Making Herbal Cosmetics
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The cosmetics trade has come full circle in the 21st century. It has returned to its roots, using herbs, natural vegetable oils and common household pantry products to produce beauty treatments. Not only do these beauty products work, but they are also better for you and the environment. Consumers are also reviving natural and herbal cosmetic recipes. Most are easy for novices to prepare. Getting the ingredients is not difficult, due to booming e-commerce options.
Top Uses for Herbs
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Lotion, facial scrubs, fingernail treatments, bath products, shampoos and lip products top the list of most sought after herbal cosmetic preparations. These products normally require an oil or liquid for the base. Vegetable products like almond oil, avocado oil, castor oil and coconut oil are used to make lotions and soap. Beeswax, cocoa butter and glycerin are also common components. Herbal extracts and oils are normally used in cosmetic skin and hair products because fresh or dried herbs will not dissolve in a base. Bath products include herbal oils and dried herbs. You can buy or make sachet bags to hold the herbs and keep them from being washed down the drain.
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Cleansing
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A simple herbal shampoo recipe combines chamomile with soap flakes and glycerin. Boil dried chamomile teas bags or dried flowers. Strain and cool. Mix with soap flakes and glycerin to make a clarifying shampoo. Lavender is one of the stars of herbal cosmetics. It shows up in skin products, anti-aging products, perfumes and hair care products too. Herbalists use lavender oil for its antiseptic and calming properties.
Soothing, Softening, Toning
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Witch hazel, sold in drug stores, comes from the leaves and bark of a tree. Many people use it alone as a facial skin toner. It is quite astringent, so people with dry skin may need to dilute it or mix it with other herbal preparations to avoid irritation. Rosewater and orange blossom water have been around for centuries. You can buy them in a drugstore of make them at home. Steep petals in hot water and allow them to sit overnight in the water. Strain them and store in a cool place. This method also works for herbal toners made with lavender, chamomile and rosemary. The aloe vera plant is a great skin soother. Buy the oil or lotion or grow a plant at home. Cut a stem when you need it. Apply to burns and minor skin irritations.
Many long-forgotten herbal cosmetics are gaining popularity with consumers. Health and beauty companies are taking their cues from customers. Mineral makeup, though not actually herbal, provides a natural choice in cosmetics that enhances skin, without clogging pores. Look around inside and outside your home. You can use flowers, fruits, oatmeal, lemon juice, vinegar, baking soda and salt to make herbal and natural cosmetics.
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