The Natural Beauty Workshop

Taming Troubled Skin, Naturally

2009-07-16T14:30:42-04:00

Almost everyone falls victim to the occasional spot or blemish. For many people acne is a temporary annoyance, but those who suffer from acne prone skin it can be a frustrating battle that goes on constantly. Acne usually occurs when pores are blocked by excess oil (or sebum) or dead skin cells. It can also occur when pores are infected by bacteria. These conditions can be caused by or aggravated by factors such as stress, hormone levels, vitamin deficiencies or overages, and of course, genetics.

The first thing that you can do to help get problem skin under control is to begin a skin care regimen. Even the simplest skin care routine can make a huge difference when it is followed regularly. The most basic routine should consist of a cleanser, a toner, and moisturizer. Facials, scrubs, serums, and targeted treatments are all well and good, but unless you have a sensible daily routine as your skin care foundation you are likely to have a very hard time getting your skin under control.

It's also important to remember not to be too hard on acne prone skin. I mean this figuratively and literally. While scrubbing away at your face may seem like a good idea at the time, too intense exfoliation can leave the skin scoured with micro lesions and scratches, allowing more harmful bacteria to become introduced. Not to mention that over exfoliation can cause the acne itself to become inflamed, resulting in increased redness and splotchyness. When you exfoliate, remember to be gentle. Try using masks that incorporate fresh fruit or dairy for their natural cleansing acids. Or, try finer exfoliants for facial scrubs, such as Bamboo Powder, Fine Oat Flour, or Kaolin Clay.

Finally, don't lose hope or become discouraged too easily. Finding the right skin care routine can take time, experimentation, and most of all, patience. Your skin will take time to adjust to a new routine. Make sure to give each new method time to take effect before trying another. Keep track of what you've tried and how your skin has reacted. And through all of this, please try and take time for self affirmation. Those with troubled skin are often more harsh on themselves than anyone else. While you notice every spot and red patch, it is unlikely that the rest of the world is paying such close attention. While having acne prone skin can be frustrating, it should never hold you back from feeling beautiful and confident.

Ingredients for Acne Prone Skin

Hydrosols - These distillates contain similar properties to their corresponding Essential Oils, but being water based, and significantly diluted, can be used in completely different ways. Hydrosols make excellent toners, wetting agents for masks and facials, and are great for replacing water in cream and lotion recipes.

Vegetable / Carrier Oils - These Oils contain components that can be beneifical to acne prone skin. Try using them to create moisturizing facial oils, facial creams, or as additives in soaps, cleansers, masks, or facials.

Gentle Exfoliants - These ingredients make great exfoliating agents in cleansers for acne prone skin. Try wetting these dry ingredients with a corresponding Hydrosol to create a special cleanser. Many of these ingredients can also be added to soaps.

Fresh Ingredients - For use in fresh facials, masks, or cleansers, these fresh ingredients can help
soothe, exfoliate, or cleanse acne prone skin.

Mashed Berries (Raspberries, Strawberries, & Blackberries)
Fresh, Plain Yogurt
Heavy Cream
Lemon
Cucumber
Apples
Egg Whites
Honey

Essential Oils & Extracts - These ingredients make excellent additives to cleasners, masks, facials, creams, lotions, and serums for acne prone skin. Be sure to research these ingredients before use, as they are quite potent and should be used at the correct rates in your formulas.

From Nature With Love Announces the Launch of Beauty By the Batch

2009-07-14T08:12:45-04:00

The staff of From Nature With Love is excited to announce the launch of Beauty By the Batch!

Through a growing library of Personal Care Articles, Beauty By the Batch teaches the benefits of using handmade beauty, health and home care products and objectively guides readers on what to look for when shopping for natural, artisan-made products.

We also will be presenting a diverse selection of talented personal and home care product artisans showcased within the Artisan Directory. Although we do not endorse artisans appearing on Beauty By the Batch, the review and approval process for artisan listings is strict. We'll never knowingly allow unethical artisans to appear within the site’s Artisan Directory.

Beauty By the Batch was conceived to meet two specific needs:

Although the benefits of utilizing natural and nearly all-natural skin care, health and home care products is well-established, most of the population remains unfamiliar with these benefits. With all of the contradictory media attention given to "green living," we know it can seem like a daunting task to learn more about natural products and discover how to find the most superior and luscious products available.

Beauty By the Batch aims to educate and enlighten its visitors with lively yet educational information on how easy it can be to introduce natural products into one's lifestyle.
Most of us that are on staff with Beauty By the Batch make our own beauty products and have a deep passion and knowledge for the artistry and science that is involved. We are intimately aware of the challenges and limitations in marketing and promoting handmade beauty and home care products. We are also well aware that there are companies, large and small, that compete based on price or deceitful practices as opposed to competing based on quality and concern for the wellbeing of customers.

We know that both quality conscious consumers and devoted artisans want to be brought together. Beauty By the Batch does exactly that. Beauty By the Batch features a comprehensive Artisan Directory that showcases some of the very best handmade beauty, health and home care artisans. Of course we cannot endorse any particular company nor do we have the staffing to be able to test every product that each of our artisans/advertisers makes, but we promise to never knowingly accept advertising or showcase an artisan or company that we know does not meet our Artisan Code of Conduct.

For a limited time, qualified artisans can entroll for a FREE six month listing ($180 value) on Beauty By the Batch. Click here to learn more and to enroll!

Bug Bites: Natural Prevention & Treatment

2009-07-13T12:04:24-04:00

Spending time outdoors during the summer is one of my favorite things to do. Every year I trek to the North Woods of Maine to visit with family and take a wilderness adventure in Baxter State Park.

Sunset at Russell Pond

Ogden Cove Camp at Lobster Lake

Chimney Pond & Baxter Peak

Among others, we've made journeys to Russell Pond, Lobster Lake, and most recently, Baxter Peak. We have trekked in the rain, the fog, and the sun, but through all of our travels one thing has been constant--the steady hum of mosquitoes.

There are several Essential Oils that can help repel mosquitoes, no-see-ums, horse and deer flies, and other pesky biting creatures. Citronella Essential Oil is the most well known, but Basil, Catnip, Dill, Eucalyptus Citriadora, Geranium, Lemon Tea Tree, and Peppermint can also be quite effective when added to topical bug repellents. To make a simple, homemade repellent, simply dilute the Essential Oils in a stable Carrier Oil such as Fractionated Coconut Oil or Jojoba. Andiroba Oil also makes an excellent Carrier, as it possesses insect repellent properties of its own.

At home, Peppermint and Lavender Essential Oils can help to discourage pests from infesting the home. A simple spray from Witch Hazel, Peppermint Essential Oil, and Polysorbate 20 can be used to ward off unwanted house guests such as ants.

Even with the best bug repellents in use, a few lucky bugs are bound to get through your barrier, and leave you with some itchy bites. Apple Cider Vinegar is great for soothing bug bites. Soak a small piece of paper towel or a cotton ball in Apple Cider Vinegar and hold it over the bug bite for 10-15 minutes.

Garden Spa: Using Garden Fresh Goodies for Skin Care

2009-07-08T09:21:00-04:00

Your garden is full of goodies that can be helpful not only in your kitchen, but in your home spa! Fresh plants and vegetables are full of potent vitamins, minerals and other beneficial components that can be used to create fresh beauty treatments at home.

Lettuce
The base of salads everywhere, this inconspicuous green leafy vegetable may have the ability to help soften your skin. Try using fresh lettuce, either shredded, or left as a full leaf, in your next fresh facial mask. The leaves can be mixed with plain yogurt, honey, or other basic wetting ingredients to create a simple, softening facial.

Cucumber
Known for its soothing abilities, cucumber is most classically used as a de-puffing agent under the eyes. To partake in this classic spa tradition, slice the cucumber into thin discs and place one over each eye while you relax with a fresh facial, or a cold cream mask. Cucumbers can also be mashed or pureed to act as a wetting agent in a more complex recipe, such as a facial, scrub, or body wrap.

Marigold
Gardeners often plant marigold flowers around the edges of a garden to help ward of pests. In skin care, marigold, or calendula, can help to relive more irritants as well. calendula soothes and comforts dry, sensitive skin, and can help to reduce itchiness and redness when applied topically. Try adding fresh, cleaned marigold petals to a fresh facial cleanser or mask.

Aloe Vera
Fresh Aloe Vera is a staple in most apothecary or medicinal gardens. The flesh and juice of the Aloe Vera can provide instant relief from the pain of sunburn, poison ivy, or other summer time irritants. Try adding fresh Aloe Juice, or pureed Aloe flesh to facials, cleansers, or to medicinal salves.

Tomato
The acids contained in a fresh tomato are great at exfoliating skin. Mashed or pureed tomato makes a great wetting agent for oily and acne prone facials and masks. Another way to use tomato is to place thin slices directly on the skin. The acids in the fresh tomato flesh can help to get red of blackheads and acne, and can help to brighten dull skin.
Berries

Carrots
Chuck full of nutritious beta carotene, carrots pack a lot of punch into their bold colored packages. Fresh carrots make great ingredients for fresh facials and scrubs, just be careful to use them sparingly, as too much carrot juice can tint the skin temporarily. Try pureeing or juicing fresh carrots to use them as wetting agents or exfoliants in your next fresh spa recipe.

* Tomato Photo by Piku
*Lettuce Photo by Paola Sansão

Fourth of July Photos

2009-07-03T08:42:00-04:00

In celebration of Independence Day, I've highlighted some of my favorite Red, White, and Blue photos from The Natural Beauty Workshop's Flickr Photo Pool.

The Bath Project shared this amazing 4th of July Soap Cake. How patriotic!

Give me a red! (Aphrodite by Jovia Handmade)

Give me a white! (Lemon Blossom Body Yogurt by Mea Culpa Body and Bath)

Give me a blue! (Victorian Soap by Soapy Chica)

And stars, of course! (Guirnalda de Jabón Natural by Camp di Fiore)

Where there are stars, there should be stripes. (Jimmy & A White Crow by A*Kang)

After you enjoy the fireworks, enjoy a slice of Apple Pie, or at least a whiff of this candle. (Red Apple Candle by Breath of French Air)

Thanks to all of this months wonderful contributors! To check out more awesome handmade skin care creations, check out The Natural Beauty Workshop's Flickr Photo Pool. If you have something you'd like to share, please join in the fun by submitting your photos!

Garden Spa: Using Fresh Herbs for Beauty

2009-07-01T12:57:58-04:00

A kitchen herb garden provides avid cooks with a resource for fresh aromas, flavors, and colors to incorporate in their dishes. This same garden can also be used to incorporate beneficial actives into home spa creations. Fresh facials, hair teas, and tonics can benefit greatly from the addition of fresh herbs. Here are some uses for both common, and exotic garden herbs.

Basil
Basil makes an effective cleanser, and can help to tone and rejuvenate the skin. In hair care, Basil can help eliminate scalp irritation, dandruff, and excess oil. Try making a water based infusion with fresh basil to take advantage of its properties. This tonic can be used as a wetting agent in facials, a fresh toner, or a hair rinse. Fresh Basil can also be mashed and used as a cleanser.

Lemon Balm
Lemon Balm has natural astringent properties which can be helpful in the treatment of oily akin and hair. Try steeping Lemon Balm leaves in hot water to create an herbal hair rinse, or a fresh facial toner. This Lemon Balm infusion may also be helpful in the treatment of cold sores.

Mint
Fresh Mint leaves can be used to add a cooling, refreshing sensation to many types of home spa recipes. The leaves can be infused into oil or water, or can be minced, mashed, or used whole. Water that has been infused with Mint leaves can be added to hair rinses, used as a wetting agent in masks, or as a rinse for summer pedicures. Try adding the infused oil to scrubs, cleansers, and hair conditioning treatments. Fresh leaves can be incorporated into fresh scrubs, ubtans, and masks.

Lavender
A classic skin care ingredient, Lavender can be used a number of ways to take advantage of its antiseptic, balancing, and soothing properties. Like Mint, Lavender is versatile, and can be infused into oil or water, can be minced, mashed, or used whole, and can also be dried for use in herbal sachets and potpourris. Try using fresh Lavender to create toners, skin tonics, hair rinses, or fresh body scrubs.

Sage
Sage is a potent cleanser with strong astringent properties. It can be used in facial toners and hair rinses to help balance oily skin or scalps. In hair care, Sage can also help to darken hair, making it a great choice for those with black or brunette hair who are hoping to intensify their look.

Ladies Mantle
This lesser known herb has been used historically to enhance the appearance of the bust and decolletage. Traditionally, a tea is made from fresh or dried Ladies Mantle and applied like a toner to the neck, decolletage, and bust on a daily basis. It is believed that the regular use of a Ladies Mantle tonic could help to increase the appearance of the skin in this area by toning and tightening the area.

Eyebright
Another uncommon herb, Eyebright contains a rich amount of Zinc, which can be helpful in repairing skin's tissue. Eyebright is often used to create herbal facials and eye packs and is believed to help reduce puffiness, and dark circles around the eyes. Try combining Eyebright or Eyebright tea with fresh cucumber and potato for quick under-eye treatment.

Yarrow
Easily found at most nurseries and garden shops, this lovely, flowering herb has a reputation for its soothing, comforting abilities. Infused in oil or water, Yarrow makes a wonderful addition to sensitive skin treatments. Try using Yarrow tea as a wetting agent in simple masks, and as a moisturizing toner. Yarrow can also help to soothe sensitive scalps, or itchy, irritated skin. Yarrow can sometimes cause photo-sensitivity, so take care when using Yarrow treatments during the day.

Thyme
Thyme can be very handy when used in hair rinses and tonics due to its ability to help relieve oily scalp and dandruff. It strong cleansing abilities also make it a good choice for oily and acne prone skin care. Try adding Thyme to hair rinses and tonics by infusing the herb in water.

Mochachinno Massage Melts

2009-06-30T16:18:46-04:00

Rich, creamy Mochacchino Butter is a unique blend of Coffee Bean and Cocoa Butter. It's all natural aroma is absolutely delicious, and it's texture is smooth and moisturizing. These Massage Melts are the perfect size for single massages.

Mochacchino Massage Melts
Makes 8 - 10 Bath Melts

Ingredients
2 ounces Mochacchino Butter
1 tablespoon Jojoba Esters MP70
2 ounces Babassu Oil
8-10 Coffee Beans

Directions
Place 10 foil cups on a jelly roll pan, or other flat surface and set aside. In a double boiler, gently melt the Jojoba Esters completely, followed by the Mochacchino Butter and Babassu Oil. After all of the ingredients have fully melted, stir the mixture well. Carefully pour the hot mixture into the foil cups. Allow the Melts to cool for 5 - 10 minutes, or until a firm layer forms on the top. When the Melts reach this stage, gently press an individual coffee bean into each melt.

Note: This recipe can easily be converted to make Bath Melts instead of Massage Melts. To make Bath Melts, use 2 teaspoons of Jojoba Esters instead of the tablespoon called for in the original recipe. Also, it would make a nice addition to sift 1-2 tablespoons of Fine Oat Flour into the mixture.

To Use: Simply unwrap a single Mochacchino Massage Melt, and warm it between your hands. The gentle body heat will soften the Melt, turning it into a slick, massage oil. The Melt can also be warmed directly on the skin of the person being massaged.

Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Scrub

2009-06-27T08:52:00-04:00

Another variation of the Ice Cream Scrub that I shared with you on Thursday is the Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Scrub. Super fine Vanilla Bean Specks add a touch of detail to this deliciously scented salt scrub. In this batch I used Sea Salt, which has a slightly larger grain size than Dendritic, giving this scrub a little bit more scrubby power. Enjoy!

Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Scrub

Ingredients
1/4 cup Shealoe Butter
1/2 cup Sea Salt, Fine
1/8 teaspoon Vanilla Bean Specks
1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Bean Fragrance Oil or 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Absolute*

Directions
In a large mixing bowl combine the Shealoe Butter and Dendritic Salt. Shealoe is naturally soft, so you should be able to mix this without heating the Butter. However, if it is necessary, you can heat the Butter gently by warming the container in hot water. (Be careful not to let the water get inside the container though.) Next, add the Vanilla Bean Specks, followed by the Fragrance Oil or Absolute. Mix well to make sure the scrub is fully combined before spooning into jars.

Usage and Packaging
The Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Scrub is great for all over body scrubbing, but should not be used on the face or other very delicate areas. Like most handmade skin care products, this Scrub should be used up quickly, as it has not been formulated for long term storage. This scrub looks great in 2 oz. Flat PET Jars.

*Tip: Most Vanilla Fragrance Oils, Vanilla Absolutes, or Vanilla Oleoresins will cause this scrub to turn brown over time. To keep your scrub as light as possible, use Vanilla Non-Browning Fragrance Oil.

Neopolatin Ice Cream Scrub

2009-06-25T12:48:09-04:00

Summer is here! I am so excited about Summer's arrival that I decided to celebrate with some ice cream. Well, it's not really ice cream, but it sure looks and smells delicious. This exfoliating salt scrub is made with creamy Shealoe Butter, yummy scented Fragrance Oils, and super fine Dendritic Salt. You can make this scrub in one solid color, or layer multiple colors for super cuteness! This recipe could be varied easily to create all kinds of delicious ice cream parlor inspired creations, like Orange Cream, Banana Split, or Mint Chocolate! Just switch out the Fragrance and the Color Additive to create your own unique Ice Cream Scrub.

Neopolatin Ice Cream Scrub

Ingredients
6 ounces Shealoe Butter
1 1/2 cups Dendritic Salt
1/2 teaspoon Milk Chocolate Fragrance Oil
1/2 teaspoon Strawberry Fragrance Oil
1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Non-Browning Fragrance Oil
1 .15 cc scoop of FDA Red Mica
2 .15 cc scoops of Umber Oxide

Directions
In a large mixing bowl combine the Shealoe Butter and Dendritic Salt. Shealoe is naturally soft, so you should be able to mix this without heating the Butter. However, if it is necessary, you can heat the Butter gently by warming the container in hot water. (Be careful not to let the water get inside the container though.) After the Butter and Salt are fully mixed, split the mixture into three parts in three seperate mixing bowls. Add one Fragrance Oil to each bowl, thouroughly mixing each into the mixture. Next, add two .15 cc scoops of Umber Oxide to the Milk Chocolate scented batch of salt, and mix well to combine. Add 1 .15 cc scoop of FDA Red Mica to the Strawberry scented batch of salt next. Leave the Vanilla scented batch uncolored. Once the batches are fully mixed they can be spooned into jars.

Usage and Packaging
This fine grained salt scrub makes a great body polish, but should not be used on the face or other very delicate areas. The Neoploatin Ice Cream Scrub looks adorable packaged in 2 oz. or 4 oz. PET Jars. Like most handmade skin care products, this Scrub should be used up quickly, as it has not been formulated for long term storage.

Simple Steps for Stress Relief

2009-06-22T11:32:55-04:00

The everyday stresses of home, work, children, and life in general can catch up with you, causing stress and anxiety to build up, leading to stiff muscles, headaches, insomnia, or even illness. Luckily, relieving stress can be simple, quick, and affordable. Take care of yourself by taking simple steps to relax on a regular basis.

Baths
Bathing is an incredibly simple way to promote relaxation. A warm bath, with or without the addition of luxurious ingredients like Milk, Honey, or therapeutic Essential Oils, can soothe stiff muscles, and provide you with peace and quiet, even if for only a short time. Even a short, 15 minute bath can go a long way when it comes to relieving stress and anxiety. Enveloping the body in warm water, and enjoying peace and silence for even a short time provides comfort to both the body and mind. Bath time is also a great time to meditate, clear your mind, and become grounded. To help make sure that you make it to your mini retreat regularly, try to schedule a time of night, or a day of the week exclusively for bath time.

Meditation
There are many simple techniques available for meditation. The first step, and sometimes to most challenging, is to find a silent, solitary place for meditation. This can be especially difficult if you have children or a busy schedule. Scheduling a daily or weekly time to meditate can be helpful, not only in making sure that you follow through with your plans, but also to help others get used to having you unavailable during your period of meditation. Though there are many different techniques and purposes for meditation, one of the most common, and conducive to relaxation is the practice of clearing one's mind from all chatter, noise, and thought. Simply sit down, breathe, and exist, clearing your mind of your thoughts, worries, and questions. To learn more about meditation techniques, check out this guide from WikiHow.

Massage
A simple massage from your partner can help to relieve plenty of anxiety and stress. Try using a simple Carrier Oil, such as Sweet Almond Oil or Fractionated Coconut Oil, and a simple technique, such as Swedish Massage, before bed time. Massage your partner for at least ten minutes, and then ask them to return the favor. This quick, simple ritual can help to relax both of you, while making you feel closer and more connected.

Napping
A short nap during the middle of the day can do wonders for your energy and stress levels. While reports vary, some say that even a short, 20 minute power nap can help to recharge the body and mind. Set aside some time for your nap, then lay down in a dark room with a comfortable temperature. Close your eyes, relax, and drift into sleep. Even if you are not a "good napper" and don't fully fall asleep during these sessions, taking the time to lay down and relax can still help to reduce your stress level significantly. It is a good idea to allow yourself at least 40 minutes to dedicate to your nap. You'll need around 10 minutes to relax and fall asleep, and about 10 minutes to fully wake up again. Keep this in mind when setting your nap time alarm.

Aromatherapy
Many Essential Oils contain actives that can help to reduce stress or encourage relaxation. Some of the most commonly used for relaxation are Roman Chamomile, Lavender, Rose, and Mandarin. You can easily incorporate Essential Oils into each of the previous relaxation techniques. Add Essential Oils to Bath Salts, or Bath Oils to incorporate their aromatic benefits. Using aromatherapy candles, or diffusers can help aid relaxation during meditation. Herbal Sachets or Dream Pillows can help to induce sleep, essential for many nappers. As always, Essential Oils must be used with extreme care due to their potency. Make sure to check the warnings, proper dosage, and delivery method of any Essential Oil before using it.

Himalayan Pink Salt

2009-06-17T14:33:42-04:00

Another in our line of specialty Salts & Sugars, Himalayan Pink Salt brings a bevvy of impressive properties to the table. Not only is it stunning, with its speckles of red, pink, orange, and white, it is loaded with minerals that can help to cleanse, and rejuvenate the skin. Himalayan Pink Salt makes an excellent bath salt. Its natural colors make it attractive even in its simplest form. Display it in a clear glass or plastic jar to show off its natural beauty. Essential Oils or Fragrance Oils can be used to enhance the salts. My first choice would be a blend of Ginger and Mandarin Essential Oils, or a personal favorite, Persimmon Fragrance Oil! Himalayan Pink Salt would also make a gorgeous exfoliant in a body scrub. Scented with juicy citrus scents, or soft florals, these speckled salts are sure to impress.

Himalayan Pink Salt's value does not lie only in its loveliness. On the contrary, its rich mineral content makes it a very beneficial ingredient. The variety of minerals and trace elements contained in Himalayan Pink Salt numbers over eighty, some of the most notable being: calcium, magnesium, potassium, copper and iron. Like Dead Sea Salt, this wealth of minerals can help to tone, cleanse, and balance the skin and body, making Himalayan Pink Salt a boon to the spa and cosmetics industries.

Our Himilayan Pink Salt is harvested from ancient salt beds, deep under the Himalayan Mountains. It is available in both a medium and fine grain variety. The Medium Salt is well suited to bath salt and soak formulations while the Fine Salt has a texture more suited to use in scrubs, soaps, and bath powders.

Stack Attack!

2009-06-17T10:03:00-04:00

Photos of stacked soap bars always spurs my creativity. The variety of colors and textures can be so exciting. These picks from The Natural Beauty Workshop's Flickr Photo Pool are some of my favorite soap stacks. Enjoy!

This sideways stack by Pink Bricks is so pretty!

This gorgeous stack by Body Language Soaps is totally magical.

These lovely soaps by Santo Sabao look great in a pile.

This stack by Campo di Fiore has a beautiful selection of earth toned soaps.

Soapier shared this stack of adorable mini tart soaps. How cute!

A very colorful stack by Morgan Street.

Have you got a stack that you'd like to share? Join in the fun at The Natural Beauty Workshop's Flickr Photo Pool. Every month we feature a selection of great photos that fit within the month's theme. Yours could be next!

Marula Fruit

2009-06-15T13:18:10-04:00

Originally uploaded by Astrid.

A lovely photo of Marula Fruit, found on Flickr!

Marula Oil

2009-06-15T13:17:51-04:00

The Marula Tree grows widely across southern Africa, and its fruit, rich in Vitamin C, nourishes people as well as animals large and small. Marula Oil, pressed from the kernels of Marula fruit, is highly moisturizing and nutritious. It contains a hefty portion of antioxidants and oleic fatty acid, making it a superb skin care ingredient. Marula Oil can help to soothe and soften the skin, as well as reduce redness. Though it has a fairly thick texture, and can even become semi solid in very cool temperatures, Marula absorbs into the skin easily, and can help the skin to retain it's natural moisture.

Marula Oil is available in both Conventional and Organic varieties. It can be used directly on the skin or hair, or it can be added to a number of formulations. Marula Oil makes a wondeful addition to lotions, creams, or body butters. It is also an excellent hair conditioner, making it a helpful additive in shampoos, conditioners, and other hair products. Because Marula is quite stable, with an estimated shelf life of 2 years or more, it makes a great superfatting agent in soaps and shampoo bars.

Queen Bee Facial Mask

2009-06-12T13:15:58-04:00

Royal Jelly plays a leading role in this rejuvenating facial mask. Packed with beneficial components such as collagen, lecithin, hydroxy fatty acids, and vitamins A, C, D, and E, it makes an excellent anti-aging ingredient. Royal Jelly can help to soothe, moisturize, and nourish the skin, even when used at a very small percentage. The typical usage rate of Royal Jelly Powder is between 1 - 3%. The Queen Bee Facial Mask also contains Honey Powder, which helps to cleanse and soften the skin. Yellow Illite Clay adds extra drawing power to this mask, making it both cleansing and nourishing. Soothing Chamomile Flower Powder adds some extra absorbency to the facial's texture, while Blackberry Seed Oil and Carrot Seed Oil provide extra nutrients and anti-aghing benefits. The mask is wetted with Cistus Hydrosol, which can help to plump the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

The Queen Bee Facial Mask

Ingredients
1 tablespoon Honey Powder
1/2 teaspoon Royal Jelly Powder
1 tablespoon Yellow Illite Clay
2 teaspoons Chamomile Flower Powder
5 drops Carrot Seed Select CO2 Extract
1/2 teaspoon Blackberry Seed Oil
1 - 2 teaspoons Cistus (Labdanum) Hydrosol

Directions
In a small mixing bowl, combine the Honey Powder, Royal Jelly Powder, Yellow Illite Clay, and Chamomile Flower Powder. Mix well, then add the Carrot Seed Select CO2 Extract, followed by the Blackberry Seed Oil. Mix again, than slowly add the Cistus Hydrosol. Add just enough Hydrosol to form a smooth, spreadable paste. You may need to add a little more or less than indicated here, depending on your own preference.

To Use
Begin the facial by applying a warm, moist towel to your face, or by performing a facial steam. Apply directly to the face, avoiding the mouth, eyes, and nostrils. This mask can also be applied to the neck and decollatage. Allow the mask to dry for approxamitely 10 minutes before rinsing with room temperature water. Follow with a toner and moisturizer for best results.

Storage
The Queen Bee Facial should be used immediately as it is not suitable for long term storage.