Wouldn’t we all love to have soft, velvety skin? The desire to possess the perfect, smooth, peachy complexion has been with us (in particular us females) for as long as we have existed, and has helped the cosmetics industry reach the gigantic proportions it has. But there is no need to spend a fortune for the pleasure of having a lovely skin. Natural Cosmetics - cheap, dead simple and straight out of your kitchen -  is effective and kind, both to you and to your skin (click here to read my article on Natural Cosmetics).

If you'd like to order my very own hand-made, 100% natural super-rich dry skin cream made from the best, richest and kindest ingredients (€15, exc. p&p), please contact me.   

Below are ideas and recipes for natural, home-made cosmetics that works. The rule is — ”If you can’t eat it, don't smear it!” 

·       Gentle Bran Face Cleanser

·       Quick Oat and Milk Cleanser

·       Quietly Chamomile Cleansing Water

·       Refreshingly Rose Cleansing Water

·       Honey and Almond Nourishing Cream

·       Honey and Cucumber Eye Soother

·       Vanilla-Honey Luxury Bath

·       Kiss Me Sweetly Lip Balm

·       Milk and Honey Bath

·       Peppermint Feet Treat

Gentle Bran Face Cleanser

25g bran

25g wheat germ

25g fine oats

25g fructose

Instructions

In a spice or coffee mill grind together all the ingredients to a fine meal. Keep in an airtight jar.

Wet your face. Gently rub one tablespoon of the mixture over the face for three minutes. Rinse well (it’s nice and easy to do this peeling whilst in the shower).

Dry your face. Pour a few drops of pure olive oil on a piece of cotton wool, and gently wipe your face with it.

Quick Oat and Milk Cleanser

· 1 tablespoon of oats, ground

· 3 tablespoons of milk

Instructions

Mix the ground oats and milk to a smooth paste.

Wet your face. Apply the oat and milk paste to your face, and leave it on for 5 minutes. Wet your fingers and massage your face gently and thoroughly. Rinse well.

Quietly Chamomile Cleansing Water

2 tablespoons dry chamomile flowers

1.5 cups water

5 drops of essential oil of Chamomile or organic sunflower oil

Instructions

Soak the Chamomile flowers in water overnight. Bring to the boil, let simmer for 2-3 minutes, sieve and allow to cool. Transfer the liquid into a glass bottle, add the oil and shake well.

Shake the bottle. Soak a piece of cotton wool in the Chamomile water and wipe your face gently.

Refreshingly Rose Cleansing Water

1 tablespoon cucumber juice

1 tablespoon rose water

1 tablespoon lime juice

Instructions

Mix the juices and rose water and keep in a glass bottle in the fridge for up to two days.

Shake the bottle. Dampen a piece of cotton wool in the rose water, and wipe your face gently.

Honey and Almond Nourishing Cream

1 tablespoon soft, unsalted butter

   1/2 teaspoon honey

   3 drops almond oil

   3 tablespoons milk (at room  temperature)

  Instructions

In a small bowl mix together the butter, honey and almond oil to make a smooth cream.

Dip a piece of cotton wool in milk and cleanse your face gently. Apply the cream to the face and neck, and leave it on for 25 minutes. Clean the remains of the cream with cotton wool dipped in lukewarm water.

Honey and Cucumber Eye Soother

½ tsp chamomile tea

1 tbsp aloe vera gel

2 tsp cucumber, peels, seeds removed

½ tsp honey

Instructions  

Steep the chamomile tea in 5 tablespoons boiling water and set aside to cool. Sieve. In a blender combine aloe vera gel, cucumber and honey, blend, then add the chamomile tea. Blend until smooth. Apply gently under the eyes. Store in a glass jar in the fridge for up to one week, and use chilled. 

Vanilla-Honey Luxury Bath

1 cup almond or sesame oil

½ cup honey

½ cup liquid soap

1 tbsp natural vanilla extract

Instructions 

Gently mix together all the ingredients. Pour into a clean jar or bottle. Shake gently before using. The quantity is enough for four baths. 

                            Kiss Me Sweetly Lip Balm

½ cup almond oil

¼ cup beeswax (available from specialist craft and honey stores)

1 tbsp honey

Instructions 

Place the almond oil and beeswax in a bowl and microwave on high for 1 minute, or until the mixture melts. Stir the honey into the mixture, and set aside to cool. When cool, divide into small containers with lids. Use as a lip moisturiser or on top of lipstick for extra shine.

Milk and Honey Bath

2 tbsp dried lavender flowers

1 cup whole milk or cream

2 tbsp honey

Instructions 

In a coffee grinder or spice mill process the lavender flowers until they turn into powder. In a glass jar whisk together the lavender powder, milk or cream and honey. Shake well and pour the mixture into a warm bath. The quantity is enough for one bath.

                                            Peppermint Feet Treat

4 tbsp aloe vera gel

4 tbsp beeswax, grated (available from specialist craft and honey stores)

2 tsp honey

2 tsp fresh mint leaves

6 drops essential oil of peppermint

2 drops arnica oil

2 drops essential oil of camphor

2 drops essential oil of eucalyptus

Instructions 

Grind the mint leaves in a coffee grinder or spice mill. Melt the beeswax in a double boiler (‘bain marie’). In a glass bowl combine aloe vera gel and honey and microwave shortly until mixed well. Stir in the beeswax, and let cool. Add the mint leaves and the oils, and stir until completely mixed. Apply after showering to the feet and toes, and massage well. This mixture will soothe tired feet and invigorate circulation. Store remaining mixture in a covered jar in the fridge.