Eggs are E(gg)xcellent

So I know eggs aren’t for everyone but, for those of you that have them in your kitchen, let me tell you why they’re one of my favorite skincare DIY ingredients. 

Eggs are packed full of nutrients and vitamins which make them greatly beneficial for all skin types. They contain high concentrations of protein, collagen, amino acids, and vitamins which hydrate, soften, tighten, and firm the skin's elasticity. It’s no wonder they’re a perfect-main ingredient for so many skin recipes. You will see the difference right away after using the egg white alone! Upon application, the face is immediately glowing with glee and looks almost like a mid-life facelift. Just be careful when applying to not let them run in your eyes or mouth. Here are a few of my go-to’s that I recommend to friends and clients. Enjoy!

Dry Skin Egg Mask: 

This mask is great for when your skin is feeling a bit dry or dehydrated, even oily skin can benefit. Use a full egg for extra dry skin.

Procedure: Take one egg and separate from yolk (unless you want to use the full egg), and put in a bowl. Add in a scoop of avocado, mash, and mix well. Use a very ripe avocado (or one that’s on its way out) for blending. Apply to the face and neck and leave on for 10-20 minutes. Rinse with water and follow with your regular skincare regimen. Store remaining ingredients in the refrigerator for up to one week. This mask can be applied 2-3 times a week. 

Ingredients/Tools:

• 1 Egg White (full egg for extra dry skin)

• 1 Tbsp. Avocado

• Bowl

• Fork

Oily or Acne Skin Egg Mask: Egg whites are great for tightening the pores and lemon works well for a deep cleanse.

Ingredients/Tools:

• 1 Egg White

• 1½ Tsp. Fresh Lemon Juice

• Bowl

• Fork

Procedure: Separate the egg white from the yolk (or keep depending on your skin). Add the measured fresh lemon juice and blend well. Apply to face or affected areas for 10-15 minutes. Rinse well and follow with a gentle skincare regimen. Store the remaining ingredients in the refrigerator for up to one week. This mask can be applied 1-2 times a week.

Glowing and Hydrating Egg Mask: Using these ingredients will help to cleanse, exfoliate, brighten, hydrate and increase circulation in the skin.

Ingredients/Tools:

1 Egg White (leave yolk for extra moisture)

1 Tbsp. Honey

Plain Yogurt

½ Tsp. Cinnamon*

-OR- 

Ingredients/Tools:

• 1 Egg White (leave yolk for extra moisture)

• 1 Tbsp. Honey

• ½ Tsp. Cinnamon*

Procedure:  Separate egg white from the yolk (or keep depending on your skin), placing the egg into a bowl. Add your chosen recipe of ingredients and mix well. Apply mask all over the face, leaving on skin for 10-20 minutes. Rinse well with warm water and splash with cold. Follow with your gentle skincare regimen. Store remaining ingredients in the refrigerator for up to one week. This mask can be applied 2-3 times a week.

*If too sensitive to cinnamon, replace with lemon or apple cider vinegar. 

Roses are Red...

Although most of us love roses because of their beauty, scent and symbolic value, some of us love them for entirely other reasons. You may or may not know this but, roses have many nourishing components for your skin. So, when all the joy is gone from receiving a dozen and two, why not repurpose those petals instead of trashing them? Well, I can, and so can you, it's really not all that complicated. I’ll get to the how-to's in just a moment, but first here are some facts about our flowered friends.

Roses contain a high concentration of Vitamins C & E which help calm and soothe the skin. These vitamins provide active anti-inflammatory properties and anti-bacterial components which deeply cleanse, moisturize, brighten, and protect the skin against environmental pollutants. That’s what makes them such a great cleanser, oil, mask, bath, or spray. That’s also what makes them the key ingredient in many skincare treatments and beauty products. It’s no coincidence that you find rosehip oil and rose water tonic at your local pharmacy. But why spend a fortune when their properties can be repurposed at home for free? It’s time to put those roses to good use: 

Rose Petal Hydrating Mask:

• 6-8 Rose Petals

• 3-4 Tbsp Distilled Water

• 2 Tsp Honey

• 1 Tsp Plain Yogurt (optional)

Procedure: Soak rose petals for 30 minutes to 60 minutes; the longer they soak, the more nutrients will be extracted. Mix and mash petals in a bowl. Add honey and yogurt to the soaked petals and water. Apply all over skin in a gentle circular motion. Allow to sit for 20 minutes.  

Rose Petal Hydrating/Moisturizing Scrub:

• 8-10 Rose Petals

• 3-4 Tbsp Distilled Water

• 1 Tbsp Coconut Oil or Almond Oil Or Avocado Oil

• 1/2 Tbsp Sugar

Procedure: Soak rose petals for 30 minutes to 60 minutes; the longer they soak, the more nutrients will be extracted. Mix and mash petals in a bowl with water. Choose an oil and add the preferred amount to the water and petals. If using coconut oil, be sure to warm and liquefy for better blending results. Finally, add sugar for exfoliation. Mix all ingredients into a relatively even consistency. Apply all over skin in a gentle circular motion. Allow to sit for 20 minutes, rinse very well if using coconut oil. 

Rose Water Cleanser:

• 7-10 Rose Petals

• 3-4 Tbsp Distilled Water

• 2 Tbsp Honey

• 1-2 Tsp Milk (optional)

Procedure: Soak rose petals in distilled water for about 2 hours. Crush and mix petals in water, then stir in honey (and milk). Rub all over the skin in circular motion for 15-20 minutes and rinse with cool water. 

Brightening Rose Face Mask:

• 8-10 Rose Petals

• 3-4 Tbsp Distilled Water

• 1 Tbsp Honey

• ½ Tbsp Turmeric

Procedure: Soak rose petals for 30 minutes to 60 minutes; the longer they soak, the more nutrients will be extracted. Crush petals in a bowl of water, add honey and turmeric. Mix until you have a smooth paste. Apply all over the face. Allow to sit for 15 minutes and rinse with warm water, followed by cool.