Tag Archives: almond oil

DIY Night Cream…That Works!

25 Nov

SleepingA little while back, I saw a do-it-yourself recipe for a night cream that seemed easy to make with ingredients that I know had great anti-aging properties. It has been a while since I’ve made any of my own natural skin care, but after researching some of the new ingredients and knowing the nature of the familiar ones, I thought I would give this one a shot, especially with the change in seasons.

After making it about two weeks ago, and using it nightly since, I have definitely noticed a difference in my skin. When I get up in the morning, I thoroughly wash my face (exfoliating twice a week) and can notice softer skin, smoother complexion, less fine lines, and a nice even glow. Very good. Very good indeed.

Of course, me being me, I had to tweak the recipe just a bit to make it the way I like it, but I had my reasons which I’ll explain. But so far, this inexpensive, totally natural night cream is my go-to savior as the temps start to drop and my skin gets drier.

So, ready for me to share? Get a pen because a few things you may have to find…and I’ll tell you where.

Sassy’s Super Night Cream

2 tsp. beeswaxBeeswax is a skin protectant, healer, softener and fights against bad bacterias that can set into dry or chapped skin causing irritation or inflammation.
1 1/2 tsp. coconut oilAgain, coconut oil can fight against dry skin by improving the moisture and lipid content of the skin.
2 tbs. almond oilA staple in my home, almond oil has many positive qualities to benefit the skin from head to toe. This is a true gem that helps balance the PH of the skin, removes dark circles around the eyes, and reduces wrinkles.
1 tsp. grapeseed oilOh, my favorite oil! Its benefits are endless–who knew? It’s great in a night cream because its properties help reduce skin inflammation, tightens skin, moisturizes and fights aging.
1/4 cup aloe vera gelLike many of the other ingredients, aloe helps fight acne, moisturizes and fights aging. What’s great about this specific ingredient is it is not oily and is quickly absorbed to make the night cream light and less greasy.
1 tsp. raw honeyHoney does a lot of what the other products do, but in a raw, fresh way. In addition to the general properties of the other ingredients, honey will also open your pores (making them easy to unclog with your morning wash) and helps give your skin a nice glow.
2/3 tsp. bentonite clayYup, this one is probably new to you. It was for me! But after researching, I find this is the most important ingredient. This clay actually comes from volcanic ash, packed with beneficial minerals while binding to removing toxins. According to Mountain Rose Herbs: “Bentonite, also referred to as Montmorillonite, is one of the most effective and powerful healing clays. A good quality Bentonite should be a grey/cream color…anything bordering “pure white” is suspect. It has a very fine, velveteen feel and is odorless and non-staining.” The clay can actually produce an electrical charge so when working with it, PLASTIC OR WOODEN UTENSILS CAN ONLY BE USED to do the mixing.
1/4 tsp Unsweetened Hi-C Lemonade PowderThis is a great add to give the cream a gentle scent but also adds Vitamin C and Citric Acid which helps to reduce pore size, brighten the skin and speed cell turnover to keep skin looking young.

DIRECTIONS–FOLLOW CLOSE!:
In a small, microwave save plastic bowel (with cover), add the first 3 ingredients and microwave on medium for 1 minute on medium. Remove carefully and stir with a wooden stick or plastic spoon. Repeat for 30 seconds, stirring about a minute in between till wax is melted. Add the aloe gel, grapeseed oil, lemonade & honey into the melted mix. Stir gently and repeat till the cream is completely blended, smooth and is beginning to thicken. While it is still soft, add the bentonite clay. REMEMBER–PLASTIC BOWLS AND SPOONS ONLY! NOTHING METAL!!! Once smooth with no lumps, cover and put in refrigerator for about 2 hours. The steam in the container will add natural moisturizer with the cream. Take out for about an hour before use. One it is out, it can stay at room temperature.

Most of the ingredients you can get either in the market or on eBay. Here is a list on where I found these items:

Almond Oil, Grapeseed Oil, Coconut Oil can all be found in the baking aisle of a regular supermarket usually. You might want to try a higher-end market that specializes in organic products. The Hi-C Unsweetened Lemonade packet can be found in any supermarket drink-mix aisle.

Beeswax can be found on different EBay stores. I get mine from EBay seller “paypalsale”. You can buy just one ounce which is more than enough and shipping is free. Find the link to their listing –> here

Pure Aloe Vera Gel can also be found on EBay. I got mine from EBay seller “bodygrin”. You can find a listing for the aloe gel with free shipping –> here

Bentonite clay can be sold with additives so it’s important to find a pure product. I really like the one I got from EBay seller “hedys-haven”. You can find a link to their clay –> here

This recipe will give you a decent sized container of night cream that can be kept out next to the bed or on your bathroom counter. The “cream” can be a little waxy with the amount of beeswax used, but I like the health benefits that the beeswax contains so I add a bit more. Even waxy, the cream will melt at skin temperature, so it will go on thin when warmed between the fingers. Make sure you wash your face in the morning because the night cream will turn the cells over while you sleep and you will want to wash the “old” ones away in the morning, leaving your face feeling soft and looking bright & young!

Have fun making yourself a natural, healthy night cream that does what you need and more… without unneeded chemicals, additives or the added price of retail advertising. Not to mention, with the amount you’ll get out of one batch and how little you will use? You probably will have enough to keep you looking young for pennies for a long, long time!

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Old School vs. New Math?

28 Apr

imageIt might be getting close to the hot wedding season, but my reference to “something old” and “something new” actually has to do with my glamour ensemble, not bridal must haves. See, a few things in my daily routine and extensive closet are new items that I have recently discovered and have fallen in love with. Others are tough, tried and true, and have been in my glamour routine for some time. We all know it’s nice to find new items that exceed even our favorites, but there are just some things we cannot do without. What are yours? Here are a few if my new favorites and classic classic loves:

Something old…
imageMaybelline’s Eye Studio Master Drama Eye Liner – Okay, this product hasn’t been around forever and, in fact, compared to other liners, it’s kinda sorta new. However, many other variations of liners–pencils, liquids, gels, loose pigments–have come onto the scene very recently. I think I bought this for the first time about three years ago, and liked how it’s creamy yet long lasting formula had the stay power to get me through the day. It’s stated 16 hour wear holds true for me. Doesn’t irritate my eyes, no skipping or smudging. Even now, when it comes to my bottom lid waterline? It’s the only product I use. And although it comes in six shades, Midnight Master is my go-to color no matter what. (What can I say? I’m a black liner kind of girl!) $7.99

Something new…
imageLancôme Paris Artliner Precision Point Eyeliner – I will admit: I was never a liquid liner lover. I could not master that damn little paintbrush. An art student I was not. Then, about a year ago, a Lancôme representative gave me a makeover at Macy’s and showed me how to use all of these new products as well as explain the benefits to me. She gave me a dramatic caterer look with the Artliner and let me practice in the store. I left with three different colors, although Noir gets the most use. The foam-tipped brush makes it almost impossible to mess up, the formula dries fast, and lasts all day. Rich, deep color that glides on smooth and effortlessly. $30.50

Something Old…
imageTree Hut Shea Almond & Honey Body Butter – Anyone who follows my blog knows I’ve been a fan of this moisturizer for a very long time. In the cold, dry, winter months, this extra rich creamy moisturizer helps to penetrate into the skin for long-term hydration as well as protect the surface of the skin from drying elements. I love it most for how it keeps my feet smooth and soft avoiding dry calluses, plus it keeps my legs from getting dry and catching on delicate fabrics. I always have one jar in the house…right now I three in various rooms!! $5.08

Something new…
imagePure Romance Body Dew in Pink Cupcake – Okay, don’t laugh. I’m working the local tattoo expo a few weeks back when I decided to take a stroll and check out the other artists at the convention. All of a sudden I am approached by a woman in pink feathers asking I’d she could demonstrate her oil spray to give my tattoos added shine. She picks the Pink Cupcake scent and sprays my lotus side tattoo. I really had no chance to protest it happened so fast. But I noticed immediately that I: 1) loved the tasty scent and; 2) it was moisturizing but not a sticky oily feeling. Infused with pure almond oil, this product (often sold in an adult home-party setting) was something I actually fell in love with. I get the convenience of a light, moisturizing oil in a spray with a sexy smell that I really like. It’s not overpowering, it doesn’t conflict with my other perfumes, locks moisture into the skin, and has the benefits of pure almond oil. I’ll be using this after my showers when my skin needs a nice, light coat of moisturizer. (I did choose to pass on the available whips and fuzzy cuffs at this time.) $18.00

Something Old…
imageSephora Collection Waterproof Jumbo Liner 12HR Wear – Sephora jumbo eye pencils have been around ever since I bought my first one in NYC almost 10 years ago. Although they are called “liners”, their array of 28 different colors allows you to use them as a highlighting pencil, a contouring pencil or a liner. These pencils go one soft without tugging, and allow you a bit of time to smudge and design before they set. I love the fact there are mattes, frosts and high glitters so you can mix and match for a sexy, all-day look. Stays put, no running, no raccoon eyes. Simple, fun must-haves in hot colors! $14.00

Something New…
imageFor Goodness Grape Mineral Eye Shadows – I’ve always been a fan of loose mineral eyeshadows. Such a fan that my entire top drawer in my bathroom vanity is probably filled with over 100 different colors by various companies. When my girl at a For Goodness Grape said she was adding a mineral makeup line to her already fabulous selection of lip balms, scrubs & tints…I HAD to try them! Without fail, Lisa had put together a collection of her favorite new colors–bold and neutrals–for me to try. The minute I put the shade “Pearl” as my highlighter, I knew I was in love! The formulas are easy to work with, are fun to “foul” (put on wet) and blend easily to get the desired look and/or color you want. The shadows are a nice addition to For Goodness Grape’s already fabulous line of American made, boutique inspired beauty products. I use at least one FGG product every day, and now with these great, jazzy, affordable mineral products, I can see that number going up! Eyeshadows, $6.50

There are a few things that I have always on hand for my beauty routine, and now I’ve added a few more newer things that I just can’t live without. I seriously encourage you to give some if these a try and see if they make your “gotta love ’em, gotta have ’em” list. You may make a few of them ‘must haves’ as well!