Face Packs for a beautiful skin

Look Young Face Pack 

1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
1 med. banana - peeled
1 vitamin E capsule

-Mash together cream and banana.
-Stir in contents of capsule.
-Smooth onto face and neck.
-Leave on for 10-15 minutes.
-Wipe off with damp cloth.

Notes: Look younger instantly

Apple Mask For Normal Skin 

1 apple - quartered, cored
2 Tbls. honey
1/2 tsp. ground sage

-Chop apple in food processor.
-Add honey and sage to apple. Mix well.
-Refrigerate for 10 minutes.
-Pat mixture onto face with a light tapping motion, tapping until honey feels tacky.
-Leave on for 30 minutes.
-Rinse.

Banana Mask for Dry Skin

1/4 cup plain yogurt
2 Tbls. honey
1 med. banana

-Mash all ingredients together with a fork.
-Smooth onto face and neck.
-Leave for 10 minutes, then rinse off.

Notes: Soothes dry skin.

Blemished Skin Mask

 1 tomato - chopped

1 Tbls. instant oatmeal
1 tsp. lemon juice

-Blend all ingredients just until combined.
-Apply to skin, making sure the mixture is thick enough to stay on blemished areas, such as cheeks, forehead, or chin.
-Add a bit more oatmeal to thicken the mask, if necessary.
-Leave on 10 minutes.
-Scrub off with a clean washcloth dipped in warm water.

Fruit Salad Body Mask

2 slices pineapple - rind removed
1/2 med. honeydew melon - rind removed
1 doz. green grapes
1 med. banana - peeled
1 med. pear - cored
1 med. kiwi fruit - peeled

-Puree all ingredients in food processor. Mixture will be slightly lumpy.
-Refrigerate for 1 hour.
-Smooth onto body and/or face, leaving on for half an hour.
-Rinse of with tepid water.     

Notes: Softens and exfoliates the skin, leaving you feeling cool and clean.

Green Ambrosia Body Scrub

1/4 cup uncooked white rice
1/2 cup Epsom salts
2 Tbls. oatmeal - ground in blender
1/4 cup cornmeal
1/8 cup glycerin
5 drops baby oil
1/2 bag green tea
1 tsp. poppy seeds
5 drops china rain essence oil

-Grind rice in the blender.
-Combine all ingredients with a whisk.
-Pour in bottles or Ziploc® bags to store.

1 med. lemon - juice of
2 Tbls. finely ground almonds
1 Tbls. honey

-Combine all ingredients.
-Massage mixture into face and neck.
-Leave on for 5 minutes.
-Rinse off with warm water. 

Nail Strengthening Solution

2 tsp. castor oil
2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. wheat germ oil

-Pour all ingredients into a sealable bottle.
-Before each use, shake well.
-Rub a small amount of the mixture into your nails.
-Leave on for 3-5 minutes.
-Wipe off with a cotton ball.

  

Nourishing Almond Oil Mask 

1 egg
1 tsp. almond oil
1 splash half and half

-Combine all ingredients.
-Smooth onto face and neck.
-Leave on for 15 minutes.
-Rinse with cool water.

Peach Tightening Mask

1 ripe peach - peeled, pitted
1 egg white

-Whip peach and egg white together in a blender until smooth.
-Gently pat mixture over face.
-Leave on for 30 minutes.
-Rinse off with cool water.

Refreshing Mint Mask

1 Tbls. ground spearmint leaves
1 Tbls. vegetable oil
1 Tbls. honey

-Puree ingredients in the blender for 2 minutes.
-Smooth onto clean face and neck, avoiding areas around the eyes.
-Leave on for 10 minutes.
-Rinse with cool water.

Revitalizing Avocado Hair Treatment

1 med. avocado - peeled, pitted
2 Tbls. honey

-Mash together both ingredients in small bowl.
-Massage into hair.
-Leave in for 20-30 minutes.
-Wash hair as usual.

Notes: Brings tired-looking hair back to life.

Strawberry Drawing Mask

1/2 cup ripe strawberries
1/4 cup cornstarch

-Mash strawberries and cornstarch together to make a paste.
-Apply to face, avoiding the delicate area around eyes.
-Leave on for 30 minutes.
-Rinse off with cool water.     

Strawberry Face Brightener

2 ozs. ripe strawberries
1 cup milk

-In a bowl, mash together strawberries and milk.
-Strain through a fine sieve.
-Smooth onto face with cotton ball, then wipe clean with fresh cotton ball.
-Refrigerate left-overs for future use.

Ultimate Dry Skin Treatment

2 Tbls. real mayonnaise
1 tsp. baby oil

-Combine both ingredients.
-Smooth onto face, neck, rough elbows and knees, or anywhere you need it.
-Leave on for 20 minutes.
-Rinse thoroughly with tepid water.

Some lovely Videos on Makeup!

The Beauty Diet

Think expensive spa treatments, creams and plastic surgery is the key to lasting beauty? Think again! Lisa Drayer is a beauty nutritionist and health reporter and in her latest book, 'The Beauty Diet: Looking Great Has Never Been so Delicious', she writes that it's not what you put ON your body that makes you beautiful, it's what goes IN your body. She shared her Top 10 Beauty Foods that can visibly improve your skin, hair, teeth, nails, and overall health!

Wild Salmon
Salmon (especially the wild kind) is one of the healthiest foods you can eat. What's even more exciting is that consuming pink fish can enhance your beauty. I picked salmon for my Top 10 list because it is one of the best food sources of omega-3 fatty acids, those beneficial fats that enhance our health and appearance by fighting inflammation, keeping our cells supple, improving circulation, and helping our brains function optimally. Salmon is a beauty food because its nutrients play a key role in keeping the skin's outer layer soft and smooth. The omega-3s in salmon reduced the inflammation on the cellular level that can cause redness, wrinkles, and loss of firmness.
Salmon offers multiple beauty benefits:
Omega-3 fatty acids. These replenish the lipids in the skin, which helps keep the skin flexible, helps reduce moisture loss, and may improve acne symptoms. Studies have found that fish oils can protect against the sun's ultraviolet rays, which can lead to free-radical damage, skin aging, and the potential for skin cancer. Other research suggests that omega-3 fats may help keep eyes healthy by protecting against dry eye syndrome. While it is possible to buy fish oil in capsules, research has suggested that fatty acids are absorbed better from whole-food sources. The beneficial fatty acids in salmon (and other fatty fish, such as herring and trout) are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosalhexaenoic acid (DHA). Technically these fatty acids aren't "essential," because the human body is capable of synthesizing them, but this process depends on many different factors. The simplest and most pleasurable way to obtain fatty acids in optimal amounts is to eat them!
Protein. Salmon is one of the best sources of high-quality, easily digested protein that is low in saturated fat. To maintain healthy skin and grow healthy hair and long, strong fingernails, you need to eat protein every day. Protein also plays an essential role in the production of collagen (which gives skin it's structure) and elastin (which gives skin its flexibility). Your body needs protein to make everything from neurotransitters and antibodies to the enzymes that power chemical reactions and the hemoglobin that carries oxygen in your blood. Protein is good for suppressing appetite because it is digested slowly and does not cause an elevation in blood sugar.
Astaxanthin. Salmon is the richest food source of the powerful orange pigment called astaxanthin (the same substance that makes cooked lobsters red). Astaxanthin is a powerful antioxidant, 10 times more potent than beta-carotene and 100 (or more!) times more powerful than vitamin E. Potent antioxidants have dynamic antiaging effects, so salmon is a food that helps keeps us young.
DMAE. Salmon is a rare dietary source of dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE). This substance is a precursor to the neurotranmitter acetylcholine, a brain chemical responsible for communication between nerve cells and muscles. DMAE helps cognitive function, and as an added benefit it improves muscle tone and firmness in the face, thereby reducing wrinkles. DMAE is now being added to many topical beauty preparations, as it appears to help skin tone without any unsightly or uncomfortable side effects.
Vital Vitamins. Salmon contains vitamin D, B vitamins (both covered later in this chapter), and other micronutrients. Salmon is the best whole-food source of vitamin D, which is difficult to obtain from natural-food sources. Vitamin D plays a crucial role in absorbing calcium, which in turn promotes strong bones and teeth.
Mighty Minerals. Salmon is an excellent source of potassium, selenium, and other minerals. Selenium helps the skin stay youthful by protecting it against sun exposure and helping it retain its elasticity.

Low-Fat Yogurt
I've included low-fat yogurt in my Top 10 Beauty Foods because it is a terrific source of calcium, which is especially helpful if you want strong bones, beautiful nails, good posture, and a beautiful smile. One cup of plain, low-fat yogurt supplies about 450 milligrams of calcium. That's more than the amount of calcium in a cup of fat-free milk, and it supplies close to half of your daily calcium needs. The beauty benefits of yogurt are not limited to its calcium content, though. Eight ounces of yogurt has two grams of zinc, which is beneficial for your skin. Pick up a container of yogurt for its:
Protein. By now you know how important it is to eat some protein every day to have beautiful hair and nails, to keep hunger from getting the best of you, and to jeep every aspect of your body functioning and in good repair. Eight ounces of yogurt contains 12 grams of protein.
Beneficial Bacteria. Yogurt contains live microorganisms such as L. acidiophilus that promote the growth of healthy bacteria in the intestinal tract. Lactobacteria manufacture B vitamins, help digest dairy products, and inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria in your gut. The live cultures in the yogurt produce lactase, which breaks down the lactose. This is helpful for lactose-intolerant individuals.
Vital Vitamins. Yogurt contains B vitamins, which are necessary for many body func tions, including cell growth and division.
Mighty Minerals. Yogurt contains other beauty-enhancing minerals in addition to calcium, including approximately the same amount of potassium as a banana. Yogurt can be classified as an anticariogenic, meaning it fights cavities. The calcium and phosphorus in yogurt favor the remineralization of the enamel on our teeth, making our teeth sparkling and cavity-free.

Oysters
The expression "The world is your oyster" suggests that oysters have a world of benefits tucked inside their shell. These little gifts from the sea are on my Top 10 list because they are the best whole-food source of zinc. People often think of oysters as an aphrodisiac, but the high zinc content of oysters is a great beauty benefit as this mineral is a major player in skin renewal and repair. It helps create collagen, which provides the structural support in skin. It also has antioxidant properties and has been shown to be a protective nutrient at the cellular level. Zinc helps maintain stronger nails, keeps the scalp and hair healthy, and helps protect eyes from vision problems. Zinc is highly concentrated in the retina, where it serves as a critical anti-oxidant and helps protects against eye-related diseases.
Mighty Minerals. In addition to its beauty benefits, zinc is essential for a healthy immune system, aids in wound healing, plays a role in our sense of smell and taste, supports normal growth and development, and is essential fro DNA synthesis. Oysters are also a good source of selenium, which helps your skin retain its natural elasticity.
Protein. Oysters are a source of protein, and we need to eat some protein every day to have healthy hair, strong fingernails, and frim skin. Our body uses protein to make neurotransmitters, antibodies, enzymes, hemoglobin, and more.
Vital Vitamins. Six cooked oysters have 1 microgram of vitamin B12 (the recommended dietary allowance is 2.4 micrograms). It is important for many reasons, including its critical role in metabolism, cell growth, and the synthesis of fatty acids.

Blueberries
With their bright flavor and unmistakable blue hue, blueberries seem to be trying to attract our attention. Today the humble blueberry is experiencing a new level of popularity, not because it has a significant amount of any one vitamin or mineral but because of its unusual antioxidant profile. Researches at a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) lab at Tufts University in Boston, Massachusetts, rank blueberries number one in antioxidant activity when compared to 40 common fresh fruits and vegetables. Blueberries contain many plant compounds that combine to make this sweet fruit an antioxidant superstar. I included blueberries in my Top 10 Beauty Foods because their antioxidant, antiaging, and anti-inflammatory effects protect you from premature aging. Blueberries contain:
Anthocyanins. These are the blue-red pigments that also are present in red wine and other foods; they not only give blueberries their color but also enhance their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Blueberries contain at least five different anthocyanins, which boost the effects of vitamin C, neutralize free-radical damage to the collagen matrix (the basis of all body tissues, including skin), protect the neurons in the brain, and strengthen blood vessels.
Vital Vitamins. Blueberries offer a healthy dose of vitamin C and vitamin E. These potent vitamins have antioxidant properties, which help to fight aging by ridding our bodies of harmful chemicals that have damaging, long-term effects on our features and internal organ systems.
Mighty Minerals. Blueberries are a source of potassium, which helps to lower blood pressure and boost circulation throughout the body.
Lutein and Zeaxanthin. These chemically similar carotenoids are important for our eyes. They appear to protect the eyes though their antioxidant effects, as well as they ability to filter out UV light. One cup of blueberries contains 118 micrograms of lutein and zeaxantin combined.
Ellagic Acid. This antioxidant prevents cell damage and may be protective against cancer.
Fiber. A cup of blueberries has almost 4 grams of dietary fiber. Fiber helps you feel full without adding calories to your diet, which is a big bonus when it comes to staying slim. Plus fiber helps control cholesterol and protects against diseases of the intestinal tract.

Kiwifruit
Kiwifruit offers a rich nutritional reward in a small. Delicious package. Inside of this small, brown, fuzzy fruit - about the size and shape of a very large egg - you'll find semitranslucent green flesh and small black seeds around a white center. Kiwifruit has a unique sweet flavor something like a combination of strawberries, pineapples, and bananas. I've included kiwifruit among the Top 10 Beauty Foods because it offers more than just a tropical touch for your fruit salad: it has an unusually abundant amount of vitamin C and other antiaging antioxidants. Kiwifruit offers beauty benefits from stimulating collagen synthesis (vital to lovely skin) to maintaining healthy bones and teeth to protecting against wrinkles and premature aging. Because kiwis are antioxidant all-stars, they can help neutralize free radicals, which otherwise can cause damage to cells that could lead to inflammation, cancer and heart disease.
Vital Vitamins. One cup of peeled kiwifruit contains more vitamin C than an equivalent amount of oranges. Vitamin C in kiwifruit is integral for collagen production and the maintenance of healthy skin, and research has suggested that high vitamin C intake is associated with fewer wrinkles. Aside from collagen synthesis, the vitamin C in kiwi is essential to the formation of healthy bones, teeth, and capillaries; plus, the vitamin may keep our eyes healthy by protecting against cataracts. Vitamin C also helps protect proteins, lipids (fats), carbohydrates, and nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) from damage by free radicals.
Antioxidants. One kiwi also contains 40 micrograms of the powerful antiaging antioxidant beta-carotene, plus it contains the fat-soluble antioxidant vitamin E, which is usually found in buts and oils. And there's more. Kiwis are rich in phytonutrients that protect the DNA in the nucleus of human cells from free-radical damage. Researchers are not yet certain which compounds in kiwi give the fruit its extra protective antioxidant capacity, but they are sure it is not the fruit's vitamin C or beta-carotene content.
Lutein and Zeaxanthin. As you read with blueberries, these phytonutrients appear to be important to eye health. One cup of peeled kiwifruit contains 216 micrograms of lutein and zeaxanthin combined.
Fiber. Two kiwis contain 5 grams of fiber, which helps keep you slim by promoting a feeling of fullness without contributing calories. Fiber also helps control your cholesterol and blood sugar levels and protects against gastrointestinal disorders.
Mighty Minerals. Kiwifruit contains several beneficial minerals. One cup of peeled kiwifruit has 552 milligrams of potassium - slightly more than a cup of sliced bananas. Potassium is beneficial to cardiovascular health. Kiwis also contain magnesium, which is a major component of bones and teeth.

Sweet potatoes
The orange color of sweet potatoes gives their secret away. Sweet potatoes are on my list of Top 10 Beauty Foods because of their big boost of beauty-enhancing beta-carotene, a fat-soluble pigment found in many orange vegetables and fruits. It is a powerful antioxidant that protects our cells by destroying the free radicals that can damage cells (including skin cells) and cause age-related disorders. The body converts beta-carotene to vitamin A, which helps keep your skin smooth, so incorporating sweet potatoes into your diet can help you achieve wrinkle-free skin. Beta-carotene also may protect your skin from the damage caused by sun exposure. One cup of cubed sweet potato contains a stunning 14, 260 micrograms of beta-carotene.
To help simplify the process of choosing nutritious foods, scientists at the Center for Science in the Public Interest have developed a point system. Food are given points for dietary fiber, naturally occurring sugars and complex carbohydrates, protein, vitamins A and C, iron, and calcium. Points are deducted for fat content (especially saturated fat), sodium, cholesterol, added refined sugars, and caffeine. The higher the score, the more nutritious the food. According to this point system, the sweet potato is the number-one most nutritious vegetable! For a modest 115-calorie investment, you get a huge nutritional return.
Vital Vitamins. One sweet potato more than meets the recommended dietary allowance for Vitamin A. When your body converts the beta-carotene from your sweet potato into Vitamin A. It will help keep your skin looking smooth and soft. Vitamin A also is important to good vision and eye healthy, cell division and differentiation, normal functioning of your immune system and healthy bones, teeth, skin, hair and fingernails. Additionally, one cup of canned sweet potato (which weighs more than a cup of uncooked) has 63 milligrams of the wondrous water-soluble antioxidant vitamin C.
Mighty Minerals. Sweet potatoes help keep your bones strong and teeth sparkling with 40 milligrams of calcium per cup. They are also a good source of magnesium, which plays a critical role in hundreds of chemical reactions in the body, as well as a source of manganese, a trace mineral that helps keep bones strong and blood glucose levels normal. Sweet potatoes also have a significant amount of potassium, which is vital for the sodium/potassium balance in the body. I often recommend potassium-rich foods for those retaining water due to excess consumption of sodium-rich foods.
Fiber. It's more exciting than you think. Fiber helps you stay slim, helps control the level of cholesterol in your blood, and helps prevent problems from developing in your intestinal tract. One cooked sweet potato contains 4 grams of dietary fiber.

Spinach
Spinach is a versatile, affordable, readily available, low-calorie leafy green vegetable that is loaded with beauty-enhancing nutrients. I included it in my Top 10 beauty Foods because of its exceptional lutein content, which keeps our eyes healthy and bright. Spinach also contains a significant amount of beta-carotene, as well as vitamin C, several B vitamins, magnesium, iron, calcium, potassium, zinc, dietary fiber, and even omega-3 fatty acids, making it a wonderfully nutrient-dense vegetables. Following are some of the beneficial micro-nutrients in this super-food:
Lutein and Zeaxanthin. One cup of cooked frozen spinach is ranked number one among vegetables by the USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference (Release 20) for its content of the related antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin. Lutein is particularly important to eye health. The human body easily absorbs lutein and deposits it in the region of the retina called the macula and in the lens of the eye where lutein is able to filter light and prevent oxidation of proteins or lipids within the lens. Lutein acts like "natural sunglasses" by protecting your eyes and also helps prevent damage to your cells, keeping your skin, brain, and heart in great condition. A Harvard University study published in the Jouranl of the American Medical Association found that consuming 6 milligrams of lutein (60 grams of fresh spinach) a day was associated with a 43 percent lower risk of macular degeneration. In addition, studies indicate that people who eat leafy greens are protecting themselves against cancer, cardiovascular disease, and age-related disorders.
Beta-carotene. Spinach is an excellent source of beta-carotene, a key beauty nutrient. One cup of frozen spinach (boiled and drained) has 13, 750 micrograms of beta-carotene, nearly as much as baked sweet potato and more than a cup of boiled carrots!
Alpha-lipoic acid. Spinach has a special gift for you: the antiaging, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant compound alpha-lipoic acids works synergistically with other antioxidants in the skin to reduce the damaging inflammatory effects of sun exposure. It replenishes other antioxidants like vitamins C and E, plus it helps regulate glucose metabolism and keep blood sugar levels stable. It protects cell and mitochondrial lipid membranes from free-radical damage and is especially protective to the mitochondria in nerve cells. This means it may play a role in preventing the effects of aging on the brain. Alpha-lipoic acid boosts cellular levels of glutathione, an antioxidant of tremendous importance in overall health and longevity and essential to the functioning of the immune system.
Vital Vitamins. Spinach is a helpful source of vitamin C. One cup of cooked spinach has 18 milligrams of vitamin C. Spinach is also an unusually good plant source of the fat-soluble antioxidant vitamin E, which helps protect you from accumulating damage caused by free radicals. Previous research has suggested that vitamins C and E and beta-carotene - all found in spinach - may protect against cataracts. Spinach is also impressive as a source of folate (vitamin B9). One cup of raw spinach has 58 micrograms- about 15 percent of your recommended dietary allowance of 400 micrograms. Among its other roles, folate is necessary for the production and maintenance of new cells, including red blood cells, because it is needed to replicate DNA.
Mighty Minerals. Among vegetables, spinach contains an unusually high amount of magnesium, which plays a vital role in hundreds of the body's chemical reactions. With 167 milligrams per cup, raw spinach is also a good source of heart-healthy potassium. Spinach is rich in calcium, although much of it is unavailable, because oxalic acid in spinach binds with calcium, preventing its absorption. It's also rich in iron. To increase your absorption of iron from spinach, drink a glass of orange juice or otherwise include some vitamin C with your meal.

Tomatoes
I added tomatoes to my Top 10 Beauty Foods because they provide the greatest amount of the antiaging antioxidant lycopene, the bright red carotenoid pigment that gives tomatoes, watermelons, and pink grapefruit their distinct ive color. Believe it or not, tomatoes are one food I encourage you to enjoy processed. The lycopene in tomatoes is actually more easily absorbed by the body after it is processed into juice, sauce, ketchup, or canned tomato paste. It's a great staple to keep in your pantry to add to soups or stews for an antioxidant boost.
Lycopene. This powerful antiaging antioxidant is thought to have the highest antioxidant effects, lycopene may help protect against cardiovascular disease, cancer, macular degeneration, and possibly other diseases, such as diabetes and osteoporosis. One study that involved easting 16 milligrams of tomato paste very day for several weeks showed that ingesting lycopene may protect against sunburn.
Additional Antioxidants. Tomatoes contain other antioxidants that work hard to protect you from internal damage, including beta-carotene, vitamin C, and vitamin E. These antioxidants are known for their anti-inflammatory and antiaging properties. In addition, tomatoes contain the related antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin, which are important to eye health.
Mighty Minerals. Tomatoes contain calcium, which you need for strong bones and teeth; iron, which benefits both your hair and your red blood cells; magnesium, which plays a role in over 300 chemical reactions in the body; and potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure and improves blood circulation. Good blood circulation means efficient delivery of oxygen and nutrients to cells, ultimately giving you a healthy, radiant glow.

Walnuts
Smooth skin tone, healthy hair, vibrant eyes, and strong bones can all be attributed to the dominant nutrients found in walnuts. I've included walnuts among my Top 10 Beauty Foods because they are the only type of nut that contains a significant amount of beauty-enhancing omega-3 fatty acids, plus they also provide vitamin E, a fat-soluble antioxidant that helps protect cells from free-radical damage and is associated with beautiful skin. Walnuts contain:
Omega-3 Fatty Acids. Walnuts contain alpha-linolenic acid, an essential omega-3 fatty acid. In addition to their beauty benefits, including keeping skin smooth and supple, omega-3s have been shown to protect against high blood pressure and heart disease, promote better cognitive function, and contribute to bone strength. They also have anti-inflammatory benefits that help relieve the symptoms of inflammatory skin diseases such as eczema and psoriasis, as well as asthma and rheumatoid arthritis. According to the Institute of Medicine, the recommended intake for alpha linolenic acid is 1.1 grams per day (slightly more for men and pregnant women). One-quarter cup of dried walnut halves (about 12) contains 2.27 grams of alpha-linolenic acid, making walnuts an easy way to get our omega-3s.
Vitamin E. This important antioxidant helps protect cells from free radicals that cause aging. Vitamin E is also an important nutrient for healthy, smooth skin. It helps to boost our immune system and may also keep our eyes bright by reducing the risk of cataracts.
L-arginine. Walnuts contain relatively high levels of the essential amino acid L-arginine, which plays a special role in the body because it is converted into nitric oxide - a chemical that allows blood vessels to relax, brining oxygen and nutrients to your cells and promoting good circulation to your skin. Nitric oxide also acts as a neurotransmitter in the brain and helps the immune system function. L-arginine is of particular interest to people with hypertention, so walnuts can serve as a great addition to their diets.
Might Minerals. Walnuts contain both manganese and copper. Both minerals help enzymes that are in antioxidant defenses. Copper contributes to hair color, and a deficiency of copper can cause changes in the pigment of hair.
Ellagic Acid. This antiaging antioxidant compound supports the immune system and appears to have cancer-fighting properties. Ellagic acid not only helps protect healthy cells from free-radical damage but also helps break down toxins and helps prevent cancer cells from reproducing.
Melatonin. This hormone is more familiar for regulating sleep - remember to get your beauty rest! - but it also is a powerful antioxidant, so it gives your skin a beauty boost.

Dark Chocolate
Chocolate may be described as "sinfully delicious," but in fact it is a heavenly food with many virtues. I've included dark chocolate on my list of Top 10 Beauty Foods because it is a treat for your skin as well as your taste buds. Scientific articles published in the Journal of American Medical Association and other journals reveal that dark chocolate contains as many polyphenols as red wine and has potent antioxidant, antiaging properties. Dark chocolate contains many natural chemicals, including the beneficial flavanoid epicatechin and gallic acid, which are plant compounds that possess antioxidant properties.
Talk about beauty benefits from this delicious treat, a study that involved drinking cocoa showed an increase in blood flow to skin tissue, with improved skin hydration and reduced roughness and scaling among the female study participants. Dark chocolate also appears to protect skin against damage caused by sun exposure, keeping the skin moist, smooth, and less scaly. Topical chocolate skin products are currently available, and chocolate-based treatments have become increasingly popular at spas throughout the country.
Godiva, Neuhaus, Ghirardelli - these decadent dark chocolate treats should be savored on any day, not just on special occasions! While chocolate lovers would argue that any chocolate is delicious, not all chocolates are created equal, and the health effects of chocolate depend on how it is processed. "Dutch processed" cocoa has far fewer health benefits of eating chocolate are negated in milk chocolate. The proteins in milk bind to the antioxidants and make them less bioavailable. Another reason to avoid commercial milk chocolate: according to the FDA, it may contain as little as 10 percent actual chocolate. The rest can be made up of cocoa butter, milk, sweeteners, natural or artificial flavors and emulsifiers.
When it comes to the health benefits of your favorite kind of real chocolate, the most important factor is whether the natural flavanols have been retained in the final product. Typically, the darker the chocolate, the better it is for you, since dark chocolate has the most antioxidants. The percentage of cacao in a product - often given on the label - gives you an idea of the richness of the chocolate taste, but it does not always reflect the flavanol content. Seeing "60% cacao" or "70% cacao" on the label does not guarantee that the product has higher levels of flavanols. This is because manufacturers sometimes remove the flavanols because of their bitter taste. An article in the British medical journal Lancet notes that cocoa solids can be darkened even as the natural flavanols are removed, producing a dark chocolate with fat, sugar, and calories but no health benefits.
Some manufacturers have gone to extra efforts to retain more flavanols in their chocolate as a selling point. The Mars company makes two products high in flavanols, Dove dark chocolate and CocoaVia, as well as Cocoapro cocoa powder. The more processes the chocolate is put through (such as fermentation, alkalizing, roasting), the more flavanols are lost.

All Year Beauty Regime

JANUARY-MARCH
Winter is at its peak. If you have dry skin, follow the golden rule of keeping your skin smiling all the time - moisturize and nourish regularly.
Try mixing a combination of almond, apricot and sandalwood oils in equal quantities and massage your skin with it. Wipe off after an hour and you won’t feel sticky or stretched any more.
For patchy and dull skin, blend 2 tsp powdered almonds, 1 tsp fresh cream and 4-5 mashed figs to a smooth paste and massage gently. Wash face with tepid water.
For a glow, mix together 2 tsp orange peel powder, 1 tsp almond powder, 1 tsp oatmeal, 1 tsp honey and a little rose water. Scrub gently onto the skin for about 10 minutes and wash off with cold water.
If you have a combination skin, apply little almond oil to the under eyes, cheeks and neck area, and clean your T-zone i.e. forehead, nose and chin with a little rose water. Make a paste of 3 mashed figs, 1 tsp whole wheat flour, juice of half a lemon, 1 tsp honey and 1 egg, and scrub gently onto the face and neck. Wash after 10 minutes.
Take time out for a long, languorous body massage. Sesame and sandalwood oils mixed together is excellent.
Hair is more prone to dandruff and dryness in winter. For dandruff, oil hair with pure coconut oil twice a week followed by the application of the juice of one lemon to the scalp. This should be followed by turban therapy - wring out a towel in hot water and wrap it around your head to steam it.
Shampoo with a mild shampoo after two hours. You can make the most fabulous hair conditioning pack with the following ingredients: 2 tsp amla powder, 2 tsp shikakai powder, 2 tsp fenugreek powder, 2 tsp liquorice powder and 2 eggs. Make a smooth paste and apply this from the root of the hair to the ends and leave on for at least an hour. Shampoo off and feel your hair turn to silk.

APRIL-JUNE
Spring-clean your skin… This is the time when arms and legs are uncovered for the summer sun, so it’s absolutely important to have soft glowing skin.
Massage the hands with a nourishing cream and apply the following hand pack: 2 tsp oatmeal, 1 tsp sandalwood powder, 1 egg, 1 tsp honey, 1 tsp lemon powder. Mix all the ingredients to a thick paste and apply on hands with special attention to the knuckles. Leave on for 15 minutes and dab with full cream milk and scrub off in a rotating movement. Wash off with cold water and see your hands turn as soft and supple as a baby’s skin!
The neck and back also require care. Start using a natural loofah while bathing as this helps slough off dead skin. Always use a body lotion after bathing. If you want to go completely natural, use a light hibiscus and lavender oil mixed with apricot oil. Not only will this keep your skin soft but also protect it from the sun.

JULY-SEPTEMBER
Skin must be kept clean especially during the monsoon months, so use plenty of cool rose water, cucumber water and mint tonics.
Use cool masks made of spring summer fresh fruits like plums, peaches, watermelon etc. For this, you need to take 5 seeded and mashed plums, 2 tsp whole wheat flour and 1 egg. Mix all the ingredients and apply all over the face and neck, leaving on for 10 minutes. Wash off with rose water.
If you have sunburn or tanned skin, freeze 2 slices of watermelon in the fridge for 20 minutes. Dip it in 4 tsp of honey and massage all over the face and neck, leave on for 5 minutes and wash off with cold water.
For limp, oily hair, take half glass each of strained tea water and beer, and juices of half lemon and orange. After shampooing, pour this all over the hair and well into the scalp. Let your hair dry, not only will your hair feel like silk but will shine as if there are sun beams dancing on it!
For dry hair, take half a glass of strained tea water, 1 tsp honey and half a cup of strained fresh carrot juice. After shampooing, rinse your hair with this fabulous hair rinse and feel the difference in your hair.
Monsoon is also the time to feel fresh and fragrant. Always use a deodorant and talcum. After bathing, in half-a-bucket of water,add 10 drops of citrus or jasmine oil and use as a last rinse.

OCTOBER-DECEMBER
The nip in the air, the stretch on the skin - time to prepare your skin and hair for the winter months. Start eating almonds, figs and raisins to give your body the extra nourishment and anti-oxidants that it requires.
Massage the skin with honey and feel your skin succumb to softness.l Regularly oil your hair, it would be a good time to switch to warmer oils like Mahabhringraj followed by turban therapy.
Use mayonnaise in your hair as a nourishing hair mask. Leave on for 30 minutes and shampoo with a mild natural shampoo, followed by a herbal conditioner.
The use of sea salt scrubs is highly recommended especially because the neglected areas of the body require special attention. The knees, buttocks, thighs, elbows - all start to show signs of neglect and dryness. Take 4 tsp of sea salt and mix with 5 tsp olive oil and 5 drops of sandalwood or lemon oil. Scrub these areas to uncover super soft skin in no time at all!
Indulge in these magical natural ingredients to make your skin and hair smile throughout 2009!

Some helpful recipes....

Recipes for Facial Cleansers
Dry Skin Cleanser

• 1/4 cucumber, peeled and juiced • 2 tablespoons yogurt • 2 tablespoons cooked oatmeal • Mix together well Hint: Soak cotton pads in leftover solution for a quick refreshing wash.

Generic Cleanser (All Skin Types)

• 1/8 cup ground almonds (A coffee grinder works well) • 2 tablespoons milk or cream • 1 teaspoon lemon juice • Combine thoroughly Use to gently cleanse skin rinsing well with warm water.

Rejuvenating Cleanser

• 1 green tea bag boiled and cooled • 2 tablespoons cornmeal • 1 tablespoon plain yogurt • Soak cornmeal in tea and yogurt for several minutes, then mix well. Refrigerate any unused mixture for up to 3 days.

Moisturizing Honey Wash

• 1 tablespoon oat or rice bran • 1 tablespoon honey • 1 teaspoon cream • Heat gently in microwave or on stove, stir ingredients until well blended. Use face wash while still warm.

Stimulating Cleanser

• 1 ripe tomato • 2 tablespoons milk • 2 tablespoons citrus juice: lemon, orange or lime • Combine until smooth in food processor. Freeze any leftover mixtures for up to one month.

Revitalizing Cleanser (All Skin Types)

• 1 slice of peeled apple • 2 tablespoons plain yogurt • 1 teaspoon olive oil • 1 teaspoon citrus juice: lemon, orange • Combine ingredients in food processor until very smooth. Refrigerate unused mixture for up to 3 days.

Moisturizing Cleanser

• 2 tablespoons olive oil • 4 grapes • 1 teaspoon milk • Mix well in food processor.

Heal and Protect Cleanser

• 1 large aloe vera leaf, peeled • 1 small peeled slice of papaya • 1 tablespoon honey • 1 teaspoon plain yogurt • Mix well in food processor.

Skin Care Recipes for Rejuvenating Scrubs
Simple Cleansing Scrub

• Crush 5 to 8 tablets of regular aspirin into a fine dust • Mix aspirin dust with a few drops of water to form a thin paste The salicylic acid in the aspirin removes dead skin cells while conditioning the skin.

Conditioning Scrub

• 2 tablespoons of a coarse sea salt • Mix with 1 tablespoon of honey, or olive oil The sea salt exfoliates, detoxifies and cleanses while the honey or olive oil soften and moisturize.

Skin Softening Scrub

• 2 tablespoons of cornmeal • Drizzle in enough buttermilk to form into a thick paste • Add a dash of olive oil The cornmeal is a gentle exfoliant that works in concert with the buttermilk and olive oil to condition and hydrate dry skin.

Citrus Exfoliating Scrub

• 1 tablespoon of honey • 1/4 cup granulated sugar • Drizzle in the juice of 1/2 lemon or orange slowly, mixing into a thick paste The honey hydrates, moisturizes, and protects the skin while the sugar exfoliates and the citrus tones and exfoliates.

Moisturizing Scrub I

• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar • 1 tablespoon plain yogurt or buttermilk • Mix in 1/4 teaspoon honey The sugar exfoliates, the dairy cleans and tones while the honey moisturizes.

Moisturizing Scrub II

• 1/4 cup granulated or "sugar in the raw" • 1 tablespoon grated cucumber, the juice from aloe vera leaf or one slice of avocado mashed • Drizzle in enough olive oil to make a smooth paste The sugar exfoliates while the cucumber, avocado or aloe vera, with the olive oil penetrate deeply hydrate and moisturize.

Vitamin C Exfoliating Scrub

• 1 tablespoon sea salt or any coarse salt • Mix with the juice of half an orange The salt exfoliates while the orange juice stimulates, tones and exfoliates.

Skin Care Recipes for Facial Masks

Skin Enriching Mask

1 tablespoon honey 1 egg yolk 1/2 teaspoon olive oil 1 tablespoon yogurt

Mix together to form a smooth paste Honey heals, stimulates and smooths, the egg yolk and olive oil penetrate and moisturize. The yogurt gently exfoliates and cleanses while refining and tightening pores.

Hydrating Facial Mask

1 egg yolk 1/4 of a mashed avocado Drizzle in enough cider vinegar to create a smooth paste The egg and avocado penetrates, softens and moisturizes while the cider vinegar stimulates, tones and gently exfoliates the skin.

Skin Firming Mask

Juice of half a lemon 1 beaten egg white 1 tablespoon of cornstarch Mix ingredients thoroughly to form a smooth paste The lemon cleanses and exfoliates, the egg white nourishes and firms, while the cornstarch softens and draws out the skin's impurities.

Anti-Aging Mask

1 egg yolk 2 tablespoons of milk 1 teaspoon of honey Beat until mixed well The egg yolk moisturizes, the milk exfoliates, and the honey moisturizes and nourishes the skin.

Rejuvenating Mask 2 teaspoons plain yogurt 1/2 teaspoon honey 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice 4 to 6 finely pureed grapes Combine ingredients and mix well The yogurt and lemon exfoliates and cleanses, the honey moisturizes, while the grapes nourish and rejuvenates the skin.

Moisturizing Mask

2 tablespoons plain yogurt 1 tablespoon oatmeal- cooked and cooled 1 tablespoon honey Mix thoroughly together, then let sit for a while to allow the oatmeal to soften in order to form a smooth paste Yogurt gently exfoliates and cleanses while the oatmeal and honey moisturize and re-hydrates the skin.

Soothing, Healing Mask

1/2 cup plain yogurt 2 tablespoon aloe gel- (peel and mash one aloe leaf) 1 teaspoon finely chopped rosemary Mix together thoroughly Yogurt gently exfoliates and cleanses while the aloe moisturizes and heals. The honey moisturizes and re-hydrates the skin.

Dry Skin Mask

1 tablespoon of buttermilk. or yogurt 1 egg yolk 1/8 cup finely diced rose petals 1/4 cup cooked oatmeal Mix together thoroughly The buttermilk or yogurt gently exfoliates and cleanses while the egg yolk, honey and oatmeal moisturizes and re-hydrates the skin.

Natural Skincare Recipes for Facial Peels

Skin Firming Peel

1 packet unflavored gelatin

Juice of 1 lemon and 1 orange

Heat together gently to dissolve the gelatin then let cool slightly The gelatin has a softening effect on the skin and as it dries will help firm and tone while the lemon and orange juice will exfoliate, stimulate and diminish hyperpigmentation.

Gentle Fruit Peel

1 cup fresh pineapple

1/2 cup fresh papaya

1 tablespoon honey

Puree fruit together then add the honey and mix into a smooth paste Pineapple and papaya contain natural enzymes and alpha-hydroxy acids that remove dead skin cells while the honey moisturizes the skin.

Anti-Wrinkle Peel

1/4 cucumber, peeled and seeded

1 egg white

1 teaspoon lemon juice

Puree ingredients together until mixed well The cucumber diminishes hyperpigmentation, and reduces fine lines and wrinkles, the egg white firms and tightens, and the lemon juice exfoliates.

PH Restorative Peel

1 tomato, pulp only

package unflavored gelatin

1 tablespoon orange juice

Gently heat ingredients to dissolve gelatin, then puree until smooth The tomato helps to restore the natural PHof the skin and is an excellent natural remedy for the treatment of blemishes. The gelatin helps to firm and tone the skin while the orange juice exfoliates.

Skin Revitalizing Peel

1 egg yolk

1 tsp honey 1/8 cup fresh citrus (lemon, orange or lime) juice

1 packet plain gelatin Mix together thoroughly The egg yolk moisturizes and firms, the honey moisturizes and the citrus juice exfoliates the dead skin cells away, stimulating new cell production.

Hydrating and Moisturizing Peel:

1/4 mashed avocado 1 teaspoon honey 1 egg white- beat until stiff Mix into a smooth paste The egg white firms while the avocado reduces hyperpigmentation, moisturizes, and its' healing properties diminish scars. -

Organic Skin Care Facial Toner Recipes

pH Revitalizing Toner

1 teaspoon of dried rosemary

1 teaspoon of dried thyme

1 bay leaf 1 cup white wine

Gently boil herbs with white wine for 10 minutes. Allow herbs to cool and steep in the white wine for at least one hour. Drain off herbs and discard. Rosemary is a natural astringent that stimulates cell renewal, diminishes blemishes and acne outbreaks, in addition to reducing the appearance of broken capillaries. Many herbs have anti-inflammatory properties while the alpha-hydroxy attributes in wine encourage cell renewal and growth.

Refreshing Rejuvenating Toner

1 grapefruit, lemon, lime, or orange- diced (peel and all)

2 tablespoons of fresh or dried rosemary

1 cup boiling water

Gently boil for several minutes then let the mixture steep until cool. Strain and refrigerate. The rosemary helps to stimulate cell renewal, diminish blemishes, and improve appearance of spider veins while the citrus gently exfoliates.

Skin Restorative Toner

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

1 cucumber- puree then strain the juice

Mix vinegar and cucumber juice together thoroughly The vinegar cleanses, shrinks pores, tones and gently exfoliates while the cucumber diminishes brown spots, exfoliates and moisturizes.

Green Tea Toner

1 tablespoon powered green tea or 2 green tea bags

1/2 cup milk

Boil green tea in the milk and let steep until cool Milk gently exfoliates and nourishes the skin. Green tea energizes skin cells, stimulating cell renewal. (Used green tea bags can also be used when you wash your face for a gentle exfoliating treatment.)

Aloe Vera Toner:

1 small aloe vera leaf- peel and mashed

1 teaspoon juice- lemon, orange or lime

Mix ingredients until they are thoroughly incorporated Aloe vera has healing properties and hydrates the skin while the citrus gently cleanses and exfoliates.

Soothing, Smoothing Toner

1 small cucumber- juice extracted

1 tablespoon milk

2 tablespoons finely chopped mint

Mix cucumber juice, mint and milk together well Cucumber is a gentle, soothing astringent, which helps reduce puffiness and has a slight bleaching action which aids in diminishing freckles and age spots as well as in the exfoliation of dead skin cells while the mint and milk cleanses and gently removes dead skin cells.

Vinegar Re-balancing Toner :

Any pure vinegar such as balsamic, white wine or cider vinegar 1 papaya- juiced

Mix until both ingredients are well incorporated Vinegar gently cleanses while closing pores, and restoring the skin's natural pH balance. The papaya helps to diminish blemishes and gently exfoliates dead skin cells away. Papaya juice will also help lighten age spots and freckles.

Dry Skin Mask

1 tablespoon of buttermilk. or yogurt

1 egg yolk

1/8 cup finely diced rose petals

1/4 cup cooked oatmeal

Mix together thoroughly The buttermilk or yogurt gently exfoliates and cleanses while the egg yolk, honey and oatmeal moisturizes and re-hydrates the skin.

Recipes for Homemade Moisturizers

Moisturizing Oils Olive Oil Soybean Oil Sesame Oil Coconut Oil Castor Oil Almond Oil Grapeseed Oil Lightly apply to warm, moist skin.
Healthy Glow Moisturizer :

Juice of 1 lime

1/4 cup milk, boiled

2 tablespoons good quality olive oil

Mix well and refrigerate after use

Super Soft Moisturizer:

1 teaspoon honey

1 tablespoon coconut oil

1 teaspoon lemon juice

Mix together well Refrigerate any unused mixture for several days.

Dark Circle Night Creme

1/4 cup peeled potato

1 tablespoon green tea leaves

1 teaspoon sesame oil Process until smooth in food processor Apply thin layer under eyes before bed. Refrigerate unused mixture.

Wrinkle Eradicator:

5 grapes

2 teaspoons citrus juice;

lemon, lime or orange

1 tablespoon castor oil Combine until smooth in food processor. Refrigerate any leftover mixture for up to one week.

Anti-Aging Moisturizer:

1 small cucumber, peeled and seeded

Juice from 1 lime

2 tablespoons almond or olive oil

Combine ingredients in food processor until very smooth. Refrigerate unused mixture for up to 3 days.

Balancing Moisturizer:

1/2 cup of yogurt- homemade is best

1 tablespoon orange juice

1 tablespoon lemon juice

Mix together thoroughly

Hydrating Moisturizer :

1/4 cup cooked oatmeal

2 tablespoons of honey

1 tablespoon aloe vera gel expressed from one large leaf .

Mix well

Softening Face Cream :

1/4 cup dried nonfat milk

2 tablespoons of olive oil

1 tablespoon rose petals

Mix well together in food processor

Soothing Lotion:

1 overly ripe peach, peeled and mashed

1/4 cup cream

1 tablespoon cornstarch

Mix well then strain through a sieve

Rich Protein Moisturizer:

1 egg yolk

1/4 cup milk

1 tablespoon grapeseed oil

Mix thoroughly

Some Amazing Aromatherapy Formulas...!

Concoction for Cellulite/Pains/Joint Aches

Base Oil: 50 mlGrapeseed Oil/Vegetable Oil/Cold Pressed Almon Oil/X'traVirgin Oilve Oil
To this add: Aroma Oils:

10 drops Juniper Essential Oil

10 drops Lavender Essential Oil

10 drops Lemon Essential Oil

Mix all...keep in a Dark Glass Bottle and Shake well always before use..
Note:This oil also makes a good blend for aching muscles & joints!

For relaxation, u need to add Aroma Oils in your warm running bath water.. This will help to release the full fragrance and disperse the oil..Please bath immediately ..u could light a candle for ambience . U can also put a few drops in glowing bulb in the bathroom for added effect!!

Add the following :Base Oil: Wheatgerm

Essential Oils:5 drops Lavender5 drops Geranium5 dropsYlang Ylang/Bergamot/eucalyptus
Try it...and feel the difference in a week and offcourse...let me know

Oils that Ease Negative EmotionsTo Ease: Try:
Aggression: bergamot, chamomile, juniper, lemon, marjoram, rosemary,ylang-ylang
Anger: chamomile, jasmine, marjoram, palma rosa, rose, rosemary, ylang-ylang,
Anxiety: chamomile, lavender, orange, neroli, sandalwood
Disappointment: bergamot, cypress, frankincense, jasmine, orange, rose
Fear: cedarwood, fennel, ginger, patchouli, sandalwood, thyme
Grief: bergamot, chamomile, jasmine, marjoram, neroli, rose
Hysteria: chamomile, lavender, neroli, orange, tea tree
Impatience: chamomile, clary, frankincense, lavender
Indecision: basil, clary, cypress, jasmine, patchouli, peppermint
Jealousy: jasmine, rose
Loneliness: benzoin, marjoram
Fatigue (emotional and mental):basil, clary, coriander, ginger, helichrysum, jasmine, juniper, orange, Palmarosa, peppermint, rosemary, thyme, vetiver, ylang ylang
Fatigue (physical): basil, elemi, ginger, lemon, lavender, orange, peppermint, rosemary
Nervousness: chamomile, clary, coriander, frankincense, neroli, orange,vetiver
Panic: chamomile, clary, geranium, jasmine, juniper, lavender, neroli, ylang ylang
Sadness: benzoin, jasmine, rose, rosewood
Shock: lavender, neroli, rose, tea tree
Shyness: black pepper, ginger, jasmine, patchouli, peppermint, rose, neroli, ylang ylang
Suspicion: jasmine, lavender
Tension: chamomile, clary, cypress, frankincense, geranium, jasmine, lavender, lemon, marjoram, neroli, orange, rose, rosewood, sandalwood, ylang ylang
Natural Baby Oil

Empty container for oil

1/2 cup of olive

10 drops Lavender Essential Oil

5 drops Mandarin Essential Oil
The blend of Lavender and Mandarin is not only beneficial to the skin, but is relaxing and can calm a baby along with the massage given as you apply the oil. Mix ingredients in the chosen container. Shake well to blend oils.
For Back Pain pls use the following..Apply at night before u retire to bed..u can ask your partner to apply this with light massage..dont touch the spine!!
Base Oil: Whatever u like : Almond Oil/Grapeseed/Xtra Virgin: 10 ml
Essential Oils:Peppermint : 3 dropsRosemary: 5 dropsLavender: 5 dropsAdd these and shake before applying & store in a dark clean bottle.

For Hair: Apply the following:

Rosemary Honey Hair Conditioner

Ingredients-1/2 cup honey

-1/4 cup warmed olive oil,

2 Tablespoons for normal to oily hair

-4 drops essential oil of rosemary
Directions: Place all the ingredients in a small bowl and mix thoroughly. Pour into a clean plastic bottle with a tight fitting stopper or lid. Apply a small amount at a time to slightly dampened hair. Massage scalp and work mixture through hair until completely coated. Cover hair with a warm towel (towel can be heated in a microwave or dryer) or shower cap; leave on to nourish and condition for 30 minutes. Remove towel or shower cap; shampoo lightly and rinse with cool water. Dry as normal and enjoy shinier, softer and healthier hair the natural way.

For suntan & dry skin:
Rose Oil & Honey Facial Mask

Ingredients:

2 Tablespoons honey

2 Tablespoons sweet almond oil

5 drops essential oil of rose1 drop vitamin E oil
Directions: Mix honey, sweet almond oil and essential oil of rose. Massage onto clean face and neck with fingertips. Relax for 15 minutes, then rinse off with lukewarm water. Gently pat dry to reveal a fresh, soft complexion.
Tips: Rejuvenate and replenish your skin. Sweet almond oil, which is light and easily absorbed, softens and nourishes skin. Honey as natural humectant, moisturizes, leaving even tired skin incredibly smooth.

Muscle and Joint Blend:

Blend 2 tablespoons of sweet-almond oil and 2 drops each of German chamomile and Rosemary oil. Massage into the affected areas to relax muscles, reduce inflammation and increase circulation.

Lemon:

For colds, flu or other viral infections, take a warm shower and follow it with a gentle whole-body lemon-oil treatment before going to bed. Combine one cup of sunflower oil and 20 - 30 drops of lemon oil and rub this mixture evenly over your skin. Wrap yourself up well in towels or blankets and go to bed. During the night the oil will be absorbed by the skin's pores and will deploy its antiseptic properties.

Make your own carpet fresh:

Add Lemon or any other essential oil to a box of baking soda. Use a jar with a lid. Let sit at least a day. Sprinkle on carpets, let sit for 30-60 minutes then vacuum as usual. This also helps with flea control. Much nicer than the synthetic, chemical based products on the market

Winter Protection

Mix 20 drops of Sandalwood in 3 oz. of base oil.

Sweet Almond, Grapeseed and Safflower oils are some to try. This blend is said to strengthen the immune system against colds and flu. Use as a massage oil. Massage feet before bed put on socks and go to sleep.

Sore Throat:

Make a warm compress with 4 drops of essential oils added to warm water and apply to the neck area. Use any soft cloth. Repeat as needed. The oils to try are Lavender, Tea Tree, Eucalyptus, Cypress, Clary Sage and Sandalwood. Try a combination of a few for a total of 4 drops of eo's.

Appetite Suppressing Inhalant:

15 drops Bergamot oil

10 drops Fennel oil
Drop the bergamot and fennel oils in small glass bottle with airtight cover; gently turn bottle over or roll between your hands to blend. Inhale directly from container as needed.

Some blendings I like and I would like to share:
- refreshing: cedarwood/eucalyptus globulus/lemon (3 drops each) and 2 drops of orange or néroli;
- relaxing: 3 drops of lavender, 2 of ylang-ylang and 2 of lemongrass;
- estimulating: bergamot, rosemary (3 drops) and 1 drop of jasmin (or rose) and 1 of cinnamon...

Hope they are your taste! If you try them, let me know if you've liked!

Aromas to Heal a Broken Heart:

There's no rule for how long the pain of a heartbreak will last. It may take weeks, months or even years. But using the following special aromatherapy blend and ritual will soothe your heart, nurture your wounded soul, and envelop you in comfort. I recommend following this bath ritual every night until you feel the pain has faded.

Your Daily Bath Ritual to Ease Your Broken Heart
Prepare your aromatherapy blend by adding the following essential oils to a 10-oz bottle and filling with organic vegetable oil:
-4 drops Rose Essential Oil

-15 drops Sandalwood Oil-

- 9 drops Lavender Oil
Run some warm water for your bath and add 10 drops of your aromatic blend. Light some candles and turn off the lights. Close your eyes and place your hands on your heart. Visualize yourself filled and surrounded by a pink color. Take a few deep breaths. Feel the color soothing your being. Say aloud, "I am love myself." Take a few deep breaths again. Soak for at least15 minutes.
After you get out of the bath, pour a few drops of the aromatherapy blend into the palms of your hands and anoint your heart chakra (the seat of love: healing, grieving, acceptance), and the third eye (integrating, detachment, connection with your Higher Self).

Source : Blossom Kocchar

Strawberries make a wonderful cleansing and skin softening facial mask because they contain salicylic acid—which rids the skin of dead cells, allowing it to absorb moisture and look healthy and radiant.

Few Strawberry masks & recipes for a clean skin :

Strawberry Mask:

½ cup of very ripe strawberries

¼ cup cornstarch

Mix the strawberries and cornstarch together to make a paste. Apply the facial mixture to the face. Leave it on for 30 minutes and then rinse with cool water.

Homemade strawberries Facial Mask Recipe:

Crush a handful of strawberries and mix well with 1 teaspoon honey. Apply to face and let set for about 15 minutes. Gently wipe off with a damp wash cloth.

Sweet Strawberry Facial Mask :

Using a fork mash strawberries into a pulp, add honey. Mix. Don't over blend or it will be runny. Apply directly to the skin, let sit for a few minutes then rinse off.

Strawberry Facial Mask:

For a single facial mask, thaw one whole frozen strawberry in a small cup in the microwave. Frozen strawberries are good to use for this recipe because they let off alot of juice when thawed. Mash up the slightly warm strawberry to a pulp and stir in 1-2 Tbs of cornstarch to form a smooth paste. Slather the paste on to your face and neck and allow to dry, 15 - 20 minutes. Rinse off with warm water.

5 Minute Cleaning Routine!

A five-minute skin cleansing, toning and moisturising routine and having a healthy lifestyle can work wonders for your skin. Here are some wonderful skin toners and tighteners that can be created from natural ingredients.

Apple cider oily and combination toner:

200ml apple cider, 1tsp powdered camphor, 1 drop witchazel

Mix all the ingredients and store in a bottle and use it to wipe skin three times a day. The ingredients will help tone and clean the skin as well as increase blood circulation.

Honey and rose toner for dehydrated and dry skin:

200ml of pure rose water, 2tsp raw honey, 2 drops lavender essential oil

Mix all the ingredients well and store in a bottle in the fridge. Wipe the skin with this three times a day for cleansing, toning and moisturising.

Egg white skin souffle:

2 egg whites, whipped till it peaks and put in freezer, 1tsp honey, 1tsp china clay

Clean the skin and mix these ingredients and brush onto the skin with a broad flat brush and relax. Let it dry completely [avoid talking] and wash off with ice water and pat dry. This is excellent to fade out fine lines and wrinkles.

Papaya porcelain mask:

2 cubes mashed papaya, 2tsp grated cucumber, 2tsp fullers earth, a pinch of powdered camphor BP, 1 egg white, rose water to mix to a smooth pasteMix all the ingredients and apply on a clean skin. Let dry and wash off with lukewarm water and pat dry.

Honey age care:

3 tsp raw honey, 2tsp fresh cream, 50 gms beeswax, 1tsp wheat germ oil, 1tsp olive oil

Heat the beeswax in a double boiler and add all the ingredients except the fresh cream, stir in well and let cool. On cooling add the fresh cream and stir well until it becomes a smooth consistency. Pour into a glass air-tight jar and refrigerate. Massage for 20 min. You can safely store this in the fridge for up to 10 days. It is an excellent skin polisher and hydrater

FRUIT FACIAL MASK RECIPES

A fruit facial mask can provide many benefits for the skin. For example, a facial mask using the papaya fruit is great because the enzymes in the papaya help to remove dead and flaking skin. In other words, it is a great natural exfoliator. A facial made with bananas can help moisturize the skin. Strawberries are useful in combating oily skin. Generally, fruit facials nourish the skin with essential vitamins and provide antioxidant protection. Please find below some fruit facial mask recipes.

Pear Facial Mask:

1 ripe pear

½ teaspoon of honey

1 tablespoon of heavy cream

Start by peeling and coring the pear. Cut the pear into small pieces and place them in a small dish. Using a fork, mash the pear fruit into a smooth paste. Next, add the honey and heavy cream. Spread the mixture evenly over the skin on the face and neck. Let it sit on the skin for 15 minutes and then rinse the pear facial mask off with warm water. Follow up with a splash of cool water and pat dry with a clean towel.

Apple Mask :

1 cored apple cut into quarters

2 tablespoons of honey

½ teaspoon of sage

Chop up the apple quarters in a food processor. Add the honey and sage and then refrigerate for about 10 minutes. Lightly pat the mixture onto the face until the honey feels tacky. Leave it on the skin for 30 minutes and then rinse the face mask off with cool water

Peach Facial :

1 medium peach

1 tablespoon of honey oatmeal (as needed)

Take the peach and cook it until it is soft. Mash the cooked peach using a fork. Next, add the honey and enough oatmeal until the mixture is thick. Apply the mask to the skin and let it sit on the skin for about ten minutes. Rinse off the peach facial masque with cool clean water.

Banana Fruit Facial Mask Recipe:

2 ripe medium bananas

Honey

Mash the ripe bananas with a fork and avoid over mashing. Too much mashing will cause the banana mixture to become runny. Add about one tablespoon of honey. Smooth the mixture over the skin and leave it on for approximately ten minutes. Follow with a cool clean water rinse and gently pat dry the face.


Grape Facial Mask Recipe :

1 cup of green grapes 1 teaspoon of honey or 1 egg yolk Crush the green grapes into a pulp. Next, add the honey or egg yolk (whichever is desired). Place the mixture on dampened skin for 15 minutes and then rinse off. This mask is ideal for faces that have been exposed to too much sun.

Strawberry Mask :

½ cup of very ripe strawberries

¼ cup cornstarch

Mix the strawberries and cornstarch together to make a paste. Apply the facial mixture to the face. Leave it on for 30 minutes and then rinse with cool water.