The use of essential oils for beauty goes back to the days of the ancient Greeks, Romans and Egyptians, who learned extract these precious essences from plants and use them on the skin to moisturize, smooth, calm and help in healing. Myrrh and frankincense essential oils have long been valued for their anti-aging properties, as well. Use these tips to add essential oils to your beauty regimen.
Instructions
1. Treat skin to an essential oil steam bath. Fill a large bowl with boiling water. Add 4 drops each of mandarin and lavender oils for normal skin; lemon and eucalyptus oils for oily skin; and rose and chamomile oils for dry skin. Lean over the bowl with a towel draped over your head to keep in the steam. Stay about 12 inches above the bowl. Let the steam penetrate pores for two to five minutes. Dry skin with a clean towel and follow with a cleansing mask.
2. Create scented dusting powder. Start with 1 cup corn starch and mix in 1 tbsp. orris root powder. Choose an essential oil, such as bergamot, lemon, chamomile, clary sage or rose, or a combination that appeals to you. Slowly add 1/4 tsp. of essential oil to the starch mixture. Stir thoroughly to incorporate the scent. Keep in a sealed container and apply with a powder puff after shower or bath.
3. Make a soothing skin toner. Mix 1 egg white with 1 tbsp. glycerin or honey and 1 1/2 tsp. vodka or witch hazel. Blend well to break down the egg white and honey. Add 2 drops each of lemon oil, lavender oil and thyme oil. Mix well and decant into a small bottle of amber or blue glass. Apply to skin after cleansing, using a cotton ball. Keep away from the eyes. Let the skin dry before applying moisturizer or makeup. Store toner in a cool place and use twice daily.
4. Refresh tired skin with this tonic, which helps stimulate new cell growth. Combine 6 oz. orange flower water with 4 oz. witch hazel and 5 drops glycerin. Add 5 drops neroli essential oil and mix well. Pour into a small bottle or mister. Apply to the skin after cleansing, keeping out of the eyes.
5. Massage an anti-aging oil into skin. Start with 2 tbsp. almond oil and mix in 3 drops frankincense oil, 2 drops myrrh oil, 3 drops neroli oil, 3 drops rose oil and 1 drop lavender oil. Decant into a small bottle of amber or blue glass to protect the mixture from light. Gently massage into the skin of face and neck after cleansing, keeping away from the eyes. Apply at night before bed.
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