DIY: The secret to Beautiful skin is Gentle Care, Good Products and Pure Natural Ingredients!

Take care of your skin, don't use lots of chemicals on it and don't I repeat DO NOT go out and spend hundreds of dollars on products that you do not know what is in them!!!

I hardly buy a thing these days from the cosmetic section I buy natural products and make my own skin care, household cleaners and laundry soaps.

I am going to share many recipes I have tried and used and some I have made myself.

ALWAYS remember be Gentle to your skin, give it some devoted time each day and best of all find something that de-stresses you each day, take the time it will show on you.
You may not like everything you were born with but You can always improve what you were born with even if it's not just what you wanted.
I have to say I'm pretty satisfied with My Self, Mother Goddess and Father God were good to me and I did inherit good genes I must say I have beautiful Patents, Goddess and God bless them always!! I wouldn't have plastic surgery on my face, with age do come some wrinkles anyone who thinks they can outrun the wrinkle faery is just crazy, but we can ease into those wrinkles gently and fight them with magick and good skin care and these recipes so do try some of my recipes I share.

I can't complain ;) 

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5 Simple Ingredients for Homemade Beauty Products

I love it when I know exactly what's going into and onto my body. When I can name every ingredient in something, without resorting to phonetically sounding it out. When the stuff that goes on my lips (or in my mouth) is actually edible. When the oil that soaks into my skin comes from olives, rather than petroleum. When my cleanser smells nice because part of it was once real flowers. 

So now I make a lot of my own beauty products. And actually, it's so easy and really fast, too. Faster than running down to the pharmacy for another tube of whatever. Make a list, go get these things, and try some recipes out!

Here are 5 fantastic and cheap ingredients to get you started: 

Organic coconut oil 

Coconut oil contains lauric acid, which has antimicrobial properties (and which babies get a good dose of in mum's milk). It's a good saturated fat, but got a bad reputation from the hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated varieties found in processed foods. So stick to the extra virgin or minimally refined versions. 

*cook with it - it doesn't break down at high temperatures, it lasts ages, and it's creamy at cool temperatures

*use it for creams like deodorant or chest rub

*use it for cleansers and make up removers

*use it as a conditioner for hair or a moisturizer for skin

Um, just looking at all these cross links and you can see how much I love coconut oil! I actually have two varieties - the extra virgin (which is less processed) and the refined (which is more subtle, when you don't want a strong scent).

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Organic extra virgin olive oil

Olive oil is rich in vitamin E and is known as a heart-healthy fat.

*cook with it

*use it in cleansers and make up removers

*use as a natural furniture polish

*use as a moisturizer for skin or lips or hair

NOTE: store out of direct light if possible

I love when I rub olive oil into something I'm cooking - my hands get so soft!! You can also used olive oil to get rid of cradle cap when she was a baby - just rub some onto the scalp and then use a comb to remove the flaky bits.

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Organic lavender essential oil (you only use a few drops at a time!)

Lavender can provide relief from insomnia, headaches, and also has antihistamine properties.

*put a few drops in your bath for extra relaxation

*add a few drops to your laundry rinse cycle to make your clothes or linens smell amazing

*add a few drops to homemade moisturizers or cleansers

*add a few drops to 10 mL apricot kernel oil for a relaxing massage oil

NOTE: store essential oils out of the reach of children and out of direct light if possible

I love the smell of lavender. Though it was one of those smells that repulsed me during pregnancy (along with coffee! what a nightmare that was!) so it took me awhile to get back into it ...

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Good raw honey-buy good honey

Raw honey hasn't been heated to high temperatures, so it retains all its natural goodness. Honey has antiseptic and anti fungal properties, and is soothing on the throat. A truly natural sugar.

*cook with it (or just use it raw!)

*use for mild cuts or burns or fungal infections

*makes a good face mask

*helps soothe sore or dry throats - try 1 Tbs lemon juice + 1 Tbs honey + 1 cup hot water

NOTE: don't give honey to babies less than 12 months old, or as your doctor recommend

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Tea tree oil (a little pricey but like any essential oil it'll last you ages)

Another great antiseptic and anti fungal essential oil. This one comes from an Australian native tree, and has quite a potent smell. So use in moderation! 

*add a few drops to your hot wash cycle as an extra disinfectant for towels and linens

*helps the skin recover from shaving or you can apply a drop or two directly to mild cuts or abrasions

*use in conjunction with white vinegar to clean the house - try 1 c vinegar + few drops oil + a bucket of hot water to mop tiled floors or without the water to clean the toilet

*is a natural insect repellent

NOTE: store essential oils out of the reach of children and out of direct light if possible

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I hope this gets you started on good skin care, get some friends or family members together and have an at home spa day!!

Treat yourself this weekend!

Both avocado oil and shea butter are known for their hydrating and moisturizing properties, making it the perfect marriage of ingredients for the delicate under eye area. 

Avocado oil Benefits:

Extremely moisturizing.

It is a natural source of Vitamins A, D and E.

It is easily absorbed into the skin and can help with regenerating and softening of the dry eye area. 

Contains potassium, which can help with the growth of new cells.

Supports skin elasticity.

Shea Butter Benefits:

It is a natural fat that is extracted from the nut of the African shea tree, which is very hydrating.

It is widely used in skin care to reduce the appearance of fine lines, scars and stretch marks. 

It melts when it comes in contact with your skin (if you buy the real stuff you will see what I mean) and it is instantly absorbed, without making you feel like a greasy mess. 

Has anti-inflammatory benefits. 

Restores the natural suppleness of your skin.

DIY Under Eye Treatment:

Avocado Oil 

%100 Pure Shea Butter *Make sure you read the back label before you purchase. You want to make sure the only ingredient listed is shea butter. 

*You can find both of these ingredients at a health food store in the beauty section. Or you can purchase them here and here. 

Directions:

Take a few drop of avocado oil and gently massage under each eye until fully absorbed. 

Finish by applying a thin layer of shea butter on top. Gently massage into your skin until absorbed. 

So easy and super cost effective!

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ANTI-WRINKLE EYE OIL

Anti-Wrinkle Eye Oil Now for the eyes! You can definitely use a heavier (read:
oilier) combination here as the tissue around your eyes is very thin and obviously more prone to
 wrinkles.

WHY AVOCADO OIL?
Avocado oil is perfect for your eyes because its abundant fatty acids help balance skin’s moisture
levels, and the high levels of vitamins A, C and E rejuvenate dry skin and remove those pesky free
radicals that age skin.
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ANTI-WRINKLE EYE OIL
1 tablespoon gentle oil(found at Mountain Rose Herbs,com) check them out
1 tablespoons avocado oil
2 tablespoons coconut oil
1/8 – 1/4 cup aloe vera
1 vitamin E capsule (optional)
Melt the coconut oil if needed and combine ingredients in a dark glass bottle, preferably one with
 a dropper. Shake well to combine. Put 3-5 drops onto your finger and pat into the skin around your
 eye before bed. If you add the vitamin E capsule you’ll need to shake before each use.
 Note: you can add a couple of tablespoons of cocoa butter to the recipe if you prefer a more solid
 cream. Cocoa butter is another major moisturizer and can make it easier to apply (it won’t slide
 around as much).
 Anti-Wrinkle Eye Oil After you apply the facial serum at night, tap a tiny amount
 of eye cream around the crease of your eye. A little goes a long way – if you go overboard
 slathering it on you’ll get it in your eyes and it will sting a bit (yep, learned this the hard
 way!).
 I love this Eye Oil I made a new batch of it today!
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HYDRATING SERUM
INGREDIENTS
1/4 cup aloe vera gel
2 tablespoons vegetable glycerin
1 teaspoon jojoba oil
1 vitamin E capsule (optional)
2-4 drops of essential oil like lavender, chamomile or rose
Combine ingredients in a small glass pump and shake well to combine. Apply to clean skin at night
for a light, overnight moisturizer. Shake before each use if including the vitamin E capsule. Will
last indefinitely if stored in the refrigerator.

WHY JOJOBA OIL?
 Jojoba and avocado oil (see below) are two of my favorites for skin care recipes. Jojoba is an oil
 that’s very close to our skin’s natural oil, and you can use it for just about anything (much like
 coconut oil). It’s non comedogenic, so it won’t block pores, and, in fact, it helps oily skin
 level out oil generation. Plus it’s loaded with vitamin E, linoleic acid and antioxidants that
 regenerate skin cells.
 But if you don’t have any jojoba on hand you can totally make this recipe without it, and it will
 still be excellent for your skin.

I love this Antiwrinkle serum

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Avocados are Nutritious

Avocados are fruits which grow on Persea Americana trees which are native to Mexico. Avocado is also known as 'Alligator Pear'. They have green tough skins which are textured and they are pear shaped.

The flesh inside the tough skin is the edible part. It is soft and creamy and very rich. There is also a large stone inside which can be easily removed.

Although avocados are high in fat they are still very healthy. They contain mono and polyunsaturated fats, which are the 'good' fats, as they contain omega 3 fatty acids which are vital for hair, skin and eyes. The good fats are unlike saturated fats which tend to be found in cakes and cheese, as they are less harmful to the arteries and high blood pressure.

Avocado is a versatile fruit, as it is filling and contains many vitamins and minerals.

Eating Avocados

I can't rave on these enough!!

Avocados are eaten raw with the flesh scooped out and the stone removed. They are enjoyable as a snack or in a salad.

They go well with prawns, fish or melon and they are the main ingredient in the Mexican dip guacamole.

Add lime, chopped coriander, onion, tomato and seasoning to avocados and mash together to make the guacamole. It can be chunky or pureed and served on french toasts or to dip chips or bread sticks.

Avocado can also be a luxury treat in a sandwich or wrap with cream cheese or ham.

Baby Food

Avocado is a soft food great for your growing baby. Mash it down or blend it in baby food as a nutritious meal rich in vitamins and good fats. It is ideal for a developing brain. Although it contains a high level of fats, it is good for baby in small amounts. Check with your family doctor if you have any concerns.

Smoothies

Smoothies are a blended drink full of your favorite fruit. You can make them yourself in a smoothie maker or in a blender with ice and fruit juice. Add avocado, banana, lime or strawberry for a healthy morning drink.

Prepare you avocado plants

Avocado Trees

When I had eaten my avocado, I wanted to know if there was anything to do with the stone (pit) in the middle. I then came across a different way of growing plants from them indoors.

By poking cocktail sticks into the middle of the stone it is then able to balance on a cup of water. As long as the bottom of the stone is immersed in the water they should be fine.

Keep them on a sunny window sill and with any luck they should begin to sprout in a matter of weeks. Once there are leaves and roots, allow them to grow about 6 inches. They can then be planted into pots.

Ensure that you use good compost and plant them shallow in the pot, with the roots downwards.

Keep them watered but do not saturate them. They need plenty of light indoors to grow. As new leaves grow pinch out the old ones to encourage good growth. You can them keep them outdoors in the summer, but bring them inside in the winter so they are safe from frost.

You may not get any fruit on the tree for the first year or two, but grow a couple of trees together to aid pollination.

Hair mask!

Avocado Hair Mask

Another use for avocados are to use them on your hair and skin! Try a nourishing hair mask every now and again for glossy locks.

Hair Mask Ingredients:

1 Mashed avocado

1 medium egg

1 tsp honey

Method:

Mash together the ingredients in a bowl.

Massage the mixture in your hair and wrap in cling film or a plastic shower cap.

Relax for 20 minutes and allow the vitamins, minerals and good fats enrich your hair and scalp. The honey is moisturising and the egg contains protein. Add olive oil if your scalp is particularly dry.

Rinse out of your hair after 20 minutes. Use a mild shampoo to remove the avocado mixture as it can get messy!

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Avocado Face Mask

Avocado is great for dry skin. Add mashed up ripe avocado to a spoonful of runny honey and smear on your face avoiding the nose, mouth and eye areas. Honey has antibacterial properties which can help soothe and skin and fight pimples.

If you have a lot of spots, add a few drops of freshly squeezed lemon as this is antiseptic.

For very dry skin, add plain natural yogurt or coconut oil to your mashed avocado. The natural ingredients are free of nasty chemicals which are found in shop bought face masks, and if you buy organic ingredients then all the better.