Homemade Sugar Body Scrub

Homemade Organic Facial Toner

Homemade Organic Cleansing Creams

Homemade Organic Paint Soap for Kids

Today let’s look at a couple of hair masques.

I have super long, curly hair, so most of the stuff I make has properties that can solve hair that tends to frizz or act crazy. However, these masques are also good for adding shine and smoothness, no matter your hair type. Also, I have hair to my waist so I make double batches of everything you see below. If you have regular length hair, just make the recipe how I post it below.

Avocado rosemary hair masque:

Smash up one avocado with fresh organic rosemary. Since you’re using fresh rosemary, you’ll want to really mash it up or the little rosemary prickles will poke you. Break open a vitamin E capsule and mix that in. Add a splash of olive oil for extra dry or thick hair or add a splash of a lighter oil (like almond or apricot) for thinner, less dry hair. Don’t add too much oil, or you’ll get a conditioner, not a masque. The texture should be sticky and thick not runny. Drop in four drops each of tea tree and orange essential oil and two drops of peppermint essential oil.

Apply to your hair and let it sit for 30 minutes or so. You could wear a shower cap – but I don’t believe in using them. I just clip my hair up in a twist – it works fine and never drips. Rinse out well in cool water for shiner less fizzy hair.

Cucumber & yogurt masque:

Note: This masque is drippy, other than adding some base like flour (don’t do that) I have no idea how to thicken it up. So, you may want to take a nice bath as you let this soak into your hair.

Mix in a blender: 1/2 cup organic plain yogurt, 1/2 of an average sized peeled cucumber, a tablespoon or so of honey, a few drops of lavender essential oil, and chamomile. You have some different choices regarding the chamomile. You can chop fresh really fine, boil fresh to a reduction, or add some essential oil of chamomile. I usually have added the oil, or shopped fresh. Boiling is too much extra work. Apply to your head, clip hair up and soak in the tub for 30 minutes. Rinse in cool water for softer, smoother hair. Cucumber is also known to fight off chlorine damage well if used weekly.

Some people I know mix egg with their cucumber masques, but I don’t like the smell so I don’t. You can though, for extra shine.

Of course, always feel free to experiment. Add essential oils that are beneficial to your hair type.

Before making a homemade beauty product read: Homemade Beauty Products – Safety 101

[photos via stock.xchng]

Post from: Tree Hugging Family

Today; facial toner. You can buy organic toner for over $40 – or you can make your own for a whole lot less. This recipe has a simple base, that is very customizable. If you have a good herb, flower, and essential oil book, you can pick herbs, flower essences and oils that will compliment your skin type. This recipe is the version I like. But keep in mind that I have pretty normal skin, not too dry or oily, no breakouts, etc. I’m lucky. I call it even because I have unruly curls that I can’t stand – it’s only fair that I got good skin.

After this I’ll add some tips for customizing in case you do have troublesome skin.

You need to gather:

You’ll need a bottle of witch hazel. It’s fine to get plain or even a witch hazel – aloe mix. Plus you need a mixture of herbs and spices (in equal parts) such as fresh mint, fresh rosemary, lemon balm, lavender, dried cloves, cinnamon sticks – or anything else that suits your fancy.

What I personally use:

• Equal parts: fresh rosemary and lavender (yes, grab organic).
• A tiny bit of fresh basil (I know odd, but I like how basil smells).
• A few cinnamon sticks and a tablespoon of dried whole cloves.
• A tablespoon of grated orange peel and the peels of ½ of a lemon.
• Two – three drops of tea tree essential oil.

How to make:

Place all ingredients in a jar and cover completely with witch hazel. Let the mixture sit for a while in your fridge – I usually go a week. Strain, and apply to face. To avoid using extra stuff, I apply this with clean fingers. If you want to use it as a cleaner / toner, use a washcloth (you don’t need to waste a million cotton balls). Another way to use this is as a refresher. Keep it in the fridge, and spray on your face (close your eyes!) during the heat of summer.

The downside: The only downside of this recipe is that unless you use it quick, you really should keep it in the fridge. It’s perishable. I don’t like this factor. To get around it, I make tiny batches frequently, instead of a lot all at once. If you make a small batch you can give it as a gift as well. Making small batches is smart anyhow because you can see if a toner is a good fit for your skin type.

About skin type:

As noted, this is fully customizable for your skin. To learn more about the herb, oil, and flower items that will work best for your skin you can purchase some books on herbs, oils, and flowers (my first recommendation) or visit this amazing ingredients guide from the Organic Pharmacy. The guide lists tons of items and what they’re used for; i.e. to reduce scars, help dry skin, and so fourth.

Post from: Tree Hugging Family