DIY Activated Charcoal Mask

In December, I created a beautiful black soap for the holidays that I playfully named; “Chunk of Coal” soap that was coloured with activated charcoal. I’ve been playing a bit with charcoal and plan to create a face cleansing soap that contains charcoal in the near future. In the meantime, here is some information on Activated Charcoal benefits and also a recipe for you to make at home any day, so that you can enjoy the benefits  of this fantastic ingredient!

While derived from common charcoal, activated charcoal differs because it is made specifically for medicinal use and is porous. These pores allow activated charcoal to trap chemicals and is used to treat poisonings, intestinal gas, nausea, and bile flow issues. It is also used in water filters to absorb the yucky flavors from the water and help purify drinking water. Activated charcoal also works wonders for the skin when applied topically: it keeps skin clear by drawing dirt out of pores and improves skin-tone by removing dry patches. Perfect for your dry winter or sun-stressed skin!

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Honey & Yogurty Goodness for your Skin

During this busy time of year, I try to make a little ‘me’ time in the few moments that I get. One of them is to spend a few minutes pampering myself and one of my favorites for fresh feeling, soft skin is a face mask.

One of the products in my online shop: Skin Brightening Face Mask and Polish – notes on the side that you can add Yogurt or Honey instead of oil or water. Why would you want to add either of those? Well, it’s to create your own fresh face mask. The shelf life of my powdered mask lasts so much longer since I haven’t added any short life ingredients to it, which is intended so it can be customized it to your skin needs for an extra treat!

Lets talk about the benefits of yogurt on skin…

Vanilla Pumpkin Spice Sugar Scrub Recipe

Fall is finally upon us and I love this time of year! The fresh crisp air, warm drinks and of course, pumpkin pie! All of the pumpkins that are ready to be taken home from the stores and yummy fall influenced desserts have inspired me to make an all natural Vanilla Pumpkin Spice Sugar Scrub. While it’s not the same as pumpkin pie, it is sure a nice way to enjoy the warm spices without the guilt!

Honey Body Wash Recipe

Lately I’ve been working on something pretty exciting! Not only am I making goodies to get ready for my summer event where locals can find me at the North Vancouver Canada Day craft show at Waterfront Park, but I’m also lucky enough to be collaborating along with others for a 30 day Beauty Detox Program! If that interests you, not only will this feature locally based wellness experts (to Vancouver), it will also be free! More on that in the next few days…

In the meantime… this collaboration inspired me to look making an easy soap based recipe. I’ve concocted a mosturising, good for your skin, Raw Honey Body Wash. Not only is this simple to make, but you can customize it with a scent that you love… such as Relaxing Lavender, Uplifting Sweet Orange, or Floral Ylang Ylang and Jasmine essential oils.

Sensual Massage Oil Recipe

Looking for a thoughtful Valentine’s Day gift? (or for birthday, or anniversary)? I’m going to share a lovely massage oil recipe that you can make yourself. What could be more romantic and personal? This is such a special way to take care of your Valentine and spend some intimate time together.

Valentine’s Day Massage Oil Recipe

Ingredients:
28 grams Carrier Oils:
16 grams Grape Seed oil
8 grams Sweet Almond oil
4 grams Jojoba oil

6 drops Essential Oils:
2 drops Ylang Ylang
2 drops Sweet Orange
1 drop Lavender
1 drop Jasmine

Feel free to use all of the above carrier or essential oils or make a special blend of your very own. Just make sure you calculate the total amount.

Instructions:

Add 6 drops of essential oil to a 1 oz glass dropper bottle or clean container of choice. Using a digital scale, weigh out the oils into a separate clean glass jar or beaker and pour into the final container with the essential oils.

Customize with label and decorate the container if wish. Use a sticker label or paper and adhere with tape over top.
I used a rubber stamp on precut label paper for my label. Simple. You could also draw or print your label.

Please note that allergies or skin sensitivities should be considered when making any blends.

Enjoy! Let me know what you think!

A natural homemade gift

With Christmas just a few days away, perhaps you’re trying to think of that perfect gift for that one last person on your list. I’ve got a great natural gift idea that you can make at home!

At the request of my cousin, I’ve been inspired to create a great facial scrub/cleanser that will leave skin feeling really clean and refreshed.

Here are the ingredients and steps below. Please let me know what you think! If you do not have clay, you can find cosmetic grade clay on the internet, or call around to local natural stores.

1/2 cup white (kaolin) clay
1/4 cup finely ground oats
1/8 cup finely ground, blanched almonds
8 drops of your favorite essential oil (optional)

I would recommend lavender essential oil as its great for all skin types and helps with acne, aging, scars, oiliness, dryness and skin elasticity. Plus it smells wonderful and has a relaxing effect, which is perfect for this time of year!

Combine all the ingredients well – you may need to use dry, clean fingers to break up any lumps from the essential oil. Store in a glass container.

To use, put about a quarter size of the mixture in your palm, add water and stir into a paste. Gently massage it into your face, and rinse off with warm water. You can let it sit on your skin before you rinse it off for up to 10-15 minutes to let the clay activate. Use it 1-2 times per week. I would recommend to follow with toner and skin oil… Or you can simply use a face lotion.

I just tried it. It is SOOO amazing. my skin feels great, refreshed and very soft. I hope the lucky person you made it for enjoys it as much as I did!