Cocoa Pear Antioxidant, Exfoliating, Facial Mask
Yesterday found me in the kitchen again, staring at the over ripe pear that was sitting on my counter. I didn’t want to eat it, as it was too mushy, but I didn’t want to waste it, either. So, upstairs from the kitchen to the computer I went to google pears and skin care.
What I found is that pears are very good for your skin when eaten, but they contain vitamins and minerals that can benefit your skin from the outside, too. Pears are rich in that all important vitamin C, and they also have a very high copper content, and copper is a wonderful antioxidant. I found the following blurb about copper and skin care at skincarerx.com:
“The science involving the use of Copper Peptides in skin care products is relatively new. Copper Peptide is an exciting new ingredient used to prevent and treat the signs of aging. Products are popping up everywhere containing Copper and claiming “face lift in a bottle.” Clinical studies have shown significant improvement in the appearance of fine lines, blotchy skin, and firmness with the use of Copper Peptide products.
Copper is a powerful collagen and elastin promoter and acts as an antioxidant. Generally speaking, peptides are small fragments of proteins. Certain kinds of peptides have an avid affinity for copper, so they bind to it very tightly. The resulting compound consisting of a peptide and a copper atom has become known as a copper peptide. All products containing Copper are not created equal so you must be careful when choosing your products.”
Neova makes the line of skin care products containing copper. A one ounce bottle of the Neova copper peptide serum costs $103, and that is a discounted price. Ouch! I could never justify spending that much money on an ounce of of a serum. So, using inexpensive pears in your homemade skin care regimen will not only improve your skin, but by going right to the source, you will save a whole lot of money, too.
This is what I whipped up as a result of my research, spurred on by a mushy pear. After taking a few bites out of the least mooshy part of the pear, I tossed it into the food processer, skin and all. I then added a small fist full of oatmeal, for the soothing beta glucans, a tablespoon of lemon juice of those exfoliating alpha hydroxy acids, and for more vitamin . I added about 1/4 cup of cocoa powder for added decadent, and antioxidant polyphnols, and topped it off with a dollop of pumpkin puree, for vitamin A and C, and powerful AHA’s. I also added some brown sugar, which is also contains AHA’s.
The whir, whir, whir, until all was well blended. The resulting mask glop had the perfect “stay put” consistency–just thick enough, and not runny. I smeared it thickly all over my face, then went about my business for about 30 minutes. When I rinsed the mask off with warm water, my skin was baby soft, and my fine lines were softened, as well, though not as dramatically as the pumpkin apple peel mask.
My skin did glow, but it was also a tad in the pinkish side. This is not a bad thing, as it is often a result of the AHA peeling action, and it quickly went away. Today, when I repeated the mask with the leftover, I only left it on for between 15 and 20 minutes. I then applied my moisturizer, and my mineral makeup, which went on smoothly, and beautifully.
I give this cocoa pear mask about an 8 out of 10. I just took a looksee, and my fine lines still look less apparent, but the plumping action is just not quite as powerful as the pumpkin apple mask. I will continue to use this mask in the future, as it smells great, and my skin is very soft. It’s nice to have another seasonal fruit mask to add to my natural skin care arsenal. If you try it let me know how it works for you!
Add comment November 6, 2009
naturalbeautylady
Tags: lemon juice, oatmeal, DIY skin care recipes, vitamin A, vitamin C, natural skin care recipes, beta glucans, fine lines, mineral makeup, exfoliating, cocoa, pumpkin, apples, pears, antioxidant, copper, Neova, serum, plumping
Aromaleigh En Pointe L.E. Eye Shadow Collection–Back for a Limited Time!
Of all of the wonderful, limited edition eye shadow collections that Kristen Leigh Bell, of Aromaleigh Cosmetics and Aromatics, has dreamed up, and created, in the last year, my favorite by far is the En Pointe Collection. Don’t get me wrong. I loved all of the other ones, too, especially the Holiday Blast Collection, and the Valentine’s Collection, but the En Pointe Collection just spoke to me–actually, it screamed my name, from the moment that I laid my eyes on it. This came as no surprise, as Aromaleigh is my favorite mineral makeup company–and my one and only for eye shadows!
Miss K describes this glorious collection as follows:
“Inspired by one of my great loves… the ballet.
This is a gathering of lush shades, not just the expected ballet pink. For me, ballet is dramatic, emotional, and full of tragic beauty. With almost 20 years of ballet study, I watch not only dreaming that I could be on the stage, but knowing the iron strength and control that the most ethereal, graceful dancer must have.
“En Pointe” has a little bit of everything… plush matte shades with graceful iridescent highlights, a brilliant shimmering black and white that can make any color into whatever you imagine, and some lovely frosts with multi-faceted effects. Most of this year’s collections have been straight frosts with vivid sparkling highlights, but this collection is more understated while still being full of mystery and transient beauty.”
During the En Pointe Limited Edition Eye Sadow Collection’s first run, I bought full sizes of several, which I almost never do. I usually try before I buy, with samples. I chose to get Serenade, Clara, Calliope, and Dulcinea when the collection was first released. I adore all of the colors that I own.
I swear Kristen made Serenade just for me, as the matte teal, with the violet iridescence makes my blue eye sparkle and shine. A look with the neutral, beige Calliope as a highlight color, Serenade, and Clara–a smoky purple with pink and blue iridescence is always a winner, whether I use the Serenade on the lid and Clara in the crease, or the other way around. The lovely Dulcinea is a purple matte, that truly is very plush!
When I bought the Dulcinea–after I loved the first three that I had bought from the collection, I also ordered samples of other shades, including Elegie, and Glisse. I wasn’t too sure about either, but wouldn’t you know it, I loved them both–but too late, as the collection was retired before I could snap up a full size of each. Glisse made a perfect crease color, and thesparkly, black Elegie that scared me so makes a stunning, wet lined, eye liner. I was so disappointed that I had missed them!
Anyway, that all changed Sunday night at about 11:55 p.m., thanks to the re-release of the En Pointe Collection, and a dandy 31 percent off coupon code for being a Facebook faf. Not a fan yet? I urge you to become one, as the specials Aromaleigh offers to Facebook fans are simply wonderful. Anyway, the code ended at 11:59 p.m., and i got my order for Elegie and Glisse in just under the wire. I have not gotten them yet, but will review them when I do.
I truly wish that I could post a picture, but you can see the L.E. En Pointe eye shadow collection for yourself on the Aromaleigh website–but, only for two small weeks, so hurry! Some colors will be coming back permanently, but who knows which ones? You had better try these truly fabulous eye shadow colors before the En Pointe Collection is retired again, so that you have time to sample, then buy–do not miss out. You will regret it, as I did with Elegie and Glisse. Well, what are you waiting for? Go!
Add comment November 4, 2009
naturalbeautylady
Tags: Aromaleigh Mineral Makeup, Calliope, Clara, Dulcinea, Elegie, Enpointe Limited Edition Eye Shadow Collection, facebook, Kristen Leigh Bell, matte, review, Serenade
Aromaleigh Natural Fragrances–A Wonderful Way to Replace Traditional Perfume!
Good Monday to everyone! How are you adapting to the time change? If you are like me, you have dark circles under your eyes from not being able to sleep last night ;-( Hopefully, tonight will be better. I have finally ended my rebellion, and turned the clocks back today. I may undo the change any moment now…
Among the many hats that I wear, freelance writing is one of them. Last wee had me writing an article about eco-friendly perfumes. Now, I knew that these existed, and it has been on my mind, that as I continue to replace my traditional skin care and cosmetic products for natural products, that I may want to look into natural perfumes to replace my body sprays and traditional perfumes. I got some wonderful ideas from my research and will be telling you about them in the weeks to come. To begin, I am going to feature Aromaleigh Cosmetics and Aromatics, and Kristen Leigh Bell’s line of natural perfumes and fragrances.
Armoaleigh does everything that it does well. From the awesome mineral makeup, with an array of foundation colors that is unsurpassed, the the blushes, hundreds and hundreds of hand formulated eye shadows, and a wide variety if lip products, from balm to lipstick, to, of course, the hand blended natural fragrances. These natural fragrances were created by Kristen Bell from essential oils, and natural aromatics. There are six natural fragrances to choose from, so that no matter your perfume style, you will find something that you love.
The Isobel fragrance is said to be a “cult favorite,” and it is a gorgeous blend of rose, jasmine, neroli, black currant seed, along with vanilla, vetiver, and cinnamon. This fragrance seems to have a floriental feel to it. for those who love gourmand fragrances, such as myself, there is the Madeline fragrance, with notes of cocoa absolute, sandalwood, nutmeg, vanilla-like benzion, along with grapefruit and lime to add sparkle to the perfume.
Adelaide is said to be a “light, fresh, and dreamy” fragrance, while Dulcinea is termed “sweet and girlish,” and is another gourmand delight. The Giselle and Kristen fragrances complete the collections, each with their own unique feel. These fragrances cost $50 for one ounce, but Kristen put one fragrance on sale for 25% off each week, so… Samples can be had for a mere $2.50, so that you can try the fragrances before you buy them.
It should be “noted” that natural fragrances are lighter, and do not last as long as commercial fragrances, This just means that you have to apply them a bit more often, and I do not mind that. Also, if you are sensitive to regular perfume, you may still be to natural perfumes, so best to sample… Play around with some of these natural fragrances, so that you can be eco-friendly, and still smell sweet as a rose.
Add comment November 2, 2009
naturalbeautylady
Tags: Aromaleigh, cocoa, eco-friendly fragrance, floral, floriental, gourmand, Kristen Leigh Bell, natural fragrances, natural perfumes, perfume, vanilla
Join Aromaleigh Mineral Makeup on Facebook, and You Might Win an ENTIRE Set of Sonic Rocks Eyeshadow!
That is a whole lot of color, and a whole lot of eyeshadow! You all know how I love Aromaleigh Mineral makeup, and all of the unique, creative, and one of a kind works of makeup art that creator, Kristen Leigh Bell, formulates with care, and what must be magic. I am a fan of Aromaleigh on Facebook, and you should be, too!
Why? Deals, discounts, contests, and newsy tidbits. Right now, Kristen is hoping to reach 1000 fans on her Facebook page. She is currently 31 fans shy of that goal. Once she hits 1000 Facebook fans, she will be giving one lucky fan and entire set of Sonic Rocks eyeshadow–full size ones, too!
That is 80 eyeshadow colors, and when I say color, I do mean color! Check it out for yourself! It is a little gift for someone worth $520! Wow– Other benefits of being a Facebook fan of Aromaleigh Mineral makeup? How about a 30% off coupon code, or a 25% off coupon code that shows up in your inbox from time to time–frequently, just for being an Aromaleigh Facebook fan, and first crack on sales, too!
There is just no reason not to become a fan of Aromaleigh Mineral Makeup on Facebook, so go join NOW!
Add comment October 26, 2009
naturalbeautylady
Tags: Aromaleigh Mineral Makeup, become a fan, contest, facebook, fan, Kristen Leigh Bell, sonic rocks eyeshadow, win
Another Pumpkin Facial! Pumpkin Apple Enzyme Facial Mask and Olive Oil Hair Soak!
I work very long hours on the weekends. I have mentioned this before, but it bears repeating. Because of these long hours, I tend to eat poorly on the weekends. I do not drink enough water, I do not get enough sleep, and I have no time for pampering. It is no wonder that when I look at myself in the mirror every Monday morning thatmy reflection has me running to the kitchen to whip up a new recipe. This morning was no different.
Since my skin looked undernourished and depleted, I wanted something that would provide lots of moisture and skin food–nourishment for my poor face. I also knew that I needed to exfoliate. So, I began with a sugar and lemon juice exfoliating scrub, using the usual technique–two minutes massaging it onto my face, then 2 minutes or more sitting on my face. The AHA’s in the lemon juice and sugar work their magic, and the vitamin C boost from the lemon juice helps a lot, too.
While the sugar/lemon juice mixture was drying, I went to the kitchen and began to dump things into my food processor. I wanted a skin softener and those oat beta glucans called to me so I started with a handful of oatmeal. I then put in a few teaspoons of half and half, a couple of large dollops of pumpkin puree for the enzymes and vitamin A and C, a teapspoon of lemon juice, a couple of teaspoons of honey–the natural humectant to lock in moisture, and 1/2 of a small apple, skin and all. Oh yes, I also added a fresh egg white and some cinnamon.
I blended it until it was lumpily smooth, and there were no giant chunks of anything. I rinsed the sugar/lemon off of my face with warm water, then I applied the pumpkin apple mask and it was a nice, thick consistency, so it stayed on very well, with no drippy business. It smelled so good, and felt so good, that I planned to leave it on for a good 30 minutes.
Since I didn’t want to waste that time, not that I was but… I grabbed a bottle of extra virgin olive oil and used about 3 palmfuls to coat my hair completely. I have fine, shoulder length hair, so you may need more, or less. When the 30 minutes was up, I jumped into the shower and washed my hair gently, three times–until it did not feel oily any more. I did not condition beyond the olive oil. I then rinsed off the pumpkin apple enzyme facial mask, finished my shower, hopped out, and dried off.
What with the hair toweling, and the skin cream applying, and the getting dressed, I did not look into the mirror for several minutes, but when I did, I was amazed! I know that when I gave you the first recipe for the pumpkin facial mask that I said that the fine lines around my eyes had softened to a very noticeable extent. Well, this morning, the fine lines around my eyes, very apparent before the mask, had virtually vanished! I am not kidding–my skin looked plump and smooth and well fed. I was truly delighted. My bath tub was a giant mess, what with the oily residue, and the oats and stuff, but it was well worth it, ladies and gentlemen.
I have a good amount left over, so I plan to use this mask each morning, or every other morning, this week just to see if a shorter time on the face works the same magic. If you liked the Pure Pleasure Pumpkin Facial mask, I strongly urge you to try this oatmeal, pumpkin, apple wonder mask at your earliest convenience! It is truly awesome, and I do not use that word lightly. Put your best face forward with these seasonal, Fall ingredients! All of the vitamins, minerals, oat glucan’s, and alpha hydroxy acids will rock your world. Oh yea, my hair looks and feels great, too! Soft, shiny, and manageable!
3 comments October 26, 2009
naturalbeautylady
Tags: alpha hydroxy acids, apple, apple facial mask, apple jiuce, beta glucans, curly hair, DIY skin care recipe, enzymes, face food, facial peel, lactic acid, lemon juice, manageable hair, natural facial mask, natural skin care, oatmeal, olive oil hair mask, pumpkin, pumpkin facial peel, shiny hair, skin nourishing, skin plumping, soak, sugar, vitamin A, vitamin C
Lucy Minerals Color Kits–A Great Deal!
When I reviewed Lucy Minerals foundation a few week ago, I told you all that I planned to buy a foundation soon, as well as a blush, with other additions coming as money allowed. I really do love the coffeeberry packed foundation, and its great coverage! Anyway, I true to my promise, I headed to the Lucy Minerals website, and noticed that Annie was now offering mineral makeup kits, so I took a looksee, and I am glad that I did!
There is a kit for every budget, and you design your own kit, choosing the colors that suit you, and tickle your fancy. Because I wants a foundation, and a blush, and the finishing powder, I choose the “daytime” color kit, choosing the colors that I wanted, rather than the ones listed. This kit is a $59 value, and sells for $39!
The kit contains a full size foundation, blush, finishing powder, and your choice of three eye shadows, or eye liners–you all know how I love and collect eye shadows! I got the hibiscus blush, and the blue shimmer and bronze eye shadows, and the espresso eye liner. The colors really do make blue eyes POP! I get compliments whenever I wear the colors together.
My pharmacist said, “Your face looks good.” I nearly laughed out loud, as I then wondered what the rest of me looked like. She went on to ask me what kind of mascara I used and continued to focus on the mascara. I wanted to tell her that it wasn’t the mascara, but the other eye makeup.
Other kits include the “Face it” kit for $27, which includes a foundation, blush, and a finishing powder, and two express kits, each $20, with choices of foundation/finishing powder combo’s, or foundation/blush and eye shadow. I highly recommend that, if you are going to order from Lucy Minerals, that you go with one of the money saving, bargain mineral makeup color kits. Annie promises more kits to come. Can you say, “Charge it?”
Add comment October 22, 2009
naturalbeautylady
Tags: bargain, blush, coffeeberry, coverage, daytime color kit, deal, express kit, eye liner, eye shadow, face it kit, finishing powder, foundation, Lucy Minerals, mascara, Mineral color kits, money saving, review
Put Down That Lip Balm and Back Away Slowly!
Are you one of those people who feel frantic if they forget their lip balm at home? Are you “addicted” to Chapstick, or Carmex. You just *may* be addicted, and that’s no laughing matter. Now, go grab you lip balm and read the tiny little print telling you what is inthe lip balm that you love so…
Does it contain phenol? Camphor? Maybe, menthol, of salicylic acid? If it does, chances are that the reason you cannot go without your lip balm is that on, or more, of those ingredients causes your lips to actually become drier after it has been applied! So, you keep applying it, and your lips feel better for a bit, then dammit! Your lips feel dry or chapped again, and you reach for your lip balm again, and the cycle begins and goes on and on…
This is the time of year when we naturally need a little something to add moisture to our lips, due to indoor heating, lack of humidity, and cold outdoor temperatures. Maybe you are like me-a habitual lip smacker/licker/chewer. With that sort of behavior, anything that I put on my lips doesn’t last for long. So, what can you do if your lip balm is a “baddie”, and contains phenol, or other drying ingredients? You go find a lip balm that is natural, and does not contain addictive, drying ingredients.
This summer I found a lip balm at the natural food store, made by Alba Botanica, that had an spf 15–your lips do need sun protection, too-and had no bad stuff, like camphor, phenol, or menthol. It is colorless, and contains beeswax among other things. I like it well enough, but it a stiff sort of lip balm, and it takes a lot of effort to apply it in such a way as to feel like you got some on your lips. It does a fiar job, and it is fragance free, if that matters to you.
My favorite lip balms are made by Aromaleigh Mineral Makeup, and they come in a host of yummy scents, with no yucky ingredients. I also love the Aromaleigh Nourishing Color Cremes for when I want color, and lip loving ingredients. The lip balms are clear and they have a consistency that allows for fast, smooth, and easy application. In short, it doesn’t feel like you are trying to put wax on your lips.
The price is right, too. They are regularly priced at $4.85, but are often 25% off, like right now, so they cost $3.64. If you read this immediately, and rush to the Aromaleigh site before midnight tonight, October 20th, you can use the coupon code for another 20% off! Wow! I also suggest that you try the Aromaleigh Nourishing Color Cremes, and their lips stick, which is the only lip stick I will wear–love it, love it! But, those are reviews for another time.
So, before you whip out that phenol containing lip balm again, to apply it for the 100th time today, head over to Aromaleigh, or seek out some other natural, non addictive lip balm. Your lips will thank you! These terrific lip balms contain Shea butter, jojoba oil, beeswax, avocado butter, meadowfoam oil, and vitamin E, among other good things…
1 comment October 20, 2009
naturalbeautylady
Tags: vitamin E, evening primrose oil, Aromaleigh Mineral Makeup, nourishing color cremes, jojoba oil, shea butter, cocoa butter, lip balm, lip stick, phenol, salicyclic acid, dry lips, chapped lips, Chap Stick, Carmex, Blistex. spf 15, Alba Botanica, fragrance free, unscented, essential oil scents, yummy scents. beeswax, avocado butter, meadowfoam oil, camphor, menthol
Apple Pie Exfoliating Facial Peel Mask–a Fall Treat!
Today I had the time to pamper myself a bit this morning. I was also in the mood to whip up, and try, something new face food-wise. Now, any woman in the beauty know knows that Juice Beauty makes a popular, and expensive, line of organic skin care products made, in part from, apple juice–which contains malic acid, and alpha hydroxy acid. Malic acid is also on of the ingredients in another skin care best seller–MaMa Lotion. You may have noticed, that I like to use whatever is in season, when it comes to my face food, and apples are fresh and plentiful right now.
So, with this in mind, I began with a fresh lemon juice and brown sugar exfoliating scrub. I massaged the mix onto my face for about two minutes, then just left it there for a while to let the AHA’s in the lemon juice, and the sugar work their dead skin removal magic. While this lemon/brown sugar mix sat on my face, I took what I had left of that mix and added to it a bit more lemon juice, and one half of a fresh off of the tree, organic apple that I had chopped up very finely in the food processor, along with a little bit of cream. To that, I added a bit of cinnamon and cloves, mostly for the smell, and I stirred it up and headed back to the bathroom.
I rinse the brown/sugar lemon stuff off of my face with warm water. Then I proceeded with the apple mask. First off, this is a drippy mask! I tucked a hand towel into the front neck of my top. The mask gets less drippy as it dries, but protect your clothes from the stickies. Anyway, I patted the mask onto my face. You know how sugar makes the juice in apple come out, like when you make a pie? Well, that fresh apple juice is what is going onto your face, so do not fret if you do not have a lot of apple bits adhering to your skin.
Pat in on slowly and carefully, then let in stay on for about 20-30 minutes, drip, drip… The dripping does stop, really…the it is just plain sticky. Sit down, and inhale deeply, enjoying that terrific, Fall, apple pie fragrance. While I was enjoying the scent, I Googled Juice Beauty to see exactly what was in their apple facial peel products. Apple juice, lemon juice, lactic acid from milk, cane sugar for it’s alpha hydroxy acids–wow, why that is pretty much what is in my apple pie facial peel mask! Juice Beauty adds DMAE, and Alpha lipioc acid. Since I have some DMAE on hand, I mixed a little into the remaining mask still in the cup, and I patted that onto my face.
Once everything was nice and sticky, I rinsed the mask off with warm water and the results were amazing! Like the pumpkin peel facial mask, the apple pie facial peel mask had very visibly reduced the fine lines around my eyes, and my face was smooth and glowing. It was wonderful! I toned with my witch hazel and green tea toner–homemade, of course. I then put on a layer of extra virgin olive oil and left that on for 15 minutes, wiping off what hadn’t soaked it. My mineral makeup went on beautifully, and 13 hours later, my skin still feels soft and nourished.
An apple a day keep the doctor away, and eating an apple a day has been shown to help control weight, as well as keep a person regular. Like so many foods we have used so far, apples, when applied to the skin, can work wonders too! Autumn is apple season! Make a pie and a mask at the same time! Yum!
Add comment October 16, 2009
naturalbeautylady
Tags: alpha hydroxy acids, apple facial mask, apple juice, apple pie, brown sugar, cane sugar, cream, DIY facial peel recipes, DIY skin care recipes, exfoliating facial mask, extra virgin olive oil. apples, facial peel, Juice Beauty, lactic acid, lemon juice, malic acid, mama Lotion, milk, organic, pumpkin peel
Review: Theraganics Natural, Handmade, Cold Process Soap
As I have continued to weed my way through my beauty and skin care products, rooting out all of the baddies along the way, I knew that it was time to ditch the paraben packed body washes with something, so I looked to Esty.com, and fell into the loving lather of Theraganics, handmade, natural and organic, cold process soaps. I can honestly say that these soaps are a pure pleasure to use!
One of the things I love about Etsy is that you meet the nicest people-the sellers are wonderful, and Stephanie of Theraganics is no exception. She uses the finest ingredients for her soaps; shea butter, olive oil, coconut oil, and she uses not artificial colorants, for fake fragrance oils. This results in gloriously refreshing and pampering soaps, with a creamy lather that cannot be beat.
My first order was for the carrot tomato complexion soap, which is organic and vegan. With the carrot containing tons of beta carotene, and the tomato containing lycopene, this is a face loving bar, with a lovely orange and red swirl color. The scent is very light, and the soap does not dry my skin in the least bit.
I also ordered the bay rose soap, which smells so romantic, and the pretty pink color and crushed rose petals in the mix make for a gorgeous soap. I tucked this one into my unmentionables drawer for a bit until I was ready to use it, and the scent is to die for. Aside from the rose, this soap also contains bay and eucalyptus essential oils. The price for a 5 ounce bar varies from $4 for the carrot tomato, to $5 to $5.50 for other soaps.
Of course, I had to have more! Stephanie at Theraganics offers a three for deal–three soaps of your choice to $13, which a big savings! So, I placed an order for the patchouli black tea sopa, the frankincense and myrrh soap, and the orange, cinnamon, clove soap. All are beautiful in color, scent and design. I cannot wait to try them. Stephanie was clearing out summer stock so she tossed in a bar of bergamot grapefruit soap, too! What a deal!
Now, these spectacular soaps scent my undies drawer as I enjoy the bay rose soap. I am going to add at this point, that I tried another soap from another Etsy seller during this time, one that uses fragrance oils–got it for my son. The Theraganics bars are very, very long lasting in comparison! These are not like the soaps you buy at the store. These are truly skin loving, natural soaps that are a sensual delight to use.
Theraganics also makes a very popular French clay and green tea soap. Stephanie sent a sample, and I cannot wait until it is available again. She also sent samples for coming attractions soap–the outdoorsy North woods soap, perfect for the fellas, and the delightful lemon peel soap. Can you guess what I will be using as stocking stuffers this Christmas?
As you can see, I am sold, and a new devotee to Theraganics saps–my new obsession! Give the must-have soaps a whirl and I bet that you will become a lather loving devotee, too!
Add comment October 13, 2009
naturalbeautylady
Tags: bargains, bath products, bay rose soap, beta carotene, carrot tomato complexion soap, coconut oil, cold process soaps, essential oils, Etsy, etsy seller, French clay and green tea soap, lather, lemon peel, lycopene, men's soaps, natural skin care, natural soaps, no parabens, olive oil, orange cinnamon clove soap, organic, review, shea butter, Theraganics
Pure Pleasure Pumpkin Facial Peel Mask-Delicious Enzyme Power!
Well, I finally did it. I was able to find some canned pumpkin at the grocery store last night. Imagine my delight! Not only did thoughts of baked goods dance through my head, but the thought of a dreamy pumpkin enzyme facial mask thrilled me! This morning, my dreams became a reality.
Pumpkin is a powerhouse food. It contains a plethora of vitamins and nutrients that do wonders for a body when eaten. The deep orange color alone, lets you know that pumpkin is very high in beta carotene, and alpha carotene. Add to the, the alpha hydroxy acid/enzymes, a high vitamin C and vitamin E content, as well as lutein and you can quickly see why this Fall squash is good for your skin, too–even when smeared onto it, and not eaten.
Pumpkin is very hydrating to the skin when applied topically, and a pumpkin peel facial mask with produce and instant radiance, as well as softening any fine lines you might have. You can buy a pumpkin peel facial mask. June Jacobs makes one, and it only costs $78 for a 4 ounce jar-ouch! Or you can make your own, as I did this morning. Here is the recipe that I came up with…
I used three tablespoons of canned pumpkin puree, and to that I added some brown sugar, which is also an alpha hydroxy acid–those great chemical exfoliants. I then added a teaspoon of honey, a natural humectant, to lock in moisture, and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice to increase the vitamin C content. A teaspoon of cream, with it’s lactic acid, and a goodly sprinkling of cinnamon completed the mask.
I applied a fairly thick layer to my face and left it on for twenty minutes–this is a sticky mask, ladies. I then put on another layer and went and made the beds. Once that chore was done, I rinses the mask off using a wash cloth and warm water. Oh, my, does my face glow! It is soft as a baby’s bottom, and the fine lines around my eyes are visibly softened. They are still there, but much less apparent. This is what I have been waiting for, and why I have been so upset about the pumpkin shortage. This year I stock up!
To seal the deal, the scent of this facial mask is purely heavenly. It smells just like pumpkin pie, and it is warm, and homey, and deliciously relaxing. A decidedly good treat on a cold, rainy morning. After I rinsed the mask off, I moisturized as usual, then marveled at my skins appearance again. In fact, it’s been 30 minutes or so since I removed the mask, and after another trip to the bathroom, my skin is still glowing, and my fine lines remarkably less noticible.
So, run, don’t walk, to the supermarket and grab as many cans of pumpkins as you can, in all good conscious. Then whip up your own pumpkin enzyme facial mask and create your own little piece of Autumn heaven. This mask is mild, so go ahead and use it two or three times a week!
Addition: If you like this pumpkin facial peel mask, you will love this most current favorite of mine, the Pumpkin Apple Facial Peel Mask! Take a look at it, as it is a beauty!
Add comment October 7, 2009
naturalbeautylady
Tags: alpha carotene, alpha hydroxy acids, beta carotene, brown sugar, cinnamon, cream, DIY skin care recipes, exfoliant, honey, June Jacobs, lactic acid, lemon juice, natural skin care, pumpkin, pumpkin enzyme facial peel mask, radiant skin, vitamin C, vitamin E
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