Rosewater Facial Tonic
From ancient times the Rose has been known to be a symbol of balance.
There were two types of roses most prevalent in ancient Egypt. One known as Rosa Ricardii has long been extinct. It was the rose most used in funerary wreaths and to adorn burial chambers. The other type of rose, the Rosa Gallica, still survives to this day and is cultivated throughout Europe. Roses have long been utilized for their anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
To tone, smooth and brighten your skin, you can make the following recipe.
- In a small bowl, mix the following:
- 4 tablespoons of rosewater
- 2 tablespoons of witch hazel
- 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar (for breakouts if you have them)
- 5 drops of tea tree oil
- 5 drops of your favorite essential oil for scent (lavender, lemon, geranium are all beautiful scents with additional properties beneficial to the skin.
- Transfer the mixture to a small spray bottle.
- The facial toner can be sprayed directly on the skin or applied using a cotton pad.
Dead Sea Salt Scrub for the Shower or Bath
Dead Sea salt was utilized in bath soaks, skin creams, and soaps in Ancient Egypt. The Dead Sea's mineral composition varied with season, rainfall, depth of deposit, and ambient temperature. Its high concentration of magnesium is helpful in improving skin hydration and reducing inflammation.
To detoxify and gently exfoliate the skin, prepare the following recipe.
- In a small bowl mix 1 cup of fine grain Dead Sea Salts with 1/2 cup Almond oil.
- To this mixture add 5-10 drops of your favorite essential oil.
- Use this mixture as a scrub to polish the skin or dissolve in warm bath water.
Lavender, peppermint, cedar and rose oils were all used by the Ancient Egyptians.
Milk and Honey Face Mask
Cleopatra took many baths to keep her skin beautiful. Her flawless visage was part of the spell that captivated all who were mesmerized by her.
For glowing skin of your own, make the following recipe.
- In a blender or a small mortar for grinding spices, powder one tablespoon of Lavender buds for soothing skin and 1/8 cup of raw almonds to polish and brighten the skin with its natural oils.
- Gently heat 3/4 cup of organic whole milk. The lactic acid in the milk contains alpha-hydroxy acid what will naturally assist with exfoliation.
- To the warmed milk add 1/4 cup of your favorite honey. Honey opens the pores to clear away dirt and toxins. Because it is also a humectant, it will moisturize the skin while drawing moisture to it.
- Off of the flame, mix the milk and honey together until they merge.
- Add the powdered lavender and almonds to the warm milk and honey.
- When the mixture is cool to the touch, use a small brush or your fingertips to apply it to your cleansed face.
- Remove with a damp, warm, cloth after 10-20 minutes.
