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The Skincare DIY Secrets:
Your Ideal Fun Chilled Night In
Words Amanda Okoye
Credit: UnsplashIt can be a bit demotivating to look after your skin at home with little access to beauty supplies and services, but did you know that you can start at home with as little as £20? Skincare Specialist Amanda Okoye, tells us exactly how to do this.
Credit: UnsplashAll you have to do to make your own body scrub at home is, get 4 tablespoons of sea salt, fresh mint, 4 tablespoons of almond oil, 5 drops of peppermint essential and 2 drops of grapefruit essential oil. You can get all these ingredients from your local supermarket or online. Place the sea salt, 1 gram of chopped up mint and almond oil in a bowl, add the essential oils and mix together to create the mixture. Take the mixture (scrub) and put into a sealed container to be stored in a cool dry place. When applying rub onto your skin use circular motion, this scrub will remove dead skin cells and have your skin feeling smooth. It can be used on all skin types but just don’t use on freshly shaved skin or if you’re allergic to any of the ingredients. The scent is also great due to the mint.
Once washed off, moisturise with the lotion of your choice suiting your skin type. You must moisturise to keep your skin hydrated and soft. Don’t forget all areas of your chest, neck, feet, hands and back. You won’t need to put lotion on your face as you’ll be applying a face mask very soon. Put on a soft cotton robe, I would recommend cotton as it’s gentle and doesn’t irritate the skin. Apply a lip balm if your lips are feeling dry.
Credit: ShutterstockIt’s now face mask time. This particular choice will absorb any excess oil and help draw impurities from your skin, the ingredients have great toning properties which will help refine pores and bring back the complexion of your skin. Get ready, 1 tablespoon of green powdered clay, I tablespoon of glycerin and lavender floral water, mix all this in a bowl to make a paste. The mixture should be thick enough for you to spread evenly, you can easily apply with clean fingertips or a clean foundation brush, make sure to avoid your eyes. Please bear in mind to only apply, if you are not allergic to any of the ingredients named. Let the make set, whilst it is drying it’s your time to relax and unwind. Let your music play whilst having a scroll through your favourite blog/article and sipping a cool beverage. After 10 mins of relaxation, remove the face mask thoroughly with warm water and pat your skin dry with a towel to keep in the moisture and the natural oils your face produces.
Credit: ShutterstockOnce you’re done, apply a lotion of your choice to your face. Nothing too heavy, so you are ready for bed at any point of the evening. Get your hair tied up in a bun and put on your favourite pyjamas. Last step of the night is a body mist made by you, with three simple ingredients: 75ml of your remaining lavender floral water, 1 tablespoon of aloe Vera juice and 10 drops of vanilla extract and any essential oils you wish to add. Mix all the ingredients together, adding the extract last. Pour into a pre bought bottle with an atomizer, you can then spray onto your body as you wish remembering that it does not last as long as a traditional perfume but just shake well before use and store in a cool dry place. Please only use these ingredients if you are not allergic. This mist is an optional step, it conditions the skin as well as offering fragrance, so you can go to bed feeling and smelling fresh.
Finally, remove all jewellery, put on a soothing playlist and get into bed stress free. This fun DIY skincare chill night was a success! It cost under £20, you have leftover skin products to use again on another occasion, it was enjoyable and most importantly it benefited the future of your skin and your peace of mind. What a great pamper session, don’t forget to blow out your candles! Stay tuned for more themed nights like this.
Amanda Okoye - Skincare Specialist
