Basic Balancer

• 3 cups distilled water
• 1/3 cups apple cider vinegar

Combine water and vinegar. Pour into a clean decorative decanter and store in the bathroom.

Various essential oils or herb infusions (in place of the plain distilled water) may be added to the basic balancer for fragrance and/or therapeutic value:

For oily skin

• add one of the following oils or infusions:
• Calendula (marigold)
• Geranium
• Horestail herb
• Sage
• Yarrow
  

For dry, sensitive skin

add one of the following oils or infusions:

• Borage
• Cornflower
• Houseleek
• Lady's Mantle
• Marsh mallow (roots and leaves)
• Parsley
• Sorrel
• Sweet Violet (flowers and leaves)

General Purpose Cleanser

Blend together 50ml Grapeseed Oil, 20ml Sunflower Oil, 20ml Sesame Oil, 10ml Wheat germ Oil and 5 drops of the essential oil of your choice. Use as a normal cleanser.

Facial Scrub

Mix together 1/2 tsp Cider Vinegar, pinch of Salt, 1 drop Basil oil, 1tsp ground Almonds and 1 tsp of oats.
Using damp fingers roll the mixture over the face, then rinse off well, it will remove all dead skin cells and enlivens the skin tone.

Facial Spring Clean

After the long sunless winter, endless days spent in the dry conditions of central heating your skin could do with some pampering, this scrub will do just the job and save you a fortune on expensive beauty treatments.
Mix together 1tsp ground pulse or nuts, 1/2tsp Almond Oil and 1 drop pure lemon oil.
Using damp fingers roll the mixture over the face then rinse to remove dead skin cells and grime. Now splash your face 20 times with water for that feel soft skin, for full effect use this scrub twice within the same week.

Astringent

Blend together 25ml Witch Hazel, 75ml Orange flower water, 1 tsp Cider Vinegar, 2 drops Juniper, 1 drop lime and 1 drop of Grapefruit oil.
Leave for 24 hours then pass the contents through a paper filter (coffee filter), use as required after cleansing.

Tonic- Normal/Dry Skin

Blend together 100ml Rose water, 1 drop Sandalwood and 1 drop of Palmarosa oil.
Leave for 24 hours then pass the contents through a paper filter (coffee filter), then use as required after cleansing.

Tonic - Normal/Oily Skin

Blend together 100ml Orange flower water, 1 drop Neroli and 1 drop of Orange oil.
Leave for 24 hours then pass the contents through a paper filter (coffee filter), bottle, then use as required after cleansing.

• 50 mls of chamomile tea infusion
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• ?teaspoon lemon juice

Place ingredients into bottle and shake well. When combined put in fridge until needed.

• 1 cup water
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped mint leaves
• 1 tablespoon cucumber extract or crushed cucumber
• 2 tablespoons baking soda
• 2 tablespoons sweet almond oil
• 2 tablespoons almond meal to make it an exfoliate (Optional)

In a saucepan, bring water to boil. Add mint and let seep for 7 to 10 minutes. Let cool slightly and filter the solution, saving the liquid. Add the remain ingredients to the liquid and stir together. Apply to body or face like liquid soap, then rinse with warm water. Follow with a cool water rinse. Makes 3/4 cup. Cover and refrigerate. Discard after 2 days.

• 1/4 chopped cucumber - do not peel
• 1/8 chopped russet potato - do not peel
• 1 teaspoon backing soda
• 1 whole egg
• 1/4 plain yogurt

In a blender, mix the cucumber and potato on medium speed for 20 seconds, then add the remaining ingredients and blend on low for 1 minute. Moisten face with warm water and then apply cleanser with a washcloth, moving the washcloth in a circular motion. Rinse clean with warm water followed by cool water. Makes 1 1/2 cups. Cover and refrigerate. Discard after 2 days.

Apricot Butter Cold Cream (For Dry Skin)

• 10 oz apricot kernel oil
• 2 oz cocoa butter
• 2 oz beeswax

Heat all in the top of a double boiler until wax and butter are melted. Beat with a wooden spoon until smooth and cooled. Transfer to jars, cap and refrigerate.

Buttermilk and Fennel Cleansing Milk (For Oily Skin)

• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 2 Tbsp crushed fennel seeds

Heat the milk and fennel seeds in top of a double boiler for 30 minutes. Turn off heat, let steep for 2 hours. Strain, cool, pour into bottle and refrigerate. Keeps for 2 weeks.

Chamomile Cleansing Milk (For Dry and Sensitive Skin)

• 1/4 cup cream
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 Tbsp chamomile flowers, fresh or dried

Simmer ingredients in top of a double boiler for about 30 minutes, do not allow milk to boil. Turn off heat and let sit for about 2 hours, strain. Keep refrigerated. Apply with cotton balls to the face.
Variations: Use elderflowers, sweet violets or lime blossoms in place of chamomile

Cornmeal Cleanser (for Oily Skin)

• Castile soap
• 1 Tsp Cornmeal

Wet face and pour a little castile soap into the palm of your hand, add cornmeal. Mix meal and soap into a fine lather, wash face, being careful to avoid the delicate skin around the eyes.

Honey Cleanser (For Dry Skin)

• Castile soap
• 1 Tsp Honey
  

Wet face and pour a little castile soap into the palm of your hand, add honey. Mix honey and soap into a fine lather, wash face.

Honey Almond Scrub

• 2 Tbsp almonds
• 2 tsp milk
• 1/2 tsp flour
• 1/2 tsp honey
  

Grind almonds in a blender. Add milk, flour and honey, mixing until a thick paste is formed. Rub onto skin, rinse with warm water followed by the pH balancer.

Honey 'n Oats Scrub

• 1/2 cup uncooked oatmeal
• 1 Tbsp honey
• 1 Tbsp cider vinegar
• 1 tsp ground almonds
  

Moisten face with a warm washcloth then apply mixture to face avoiding the sensitive area around the eyes. Let mixture dry, then remove with a warm, damp washcloth.

Lemon Cleansing Cream (For Oily Skin)

• 1 Tbsp beeswax
• 1 1/2 Tbsp Unpetroleum Jelly (available in natural foods stores)
• 3 Tbsp jojoba oil
• 1 Tbsp witch hazel
• 1 Tbsp strained lemon juice
• 1/8 tsp borax
• 6 drops essential oil of lemon.
  

Melt beeswax and unpetroleum jelly over low heat. Add warmed jojoba oil to wax and jelly mixture blending for 3-5 minutes. Mix witch hazel and lemon juice, warm gently, mix in borax until dissolved. Slowly add this to the wax mixture, beating until cool and creamy. After completely cooled add lemon oil and spoon into clean jar.

Milk and Honey Cleanser:

Mix 1 tsp warm honey with 1 tablespoon milk or cream. This recipe should be prepared fresh each timeas required.

Peppermint Patty Scrub: (For Oily Skin)

• 2 cup rolled oats
• 1 cup almonds
• 2 tsp dried lavender
• 2 tsp dried peppermint
• 2 cup white cosmetic clay
  

Grind oats, almonds and herbs to a very fine powder in blender or with a mortar and pestle. Mix ground herbs with clay, store in covered container. To use: mix 1 heaped tsp of mixture with water to make a paste. Massage onto skin then rinse well with warm water.

Sesame Oil Cleanser: (For Dry Skin)

Apply sesame oil to face and neck. Remove oil and makeup with a washcloth that has been soaked in hot water and wrung out. Finish with a rinse of the pH Balancer.

Sweet Butter Cleansing Cream: (For Dry Skin)

Whip sweet, unsalted butter, transfer to container with a tight lid. May be stored at room temperature away from heat sources or refrigerate.

Almond Cleanser

Grind almonds to a fine powder in a blender. Wet face then rub on almond powder. Rinse. Store powder in a tighly sealed container.

Orange & Oats Scrubbing Grains

• 1 cup dried orange peel
• 1 cup cooked oatmeal
• 1 cup almonds
  

Place peels, oats, and almonds in food processor, blend until mixture is a fine powder. Place some in the palm of your hand and moisten with a few drops of warm water. Rub paste onto face in a gentle circular motion. Rinse with warm water.

Cucumber

cooling, gentle astringent, use the juice or mashed pulp.

Eggwhite Toner

Clean face thoroughly using any natural cleanser. Apply raw eggwhites to the skin and leave on for at least 15 minutes. Wash off with tepid water.

Elderflowers, lavender, orange flower water and rosewater

all classic toners for all skin types. Make a strong infusion of any of the above, refrigerate and use within 3 days.

Lecithin Toner

Dissolve lecithing granules in jojoba or almond oil. Apply to face and throat as a day or night cream.

Lemon

a strong astringent, dilute with water before using, being careful to keep away from eyes.

Lemon Toner

• 1/2 cup lemon juice
  
• 1 cup distilled water
  
• 2/3 cup witch hazel
  

Combine all ingredients. Pour into a clean bottle or decorative cosmetics container. Shake well before using. Apply with a clean cotton ball.

Pine Toner

• 2 cups fresh pine needles
  
• 1 cup distilled water
  
• 1/2-cup witch hazel

Place pine needles in small saucepan with distilled water. Bring water to boil. Allow water to cool completely then strain and discard pine needles. Add witch hazel and stir well. Pour into a clean bottle or decorative capped container. Apply to skin with a cotton ball. Store in a cool dark place.

Protein Toner

Beat together 1 tblspn milk, 1 tsp honey and 1 egg. Apply to face and neck. Leave on as long as desired. Rinse off with warm water followed by a splash of cold.

Queen of Hungary Water

This water can be used as an astringent, aftershave, deodorant, hair and skin tonic and even inhaled as a headache remedy:

• 1 part roses
  
• 1 part lavender
  
• 1 part rosemary
  
• 1 part sage
  
• 1 part orange peel
  
• 1 part lemon peel
  
• 2 parts mint

Add 2 ounces of the above herbal formula to 2 ounces of apple cider vinegar. Put in an airtight glass jar, let steep for about 2 weeks. Strain and add 1 1/2 cups pure distilled rosewater. Pour into a decorative, airtight decanter and use daily.

Rose Water & Glycerine Astringent

• 1/2 pint olive oil
  
• 1 ounce rose water
  
• a few drops of glycerin
  
• 1 ounce vodka
  
• Sage Astringent
  
• 4 Tbsp dried sage
  
• 4 Tbsp vodka
  
• 1/4 tsp borax
  
• 3 Tbsp witch hazel
  
• 10 drops glycerin or honey
  

Steep the sage in vodka for 2 weeks then strain. Dissolve borax in witch hazel, stir in the saged vodka and glycerin. Pour into bottle with a tight cap. Shake before each use.

Strawberry

Mash strawberries, use as an astringent and cleansing facemask.

Violet

Simmer violet flowers in a little milk to make a softening and mildly astringent face lotion.

Witch Hazel

Use an extract of witch hazel as an astringent, a skin freshener and to soothe skin irritations.

Lemony Lavender Toner

• 3 drops lemon oil
  
• 3 drops lavender oil
  
• 3 teaspons of distilled water

Use a soft cotton ball to massage mixture into the skin after cleansing. Follow with a moisturizer if desired

• 1/2 cup water
  
• 2 tablespoons chopped sage leaves
  
• 2 tablespoons chopped rosemary leaves
  
• 1/4 cup wheat germ
  
• 1/2 cucumber ( do not peel )
  
• 1/4 russet potato
  
• 1 tablespoon alfalfa sprouts
  
• 1 teaspoon lemon extract

In a saucepan, bring water, sage and rosemary to a light boil. Let cool and place in a blender with the remaining ingredients. Puree at medium speed for 1 minute. Filter solution through a paper towel or coffee filter - into a cosmetic bottle. Discard the solids. Apply the solution to face, gently wiping with a cotton ball. Let toner absorb into skin and follow with a moisturizer. Makes 1 cup. Discard after 3 - 4 days.

• 2 cups water
  
• 1 black tea bag
  
• 1/4 cup of lemon juice
  
• 1 teaspoon lime extract

Bring 1 cup water to boil, remove from heat and add tea bag. Let steep and cool for one hour. In a spray bottle add 1/4 of the tea, 1 cup water, lemon juice. Gently shake bottle before using. DO NOT USE if weather is cold or windy. Otherwise, mist face whenever you want. Makes 1 1/2 cups. Refrigerate. Discard after 1 week.

Normal Skin - Day Moisturiser

Blend together 30ml Sweet Almond oil, 15 drops of rose, 5 drops of Chamomile Blue, 5 drops of Lavender and 5 drops of Lemon oil.
Apply daily to a damp face, then pat away excess with a clean tissue.

Normal Skin - Night Care Oil

Blend together 30ml of Apricot kernel, 10 drops evening primrose, 10 drops Geranium, 10 drops Palmarosa, 5 drops Fennel and 5 drops of Lemon oil.
Apply to skin before going to bed

Dry Skin - Day Moisturiser

Blend together 30ml Sweet Almond oil, 10 drops of Evening Primrose oil, 2 drops Carrot oil, 15 drops Chamomile Blue, 5 drops Sandalwood, 5 drops Rose, 5 drops Hyssop oil.
Use in the same way you would use your normal moisturising cream.

Dry Skin - Night Care Oil

Firstly you need to blend the base oil, 10ml Avacado oil, 10ml Wheat germ oil, 30 drops Jojoba, 10 drops of Borage Seed, 20 drops Evening Primrose oil. Then add 10 drops Carrot, 5 drops Hyssop, 5 drops Rosemary, 10 drops Chamomile Blue, 10 drops Benzoin, 15 drops Geranium oil.
This makes an extremely rich night oil, massage a small amount into the skin, leave it for a while then wipe away the excess with a tissue.

Oily Skin - Day Balancer

Blend together 30ml Hazlenut Oil, 10 drops Carrot, 8 drops Juniper, 10 drops Geranium, 10 drops Lemon and 2 drops of Rosemary oil.
Massage into the skin then pat away excess wth a tissue.

Oily Skin - Night Treatment

Blend together 30ml Apricot Kernel, 10 drops Carrot, 10 drops Juniper, 15 Petitgrain, 5 drops Frankincense, 5 drops Marjoram, 10 drops Lemon oil.
Apply to face before going to bed.

• 3 tablespoons apricot kernel oil
  
• 3 tablespoons avocado oil
  
• 3 tablespoons sweet almond oil
  
• 3 tablespoons beeswax
  
• 3 tablespoons rosewater

Melt the oils and wax slowly over heat until melted, stirring all the time. Take off as soon as it is melted. Add rosewater and beat well until cool. It should be nice and soft.

• 1 teaspoon organic safflower oil
  
• 1/3 teaspoon vegetable shortening
  
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  
• 1 teaspoon lime juice
  
• 1/3 teaspoon coconut oil

Over low heat, heat all ingredients until warm. Pour into a non-metallic container and stir or shake well before each use. Can be used over the entire body. Apply to face in a circular motion. Makes 2 tablespoons. Store at room temperature. Discard after 3 days

• 1 teaspoon macadamia nut oil
  
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
  
• 1 teaspoon avocado oil
  
• 1 teaspoon corn oil
  
• 1 teaspoon coconut oil
  
• 1 teaspoon sweet almond oil

In a cosmetic bottle, mix all ingredients. Apply by massaging into skin. This can be used daily. Mix well before each use. Makes 2 tablespoons. Do not refrigerate. Discard after 1 week.

Peaches & Cream Moisturizing Lotion

Peel and mash one very ripe peach. Strain through a sieve to extract all the juice. Mix peach juice with an equal quantity of fresh cream. Keep refrigerated.

High Protein Moisturizer

Beat 1 egg yolk into 1cup whole milk. Apply to face with fingertips. Bottle and store remainder in refrigerator.

Oils

Apply any of the following vegetable, seed or nut oils to the skin

• Virgin olive oil
• Sesame oil
• Peanut oil
• Avocado oil

other tips for moisturising

• Use 2 parts rose water and 1 part glycerin to make a lotion. Apply nightly and work onto skin.
• Buy a pound of natural margarine from the health food store, NOT the supermarket. Store in refrigerator. Apply enough to cover smooth skin. It will absorb into the skin and surprisingly, does not leave a greasy residu.

Apple & Honey Mask

A mask of grated apple mixed with a little honey is an excellent remedy for pimples.

Apricot Mask

Mash the fresh fruit for a good facemask.
Variation: Add apricots to a little warm olive oil to form a spreadable paste. Good for dry skin.

Avocado & Honey Moisturizer Mask (For Dry Skin)

Mash up 2 tablespoons avocado, mix with 2 tablespoons honey and 1 egg yolk. Apply to face, leaving on about 15-20 minutes. Rinse with warm water. Finish with a rinse of the vinegar pH balancer.

Creamy Avocado Mask

Mash 1 tablespoon ripe avocado, add 1/2 tsp honey and mix. Stir in a little almond meal until creamy. Apply to clean skin, leave on for 15-20 minutes and wash off with lukewarm water. Finish with a rinse of the vinegar pH balancer.

Avocado Honey Mask #2(For Dry Skin)

Peel one ripe avacado, mash the meat into a creamy texture. Heat over a double boiler until just warm, incorporate 1 Tbsp of honey. Massage into the face and neck. Finish with a rinse of rosewater, witch hazel or vinegar pH balancer.

Banana Mask

Mash a banana and spread on face for a soothing, cleansing and moisturizing face mask. Rinse clean with warm water finished with a rinse of the vinegar pH balancer.

Brewers' Yeast Mask (For Oily Skin)

Make a paste using the yeast and a small amount of warm water.

Carrot Mask (For Oily Skin)

Carrots make an excellent skin mask for acne and blemishes.

Apply raw, grated carrots to the face while lying down, a little lemon juice may also be added. For a cooked carrot mask: Boil three large carrots and mash or process in a food processor. Add 5 tablespoons of honey or yogurt (optional). Apply gently in an upward motion. Leave on for 15-20 minutes. Rinse with warm water. Finish with a final rinse of witch hazel or the vinegar pH balancer.

Cool As A Cucumber Yogurt Facial (For Normal/Oily Skin)

• 1/2 cucumber
  
• 1 Tbsp plain yogurt

Puree cucumber in blender mix in yogurt, apply to face. Leave on for 30 minutes. Rinse well.

Elder Flower Mask (For Oily Skin)

Mix elder flower herb with yogurt to make a paste, apply to face.

Fennel Wrinkle Mask

Mix a strong infusion of fennel seed or herb into a liberal amount of honey and yogurt to form a paste, add some additional dried fennel herb, mix well, apply to skin.

Honey Mask (For Oily & Blemished Skin)

Massage a small amount of slightly heated honey onto skin. Wheat germ may be added for its abrasive action, protein and nutrients.

Lemon/Egg Mask (For Oily Skin)

Squeeze half a lemon and mix the juice with one beaten egg white. Apply to face avoiding the area around the eyes. Leave on your face overnight or if during the day, for about 15 minutes. Rinse with warm water.

Oatmeal Facial (For Oily Skin)

Make a creamy paste of oatmeal and water. Apply to face, let dry completely. Remove by very gently rubbing off with your fingers.

Papaya Skin Treatment

A fresh mashed papaya applied as a facemask will remove dead, flaky skin.

Peach Mask (For Dry Skin)

Mash a fresh peach, mix with enough warm olive, peach kernel or almond oil to form a spreadable paste.

Strawberry Mask (For Oily Skin)

Mash strawberries then use as a cleansing face mask.

Tomato Mask (For Oily Skin)

Use mashed or sliced tomato for enlarged pores.

Yogurt Mask (For Oily Skin)

Apply natural unflavoured yogurt adding honey and/or oatmeal if desired.

• 1/2 cup hot water
  
• 10 tablespoons quick oats
  
• 1/2 apple, cored - not peeled
  
• 2 heaped tablespoons plain yogurt
  
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
  
• 1 egg white

Combine hot water and oats and stir until smooth. Let stand for about 5 minutes or until mixture is paste like. Put remaining ingredients in a blender and mix for 45 seconds. Add oatmeal mixture and blend for another 20 seconds. Apply masque evenly to entire face and let sit for about 15 minutes, or until skin is tight. Rinse thoroughly with warm water Makes 1 application.

Mash 4 - 5 slices of banana and stir in 5ml diluted Jasmine oil.
Cleanse your face then apply the mixture over your face and neck, leave on for 15 minutes then rinse with lukewarm water, followed by cold. Pat dry with a towel. The bananas are said to be an anti wrinkle treatment, while the jasmine brightens dull skin, leaving your face soft and moisturized.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of dirt (any kind)
  
• 1 cup of water
  
• 3 Teaspoons of milk (Skim or 2%) or Soy
  
• 1 tbsp of sour cream

Mix Dirt and water into a liquidy paste. Then add the milk and sourcream. Apply to face. Leave on until dry. Then wash off with warm water.

• 2 Tablespoons of horsetail herb
  
• 150 mls (5 fl oz) water
  
• Glass olive oil.

Boil water add horsetail herb and leave boiling for 5 minutes. Leave infusion sitting until Luke warm. Soak nails for 10 minutes. On alternative days, soak nails in warm olive oil for 5 minutes

• 2 Tablespoons oatmeal
  
• 1 Tablespoon honey
  
• 1 Beaten Egg

Mix together until becomes a paste. Rub gentle over hand. Leave for 5 minutes and /or use as a hand cleanser.

• 1 tbs of Lemon juice
  
• 2 tblspn of Gram flour (ground chickpea) purchased at an Indian Health shop.
  
• Milk enough to make a thick paste.
  
• 1/2 tsp Turmeric powder - optional (can also be purchased at an indian/arabic health shop - this may cause a slight yellow tint on light skin)

Combine all ingredients to form a thick paste, apply to face and and let it sit for 5-6 mins. or until semi-dry. Slightly massage and rinse off with luke warm water and finish off with a cold splash. The flour particles act as a fine exfoliater, lemon as a brightner, milk as a Softner, and the turmeric is used for it's antiseptic properties and for toning medium to dark skin.

1. Make a puree of 1 banana and 1 papaya, peach or avacado. Apply to skin. Leave on for at least 20 minutes then rinse with warm water, followed by a moisturizer of natural margarine or natural vegetable oil.
2. Apply natural mayonnaise, either homemade or bought from a natural foods store. Massage onto skin, leave on for 15-20 minutes, rinse thoroughly with warm water.

1. Make a puree of fresh tomatoes, apply to the skin.
2. Beat together 1 egg white, 1 tsp spirits of camphor, 1 heaping Tbsp skim milk powder and a scant drop of essential oil of mint. First apply a thin film of odourless castor oil to the skin, then apply a thick layer of the egg white mask. Lie back for about 15 minutes. Wash off with warm water, then rinse with an apple cider vinegar and water solution or witch hazel.

1. Mix almond meal with enough water to make a paste. Apply to pores for 20 minutes. Rinse with warm water, then apply witch hazel or a solution of apple cider vinegar and water.

2. Mix table salt and buttermilk into a paste, apply on enlarged pores and massage well. Rinse with warm wate

1. Apply the leftover eggwhites in the bottom of the shell to the lines under your eyes.
2. Apply odourless castor oil to the crepe-like skin under the eyes or on the throat.
3. Prick 3 capsules of vitamin E and drain into small bowl. Add 2 tsps plain yogurt, 1/2 tsp honey and 1/2 tsp. lemon juice. Apply to face with cotton ball. Leave on skin for about 10 minutes. Rinse.

2) Eye Makeup Remover

• 1 Tbsp castor oil
  
• 1 Tbsp light olive oil
  
• 2 tsp Canola oil

Blend all ingredients together. Apply with tissue or cottonball to remove makeup on and around the eyes.