To invigorate your mind and restore your well-being (while sloughing off dry skin), try this great bath recipe:
Ingredients: 1 cup fresh Rosemary
1 bowl of water
1 cup Epsom salts
2 teaspoons of olive, grapeseed or jojoba oil
12 drops of lavender essential oil
Directions:
Steep rosemary in a bowl of boiling water for 30 minutes. While your bath water is running, use a dry brush or loofah over your entire body to get rid of dead skin. Strain the rosemary-infused water into a jug or bowl and add the Epsom salts and oil. Stir thoroughly and pour into bath water. To complete this wonderful brew, drop in lavender oil.
Recipe courtesy of: Marion Simms, SkinSense Wellness Center, Los Angeles.
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"Me-Time" Facial Massage
A simple facial massage performed on yourself can help combat a dull complexion and relieve stress and strain, leaving both you and your skin refreshed and rejuvenated.
Directions:
Mix together the facial oil and lavender and warm a few drops between your hands, cupping them over your nose while you take three deep breaths. To massage:
1. Sweep your right hand downwards from the top of your neck outward across your décolletage to your shoulder.
2. Sweep hands from the middle of your forehead up towards the hairline and outwards towards the temples. Finish with a sweep under the eyes (along the bone).
3. With alternate hands stroke upwards along the middle of the eyebrows upwards along the forehead.
4. Gently pinch the chin and jaw line with your thumbs under the chin and fingers on top of the jaw line.
Recipe courtesy of: Liz Earle, founder of Liz Early Naturally Active Skincare
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Fresh Strawberry Mask
Strawberries are rich in salicylic acid, the same key ingredient in many commercial acne products. Reduce stress-induced blemishes with this edible mask.
Directions:
Mix together all ingredients with a fork or blender until smooth. To Use: Spread over your face and neck and let sit for 20 minutes. Rinse with cool water and pat skin dry.
Asian spas believe soaking in bath water with flowers symbolizes purifying the soul. This bath may not purify your soul but it will leave you relaxed and refreshed. Plus, it's a great use for wilting flowers.
Ingredients: Flowers (Roses are recommended but any flowers you have will work)
Bubble Bath (optional)
Directions: Pluck the petals from your flowers and drop them into a hot bath (add bubble bath too if you like). The flowers will make your bathroom smell wonderful and make your bath water look dreamy.
Recipe courtesy of: Daisy Tang, founder of Aspara Aromatics
Let's face it: Being a mom is one of the hardest jobs out there. And, thanks to things like college funds, family vacations and, you know, feeding a family, most of us lack the cash -- and time -- for a beauty salon treatment, a spa massage or facial. That's why we asked spa owners, beauty authors and brands for relaxing, DIY at-home recipes to help mom unwind on Mother's Day. All of these are quick, easy and you can make them with stuff that's already in your kitchen.
