LOLI Beauty

The domain of Subscriptions Boxes is so excruciatingly mundane and boring, same old thing with a bunch of ‘deluxe sized samples’. Of which more than half the times I don’t like the products, I don’t like the brand, I don’t need the product and before I realize another month passes by and my $10-$15 down the deluxe sample sized drain!

Few weeks ago, I was contacted with an interesting concept, which kinda tickled my DIY  soul! LOLI Beauty is a sub box service which packages natural products with high quality, ethically sourced organic ingredients, including blending recipes.

Week later, my first package arrived with a Ghee cleanser (with mix of other oils), Matcha Latte Peel, Fruit Smoothie Peel, More Mojo and Peace Out Essential Oils, stirring spoon & bowl, pipette to dispense oils.

Of course needless to mention, I couldn’t wait to get stuck in to. It also had a recipe card, which I did not refer to (honest confession). I started mixing my own thing, I had no idea what I was doing, but it was sooo much fun.

Mixed it all, slathered and sat back. The peel powder was slightly gritty giving right level of exfoliation, the ghee cleanser moisturized skin so well and essential oils made it a relaxing experience. Days later my experiments continued till my inner wild creative beast wasn’t fulfilled.

Month passed and then I received another box, with brand new ingredients. Of course it tickled my fancy and decided to refer to all cards this time (for sake of an informed blog post).

Immediately as I glanced at the cards, I LOVED it. Not only full break down of ingredients but also details on its source and level of purity. In natural skincare world, these things are sooo crucial because poor quality ingredients basically equates to poor products with possible skin reactions.

It also includes Tips on how to use each product in isolation or combinations with each other. However, I’ve also been mixing and matching ingredients from previous box, and the creations are endless.

The possibilities and concoctions seem endless and your creative blending juices can flow and flow away! Have you tried this box? or tried any other box with a similar concept?

HHW.com

xx

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Bath Salts Edition

During the cooler/freezing months, I will be soaking/pruning away to glory in extended bath sessions. Recently, I indulged in a miniature set of all oils from Aromatherapy Associates. One word, they’re Divine. But they come at a price tag. I wanted to create a simple, cost effective option which leaves me with just as divine bath experience.

Yes we all know I’m on a major DIY kick and wanted to create something just as good, which is cost effective, something you can prepare in the comfort of your home and modify the scent depending on your mood.

Here’s my ‘Recipe’ (I say recipe loosely, because as you know from my previous post I’m freestyle kinda person). The beauty of this recipe is you can keep it as simple or fancy as you like – your choice, your decision.

• 2 parts of Epsom Salts (you can get regular or scented ones like Dr. Teals Lavender, Chamomile, Eucalyptus Spearmint, Rosemary & Mint etc). Benefits of epsom salt are well known. Some of which include, stimulating circulation, soothing sore muscles and reduce inflammation, detoxify toxins, improve absorption of nutrients, improve oxygen flow and use.
• 1 part of Sea Salt Crystals (black sea, himalayan, atlantic, hawaiian, dead sea etc) – excellent for softening water. Plus it can stimulate circulation, ease muscle cramps, help relieve stiffness in joints, and soothe aching legs and feet. Also it helps cleanse and detoxify the largest organ in the body—your skin.
• 1tbsp Baking Soda – helps alkalize the body and exfoliate skin
• Essentials Oils – I used (2-3 drops) – Bergamot, Jasmine, Ylang Ylang, Tuberose
• Spices – Pinch of Cinnamon and Clove powder to help relieve tired sore muscles

The final potion smells bloody amazing, not only in my bath but also the whole bathroom smelled like a spa.

Your Personalized Twist

As mentioned in the previous post, you can mix absolutely anything and make DIY projects spectacular.

Moisturizing Agents – You can add slivers of shea butter, cocoa butter, moisturizing oils (jojoba, sweet almond, rosehip, argan, wheatgerm, coconut, olive, avocado, grapeseed, etc). You can even add Glycerin to the mixture but ensure you mix really well.

You can also add dried herbs (mint, rosemary, etc) or dried fruit peels (like lemon, lime, grapefruit or any citrus fruit) or dried flower petals (rose, lavender, calendula, chamomile, jasmine) or powdered tea (black, red, green, white) or pinch of ground powdered spices (cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, black pepper, saffron). These ingredients can either be added as a whole or powdered so it goes down easier in the tub drain.

The Essential oils list is endless but here are some to get you inspired: patchouli, sandalwood, cedar wood, rosewood, geranium, rose, lavender, rosemary, ylang ylang, tuberose, gardenia……etc.

Many add food coloring to give it colour, personally I don’t care for any colour. However if you’d like some please go ahead.

The tag line for any DIY project is: Whatever your mind fancies and heart desires.! Of course these make lovely xmas pressies too, package them in cute jars with lovely labels and voilaaa you have hand made, hand poured, personalized gift with a touch of care and love.

HHW.com

xx

DIY MASKS AND SCRUBS

I’ve been experimenting with DIY mask recipes. We pay a fortune to some known brands for their natural and organic masks. Million dollar question is, why can’t we make our own concoctions at home? We can have fun with it and save some $$$ to invest in serums we cannot make at home.

Here is my approach to DIY masks and scrubs at home, all ingredients are listed below (not a complete list, its subject to your own creativity). I don’t intend on publishing “set” recipes. In my opinion and experience, its more important to understand what your skin needs and how will your chosen ingredient address those specific concerns. Based on that you can formulate your own recipe (loosen up and have fun in this whole process).

The Rule is, there are NO Rules. You can throw in as many ingredients as you like, you can work with whatever you have at home and make it your own.

CLAYS:

• French Green Clay – richest in mineral compositions, excellent for drawing toxins and oils from the skin
• Fullers Earth Clay or Indian Fullers Earth – this clay is a strong absorbent therefore making it an excellent choice for drawing excess oils from the skin and stimulating circulation to the skin
• Rhassoul Clay (Morocco) – high in Silica, Magnesium, Iron, Calcium, Potassium and Sodium content this clay reduces dryness, flakiness, removes dead skin cells, absorbs oils, improves the texture and appearance of skin
• White and Yellow Kaolin Clay – also known as China clay. Least aggressive making it an excellent option for most sensitive skin types whilst it stimulates circulation and gently exfoliates. Unfortunately it does not draw impurities from the skin
• Red Kaolin Clay – highly absorbent and used for drawing oils and toxins from the skin. Not a favorable choice for sensitive or dry skins
• Pink Kaolin Clay – combination of red and white clay and suitable to most skins types
• Moor Mud – detoxifying, anti-inflammatory, astringent, tightening, drawing of impurities, toning and balancing to the skins surface healing. Apparently, “Moor Mud” has tremendous therapeutic properties
• Volcanic Ash – fabulous to exfoliate the skin and draw out impurities

KITCHEN BASE POWDERS: 

• Cocoa Powder – high antioxidant, vitamin and mineral content. Helps in increasing blood flow, making it a wonderful option for congested acenaic skins
• Coffee grounds – wonderful exfoliant and stimulating blood circulation
• Oat Meal Powder – fabulous for dry, sensitive and dehydrated skins.
• Almond Flour or Meal – naturally rich in vitamin E, monounsaturated fat, a gentle exfoliator for sensitive dry skins
• Acai Berry Powder – highest in ORAC  (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity-absorption of free radicals) and antioxidants, helps repair damaged collagen and elastin and reduce inflammation
• Brewers Yeast Powder – chosen to detoxify clogged pores (kills trapped bacteria in skin). Its loaded with B-vitamins, protein, folate, potassium, copper, iron, magnesium, zinc, manganese, chromium, and selenium.
• Calamine Powder – a form of zinc oxide. Works to soothe any irritations, absorbs excess oil, and calm inflammations
• Chlorella Powder – rich in amino acids and antioxidants which is wonderful for detoxifying skin. Also aids with blood circulation, and firming skin
• Ground Garbanzo flour – excellent cleanser with oil absorbing properties

VEGATABLES:

• Papaya – fabulous for papain enzymes, wonderful for resurfacing skin and adding glow to the skin (with a dash of cinnamon is my personal favorite)
• Tomato – excellent to treat congested pores, glow to skin, controls oil production, and fights cellular damage
• Cucumber – cooling and soothing effect on skin

FRUITS:

• Berries – high in antioxidants and anti inflammatory properties
• Grapes – this is well documented in Caudalie’s owner Mathilde Thomas book, high in polyphenols wonderful for anti aging, skin softening, skin brightening, hydration.
• Citrus Fruits – high in fruit acids wonderful for exfoliation and giving yourself a mini peel at home

HERBS: you could make a paste or boil in water to get its essence

• Mint Leaves – cools, refreshes skin and stimulates tired dreary skin.
• Holy Basil – highly acclaimed for its healing properties, works magic on eczema, acne, and skin irritations, soothe inflammation, and adds glow to the skin.

LIQUIDS: to mix and bind all dry ingredients to desired consistency

• Raw Honey – powerful antimicrobial, regulated skin ph, high in antioxidants, humectant, and rich in nutrients. One word FABULOUS.
• Yogurt & Milk – lactic acid resurfaces and excellent humectant
• Teas – black, green, white or red tea. Wonderful source of antioxidants 
• Rosewater – cooling, soothing and calming for sensitive skin
• Apple Cider Vinegar – excellent for acne and congestion prone skins
• Olive oil, Cream, Clarified Butter (ghee)  – delivers moisture, and acts as humectant
• Glycerin – humectant

SPICES: you need the tiniest pinch to do the job. 

• Cinnamon – plumps skin, antiseptic, soothe dry skin, improve blood circulation
• Nutmeg – prevent infection and reduce swelling, strong antifungal and antibacterial activities, astringent and anti-inflammatory properties. It can reduce the infection and swelling around your clogged pores
• Clove – antiseptic and antibacterial properties, antioxidant, antifungal, antibacterial, aphrodisiac, antiviral, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties
• Cayenne Pepper – rich in vitamin C and E, stimulates blood flow which helps nutrients get to skin cells. Opens clogged pores, stimulates the blood flow, and very effective with blemishes
• Saffron – excellent to add glow to the skin. Helps with pigmentation, dark circles, acne, and brighten dull lack lustre skin.
• Sodium Bicarbonate – mild antiseptic, anti bacterial, helps excessive oil absorption, skin brightener.
• Turmeric – powered by antioxidant curcumin it has anti bacterial, anti inflammatory, antioxidant, and redness reducing properties. Used to soothe acne, dark spots, hyperpigmentation, eczema, hives.

ESSENTIAL OILS: Drop or two of Essential Oils you may like. OR Add a few drops of your regular facial oil.

 

Give it a whirl and see how you go. Its an endless trial and error process but you have to ensure you have fun with the whole process.

If you can cook a decent meal for your tummy, surely you can cook a decent meal/mask for your precious face.

HHW.com

xx

DIY Aromatherapy Facial

We’ve been to spa’s or heard of various Aromatherapy treatments. One of which is the aromatherapy facial, which got my attention. These facials are known to soothe the skin and relax your mind. With the use of essentials oils based on your skin type, the scents from these lush oils induce relaxation to a stressed mind. Different essential oils are suited to different types of skin such as:

• Dry Skin- cedarwood, clary sage, geranium, jasmine, lavender, lemon, myrrh, patchouli, roman chamomile, rose, rosewood, sandalwood, ylang ylang
• Oily Skin- bergamot, clary sage, cypress, frankincense, geranium, helichrsum, lavender, lemon, lemongrass, orange, patchouli, peppermint, roman chamomile, rosemary, sandalwood, tea tree, ylang ylang
• Normal skin/Combination skin- geranium, chamomile, lavender, orange, ylang ylang petitgrain, palmarosa.
• Sensitive Skin- geranium, jasmine, lavender, chamomile, neroli
• Mature Skin- clary sage, cypress, frankincense, geranium, helichyrsum, lavender, lemon, myrrh, orange, patchouli, rosemary, sandalwood, ylang ylang.

While the above list is commercial, I was once advised that take a deep breath and have a good sniff at these oils. Based on that, listen to what your body signals. Your body and mind will react to the scent either in a pleasant way (wanting more) or simply gross you out. This exercise will determine what your skin/body needs. I haven’t looked back since and truly believe in this method. At home aromatherapy facials have shaped up as follows:

Cleansing – Makeup Removal – Rodial Dragon’s Blood Cleansing Water to remove my eye makeup and whatever is left on cotton pad I swipe across my lips and rest of face. Then follow with Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm and gently massage all over my face. Once the balm is all over my palms, I cup them and inhale deep breath. Wipe with warm wash cloth.

Cleansing – Skin Nourishment – Followed with Rodial Stem Cell Super Food Cleanser and again massage away to glory. Dip my hands in ice cold water and shock my skin with varying temperatures. Now I don’t know if this would be recommended however I know I thoroughly enjoy it.

Steaming – Next step of temperature shock is boil a pot of hot water, add a few drops of essential oil, hold a towel over my head and let my skin steam away. In an ideal spa environment, this stage will be followed by extractions but I’m a chicken when I do it over myself.

Exfoliating – Instead of extractions, I use grated almond shell (nourishes and gently exfoliates) with orange rind (vitamin c) mixed with whole cream milk (lactic acid) and gently massage all over my face. Wash it off with regular tap water.

Alternatively I use PMD after steaming. Will post a separate review on that.

Mask – Back to wonderful smells and injecting hydration in skin I smear Una Brennan Rose Hydrating Mask all over and let it sit for 15-25minutes. If I fall asleep I guess I stop there if not…here’s how I continue

Toner – Spritz Pixi Glow Tonic, very refreshing and smells wonderful

Moisturizer – Followed with Dr Scheller Lavender Night Moisturizer, since it has water content skin will absorb immediately and then follow with

Facial Oil – Estelle & Thild Oil – Rose scented goodness!

Understandably,  to some this could be sensory overload or a simple assault on senses but to me this is perfection!

xx

HHW.com