Natural cosmetics.

Xania · � #1 � 03-24-2008, 02:48 AM

I have just come across this - Cleopatra's face mask. I might try it, one day!
Does anyone have any other natural beauty tips? All right, if not exactly "beauty", then tips for skin care!

2 unpeeled cucumbers, whipping cream, 1 tbsp
olive oil, 1 tbsp honey, a little cornstarch, several
halved lemons.
Slice the cucumbers into the smallest strips or
cubes you can without leaving your fingertips on
the chopping board. Put them into the blender,
and add dollops of whipping cream bit by bit until
the mixture makes a nice paste. Then add the
olive oil and honey and give it a quick whiz until
it disappears.
Add a large pinch of cornstarch, blend a few more
seconds, then leave it in the fridge for at least half
an hour.
When you're ready to apply the mixture, scrub
your face and neck with the lemon halves, but
don't wipe your face dry.
Lay in a reclining position and apply the
cucumber-cream mixture. Better still, get
someone to put it on for you, otherwise you'll
probably end up with half your face covered and
half bare. (Or knowing me I'd absentmindedly
think 'hmmm, tasty' and spoon it into my mouth
Homer Simpson style).
Leave the mask for 1-1 1/2 hours before removing.
Once you've cleaned your face up, dip your
fingers into some more whipping cream and
massage it in. Let it dry naturally, then wash off
with nothing but water.

Iggy Dalrymple · � #2 � 03-24-2008, 05:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xania

(Or knowing me I'd absentmindedly
think 'hmmm, tasty' and spoon it into my mouth
Homer Simpson style).

So Xania, the "Simpsons" are popular in England? Are you familiar with a similar series, "King Of The Hill" ?

One of my favorite characters was "Cotton", the late father-in-law. Cotton was a very short man, having both his knees shot off by the Japs in WW2. "Cotton" reminded me of my late brother-in-law, Dale, who also had many colorful war stories. Cotton even bore a physical resemblance to Dale. Dale told of throwing his coffee cup at a kamikaze plane when he ran out of ammo. Dale traversed the globe while a teenage sailor, assigned as a member of the "Armed Guard", US Sailors who operated guns on Merchant Marine cargo ships.

Xania · � #3 � 03-24-2008, 05:34 AM

Yes, Iggy, our TV channels ae as swamped as yours with the Simpsons!

I don't know King of the Hill, but it may be on TV - I just don't see a lot. What with Forums, webcams in eagles' nests, and watching the waves,
https://www.harbourhotel.co.uk/webcam.html
ther isn't much time left for work or TV!

scorpiotiger · � #4 � 03-24-2008, 10:23 AM

leave the mask on for 1 1/2 hours? maybe in my next life..

have you tried this, Xania?

I've been mixing an aloe gel with vitamin c and putting it on my face at night. I think it makes the skin nicer.

also, when I remember, I have been using oil cleansing - which uses a mixture of castor oil and olive oil - to wash my face. Then I use everydayminerals mineral powder for makeup. It is nice and the price is very reasonable (a lot cheaper than the popular mineral makeups). plus, you can get a free kit to determine your color. I went thru about 3 free kits before I found the right one, but I'm happy with it.

Xania · � #5 � 03-24-2008, 10:25 AM

No, I haven't, yet, but it looks good enough to try it. The time factor is a problem, most days.
Maybe one quiet Sunday afternoon - - -

Xania · � #6 � 03-24-2008, 10:38 AM

Scorpio - I want to get to know that everyday minerals company. How do I get some free kits to find out what I want to buy? I know, I could ask them, but if you know the answer already - - ??

scorpiotiger · � #7 � 03-24-2008, 10:43 AM

the oil cleansing method:
from lowcarbfriends oil cleansing thread

Quote:

Oil Face Cleansing Method

Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) is used for moisture.
Castor Oil (CO) is used for cleansing.

Castor Oil tends to be a bit on the thick side, so a mix of the two (EVOO/CO) is frequently used. This allows for the Castor Oil to really sink into the pores and draw out the dirt and grime to the surface.

You can vary this ratio to match your skins needs. More EVOO for moisture or more CO for cleansing:

25/75 EVOO/CO for Oily skin
75/25 EVOO/CO for dry skin

EVOO is incredibly high in antioxidants, while CO is excellent for drawing and healing. CO has been the focus of many books and medical discussion because of its seemingly "magical" healing properties. It only makes sense (after a bit of research) that one would use CO on their face to help treat blemishes and acne, or simply to make their skin look and feel better.

As quoted in The Oil That Heals by Dr. McGarey, a country doctor (unknown?) states, "Castor oil will leave the body in better condition than it found it."

The Routine:

Massage a substantial amount (the cup of your palm, while hand is held open) of EVOO/CO into your face and neck.

This is to be done over makeup or any visible dirt. Take this time to give yourself a facial massage. Really work the oil into your skin. Take your time, breathe deeply, and relax. Sit down to do this if it helps.

You, of course, do not have to sit and relax, but keep in mind that stress isn't good for your skin and you should take any moment you can to destress and let tension float away.
Take a washcloth, terry cloth or flannel preferred, and soak it in steamy hot water. Wring it out and drape it over your face.

What we are doing is steaming your face as an esthetician would, but without the steam machine. You want to open your pores. This helps release any impurities from deep within your pores.
As the washcloth begins to cool, gently wipe the oil and dirt away. This will also help remove any dead skin cells that are stubbornly clinging on.
Rinse the washcloth out in hot water and wipe away any remaining impurities. You may have to do this two or three times more to remove any remaining dirt and oil residue, but it will come off leaving your skin with a beautiful, healthy glow. No additional cleansing is necessary.
After you have rinsed well, you can either splash your face with cool water to help tone and close your pores, or if your face feels tight, you can moisturize.
If your skin feels tight, take a tiny drop of your EVOO/CO, rub it between your clean, damp palms and pat it into your damp skin. Massage any oil residue into your skin so there is no film of oil left sitting on the surface. Being prone to breakouts, myself, I've found that this is perhaps the most important step.

Your skin should glow now.

...

The above is the daily method, but once a week try actually doing the steam.

The Steam Method:

Heat up a large bowl of water (boiling or slightly below).
Put oil on face, massage in.
Get a towel, and drape it over your head.
Steam your face over the bowl, under the towel for 3-5 mins.
Apply more oil if needed, massage a little more.
Rinse as usual.

You gotta kind of work it out so that the water is hot when you are ready for it. Sometimes I just stand there staring at the microwave with oil dripping onto my shirt. Other times most of the oil has soaked in by the time the water is ready......so you just have to use trial and error. I usually do this once a week.

...

FYI: Castor oil can be found at health food stores & in the pharmacy section of some grocery stores with the laxatives. (Nod to Beth ). Lavender essential oil can also be found at health food stores. It is optional added only for the scent. It's also nice to put a drop or two on your pillow or sheets.

you can mix up 1 cup at a time & keep it in a water bottle on the sink..

scorpiotiger · � #8 � 03-24-2008, 10:59 AM

also, one other thing that I think a lot of women don't think about.. if you use something to improve the skin on your face.. use it on your hands, too. and your neck (if you have enough.. sometimes that is not feasible).

I've been doing this for a while, and my hands look pretty nice.

Iggy Dalrymple · � #9 � 03-24-2008, 06:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scorpiotiger

and your neck (if you have enough.. sometimes that is not feasible).

I've got lots of neck, particularly under my chin.

scorpiotiger · � #10 � 03-24-2008, 07:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iggy Dalrymple

I've got lots of neck, particularly under my chin.

I meant if you have enough lotion/mask/whatever for your neck, too.. you nut!!!

Xania · � #11 � 03-24-2008, 11:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xania

Scorpio - I want to get to know that everyday minerals company. How do I get some free kits to find out what I want to buy? I know, I could ask them, but if you know the answer already - - ??

Just wondering?

scorpiotiger · � #12 � 03-25-2008, 03:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xania

Scorpio - I want to get to know that everyday minerals company. How do I get some free kits to find out what I want to buy? I know, I could ask them, but if you know the answer already - - ??

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xania

Just wondering?

oops, sorry.

go here: everyday minerals custom kits
then look to the right , and you will see: Free Sample Makeup Kit
click on Add to Cart
you will be taken to the shopping cart page and you will see the parts of the free kit with "powder" circles under each section.
click on one of the circles (under foundation, blushes, or concealer)
this will take you to the foundation/blush/concealer page.
make your choice (note for foundation, you choose both color and type).
Add to Kit will appear after you make your color/type choice.
click on Add to Kit
this takes you back to the shopping cart
go back to step 5
repeat until you are done
check out (you will pay shipping charge)
then make the next choice until you are done.

Xania.. I don't know what the shipping would be to the UK.. but it is a small kit. doesn't weight much. it was 3.95 for me.

I ended up picking the golden-light shade (type:intensive) for my foundation. I really like it.