Make | Kitchen Face Masks

Natural balms and lotions are good for your skin but making them is good for your soul, too. If you’re new to homemade skincare, here are a few masks you can make with just a few kitchen ingredients - and they all take 15 minute or less to whip up.

Avocado, Banana & Honey Revitalising Mask

1 Using a fork, mash a banana and avocado together. Stir in 1 tbsp of honey.

2 Apply to your face and leave for 15 minutes. Remove with lukewarm water.

2-in-1 Nourishing Treatment with Egg

1 Separate an egg and, in a bowl, mix the yolk with 2 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp brewer’s yeast. Mix well.

2 Apply to the hair, focusing on mid length to ends, wrap in a towel and leave to work.

3 Meanwhile, beat the egg white and apply it to the eyelid and eye contour area using a cotton wool pad. To the rest of the egg white add 1 tbsp honey and a splash of almond or olive oil and spread over the face and neck.

4 Rest for 10 minutes then rinse in the shower.

Potato Power

1 Wash and peel a potato. Place some of the skins in the freezer.

2 Grate the potato and add 1 tbsp powdered milk or 2 tbsp yogurt. Spread the mixture over your face.

3 Take the skins out of the freezer and place them around your eyes (on the lids and underneath the eye), then relax for 15 minutes. Remove the mask with warm water

If you feel ready for some slightly more complex homemade beauty makes, don’t miss our feature, ‘Homemade and Healing’ in our February issue, which is in shops now. As well as these kitchen face masks there are also instructions to make Ylang Ylang Flower Hair Creme, Honey and Olive Oil Beauty Balm, Kaolin and Mint Toothpaste and a Natural Deodrant Stick. The ideas are all taken from Organic Beauty: An Illustrated Guide To Making Your Own Skincare by Maru Godas (Smith Street Books).

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Make | Homemade Bath Salts

Just a light sprinkling of these soothing salts will turn bathtime into a luxuruious treat

You will need:

120g Epsom salts

120g pink Himalayan salt

¼ tsp bicarbonate of soda

10 drops each of your choice of essential oils (we used Moroccan rose, lavender and chamomile)

1 tbsp dried flower petals (we used rose, lavender and chamomile)

Airtight glass jar (a Mason jar

or apothecary jar look pretty)

Equipment:

Bowl

Spoon

For giving:

Ribbon and gift tag

1 Mix the salts and bicarbonate of soda in a small bowl.

2 Add 10 drops each of your essential oils and mix together, ensuring everything is evenly distributed. Then add the dried flower petals.

3 Decant the bath salts into your jar and decorate with a ribbon and gift tag with your message and the following instructions: “Dissolve a handful of salts in a hot bath. Store in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight.”

These bath salts are just one of the makes from our feature, The Personal Touch, in our November issue, taken from The Art of Gifting Naturally by Angela Maynard (Hardie Grant).

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Make | Rosemary, Peppermint and Lemon Scalp Rub

Clear your head and bring the zing to your shower, too, with this treatment you can make in your kitchen

Rosemary and lemon are a classic combination, made even zingier with the addition of peppermint. Great for fine to medium hair, applying this to the scalp encourages blood flow, while the essential oils clear the head.

Makes one
250ml jar
250ml coconut oil
4 sprigs rosemary
3 drops peppermint essential oil
6 drops lemon essential oil

1 Melt the coconut oil in the microwave until pourable.
2 Finely chop the needles from one sprig of rosemary.
3 Pour the coconut oil into a 250ml re-sealable jar and stir in the chopped rosemary and both essential oils.
4 Push the remaining rosemary sprigs into the sides of the jar before sealing.
5 To use, apply the scalp rub all over the head, getting right into the roots. Leave for 15-30 mins before shampooing and rinsing thoroughly.

This project by Lottie Storey is just one of the ideas on our new potion-making for grown-ups series, Heart, Body and Soul. This month, we focus on rosemary, with an infused oil, and recipes for a bread, a cake and a pasta dish, all using the herb.

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Elderflower toner

The scented cream blooms of elderflowers have been used by women since time immemorial – in infusions to soften the skin and even out tone. The addition of glycerine gives a moisturising effect, leaving the skin silky smooth.

Makes around 200ml
1 head of fresh elderflowers (or 2 tsp dried)
200ml boiling water
5ml glycerine (optional)

1 Remove the stalks from the elderflowers (if using fresh) and put the tiny flowers in a mug or heatproof bowl.
2 Pour over boiling water, then cover with a plate and leave to infuse until cool.
3 Strain out the elderflowers, then add the glycerine (if using) to the liquid and mix well.
4 To use, soak cotton pads or a muslin cloth in the liquid and use as a toner or simple cleanser, once make-up has been removed. Use twice a day. The liquid will keep in the fridge for up to three days.

Turn to page 34 of May's The Simple Things for more on spring hedgerow foraging. 

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Cucumber, matcha and lime face mask

This refreshing, zingy mask can be made with ingredients that you may already have in your kitchen.

Makes approx 380ml
1 green tea bag or 5g (1 tsp) Matcha green tea powder
75g cucumber
2.5g (1⁄2 tsp) vegetable gelatine powder, such as Vegeset
20 drops lime essential oil

1 Pour 300ml hot (not boiling) water on the green teabag or matcha powder in a mug or jug (follow the packet instructions for ratios of tea to water). If using powder, stir to combine or leave the teabag to infuse for 10 mins. Leave to cool a little.
2 Chop slices of cucumber and whizz in a blender with the green tea until cucumber is fully blitzed. When completely cool, add gelatine to the liquid and stir to combine (check the ratios of gelatine powder to water on the packet (typically 1 tsp per 600ml).
3 Place mixture in a pan over a low heat, stirring all the time. Once it has reached boiling point, remove pan from the heat and allow to cool to around 40C. Add the lime essential oil. For 300ml use 20 drops.
4 Pour into a bowl and allow to cool before placing in the fridge to set.
5 Spread mask over face and neck and relax while the antioxidant, anti-ageing green tea and cooling, soothing cucumber get to work. Leave for 5–10 mins before removing with warm water and a muslin cloth.
6 Use straight away ideally, but can be stored in the fridge for up to two days. 

Taken from Handmade Spa by Juliette Goggin and Abi Righton (Jacqui Small).
 

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Seasonal winter shots

Ginger tops the list of effective natural home remedies. Try these combinations to help settle upset tummies, soothe migraines and ward off viruses

To make: Peel and juice the ginger first, then feed the herb or spice through the juicer. Finally, juice the fruit.

Each of the following recipes makes one winter shot.
Asian Pear Drop: 2cm piece of ginger, 1⁄4 of a stick of lemongrass and half
a pear.
Sunshine Ginger: 2cm piece of ginger, 1 blood orange or 2 clementines and
a dusting of cinnamon.
Winter Ginger: 2cm slice of ginger, 1 apple and a drop of oregano essential oil.
Blushing Ginger: 2cm piece of ginger, 2 cardamom pods (feed whole through a juicer or grind the seeds and add later after juicing), 4cm piece of rhubarb and 1 small or 1⁄2 medium-sized beetroot. Solo Ginger: 2cm piece of ginger,
1⁄4 lemon (zest and all) and a dusting of cayenne pepper.
Persian Ginger: 2cm piece of ginger, 1 tbsp fresh rose petals or 1⁄4 tsp rosewater and 15 pitted cherries.

From Tonics & Teas by Rachel de Thample (Kyle Books).

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Seasonal tonic

Make a batch of these immune-boosting shots to prevent a cold from ruining your Christmas

Opt for fresh, organic produce to maximise benefits – and if one ingredient is unavailable, just double up one of the others.

Makes 6 x 50ml shots
2 tbsp chopped garlic
2 tbsp chopped onion
2 tbsp grated fresh ginger
2 tbsp grated horseradish root
2 tbsp chopped cayenne pepper (or any other chilli)
350ml raw apple cider vinegar

1 Pile the garlic, onion, ginger, horseradish and pepper into a 350ml lidded sterilised jar. (To sterilise, wash it in hot soapy water, dry with a clean cloth, then place in a 200C/Fan 180C/ 400F oven for 10 mins.)
Fill the jar with raw apple cider vinegar, close the lid tightly and shake.
2 Store in a cool, dark place, shaking at least once a day for two weeks.
3 Filter the tonic through a clean piece of muslin, pour into a sterilised bottle. Take a 50ml shot three times a day (on an empty stomach) as soon as you feel the symptoms of a cold. It will keep at room temperature for up to six months.

Recipe from Tonics & Teas by Rachel de Thample (Kyle Books)

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Homemade cough drops

These antiviral lozenges help to soothe sore throats and ease tickly coughs. Make in advance for the winter months ahead, or boil up a batch for a poorly friend

You will need:
5cm piece of fresh ginger, sliced
1 tbsp whole cloves
4 tbsp dried elderflowers (or 5 fresh elderflower heads, main green stalks removed)
Elderflower cordial (optional) 
400g unrefined sugar
250ml honey
Juice of 1⁄2 lemon
Icing sugar, to dust or for covering

1 Take a very large, heavy based saucepan (2-litre capacity is ideal). Put the spices into the pan with 300ml water. Bring gently to boil, then simmer, covered, for 10 mins.
2 Remove from the heat and add the fresh or dried elderflowers, set aside to infuse for 20 mins.
3 Strain the liquid into a heatproof jug and measure it – you’ll need 250ml of the infusion for this recipe (if it needs topping up use water or elderflower cordial for extra flavour). Return the 250ml liquid to the pan and then add sugar, lemon juice and honey.
4 Carefully heat until the mixture comes to a gentle rolling boil. Continue boiling gently until the sugar reaches hard crack stage (149–154C on a sugar thermometer), about 15–20 mins. This is the point at which a drop of liquid turns to brittle strands when dropped into chilled water (caution: the liquid is extremely hot). Take off the heat.
5 Drop teaspoonfuls onto a tray lined with greaseproof paper and leave to set. Then, once hardened, sprinkle with icing sugar to prevent them sticking together.
6 Suck one sweet as needed. Store wrapped in greaseproof paper individually or covered in a thick layer of icing sugar in an airtight container.

Taken from The Handmade Apothecary by Vicky Chown and Kim Walker (Kyle Books). 

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Lavender and peppermint bath soak

If you’re in need of a good night’s sleep, the essential oils in this bath soak will leave you feeling extra relaxed, while the naturally therapeutic salts will soothe muscles and comfort irritated skin. Aaaaah. That’s better...

Makes 700g (enough for a week of baths)
600g Epsom salts*
75g sea salt
160g bicarbonate of soda
20 drops lavender essential oil
10 drops peppermint essential oil

Mix all the ingredients together in a small bowl and then tip them into a jar or another airtight container. The salts can be stored for up to three months. When you come to use them, pour about 100g into the bath while the water is running. Use your salts as often as you like. For a
truly luxurious experience, sprinkle a few flower heads into the bath.
* Epsom salts (magnesium sulphate) have been used for their therapeutic effect on aching joints and muscles for over a century. Used with potassium- and iodine- rich sea salt, these minerals are absorbed directly into the skin and will also help soothe dermatitis and any inflammation. Avoid using if pregnant.

From The Art of the Natural Home by Rebecca Sullivan (Kyle Books).

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Make your own simple face serum

Serums can feel like an expensive luxury but they don’t have to be. 

Used before applying moisturiser, they give a boost to your skin and this homemade version uses vitamin C for its antioxidant properties and its role in repairing collagen. 

Great for sun-stressed skin, it’s quick and easy to prepare – just make it when you need it...

1 tsp vitamin C powder (available from health food shops or online. Just make sure you buy a natural one)
2 tsp filtered water

Stir the vitamin C powder into water until fully dissolved. Use before bed after washing your face and before applying moisturiser. Smooth onto your face in a circular upward motion and let it sink in.

From The Art of the Natural Home by Rebecca Sullivan (Kyle Books). 

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Make: Vanilla linen spray

The rich, sweet scent of vanilla is one many of us find familiar and comforting. Making your own vanilla extract is easy and economical, but you do need to be patient as it takes a couple of months to infuse.

Use it to make this versatile spray, which freshens up bedlinen and doubles up as a body and hair mist (any leftover extract can be dabbed on as a perfume or added to cakes, of course).
 
DIY VANILLA EXTRACT
8 whole vanilla pods (fresh with a strong smell of vanilla)
500ml spiced rum (such as Captain Morgan or any good-quality brandy, unflavoured vodka, bourbon or dark rum) 
Pint-size mason jar with lid
Cling film

Slice each vanilla pod lengthwise and chop into tiny pieces. Add the chopped vanilla to the mason jar, then fill the jar with rum. Place a piece of cling film over the top of the jar and screw on the lid. Shake for one minute.Store the jar in a dark cabinet for two months, shaking daily for 10–15 seconds. There’s no need to strain the vanilla bits, just leave in the jar. The flavouring will get stronger and more aromatic as it ages.

LINEN SPRAY
2 tbsp vanilla extract* 
2 tbsp purified water

Add the vanilla extract and water to a 60ml dark glass spritzer bottle, screw on the top, and shake vigorously. Set aside for 24 hours. Store at room temperature away from heat and light and use within one year. Shake before spritzing on sheets and pillowcases.

Recipe from Making Love Potions by Stephanie L Tourles (Storey).

 * If you don’t have time to make your own, use an extract made with Madagascar Bourbon or Tahitian vanilla pods.

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Make: Skin-boosting body butter

Great for dry skin, this icing-soft whip is made for slathering all over and smells as good as it feels

Makes 100g; lasts six months in an airtight container

YOU WILL NEED:
50g mango butter
50ml jojoba oil
5 drops geranium essential oil
2 drops vitamin E oil

1 Melt the mango butter in a bain-marie. 
2 Slowly add the jojoba oil, stirring as you do.
3 Place in the fridge to cool for 5 mins. 
4 Stir in the essential oils.
5 Whisk the mixture with an electric whisk, then put back in the fridge for a further 5 mins. Repeat until you have a creamy texture, almost like icing on a cake.
6 Spoon into your container, being careful to maintain the fluffiness.

Extracted from Clean Beauty: Recipes to Manage your Beauty Routine Naturally by Dominika Minarovic and Elsie Rutterford (Square Peg). Photography: Charlotte Kibbles

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Think: Five steps for self-massage

Nourish and revive... Self-massage is a great pick-me-up and way to unwind. Release tension in the neck and shoulders and your whole body will feel better. Techniques can either be done through the clothes or using a massage oil. 

Equipment:
1⁄2-1 tsp oil in a shallow dish
A small towel

First, some simple stretches. Seated with straight back, lower your chin to your chest. Roll your head in a circle starting left then round to the right until you come full circle. Raise your head, shrug your shoulders and release.

Next, spread some oil over neck, shoulders and upper arms (optional):
1 Place one hand over the opposite shoulder. Slowly squeeze and knead the muscles along the crest of the shoulder.
2 Continue the kneading movement up your neck to the base of your skull.
Return to the shoulder and lift and squeeze the muscles. Repeat on the other side.
3 ‘Shampoo’ firmly over your scalp with thumbs and fingertips.
4 Brush briskly down from your neck over shoulder and upper arm to your elbow. Repeat on the other side and relax.

Turn to page 91 of February’s The Simple Things for our four-page guide to massage. 
Steps for self-massage from The Massage Bible by Susan Mumford (Godsfield Press).

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Make: Repairing hair oil

Argan oil will nourish your hair, working magic on damaged or colour-treated locks

2 tbsp argan oil*
3 drops rosemary essential oil
3 drops cedar wood essential oil
3 drops lavender essential oil

1 Pour the argan oil into a small bottle and add the essential oils. Shake well and use a tiny amount on the tips of wet hair after washing to bring moisture to dry ends.
2 Or use it as an intense conditioner to add shine. Massage the mixture into tired, dry and lifeless hair. Let it absorb for 15–20 minutes before shampooing.

Why it works
Argan oil is highly moisturising, nourishing and rich in antioxidants and vitamins A and E. It stimulates cell activity and boosts circulation. Rosemary is antibacterial, regulating sebum levels in your scalp. Cedar is anti-inflammatory. Lavender has potent skin-soothing powers and helps heal wounds.

From All Natural Beauty by Karin Berndl and Nici Hofer (Hardie Grant). 

*And yes, it is sustainable: no trees are harmed in the extraction of argan oil. 

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Winter Skin Tonic

A facial toning elixir for all skin types – soothes irritated skin, tightens pores and keeps acne at bay

MAKES: 375ml
KEEPS: For two weeks in the fridge 

INGREDIENTS
375ml water
1 peppermint teabag
1 rooibos teabag
1 chamomile teabag
ESSENTIAL OILS:
1 drop rosemary
4 drops lavender

1 Bring the water to the boil, then leave to cool for 3 mins.
2 Pour the water over the tea bags in a pot and leave to stand for 5 mins. 
3 Cool completely before removing the tea bags. Add the oils and pour into a glass bottle. 
4 Shake bottle before use. Apply toner daily to cleansed skin prior to moisturising.

Courtesy of Jenny Pao. Found in The Domestic Alchemist: 501 Herbal Recipes for Home, Health and Happiness by Pip Waller (Leaping Hare Press)

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Make: Detoxifying matcha tea face mask

This wonderful green paste may make you look like a witch temporarily but will cast a spell on your skin, leaving it refreshed and glowing

1 tsp matcha tea powder
1 tsp yoghurt

1 Put the matcha tea powder in a bowl and stir in the yogurt to make a smooth paste.
2 Apply to a cleansed face and relax for 15 minutes.
3 Remove gently with tepid water and enjoy a healthy glow.

Why it works
Matcha tea is high in vitamins, antioxidants, polyphenols, flavonoids and minerals. It is anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and draws out impurities. Yoghurt is moisturising and nourishing.

From All Natural Beauty by Karin Berndl and Nici Hofer (Hardie Grant). 

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Hangover-busting body oil

It’s worth having this uplifting body oil ready for those dreaded hangovers that can take you by surprise at this time of year. After the first obvious step of a bacon sarnie, try taking a hot shower, then applying this soothing tonic

Things you’ll need:
3 tbsp jojoba oil
3 tbsp almond oil
8 drops eucalyptus essential oil
8 drops peppermint essential oil
8 drops lavender essential oil
4 drops tea tree essential oil
4 drops geranium essential oil

1 This is the easiest of recipes. Simply combine all the oils in a glass bottle and shake until they’re mixed and ready. Use this body oil after a refreshing shower and, voilà, hangover no more!

Why this works...
Eucalytpus is invigorating and purifies the body. Peppermint supports digestion, improves focus, boosts energy, helps to clear headaches and eases muscle pain. Soothing lavender has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Tea tree reduces bad odours and can help to stimulate the immune system. Geranium helps skin to stay healthy. Jojoba oil contains vitamin E and has high levels of antibacterial iodine. Almond oil calms irritation and is moisturising. 

Taken from All Natural Beauty by Karin Berndl and Nici Hofer (Hardie Grant). 

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Make: Stress-busting Massage Balm

Massage this fragrant balm into skin for a relaxing treat

MAKES: 130ml
KEEPS: Around three months

INGREDIENTS
For the lavender-infused oil: 
30g dried lavender flowers
180ml olive oil
180ml grapeseed oil
1tsp grated beeswax

Essential oils:
10 drops lavender
10 drops sandalwood
10 drops cedarwood
10 drops bergamot

1 Make your infused oil in advance. Fill a jar with lavender flowers and cover with the oils. Leave to infuse for 3 to 4 weeks, strain and bottle. 
2 Melt the beeswax into 125ml of the infused oil in a double boiler or bain-marie.
3 Add the essential oils and pour into a container.

Found in The Domestic Alchemist: 501 Herbal Recipes for Home, Health and Happiness by Pip Waller (Leaping Hare Press).
 

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Homemade lip balm

Ward off winter lips!

Dry and cracked lips are often a sign it’s getting colder. One of the best remedies for this perennial problem is a restorative mix of a few simple ingredients even the barest kitchen will have stocked. Use this homemade scrub in conjunction with lip balm to keep lips smooth and ready for even the boldest of lipsticks.

Things you’ll need:

2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp honey
1 tbsp olive oil

Whisk all the ingredients together.
Apply to your lips and give them a gentle scrub until they feel like new.
Rinse the scrub off with plenty of water and apply a moisturising lip balm.

Why this works...

Sugar works superbly as an exfoliant. Honey has wound-healing, anti-microbial and antibacterial properties. Olive oil is antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and protects and nourishes skin.

From All Natural Beauty by Karin Berndl and Nici Hofer (Hardie Grant). 

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Nourishing chickpea and turmeric face mask

This mask is tempting to eat, but refrain from doing so and let your skin soak up all the goodness. 

Great for skin that's had a bit too much sun – and you’re likely to find all of the ingredients in your kitchen cupboards. 

You’ll need:
1 tbsp chickpea flour (gram flour) 
2 tsp almond oil
2 tsp honey
2 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp ground turmeric

1 Mix together all the ingredients and stir well to form a paste.

2 Apply a thick layer onto clean skin and rest for 15 minutes before rinsing off the mask with tepid water.

(Don’t worry about turmeric colouring your face; the mask washes off easily without a trace.)

Extract from All Natural Beauty: Organic & Homemade Beauty Products by Karin Berndl and Nici Hofer (Hardie Grant)

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