A Brand New Lather Look!

Last fall I introduced Orange Ya' Clover to the seasonal lineup of hand crafted shea butter soaps at Ellia C. Naturals, and it was a huge success. A custom blend of sweet orange, spicy cloves, nutmeg, ginger, and the slightest hint of cinnamon and wallah...autumnal bliss!


This year, I decided to bring it back with a slightly updated look...soft peaks and swirls of cream amidst a dark and earthy back drop. I decided to top it off with a stripe of fragrant hand ground cloves down the center. The shots above are of the makeover (my apologies for the lack of clarity...another story, another time!). Sadly, due to issues with one of my zip drives, I no longer have pics of last year's version. It was more of a layered look with stripes of burnt sienna, orange, and cream. Needless to say, I'm very happy with this year's "model"...what do you think?

Oatmeal & Honey Face Mask for All Skin Types

Short on time or finances for a weekly spa facial but love the look and feel of your skin afterward? Get your pamper on at home while you take care of your skin with a fabulous homemade face mask!

There are many skin loving ingredients just lying around your house that are perfect for making your own deliciously hydrating masks. For those with oily or acne-prone skin, mud or clay-based masks are the way to go to balance out your skin. Dry skin benefits from the hydrating effects of glycerin, honey, and noncomedogenic oils. Prone to sensitive skin? Ginseng and green tea masks provide a wonderfully soothing effect.

This basic face mask is great for all skin types and easy peasey to prepare. It is designed to provide a cleansing, rejuvenating effect.

Oatmeal & Honey Face Mask

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp dry oats, finely ground (best to use a mini food processor or blender on the unprocessed oats)
  
• 1 tbsp live, organic yogurt (plain)
• A few drops of clover honey
• Vit E capsule (or a few drops of liquid Vit E)

Preparation:

Add the yogurt to the oatmeal in a small bowl and spoon blend. Add a few drops of honey to the yogurt and oatmeal mixture. Squeeze in the contents of your Vit E capsule.

Before using your mask, a gentle cleansing and good steam are recommended to remove makeup and debris and open up your pores in preparation for all of the skin loving goodies of the mask. This can easily be accomplished by putting your face 8-10 inches from a bowl of just boiled water for 3-5 minutes or by placing a very warm washcloth on your face (make sure that it is warm enough to stimulate your pores but not so hot that it burns your skin!).

Apply the mask to your face. Leave it on for 10-15 minutes, then rinse with warm water. Follow with a warm washcloth. Remember not to tug at or rub your skin harshly with the washcloth...just a gentle exfoliation. I like to end with a cool water rinse to close the pores and tighten the skin.

Follow with your favorite moisturizer.

* This mask is intended to be prepared and used immediately. For freshness and quality, it is not intended to be made in bulk and stored for a period of time.