adding wheat germ or ground flax seed to your smoothies. They contain essential fatty acids that are good for the heart. They also provide dietary fiber to help the body flush out toxins and prevent colon cancer and digestive problems. Vitamin E in wheat germ and flax seed nourishes and rejuvenates the skin. Healthy omega-3 fatty acids in these foods help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

If you feel the need to splurge, you can make a dessert smoothie without sabotaging your diet. A base of either ice cream or sherbet can make a smoothie go from delicious to decadent.

Melissa’s Favorite Smoothie – I usually make this for breakfast and it keeps me feeling full all morning
1 ripe banana
1 T. natural peanut butter
1 c. milk
1 scoop protein powder (optional)
4 ice cubes

Shove it all in a blender and blend until smooth. If you need a chocolate fix, add a squirt of Hershey’s syrup before blending.
The Wrinkle Fighter – This berry-based beautifier will get a thumbs-up from your dermatologist for its skin-smoothing combo: anti-aging vitamin E from wheat germ, sun-damage- fighting omega-3 fatty acids from flax seed, and vitamin C from berries. Vitamin C is essential for making collagen, tissue that literally holds your skin together and reduces the appearance of fine lines. Plus, the oleic acid (a type of monounsaturated fat) in avocado has been linked to reducing wrinkles. (courtesy of Women’s Health)

1 c blueberries
1 c pitted cherries
1/2 c strawberries, hulled
1/4 avocado, peeled and pitted
2 Tbsp wheat germ
2 Tbsp ground flax seed
1/2 c plain low-fat yogurt
1 c ice

Makes 3 servings. Per serving: 153 cal, 5.6 g fat(1 g sat), 23 g carbs, 35 mg sodium, 5 g fiber, 6 g protein

The Immunity Builder – Loaded with boosters like beta-carotene and vitamin C from mango, cantaloupe, and pineapple, this smoothie primes your infection-fighting army for action. Vitamin C increases the production of white blood cells and antibodies. Finally, the duo of almonds and almond milk delivers plenty of defense-fortifying zinc. (courtesy of Women’s Health)

1 c peeled, pitted, cubed mango
1 c chopped cantaloupe
1/2 c cubed pineapple, fresh or canned
1/3 c ground almonds
1/2 c unsweetened almond milk
1 c ice

Garnish with sliced almonds after blending.

Makes 3 servings. Per serving: 150 cal, 6.8 g fat (0.5 g sat), 22 g carbs, 41 mg sodium, 4 g fiber, 4 g protein

Detox Smoothie – This recipe is definite to cleanse your liver and flush out the toxins in the bowel and bladder, leaving you feeling rejuvenated.

1 cup papaya (not too ripe) cubed
1 cup watermelon, deseed and cubed
1/2 cup beetroot juice
1 tablespoon of spirulina

Add all ingredients to blender and blend until smooth.

Adult Indulgence Smoothie – Banana Colada (sometimes you just want a fun smoothie)

2 ripe bananas, mashed
4 fluid ounces cream of coconut
6 fluid ounces rum
4 fluid ounces banana liqueur
3 cups crushed ice

In a blender, combine bananas, cream of coconut, rum, banana liqueur and ice. Blend until smooth. Pour into glasses and serve.

I Hate Blood Suckers

I love this time of year. The plants in the garden are kicking into high gear, most of my spring cleanup work is done and the weather is consistently warmer. The one thing I hate about this time of year is ticks.

I live in a wooded area in Pennsylvania. I’m fortunate enough to have several acres, and I spend most of my free time cutting grass, tending to gardening beds and keeping the woods from taking over my property. I know I should use insect spray and sunscreen and all that stuff, but I’m a get it done NOW kind of person. I get home from work, check on the cats and immediately go out to start on yard work. Thankfully I haven’t gotten sunburned, but I can say I’ve had a few ticks on me already this year. All deer ticks. I usually catch them before they bite, but on two occasions this month, they got me before I got them.

This past weekend I was taking a shower and noticed the out of place black spot on my ankle. I knew what it was. I did everything you’re supposed to do. I used a pair of fine-tipped tweezers and tried to grip the tick by the head, as close as possible to the point where it makes contact with the skin. But I couldn’t grab it. It had all but buried its whole body in my skin. I won’t burden you with the gross details, but I did manage to get the sucker out. I immediately put our Unscented Herbal Aftershave on the wound. It’s my go-to product for all skin conditions: rashes, cuts, scratches, bites, stings, etc. It has always worked well for me and I feel confident that the site has been cleaned thoroughly. Due to the threat of disease, I followed up with a generous dab of tea tree essential oil. And I’m keeping an eye on the bite to make sure it heals with no rash.

I don’t kill bugs. I always say there’s a purpose for them, and who am I to interrupt that purpose? I catch spiders and let them free outside; drives the girls at work nuts. But I gotta tell ya, I just don’t see the purpose for ticks! Hate those blood suckers.

Spider Woman

I recently came across a picture of Kim Kardashian and was struck by her overly-long eye lashes.  They looked like spiders on her face.  However, this image prompted me to critique my own lashes, which I found to be woefully  inadequate.  With a photo shoot coming up in only a few days, I decided to delve into the world of false eye lashes.

Don’t get me wrong – I hate anything that’s fake.  Speaking for me personally (please don’t send me nasty emails) I do not have, nor would ever consider having fake nails, hair extensions, fake body parts, etc.  It’s just not who I am.  So the fact that I was considering fake eye lashes was a departure from the norm for me. But at 43, you start to look for any help you can get. 

I walked into Ulta and was struck by the many options of false eye lashes available.  Flash back:  as a child, I remember my mother sitting on the bathroom sink, seemingly effortlessly applying individual false lashes – her lashes always looked long and glamorous.  So I decided to follow in mom’s footsteps and try the individual lashes, even after the warnings by the cashier clerk.  “You know you have to use glue and apply these INDIVIDUALLY,” she advised.  Trying to sound patient and sage, I replied, “Oh I have lots of patience and I’m good with make-up…I’m sure I won’t have any problems.” 

Having zero patience, I rushed home and ran to my vanity where I have a make-up mirror that magnifies everything 10 times (yeah, I’m getting old).  I ripped open the packaging and gingerly picked up the first ‘clump’ of lashes..then read the directions.  “Apply a drop of glue to a piece of aluminum foil…dab a small amount of glue onto lash…”  Well I wasn’t going to run all the way downstairs for aluminum foil, so I applied the glue to the corner of the package.  I dipped the lash clump into the glue and stuck the clump onto the outer corner of my top lashes.  Now I purchased the ‘natural length’ lashes and used the ‘small’ size clump.  Well these fake lashes extended seemingly six inches past my natural lash.  I immediately grabbed a pair of scissors and trimmed them (yes, I had a very sharp object near my eye ball).  I trimmed and applied two more clumps to the outer portion of my upper lid only.  I wanted to keep the look as natural as possible.  Long story short, for the next two days I would find lash clumps in the sink, on my pillow, on my desk at work, on the cat, in my salad, etc., which caused me to re-apply the individual clumps repeatedly, and I wound up with gobs of glue dried on my natural lashes.  When the photo shoot was over, so was my experience with glued lashes.

However being a glutton for punishment, and thinking I could still somehow pull off this trendy look, I purchased a set of eye lashes already attached to sticky strips.  Again, natural length.  I didn’t feel I needed to read the directions since the application seemed pretty straight forward (I’m not sure it would have helped anyway).  I proceeded to stick the center of the lash strip to the center of my upper eye lash line, and slowly press the rest of the strip down, aligning the strip to my lash line.  With my eye half closed, it looked rather pretty: nice, even feathery lashes without glue globs.  And then I opened my eye all the way.  ACK!!  I looked like Liza Minelli circa 1974.  The sticky strip looked like a thick black caterpillar running across my eye.  I proceeding to rip the sticky lash strip from my eyelid.  The adhesive was so bonding that it had my lid stretching out away from my eye like a Stretch Armstrong toy.  And I think it took a few of my natural lashes with it. 

Sigh.  Thus ends my experience with fake lashes.  Kim Kardashian be damned.

Don’t Believe Everything They Tell You…

So I went to a new hair salon yesterday, hoping to find someone who could perform miracles so that I might actually LIKE my hair.  I was recommended to this salon by a friend who has gorgeous hair (and probably better genetics).  I’m always leery about working with a new hair stylist, but she and the salon came highly recommended, and I’m desperate. 

I’m thinking about doing color.  I’ve never done color, but at my age some gray strands are starting to pop through and I’m not dealing too well with it.  My friend’s color is beautiful; very soft and natural.  If I could muster up the courage to actually DO color, I was hoping for the same results. I made the salon appointment, and was very impressed when the stylist called me to come in for a consultation two days before the visit. 

I went to the salon last night, and while I was waiting for my stylist, I noticed the salon carried a very common brand of “salon” hair care products.  I’ve seen this brand a million times, and I’ve always thought they were pricey.  Other than that, I don’t particularly have anything against the brand – they do what they do, and I do what I do.  Two different worlds.  Until…

I was chatting with my stylist about hair and products.  She recommended this brand, adding that it was “certified organic”.  My muscles stiffened.  I politely said, “oh I’m afraid that brand isn’t certified organic.”  She said, “sure it is…they told us it is.”  “They” must be referring to the folks who stock the salon with the product.  I grabbed a bottle of shampoo from her station.  No where did it say on the product that it was certified organic, which I pointed out to my stylist. 

“But they said it IS”, she insisted.  That’s when another stylist in the next station chimed in.  “I’m CERTIFIED in (insert brand name)”.  It IS certified organic” she demanded.  Very calmly, I said, “But look here at the ingredients…none of them are organic…in fact most of them are chemical in nature like dimenthicone, DMDM, polyquaternium…you can’t certify chemicals organic”.  They looked at me like I had no idea what I was talking about.  And it only got worse from there.  Perhaps looking to redeem their claims, I suggested that the water content (which was the first listed ingredient) could be as high as 90% which might help them with that organic claim.  So here’s the kicker.  The certified expert stylist said, “no that’s not true…their products only contain 20% water.”  Trying not to laugh out loud, I explained it was not possible to make a shampoo that was only 20% water.  Most shampoos are around 80% in water content.  These women absolutely did not believe me.  Finally I said, “Look, I own a natural cosmetics company.  I’ve been in the industry for 16 years.  I know what it takes to have a product be certified organic.  And I know product formulas.”  They still insisted I was clearly wrong because I did not take the product course.  I finally just dropped the subject.

Being the obstinant person I am, I decided to email the company this morning.  I explained what the salon folks said, and asked the company to confirm or deny these claims.  I have not yet heard back from them, but will update this blog when I do.  Should be interesting.  I hope I hear something before my hair appointment on Thursday.

I guess my point in all this is, don’t believe what you hear.  Read ingredients.  Ask questions from RELIABLE sources.  And if it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, chances are…