Monday 9 March 2015

Natural Monday- Aloe Rose Water Face Mask

Today my face felt a little irritated. It was like this yesterday too so I decided to give it some love with a face mask.

I knew I wanted to use Rose Water and Aloe Vera Gel for their soothing, refreshing and numerous benefits.
I wanted a little extra boost so reached for my amla and shikakai powders.

Here's the recipe if you would like to try it too:

1 tablespoon of Aloe Vera Gel (you can use fresh but I went for packaged to save time)
1 teaspoon Amla Powder
1 teaspoon Shikakai Powder
1/2 teaspoon Vitamin E Oil
4 caps ( approx 3 tablespoons) Rose Water( I wanted a very thin mask not a thick one but would recommend using 1 and 1/2 tablespoons)
3 drops Rosemary EO (optional - please don't use if pregnant and check with GP if you have any medical concerns before using this or any other essential oil)



I placed the items in a bowl, mixed with a brush and applied to my freshly washed face with the same brush.


I loved the consistency and the way the mask instantly made my face feel soothed and calm. As the mask dries it gently tightens but no way feels hard. It's actually a nice feeling.

I left the mask on for 15-20 mins and rinsed of with warm water.

My face really felt happier and the soreness had gone. I applied a little coconut oil to my face and it felt lovely and soft.

Here's a few notes about the ingredients and why I chose them;
The ingredients are packed with vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants.
Aloe Vera Gel - moisturising, soothing, healing, cooling, anti- inflammatory, nutrient packed.
Amla Powder - Amla, or Indian Gooseberry, is a power packed fruit. I used it for it smoothing, softening, brightening properties.
Shikakai Powder - Made from pods, leaves and bark of the Shikakai tree, this powder is used on the hair and is known as hair fruit but Is also great on the skin, I added it to make use of the cleansing, nourishing, anti-bacterial, brightening,
Vitamin E Oil - soooo many benefits to using this oil the list is long but I added it as it's anti-oxidant, cell renewing, anti-inflammatory, healing, moisturising, penetrating, restorative, soothing, cleansing.
Rose Water - revitalising, soothing, hydrating, softening, nourishing, cooling, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial.
Rosemary EO - cleansing, rejuvenating, antiseptic, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory,  stimulates circulation, encouraged cell growth, healing, invigorating. 

If you cannot find the powders or don't wish to use them you can just leave them out or you can substitute them for your fave clay or powder.

Monday 2 March 2015

Natural Monday - Cinnamon Oil

It's no secret that I LOVE oils, since starting my hhj and getting rid of hair grease I discovered natural oils to use in my hair. I enjoy making different mixes for myself and others according to different needs and preferences.
I have been hearing about cinnamon oil from a few Dominican bloggers and stores. It's a nightmare finding Dominican hair products here (yes I have ranted before lol) so I decided to make my own - of sorts.
The particular oil I heard about contains alcohol and cinnamon oil with other ingredients depending on the brand. I opted to leave out the alcohol.


I used a mix of some of my fave oils - Avocado, Grapeseed and Almond so my finished oil would be bursting with ceramides, omegas etc - but you can use just one oil. Olive oil or Coconut oil are great if you want to give it a try but I as it's chilly here I didn't want to have to melt it every time I wanted to use it.

I normally infuse my oils cold for a few weeks but I wanted to try a warm infusion this time round so I placed my oils in a small pot and gently heated them over a low-to medium heat.
I took some cinnamon sticks, broke them in half and gently crushed them in my hand and added them to the oil. I also added some ground cinnamon.
I left the pot on the hob for 5 mins and gently swirled the mixture, I turned the heat right down and left the mixture simmering for another 5 or so minutes. The oil was a lovely warm brown colour.

I used coffee filters and poured the oil into a sterilised jar and left it to cool down.


The results was lovely but not as fragrant that I thought it would be, I think i'll try to make a cold infused batch to compare.

The Cinammon Oil can be used on the body...... In the hair..... On your cuticles..... In an oil burner...... added into natural products....... In cooking and baking

"Boosted Hair Oil"
The cinnamon oil can be used as is but I wanted to kick it up a notch to use as a hair growth oil.
I poured some of the oil into my dropper bottle and added a few drops of cinnamon essential oil and star anise.
It smells divine!!! I've been using it at night for a week and have been loving it.