Face Tonics
- A plastic ice cube tray can be a source of skin refreshers. An excellent tonic for
combination skin is made by mixing equal part of lemon juice and water solution and
freezing it. Use one cube at a time, running it lightly over your face, for a lovely cool,
tingling feeling. Alternatively, mix and freeze equal parts of mineral water and skin
tonic for an instant pick-me-up for all skin types. Pop a cube into a square of muslin,
twist the ends together in the palm of your hand and you can really control the
application.
- Pure as the driven snow, a mixture of yoghurt and egg white has whitening and softening
effects. Beat the white of an egg until stiff and fold in 4 x 5 ml (4 teasp) of chilled
natural yoghurt. Optional extras are 5 ml (1 teasp) of clear honey, if your skin type is
dry, or 5 ml (1 teasp) of fresh lemon juice, if it is combination-type. Leave on the skin
for 10-15 minutes. Rinse off with warm, then cool water.
- Yoghurt is a good binding agent and is gentle enough to suit all skin types. For
variety, you can mix 4 x 5 ml (4 teasp) with either of the following ; 15 ml (1 tbsp)
tomato pulp (skin and all), soothing and fairly astringent without being over-drying : 15
ml (1 tbsp) mashed cucumber, for a toning and freshening effect. Leave all yoghurt-based
masks on for 10-15 minutes, rinsing off with warm, then cool water.
- Pale pink and interesting certainly is true of a strawberries and cream mask. This is a
luxury facial which does wonders for a tired skin in need of stimulation. Mash two large
strawberries or four small ones (or substitute raspberries which have the same slightly
acidic effect) and 4 x 5 ml (4 teasp) of cream to a smooth consistency. Pat all over the
face, and neck too, and lie down and relax for 15-20 minutes. Rinse off the mask
thoroughly with cool water. You won’t need any advice on what to do with leftovers
from this recipe!
- The yolk of an egg gives a distinct amber hue to an oatmeal mask. The egg has softening
properties and oatmeal is cleansing and nourishing. Blend 15 ml (1 tbsp) oatmeal with
enough milk to make a paste. Dilute with a whole beaten egg, if you are feeling generous;
the yolk only will do when there is one left over after making meringue. Leave on the skin
for 10-15 minutes. Rinse off thoroughly with warm, then with cool water.
- Honey conditioning cream is ideal for anyone who does lots of gardening – the
almonds give a slightly abrasive deep-cleansing massage. And the bonus of orange
nourishing cream is that it smells delicious. Floral skin tonics make fragrant skin
refreshers for face or body, and Facial scrub is an excellent product for oily or sluggish
skin. Anti-wrinkle lotion smooths and softens and is a marvellous pre-party pick-up.
- Anti wrinkle lotion 15 ml (1 tbsp) glycerine, 15 ml (1 tbsp) rose water, 1 ½ x 15 ml (1
½ tbsp) witch hazel, 3 x 15 ml (3 tbsp) clear honey. Blend all the ingredients to a
smooth lotion – a few seconds in a liquidizer, slightly longer with a hand whisk.
Shake before applying.
- Facial scrub 15 ml (1 tbsp) finely ground, dried orange peel. 5 ml (1 teasp) finely
ground oatmeal. 15 ml (1 tbsp) ground almonds. Make the finely ground orange peel either
by drying fresh peel and then grinding it, or by finely grating it and allowing it to dry.
Mix all the ingredients together, store in an airtight container and use ½ x 5 ml (1/2
teasp) at a time when washing sluggish skin. The slightly abrasive texture helps slough
off dead cells and gives the skin a lovely healthy glow.
- Floral skin tonics – 1 handful dried flowers e.g. elderflowers or violet flowers
300 ml (1/2 pint) milk or water (soft or distilled). If using milk, heat until warm and
then pour over the dried flowers in a china or earthenware container. Cover and leave to
soak for three hours. Strain and pour into container. The tonic will keep for a week in
the fridge. Alternatively, use 300 ml (1/2 pint) of boiling water. Add a handful of dried
flowers, steep overnight and then strain. Store in an airtight container. Water-based
tonics keep longer than milk-based ones.
- Orange nourishing cream. 8 x 5 ml (8 good rounded teasp) good quality grated soap. 4 x
15 ml (4 tbsp) cold water. 2 x 15 ml (2 teasp) olive oil. 2 x 5 ml (2 teasp) glycerine. 2
x 5 ml (2 teasp) witch hazel. 2 x 5 ml (2 teasp) freshly squeezed orange juice. Measure
out soap into a basin, add water and mix well. Transfer mixture to a small pan and warm
over a gentle heat, stirring constantly, until soap dissolves. Remove from heat and, still
stirring, add olive oil, glycerine, witch hazel and orange juice. Return to gentle heat,
stirring, until mixture thickens slightly. Spoon into wide-topped jars with screw lids.
Seal and leave to settle for a few days.
- Honey conditioning cream . 12 6 g (4 oz) lard. 15 ml (1 tbsp) clear honey. 15 ml (1
tbsp) ground almonds. 15 ml (1 tbsp) rose water. 2 egg yolks. A few drops almond essence.
Soften the lard and then add the other ingredients. Mix together and work to a stiff
paste, using a hand or an electric whisk.
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