return to stories homepage

Home Spa
Make luscious, all-natural beauty treatments.

Oatmeal, Almond and Lemon Face Scrub

This face scrub rivals those found at fancy day spas in New York City. Oatmeal works as a gentle cleanser, almonds are good for clearing out blackheads and lemon zest has an astringent effect on the skin.

4 tablespoons oatmeal flakes
4 tablespoons finely ground almonds (Make this by throwing whole almonds in the blender and grinding on low. Just make sure you don’t over-grind and make almond butter)
4 tablespoons lemon zest, about 2 small lemons’ worth

Mix all ingredients in a medium size bowl and add 2 tablespoons water. Massage into skin, taking 2-3 minutes to really scrub out the dirt, going in circular movements and avoiding the delicate eye area. Rinse with warm water and pat dry.

Herbal Steam Treatment

Steam cleans out your pores and gives you that “I just got a facial” look.

3 tablespoons fresh or dried herbs such as chamomile, lavender and/or rosemary.

Creating a home steam is simple: just heat a large pot with water on the stove. Once the water is boiling, add the herbs and turn off the heat. Then place your face at a comfortable distance from the steam - close enough to be warm but not hot - and place a towel over your head with the edges draping down past the pot to build a tent of steam. Remain above the pot for three to five minutes, then rinse your face with cold water and gently towel dry. Before the next gal steams, you’ll want to re-boil the water.


Cleansing Masque (you must spell it with the que) Treatment

Honey removes impurities from below the skin’s surface and clears away those pesky dead skin cells, which make your skin seem dull.

1 cup (8 ounces) honey
1/2 cup almond or olive oil

In a large bowl, combine the honey and oil until fairly blended. Then each lady should apply enough to cover her face, being careful to avoid the delicate eye area. Spend two to three minutes massaging the honey-oil mixture into the skin, then leave the masque on for about twenty minutes. Remove with warm water and a wash cloth. Pat skin dry.

HINT: Masque can also be made in a plastic tub with lid - simply shake well to mix ingredients. Masque will last 4 weeks, sealed and refrigerated.

*Excerpted from get crafty: hip home ec.