*~~~~~~~DIY skincare recipe & discussion thread~~~~~~~~*
EDS Skin Care Forums Forum Index » Skincare Tools & Do-It-Yourself Skincare

Thu Aug 03, 2006 7:46 am

Just a maintenance note (please ignore): Recipe index at http://www.essentialdayspa.com/forum/viewthread.php?p=96107 was updated today.

free skin care · Mon Aug 07, 2006 5:46 am

HELP FOR NAIL TRAUMA!!

I had to trim my nails down nearly to the “quick” last night because they were peeling, spliting, cracking, bending, breaking, shredding and just generally doing everything else that is horribly possible – they started getting really bad after I began taking a new medication my neurologist prescribed for my migraines. I mean, if I just look at my nails askance, they start to bend and peel! After researching to see what I could do to get my nails healthy and grow them out again, as well as asking for advice from the ladies on the MUA Nail Board, it seems that the most important piece of advice is to keep your nails and cuticles well-moisturized.

Upon receiving this advice, I immediately set about researching the various nail/cuticle moisturizing treatments out there, looking to see which were the most highly rated in MUA Productville and then analyzing and researching the ingredients that these products had in common in order to figure out how to make my own, ultimate homemade cuticle and nail moisturizing treatment because – as, by now you should now if you’ve managed to wade all the way to the end of my notepad! – I’m all about DIY! Not just to save money, but also to combine the best and most beneficial results of many products in order to create a super-duper product.

Anyway, without further adieu, here is the fruits of my labor:

Dr. Holland’s Mending and Rebuilding Treatment for Raggedy-*ss Nail and Cuticles

What you need:
-------------------------------------
• small, clean glass or plastic jar or pot;
• 1 tsp Shea butter - strengthens and restores flexibility to nails;
• 2 tsp Cocoa butter - softening properties to mend hard, ragged cuticles and restores flexibility to dry, brittle nails;
• 2 tsp Mango butter - strengthens and restores flexibility to nails;
• ½ tsp Bees Wax - helps gives balms solid form;
• ½ tsp Castor oil - extremely useful for dry, brittle nails;
• ½ tsp Olive oil (extra virgin or extra, extra virgin is best) - useful for dry, brittle nails;
• ½ tsp Borage oil - able to penetrate deep into skin and nail bed to draw moisture deep and promote healthy growth of nails and cuticules;
• ½ tsp Macademia nut oil - softens, helps nails and skin maintain water barrier functions; most closely mimics the skin’s own natural oils;
• 1/4 tsp Grapeseed oil - extremely emollien, penetrates without greasy residue;
• 1/4 tsp Jojoba oil - able to penetrate deep into skin and nail bed without leaving any greasy residue;
• 1/4 tsp Avocado oil - softens, nourishes and helps restore natural moisture balance;
• 1/8 tsp Hydrolized keratin (available fromwww.thepersonalformulator.com) – this is one of the protein building blocks of which hair and nails is comprised;
• 1/8 tsp Hydrolized Wheat Protein (available fromwww.thepersonalformulator.com) – this is a “moisture magnet” that draws and retains moisture into the cuticles and nail plate to help reverse severe dryness;
• 12 drops Lemon essential oil - known to strengthen brittle nails;

What you do:
--------------------------------
Place all ingredients in a microwave safe dish or container and nuke on medium heat for 10-15 seconds at a time until completely liquified. Stir mixture then quickly transfer the melted mixture into a clean plastic jar or pot then place in freezer to quick-freeze and set for approximately 30 minutes.

Note: if you prefer a “solid” cuticle treatment such as Burt’s Bees Lemon Cuticle Balm, add more of the “butter” and wax ingredients to make your treatment into a balm. If your balm is too “mushy” after solidifying, you may remelt the ingredients and just add a tiny bit more of each of the wax/butters and then re-freeze. Repeat until your balm attains the desired consistency.

If you prefer a liquid-y treatment that you would brush on, like Solar Oil, skip the solid butter/wax ingredients. If you decide on the liquid oil, you don’t need to melt the ingredients in the microwave: just pour all of the liquid ingredients together in a small, clean bottle and shake well to blend.

Also, if you do not have all of the ingredients listed above, use whichever oils and/or butters that you happen to have on hand. In a pinch, you can create a very simple yet effective nail/cuticle treatment by mixing equal parts olive oil and castor oil with 15 drops of lemon essential oil.

How to use it:
----------------------------------
Massage thoroughly into nails and surrounding cuticle areas 1-2 times daily. For severely damaged or stressed nails, massage nails as often as possible throughout day, but especially after washing or submerging hands in water.

free skin care · Mon Aug 07, 2006 5:54 am

No matter what type of lip plumper you use, be it those topical versions like LipFusion and LipFusion XL (the two best, IM-not-so-HO) or by taking my nearly infamous lip plumping pills, you need to keep your lips in tip-top shape by exfoliating them on a regular basis to remove dead, flaky skin.

Just like you use a scrub, mask or peel to reveal fresh new skin on your face or a loofah or body brush to remove old skin cells from your body to eliminate ingrowns and various bumps, you also need to exfoliate your lips. Of course, because lip tissue is much thinner and therefore more sensitive, it’s important that you use something gentle to reveal your freshest, most kissable mouth.

Some people simply use an old, soft toothbrush or washcloth and some lip balm to gently brush the dead, flaky skin off their lips, but I prefer to put a little extra effort into it....You can make a very basic lip scrub (enough for one use) by literally mixing a pinch of granulated sugar with a drop of olive oil, but my own private recipe is a little more jazzy.

Personally, I like to include aspirin (i.e.: salicylic acid) in my formulation because I sometimes get tiny milia around the outside perimeter of my lips and this BHA can actually penetrate into those clogged pores to get the gunk out. I’ve sort of refined my lip exfoliant recipe that you referred to since I originally posted it in the DIY thread, so here is how I currently make it:

Dr. Holland's Lip Buffing Scrub

What you need:
-------------------------------------
• small, clean jar or container – an old Carmex lip balm pot or a small plastic “travel” jar that you can find in the bathsoap/body lotions aisle at Walgreens or Walmart will do;
• 25 plain, uncoated aspirin, optional – i.e.: old fashioned 81 mg Bayer aspirin in the gold and brown wrapper – I use a store brand from Walmart, I can’t recall the name (the word “Valley” or “Farm” is in the brand name) but you get 200 aspirin tablets for 99¢ so you’ll know it when you see it on the shelve in a small plastic jar with a white and green label with black lettering);
• 1 Tbs distilled or purified (drinking) water;
• 3 Tbs white (granulated) sugar;
• 1 tsp your choice of “carrier” oil (i.e.: olive, jojoba, grapeseed, avocado, Vit-E, Emu, heck – you can even use your Crisco veggie oil in a pinch!);
• 1 tsp honey – in lieu of glycerine for “slip” from my old recipe but you can still use the glycerine instead of honey if you prefer;
• 1/8 tsp lactic acid concentrate, optional – I buy this fromwww.thepersonalformulator.com but you could substitute yogurt, cream or whole milk instead but be aware that those diary products WILL spoil so you’ll need to make a fresh batch of lip scrub each week;
• 3-5 drops of the essential oil of your choice, optional – I like to use lemon or orange oil because it gives a nice flavor/scent and the citric acid in these EOs also provide mild enzymatic exfoliating properties in addition to the “scuffing” power provided by the sugar and aspirin.

What you do:
--------------------------------
• Put the aspirin in the jar and slowly pour a few drops of water over them until the aspirin dissolve – it doesn’t take a whole lot of liquid to make them dissolve so just add a few drops at a time and check the progress and add a few more drops as necessary until all the aspirin have “melted.” Note: you probably won’t need to use the entire tablespoon of water – you only want to use as much as is necessary to dissolve all the aspirin;

• After aspirin has completely dissolved, stir in the remaining ingredients making sure to blend well. If you find that your finished product is too thick/stiff, add a tiny bit more oil or honey. If it’s too runny, add a bit more sugar until the mixture reaches it’s desired consistency. You want your lip scrub to be stiff but pliable, like – have you ever made homemade cookies from scratch? You want your lip scrub to have the same sort of consistency as the cookie dough just before you start dropping the cookie lumps on the baking sheet!

What it does:
----------------------------------
Removes dead skin cells to keep lips smooth and healthy. It's especially important to exfoliate lips regularly when using any type of topical lip plumping product to ensure the active ingredients are able to penetrate lip tissue to achieve even results!

How to use it:
----------------------------------
Directions: apply a small amount to lips and gently buff for at least 30 secounds. Rinse lips and pat dry. Followup with desired lip balm, topical lip plumper or other lip moisturizing treatment.

Personally, I exfoliate my lips every morning before I get in the shower, but I’m just orally fixated and obsessed with having pucker-ready lips at all times! Wink

Most normal people just chose to exfoliate their lips 2-3 times per week, or as necessary when they start feeling rough or flaky.

So long as you don’t include any diary ingredients, your lip scrub doesn’t need any special storage or anything. I keep my jar in my bathroom vanity until I use it all up and need to make a new batch.

free skin care · Wed Aug 09, 2006 3:08 pm

I'm always trying to find new ways to help my hair out. Here's a few more tips.

A natural shampoo combination using honey, for dry, damaged or treated hair:
2 cups liquid castile soap (lavendar from a health food store is best)
1/2 half cup of honey
1/4 cup olive oil
1 teaspoon vitamin B oil

Blend and use one teaspoon per washing massaging into the scalp.

A shampoo for thinning hair
scalp shampoo:
3 cups water, 1/2 cup lavender castile soap
1 tabl basil, lavender, rosemary

hair shampoo:
3 cups water, 1/2 cup castile soap
1 tabl nettles (in particular), sage, chamomile

Boil the water, turn the water off and put 1 heaping tablespoon of each herb into the water, cover and steep for at least one hour. Then strain off the herbs (I use a pasta strainer to get the big pieces and coffee filters inside the pasta strainer for the smaller pieces -- the brown filters are better as they have no chemical residuals). Then combine with the lavander soap.

Use the scalp shampoo first massaging your scalp and let it sit for a minute or two. Then use the hair shampoo. For very long hair, the hair shampoo might be a little too drying, I don't know, but it works great for everyone I've known who use it. The scalp shampoo is a definate as it removes the oil residue that suppresses growth and at the same time stimulates the growth.

Aspirin Antidandruff Rinse
-Dissolve six aspirin in a cup of warm water.
-Pour over head and work into scalp.
-Leave on fifteen minutes.
-Rinse thoroughly.

Intensive Conditioning Treatment
-Whip together 1/2 cup low-fat mayonnaise, 1 egg yolk, 1 tablespoon soft margarine, and 2 teaspoons wheat germ oil.
-Apply to hair and scalp, completely covering each strand with a thick layer of conditioner.
-Soak a terry-lined shower cap in hot water, wring out, and pull over head.
-Allow this conditioning cap to remain on the head for thirty to forty-five minutes.
-Remove the cap. You'll be surprized how much conditioner your thirsty, dry hair has absorbed.
-Wash out the residual conditioner and allow hair to air dry or use a dryer set on cool

Intensive Conditioning for Hair Breakage
-Combine 1/2 cup margarine, 2 egg yolks, 1 tablespoon cold cream.
-Pierce a vitamin E capsule with a pin and empty contents into mixture.
-Paint half of the mixture onto head with a fresh, two inch paintbrush, thickly covering every strand.
-Soak a terry-lined shower cap in hot water, wring it out, and place it on head.
-Sit under cap for fifteen to twenty minutes.
-Remove the cap and apply rest of conditioning mixture, massaging it well into the hair.
-Reheat cap and place on head.
-Sit under cap for another fifteen to twenty minutes.
-Wash out with mild shampoo and air dry.

Last Hope conditioner
Not to be used on the night of a big date--- it takes some time.

2 whole eggs whipped
1 tablespoon of olive oil
1 tablespoon of lime juice

Mix all three ingredients and leave on hair for 20-30 min. (Adding heat helps to penetrate). The lime is optional---for us curly-hair types, the lime juice perks up the curls. Shampoo hair twice and rinse thoroughly.

Once a Week Protein Treatment
4 tablespoons protein nutritional supplement powder
2 egg yolks
2 tablespoons cold-pressed sesame oil
6 tablespoons hot water

In a glass enamel bowl, stir the ingredients together. Use enough hot water to dissolve the powder and thoroughly blend egg and oil. It should be like a loose paste. Apply, begin working in at the ends and then work your way up. Wet a terry cloth shower cap (warm). Place on head and wait 15 minutes before rinsing with warm water.

Vinegar recipes

Basic Vinegar Rinse
Combine 2 tablespoons each of vinegar & double-strength peppermint tea with 1 quart of distilled water as a final rinse. To liven drab hair, mix 1/4 cup vinegar with 1 1/4 cups waters. Dispel the odor by adding a few drops of oil of clove to a pint of water and rinsing again.

Cosmetic Vinegars

The following recipes are based on the premise of "cosmetic vinegars" that have a more pleasing aroma and increased conditioning benefits. Each of the following combintaions should be brought to a boil in an enamel or glass pan and simmered uncovered for 15 minutes, then covered and allowed to steep for 30 minutes before straining. After they cool, add to final hair rinse.

All Purpose Hair Sparkler

1 cup each of white vinegar & distilled water
1/4 cup each dried nettle, red clover & rosemary

Adds softness shine to all types of hair.

Light-Haired Vinegar Rinse

1 cup each of white vinegar and distilled water
3 camomile tea bags
2 tablespoons of lemon juice

Brings out blonde highlights & adds shine.

Dark Haired Sage Rinse

1 cup each red wine vinegar & distilled water
2 tablespoons dried sage

Great for dark hair

Fruity Hair Vinegar Rinse
1 orange
1 apple
1 small slice of melon
2 pints of distilled water
2 pints of cider vinegar

Peel & slice fruit. Puncture the orange & melon peel. Boil both the fruit & the peels in water. Cover & allow to simmer for 10 minutes. Take off the heat and leave to stand for another 2 hours. Strain & add to cider vinegar. Bottle & leave for 24 hours before use.

Wash the hair and add half a pint of the Fruity Hair Vinegar Rinse to the final rinse water. This hair rinse is very exhilarating and refreshing to use. It restores natural acid mantle to all types of hair and leaves it shiny. Good for ultra-oily hair as well.

free skin care · Thu Aug 10, 2006 7:31 am

For those ladies who are like me and no longer want/need to wear traditional mascara because A) their lashes are so long and lush now from using the Jan Marini Age Intervention EyeLash serum that they no longer need the extra length from mascara, and/or B) they tint their lashes with the fabulous 1000 Hours DIY Lash Tint kit so they no longer need the color boost provided by traditional mscara but still want to wear a little something on their lashes to give them a bit of shine and definition, but still look 100% clean and natural, then have I got a homemade recipe for you!!

I created this because I couldn’t find any brand of clear mascara that I really liked to use during the day and sometimes when I’d use Ardell as a clear mascara, it would leave a whitish flaky residue around the base of my lashes as the day wore on so I started fooling around with my secret lash serum recipe to see if I could make something that was both nourishing/moisturizing but also gave my lashes a bit of definition and gloss.

This is based upon a modification of my homemade lash serum recipe using very basic ingredients that most everyone who has tinkered with DIY before will already have in their cupboard or cabinet, so without further adieu I give you:

Dr. Holland’s Daily Nourishing Lash Gloss

What you need:
-------------------------------------
• clean bottle or jar with lid in which to prepare and mix lash gloss ingredients;
• clean mascara tube and spooly wand – if you have an old tube of mascara, just take it apart and wash the components with very hot water and anti-bacterial soap (you may wish to run it through the dishwasher by putting it in the silverware basket). If you don’t have an old tube you can use, go to the drugstore or supermarket and buy a tube of el cheapo mascara and clean it out instead;
• 3 Tbs distilled or purified water – you can usually find distilled water in the bottled water aisle at the supermarket for about 99¢ per gallon;
• 1/4 teaspoon Soy Lecithin powder – you can usually find this in the vitamin aisle at health food stores or online, be sure to check label to ensure it is 100% pure Lecithin powder without any added fillers;
• 1/4 teaspoon Germaben II preservative, optional – you can buy this fromwww.thepersonalformulator.com
• 5 drops castor oil (preferably cold-pressed);
• 3 drops jojoba oil;
• 2 drops Vitamin E oil;
• 1 1/2 teaspoons honey or dark molasses (or 3/4 tsp of each);
• tea strainer or small piece of cheesecloth – note: a piece of sterile surgical gauze can be used in an emergency

What you do:
--------------------------------
Pour the distilled water into the bottle and add Soy Lecithin powder, put lid on bottle and shake vigorously until powder has been completely dissolved. Next, take a small glass and stretch the tea strainer or cheesecloth across the mouth of glass and then pour soy Lecithin water through strainer into glass in order to remove the “scum” from Lecithin residue from the water. Rinse out your mixing bottle and then pour strained soy Lecithin water back in to mixing bottle.

Now, add the remaining ingredients to mixing bottle and shake vigorously until all oils have become emulsified with the soy Lecithin water and ingredients are completely blended. Then pour lash gloss mixture into your clean mascara tube and then fasten spooly wand-cap tightly. Place lid on leftover Lash Gloss mixture and store in refrigerator for up to 60 days.

How to use it:
----------------------------------
Shake tube well then apply Lash Gloss as you would any ordinary mascara. It will separate and define your lashes while at the same time imparting a look of glossy health. Unlike traditional colored mascara, however, you don’t have to worry about it flaking or smudging or leaving you with ‘raccoon eyes’ by the end of the day. It’s also easy to remove with your favorite facial cleanser and water. Unlike traditional mascaras, this lash gloss does not contain any harsh or drying ingredients to dry out or damage your lashes.

I’ve been using this in the daytime for the last week or so and I love it! It makes my blue/black tinted lashes look really dark and glossy and gorgeous – much better than all of the various brands of clear mascara I have tried...it’s also much healthier to my lashes than any clear or colored mascara.

The Lash Gloss helps hold the curl from my traditional clamp-style lash curlers, as well as my heated lash curlers, although the trick is to curl your lashes AFTER you’ve applied the lash gloss and allowed it to dry for a few minutes. You don’t need to worry that your lashes will stick to your lash curler and possibly be pulled out, as is the case when using a traditional lash curler after applying regular mascara, because the ingredients in the Lash Gloss act in the same manner as a non-stick cooking spray, thereby preventing your lashes from sticking to the plastic or metal components of your lash curler.

For those having trouble identifying the proper soy Lecithin for the Lash Gloss recipe, here’s a link to the brand that I use: http://www.nowfoods.com/index.php?action=itemdetail&item_id=3349

Please note : if you are still having a difficult time locating the Lecithin powder and/or Germaben, I’d be happy to decant a small amount of either or both from my containers and send them to you – PM me for details.

Tue Aug 22, 2006 10:48 am

This mask is amazing for skin - I have used it consistently for over a month and am impressed every time with how calm, refined and smooth my face is every time I use it!

Green Tea / Aspirin Mask
1 tsp. whole milk yogurt
5-7 uncoated aspirin
1/2 - 1 tsp. white sugar
1 capsule of green tea extract ($3-$4 for 60 at Walmart)
2-3 drops of honey

Instructions: In a small bowl, dissolve the aspirin in the yogurt (it will take about 4-5 minutes - be patient! Note: this will give the mask its thickness.) Then, add the sugar, green tea extract and honey. Mix and apply as much of it as possible - all over (be careful in the eye area - I apply under eyes and have not experienced any irritation.) Wait until the mask has completely dried - it is worth the wait. Now rinse the mask off with cool water - don't scrub.

Why the combo works so well:
Exfoliation
BHA - aspirin
AHA - sugar
Lactic Acid - yogurt

Germ fighting
Antibacterial - honey

Pigment brightening
Lightening agents - yogurt, green tea

Antioxidant
green tea

Moisturizing
Yogurt & Honey

free skin care · Fri Sep 01, 2006 10:21 am

Shout out to my fellow DIYers, especially those who have been fooling around with making their own minerals and/or primers (i.e.: HPJRT) – I need some help:

I very much want to (try to) make a homemade version of my beloved Jurlique Rose Silk Dust because I’m absolutely certain I could buy all of the raw materials to make a dozen batches of it for less than it costs to buy a single jar (approx $30USD), but I’m a bit perplexed how they incorporate the essential oils and/or extracts (liquids) into the dry ingredients without it turning into a paste instead of a powder? I’m sure the answer is probably as plain as a pig in a parlour, but this is the first time I’ve fooled with making any type of powdery-type item so I’m feeling a bit dense! Embarassed

Here’s the actual list of ingredients of the Jurlique Silk Dust:

Corn starch; rice starch; silica; Herbal Extract mixture from: Calendula officinalis, Arnica montana, Witch Hazel, Bellis Perennis (Daisy), Salvia Officinalis (Sage), Rosemarinis Officinalis (Rosemary), Iris florentina (Orris), Rosa centifolia (Rose) Flower oil, Lauroyl Lysine, Lavendula Augustifolia (Lavender) oil.

Do you think the raw “silk powder” that you can get from TKB Trading would be a suitable base to start with rather than actual corn/rice starch (BTW, what *is* the basis of their silk powder, anyway – does anyone know?)? Do you think I should use some herbal extract distillates rather than the actual EOs? And, I repeat, how does one mix the wet and dry ingredients without turning it into paste?!?!

Any suggestions, advice or input is greatly appreciated!

TIA,
Carrie

P.S. Mary: my mom loved the pearl paste and peal primer samples and actually started bugging me to make her some more, which is actually how my interest became piqued regarding the Silk Dust, so thanks!!

Fri Sep 01, 2006 4:23 pm

Carekate, I'm not sure what the basis of TKB's silk powder is exactly, but traditionally silk powder is created either from silk thread or from the cocoon of silk worms.

I haven't tried this personally, but my cousin used to add essential oils to her powder by mixing all the oils first and then putting the mixture on one of those Scentball diffuser pads. You cut the pad into quarters, drop it into your bottle of powder and close the lid tight. Leave it overnight to permeate. If you add the oils directly, you end up having to run the powder through a flour sifter until there are no lumps in it (if there is a pig in that parlour, I don't see it either Laughing

)

Oh yeah, and don't sneeze.....lol! I'm sure you'll do great.

PS: I'd like to thank all the ladies who have contibuted to this thread. So far, I've made the ACV Toner, Yonka Emulsion "Pure", Lip Exfoliator, Aspirin Mask, the lip stain and the hair minimizing oil. I've always shied away from DIY, thinking it would be a messy, long-drawn out process and I probably wouldn't see any results in the end. You have turned me into a believer. Smile

Sat Sep 02, 2006 1:07 am

diderot wrote:

Homemade DETOX ocean bath for imperfections on your body.

what you need :
Non-iodized natural sea salt
Essential oil (not a must)

Get some pure "sea salt", you can find them in any supermarket or natural food stores, get the non-iodized one, which means it's made from vaporized sea water, nothing added. I got one of those paper cylindrical box 26oz for $1-2. Pour HALF of the it into your tub of warm-to-hot water, not too hot, so you can stay in longer. Half the box of salt may sound too much, but I lick my wet hand, they are not even as salty as ocean water. I usually add my own essential oil, lemon for cleansing and Juniper Berry for draining my lymphatic system, but they are not a must for this problem.

Soak for about 30 mins, I can't promise you all the bumps will be gone immediately, but you should be able to FEEL the difference. For me, either they are gone or they are significantly flatten immediately after one sea salt bath.

I guess this lighter version of ocean water minus all the pollution, either detox, decongest or re-mineralize my skin, whatever it was, it took away ALL the imperfections on my body after 3 baths, it even took care of the annoying tiny flesh bump on my neck (told by my friend it was due to hormonal change and many people have it).

**Dry brushing is not recommended before this ocean bath and don't do this if you have OPEN WOUNDS, it might burn.

What do you mean this got rid of all your imperfections on your skin? Like freckles and moles and stuff, or acne?

Mon Sep 04, 2006 5:55 pm

Hello, This is my first post. I saw the vit c serum recipe and am confused about the l-ascorbic acid etc. I have pure ascorbic acid crystals. Is this the right stuff? Also may I add other ingredients such as r-lipoic acid powder from a gel cap. Would I need to double the base? I thought I saw a post about this but could not find it again.

free skin care · Mon Sep 04, 2006 6:03 pm

herb lady wrote:

Hello, This is my first post. I saw the vit c serum recipe and am confused about the l-ascorbic acid etc. I have pure ascorbic acid crystals. Is this the right stuff? Also may I add other ingredients such as r-lipoic acid powder from a gel cap. Would I need to double the base? I thought I saw a post about this but could not find it again.

That is the correct C, but you may have some trouble getting the ALA to dissolve. It won't work for sure in water, maybe in oil. I have to use a perfumers alcohol to dissolve mine, HTH. (Which is why I usually buy stuff that is already dissolved)

free skin care · Tue Sep 05, 2006 8:08 am

Zanamer wrote:

I haven't tried this personally, but my cousin used to add essential oils to her powder by mixing all the oils first and then putting the mixture on one of those Scentball diffuser pads. You cut the pad into quarters, drop it into your bottle of powder and close the lid tight. Leave it overnight to permeate. If you add the oils directly, you end up having to run the powder through a flour sifter until there are no lumps in it (if there is a pig in that parlour, I don't see it either Laughing

)

See, I knew there would be a simple answer – thanks! I’ve just placed my order for all of the raw ingredients to make my Silk Dust and will be trying my hand to make some this weekend – and none too soon as I’m nearly finished with my current jar of the real stuff! If it turns out successfully, I’ll post the recipe for everyone....

free skin care · Tue Sep 05, 2006 8:10 am

I don't know if there is anyone like me who got irritation for using re vive and cellcosmet eye creams for a week? So I made a personal eye cream...

1. benefit eye con (or other eye cream) sample about 3ml
2. one drop chamomile essential oil
3. one drop avocado oil
4. about 1ml aloe vera gel and
5. 3 drop orange flower water.

mix 2&3&4, and then add 1, mix, and then add 5.

It works great for my irritated eyes! the bump will go for overnight and then I go back to my regular eye creams!

Sun Sep 17, 2006 8:20 am

Can anyone recommend an alternative to almonds for the homemade Dr.HCC as I'm allergic to nuts?

Sun Sep 17, 2006 1:33 pm

I rinse my hair with vinegar once in awhile (about a cup) and it makes my hair shine. I have long, fine hair.

free skin care · Mon Sep 18, 2006 9:47 am

digitalangel wrote:

Can anyone recommend an alternative to almonds for the homemade Dr.HCC as I'm allergic to nuts?

What about Apricot Kernal Meal? That would probably work, but you might need to use a mortar and pestle to break it down into even finer granules. Here's a link where you can purchase it: http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/supply/ingred.php I buy a lot of my DIY ingredients from Mountain Rose and they've got fabulous products and good prices and customer service....

Good luck!

Mon Sep 18, 2006 9:58 am

Alternative to almond meal: Maybe oatmeal? Or oat bran? It seems to have the same clumpability factor and the same propensity for sucking stuff out of your skin.

Mon Sep 18, 2006 10:18 am

Does anyone have any experience with Sea Buckthorn Seed Oil? I got some after reading that it is really great for treating fine lines, wrinkles, rosacea and acne prone skin.

I am thinking of incorporating it into my ACV toner (see Carekate's recipe ---LOVE THIS, by the way -- smells good and great for oil regulation and fading redness).

I was also thinking of making some soap with it - anyone have a good basic soap recipe?

Mon Sep 18, 2006 11:44 am

The site I use says their Apricot Kernal Powder shouldn't be used on the face.

Other options I can see are
Dead Sea Salt (Fine)
Excellent as an Exfoliating and Peeling Agent to remove dead skin cells, help to draw out toxins & to stimulate growth of new skin. The granules are fine and round and don't tear and damage the skin.
or
Jojoba Peeling Grain
(The grains are smooth and do not irritate the skin. The fine grain size is excellent for Peeling away dead skin and improving circulation. Use between 2-10% in Shower Gels, Oils, Gels and Creams. Don't heat over 60°C. You can also add the Grain after you've made your products.)

Trying to decide which to try...

free skin care · Mon Sep 18, 2006 11:53 am

digitalangel wrote:

The site I use says their Apricot Kernal Powder shouldn't be used on the face.

Other options I can see are
Dead Sea Salt (Fine)
Excellent as an Exfoliating and Peeling Agent to remove dead skin cells, help to draw out toxins & to stimulate growth of new skin. The granules are fine and round and don't tear and damage the skin.
or
Jojoba Peeling Grain
(The grains are smooth and do not irritate the skin. The fine grain size is excellent for Peeling away dead skin and improving circulation. Use between 2-10% in Shower Gels, Oils, Gels and Creams. Don't heat over 60°C. You can also add the Grain after you've made your products.)

Trying to decide which to try...

I wouldn't use any type of salt on my face because A) it's heard to ensure that there won't be any jagged edges to the salt crystals which could cause microscopic tears in your fragile skin and B) if you *do* have any broken skin on your face (i.e.: blemishes), the salt will BURN LIKE FIRE!! How do you think they got that old saying, "like pouring salt in the wound"? Shock

Mon Sep 18, 2006 12:08 pm

I think I'll try instant oats as suggested else where (smaller than others) as don't have a grinder.

Otherwise maybe next time I order, I'll get some Jojoba grain.

Thanks! Never thought about salt stinging for some reason! D

Sun Sep 24, 2006 4:44 pm

Can the ACV toner be used as an after bath body spray? I usually use an after bath oil concoction on my wet skin, then dry. But, I have lost 80 lbs, in my sixty’s and working hard to avoid sagging skin. I thought the ACV toner would work before the oil, then rub the whole mess in and pat dry. Will I smell like a pickle all day

Mon Sep 25, 2006 3:09 am

I've just used dispersible/soluable aspirin and fopund that they dissolved easier and more finely in case anyone is interested. Smile

Mon Sep 25, 2006 11:54 am

Herb Lady: I don't see anything wrong with doing the ACV spritz after your bath - maybe dilute the ACV with water/green tea, though.

There is a chance you will smell like a pickle, but only if you put garlic in your ACV (heheh)

Actually, I have found that generic (Giant Eagle) ACV leaves less of an odor than Heinz or Bragg, so you may want to try that. Also, if you add a few drops of EO (maybe lavender?)to your mix you will avoid this as well. If you mix up a concoction of your oils and a couple drops of EO, put into a container of some sort and shake then apply together, you should be able to effectively save yourself a step.
GOOD LUCK!

free skin care · Wed Sep 27, 2006 7:21 am

I’m a fan of both Decleor’s Aromessence Lip Balm and Juice Beauty’s Lip Plumper – I alternately use both as overnight moisturizing lip treatments. I especially like the JB Lip Plumper’s lotion-y texture because it leaves my lips feeling moist, soft and completely weightless without any of the inherent greasy stickiness.

Anyway, lately I’ve been concentrating my DIY-abilities on creating the ultimate homemade tinted lip balms and I finally decided to combine the best of the Decleor lip balm with my fave attributes of the JB lip plumper to use as the basis for my tinted lip balms. I may be biased, but this lip balm recipe ranks right up there with the best store-bought lip balms that I have ever tried and my tinted version can give my beloved “Prada Shielding Tinted Lip Balms” a run for their money! Very Happy

Dr. Holland’s Lush Lips

What you need:
-------------------------------------
• one small microwave-safe dish or bowl;
• small glass or plastic jar/pot – preferably glass and cobalt/amber or opaque – with tight-fitting lid;
• one small metal whisk – I got mine at Sallys Beauty supply: http://www.sallybeauty.com/shop/product/700000 although I reckon any small-sized kitchen whisk will do the trick!
• one small rubber spatula or “bowl scraper;”
• 1 ½ teaspoon shea butter;
• 3/4 teaspoon cocoa butter;
• 3/4 teaspoon coconut oil;
• 3/4 teaspoon of emulsifying wax beads/flakes;
• 3/4 teaspoon of beeswax beads/flakes;
• 1 teaspoon Borage oil or Emu oil;
• 1 teaspoon Macadamia Nut oil;
• 1 ½ teaspoon honey;
• 3/4 teaspoon Avocado oil;
• ½ teaspoon vegetable glycerin;
• 1/4 teaspoon MaxiLip concentrate, optional – available fromwww.thepersonalformulator.com
• two Vitamin E gel capsules, pierced – do not heat in microwave;
• two Vitamin A gel capsules, pierced - do not heat in microwave;
• one Evening Primrose Oil gel capsule, pierced - do not heat in microwave;
• one teaspoon frozen orange juice concentrate - do not heat in microwave;
• 1/4 teaspoon pure Vanilla extract - do not heat in microwave;
• five drops orange essential oil - do not heat in microwave;

What you do:
--------------------------------
In microwave-safe dish, combine all butters/oils and liquid ingredients listed above unless otherwise noted and heat on High in microwave in 30-second increments until all ingredients have melted/become liquified.

Remove dish from microwave and stir mixture well. As melted ingredients begin to cool, pierce hole in vitamin A/E and EPO gel capsules and squeeze oil into microwaved mixture and stir well with whisk. Add OJ concentrate, vanilla extract and orange EO and whisk mixture until well-blended. Continue whisking mixture until it begins to “set” (i.e.: thicken as it cools) and then spoon mixture into lip balm pots/jars. You may place lip balm pots in freezer for 15-30 minutes to “flash-freeze.”

How to use it:
----------------------------------
Apply lip balm to lips twice daily or as often as necessary or desired.

For those who are a bit more adventurous and would like to try their hands at making tinted versions of this lip balm, I recommend that you order the Variety Pack Oil Soluble Colors, Hobbyist Pack for $16.50USD from the following website: http://www.thesage.com/catalog/LipBalmColors,OilSoluble.html?mmsID=bc897eaa53c1634bf0df527d035c3bb8 Let me know if you want me to elaborate and post instructions on making tinted versions of this lip balm recipe because it’s a bit different than the instructions posted above and it’ll take a couple of “practice” batches before you get the hang of it!

BTW, I have a limited number of samples available of tinted Lush Lips shades so if you’d like to try it, PM me for details....(Note to MaryH: this is a different formulation than the one you’re currently testing)

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