Have you ever noticed how as the day wears on your face just starts to feel … well, dry and just blah? Or your makeup starts to settle into those ever-appearing fine lines (where do those come from so fast, anyhow?), and you’re in desperate need of a re-set, but you don’t have time to re-apply?
Solution: an antioxidant rich, moisturizing facial spray. It’s easy to prepare, refreshing, and best of all, it’s portable, so throw it in your bag and take it anywhere.
Now, just as a precursor, I’d like to disclose that yes, of course you could just buy a pre-made facial spray at Sephora, but the older I get, the more I’m starting to realize, at least for me, that real, all-natural ingredients are much kinder to my skin than anything I can buy in a bottle. I’m all about smearing yogurt and lemon on my face to exfoliate away those dead skin cells rather than shelling out $10 for a single mask, particularly when the ingredients list of said mask looks like a science experiment. In fact, the more I research the topic, the more I learn about how many of these ingredients are incredibly destructive — mostly because they masquerade as estrogen, and can lead to hormone disruption and a whole host of health problems. Yeah, no thanks. I’ll stick to my to fresh rose petals and aloe straight from the plant.
These three simple ingredients are all-natural, reasonably priced, and super-effective. Witch hazel has a whole host of benefits — it’s a potent antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties, helps tighten pores, eliminate excess oil production, and helps reduce cellular damage. Most of you already know the benefits of aloe vera gel — it’s moisturizing, anti-aging, soothes burns, and is chock-full of nutrients. And the rose petals — of course they make the spray pretty, but they’re also loaded with antioxidants that help reverse the signs of aging and help calm irritated skin. In short, these three ingredients combined create a powerful and refreshing elixir.
Ok, so on to the good stuff … here’s what you’ll need:
— Glass jar with a lid, thoroughly cleaned and completely dry — Medium spray bottle with a fine mist nozzle head — 1/2 cup freshly plucked rose petals (color is unimportant, unless you want the spray to be aesthetically pleasing, in which case pick whatever color rose appeals to you) — 1/4 cup fresh aloe vera gel, which is generally about 4-5 medium-size stems — 1 cup of witch hazel, available here or here — Optional: 1 Tbsp vitamin c & hyaluronic acid serum — Optional: 5-7 drops of the essential oil of your choice
Pluck … begin by plucking your rose petals and laying them out to dry … this may take a week or so. This is best accomplished by laying them out in a single layer, somewhere dry that receives plenty of light.
Infuse … once they are dry, place them in the glass jar, and add the witch hazel. Close the jar and let the infusion sit for a week or two in a cool, dry place. You may want to give it a good shake every few days.
Create … once the infusion is complete, remove the rose petals from the liquid (you may need to use a strainer). Next, remove the aloe vera gel from its plant – you can do this by slicing the plant open and then gently scooping the gel out with a small spoon. Add the gel to the witch hazel and stir until combined. Use a funnel to pour the finished mixture into your spray bottle.
And that’s it … just three simple ingredients and you have a wonderfully refreshing pick-me-up you can carry with you anywhere. Now, there are a few additional ingredients that I frequently add, because my skin tends to be a bit dry, and these little extras tend to really help!
Optional Add-Ins — Vitamin C & Hyaluronic Acid Serum: Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that helps combat damage caused by UV rays — it fades dark spots and helps brighten and even out skin tone. And hyaluronic acid is a powerful hydrator, which will help keep your skin looking dewy and youthful. I personally use Amara Organics — the company uses top-notch, organic ingredients, and the price is reasonable.
— Essential Oil: I like Rosehip for correcting dark spots and soothing dry skin, Tea Tree for it’s antibacterial properties (great for combating acne), Frankincense for helping reduce the appearance of pores, and, of course, Lavender for it’s amazing smell, and stress-relieving effects. Keep in mind this list is just a small sample of all the essential oils out there — if you’re interested in incorporating essential oils into your regimen, I suggest you first identify your particular skin issue(s), and then research which oil(s) will address the problem. After conducting a significant amount of research, I created my very own custom essential oil blend that I use on my face every evening, and I love it! If there’s interest, I can share details with you in an upcoming post.
** Just a few quick tips on essential oil use:
— First, they are potent, so you need only a very small amount, and they should always be diluted, either in a lotion or in a carrier oil such as jojoba or almond oil. Notice that I only call for 5-7 drops total of essential oil in this facial spray recipe.
— Second, if you do purchase any of these oils, be sure the one you choose is an “essential” oil and not merely a fragrance oil. Research the brand/company to be sure their product is made of high-quality, genuine essential oil. With the popularity of these oils, there are quite a few companies that use all sorts of synthetics and filler oils. Be sure to read labels and product reviews before you make your purchase!
Ok, I’m clearly a fan of making your own, natural facial spray, but if you just don’t have the desire, or time, I’ve included a few pre-made options below.
I hope you enjoy … let me know how you like it!
yours, K
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