Garden skincare recipes!
The Recipe Skincare Garden –
Cynthia, Welcomes you to the Recipe Garden
**Step Into the Recipe Garden!**
Welcome to the Recipe Garden, where the magic of skincare starts in the soil and blooms into something beautiful! This is where my love for herbs and crafting all-natural skin and body care products comes to life. Each recipe you find here is a reflection of my hands-on journey – from picking fresh lavender and chamomile from the garden to blending rich butters and oils into luxurious treats for your skin.
Creating skincare is more than a routine for me – it’s an experience. I carefully harvest each herb, infuse it with love and care, and watch as nature works its wonders. In this garden of recipes, I’m excited to share my favorite creations, each one designed to nourish your skin and soothe your senses.
Imagine stirring up a calming rose-infused body scrub or whipping up a creamy shea butter balm, all using simple, pure ingredients you can find in your own kitchen or garden! Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or just starting out, these easy-to-follow recipes will guide you through the process of making your own skincare that’s as fresh and unique as you are.
Come explore, experiment, and indulge in the joy of crafting your own natural beauty products. In the Recipe Garden, there’s always something blooming for your skin!
Here, you’ll find a collection of my favorite skincare and body care recipes, crafted with love and inspired by the herbs I grow in my own garden. For over 20 years, I’ve been passionate about using the natural power of plants to nourish and care for the skin. From soothing chamomile to invigorating rosemary, each recipe is carefully formulated to bring out the best in nature's ingredients.
All recipes are free and designed to help you experience the beauty and wellness benefits of homemade, organic skincare.
COLD PROCESS SOAP FOR BEGINNERS
Materials and Equipment
1. Ingredients:
- 16 oz olive oil
- 6 oz coconut oil
- 4 oz palm oil (optional, can be replaced with more olive or coconut oil)
- 2 oz castor oil
- 4.8 oz lye (sodium hydroxide)
- 11 oz distilled water
- Essential oils (optional, for fragrance)
- Colorants (optional)
2. Equipment:
- Digital scale
- Thermometer
- Heat-resistant container for lye solution
- Mixing bowls
- Stainless steel or plastic stirring spoons
- Stick blender
- Soap mold
- Rubber gloves and safety goggles
- Newspaper or parchment paper (for lining molds)
Instructions
1. Prepare Your Work Area:
- Cover your workspace with newspaper or parchment paper.
- Put on rubber gloves and safety goggles.
2. Measure Ingredients:
- Weigh out all the oils using a digital scale.
- Measure the distilled water in a heat-resistant container.
- Measure the lye separately.
3. Mix the Lye Solution:
- Slowly add the lye to the water (never the other way around) in a well-ventilated area or under a fume hood. Stir until the lye is fully dissolved. The mixture will heat up and become cloudy, then clear. Let it cool down to around 100-110°F.
4. Heat the Oils:
- In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, coconut oil, palm oil, and castor oil.
- Gently heat the oils until they are melted and around 100-110°F.
5. Combine Lye Solution and Oils:
- When both the lye solution and oils are at the same temperature (100-110°F), slowly pour the lye solution into the oils.
6. Blend to Trace:
- Use a stick blender to mix the oils and lye solution. Blend in short bursts, alternating with stirring. Continue until the mixture thickens to a trace, which means it will leave a faint trail when drizzled over the surface of the mixture.
7. Add Fragrance and Color:
- If desired, add essential oils and any colorants. Mix well.
8. Pour into Mold:
- Pour the soap mixture into the prepared mold. Smooth the top with a spoon or spatula.
9. Insulate and Cure:
- Cover the mold with a lid or plastic wrap, then insulate with a towel or blanket. Let it sit undisturbed for 24-48 hours.
10. Unmold and Cut:
11. Cure the Soap:
- Place the bars in a well-ventilated area to cure for 4-6 weeks. Turn the bars occasionally to ensure even curing.
Tips:
- Always add lye to water, never water to lye, to avoid a dangerous reaction.
- Work in a well-ventilated area or wear a mask to avoid inhaling lye fumes.
- Use gloves and goggles throughout the process to protect your skin and eyes.
By following these steps, you can create your own cold process soap at home. Experiment with different oils, fragrances, and colorants to make unique and personalized soaps.
Creating a Avocado And Honey face mask thats anti-aging, using ingredients commonly found at home and in the garden can be both effective and enjoyable. Here is a step-by-step guide to making and applying the mask.
Ingredients:
- **1/2 Avocado**: Rich in healthy fats and vitamins that moisturize and nourish the skin.
- **1 Tbsp Honey**: Natural humectant that retains moisture and has antibacterial properties.
- **1 Tbsp Plain Yogurt**: Contains lactic acid that gently exfoliates and tightens the skin.
- **1 Egg White**: Helps to tighten the skin and shrink pores.
- **1 Tbsp Olive Oil**: Packed with antioxidants and vitamins, it helps to protect and hydrate the skin.
- **A few drops of Lemon Juice**: Contains vitamin C and can help brighten the skin.
### Instructions:
1. **Prepare the Ingredients:**
- Scoop out half of an avocado and mash it in a bowl until smooth.
- Measure out 1 tablespoon of honey, plain yogurt, and olive oil.
- Separate the egg white from the yolk.
- Squeeze a few drops of lemon juice.
2. **Combine Ingredients:**
- In the bowl with the mashed avocado, add the honey, yogurt, olive oil, egg white, and lemon juice.
- Mix all the ingredients thoroughly until you get a smooth and consistent paste.
3. **Cleanse Your Face:**
- Before applying the mask, make sure your face is clean. Use a gentle cleanser to remove any dirt or makeup.
- Pat your face dry with a clean towel.
4. **Apply the Mask:**
- Using clean fingers or a brush, apply the mask evenly across your face, avoiding the eye and lip areas.
- Make sure to cover all areas, especially where wrinkles or fine lines are more prominent.
5. **Relax and Let the Mask Work:**
- Sit back and relax for about 15-20 minutes while the mask works its magic.
- You can lie down and place cucumber slices over your eyes for added relaxation and hydration.
6. **Rinse Off:**
- After 20 minutes, gently rinse off the mask with lukewarm water.
- Use a soft cloth or your hands to remove the mask without scrubbing harshly.
7. **Pat Dry and Moisturize:**
- Gently pat your face dry with a clean towel.
- Follow up with your favorite moisturizer to lock in the benefits of the mask.
Frequency:
- For best results, use this mask once or twice a week.
Each month a botanical skin or body care recipe formula will be available for you to enjoy while learning the art of making plant based skin care at home fun and enjoyable.