The sun is coming out. Hopefully, the wind is not so biting, and the rains are easing off.! It’s time to repair the damage done by the winter weather and the central healing and get started on some serious spring skincare. In this post, I have included recipes for cleansers, toners, and moisturizers, all designed to focus on getting your skin looking tip-top for the season. To go deeper, I’ve also included recipes for face serum, masque, and Eye Serum. We’ll use bases like Shea Butter and Rosehip carrier oil to exfoliate, hydrate, and nourish the skin. Then, I’ll show you how to refine them further by adding essential oils to match your skin type and how to adapt the recipes to tackle any specific spring skincare issues you may have.
Benefits of Making Your Own Spring Skincare
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Know exactly what your spring skincare contains.
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Kick out all unnecessary chemicals and toxins and make healthier choices.
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Create luxury and bespoke face care for far less than it costs to buy commercial products.
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Control your waste and make more sustainable choices.
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If you still need a little persuading, take a read of The Allure of Crafting Your Own Natural Products.
Choosing Ingredients For Spring Skincare
Spring skincare hydrates and nourishes dry, thirsty skin. Nourishing ingredients repair and restore the healthy barrier function of the skin and protect it from losing moisture in the summer.
All the ingredients I have chosen are cost-effective and easy to find.
Rosehip Carrier Oil
Rosehip is renowned for its skin-healing and rejuvenating properties, which is exactly what our skins need after a long, cold winter.
Use Rosehip Carrier to:
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Improve hydration, especially for dry, dehydrated, and mature skin. Great for sensitive and combination skin.
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Restore, repair, and protect the barrier function of the skin
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Boost collagen levels, plump the skin, and improve skin elasticity.
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It evens and balances the overall skin tone for a healthy glow.
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Combat free radicals and skin oxidation and reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and the signs of skin aging like hyperpigmentation.
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Refine and even the appearance and feel of the skin, improve skin softness.
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Improves the overall health of blemish-prone skin and acne with anti-inflammatory properties
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Reduce scarring from acne, pock marks, and stretch marks.
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Improve absorption as it helps carry other nutrients and essential oil molecules into the deeper layers of the skin.
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Rosehip oil is a great ingredient to use in spring skincare recipes because it has a very rich composition of nutrients: antioxidants, unsaturated fatty acids, and vitamin C. Together, these are shown to prevent signs of premature skin aging.
If you can, source Rosehip oil that has been cold-pressed since other ways of processing this oil can damage some of its nutrients. Refined and deodorized versions of rosehip are available, which can be good if you don’t want any color in your finished product. Personally, though, I’d always take active properties over color aesthetics.
Take a deeper delve into its exciting qualities in Rosehip Oil Benefits: Sublime Serum, Cream Mask & Moisturizer Recipes.
Shea Butter
Shea Butter is packed with triglycerides, essential fatty acids like oleic and stearic acid, as well as powerhouse vitamins like skin-nourishing Vitamins A & E and antioxidants. These are fabulous for nourishing spring skincare products.
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Contains an omega-6 chain fatty acid called Linoleic Acid or Vitamin F, which supports healthy barrier function and improves the skin's condition for a more youthful look.
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Contains vitamin A, which reduces the appearance of hyperpigmentation.
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Improves skin texture and elasticity.
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Nourishes and protects the skin using Vitamin E.
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Restores and protects the skin’s barrier function
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Protects against water loss and balances hydration.
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Has emollient actions that offer hydration and moisturization to the deeper skin layers.
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Soothing irritated skin conditions like dermatitis, eczema, and psoriasis.
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Choose unrefined Shea Butter if you can, because refinement does destroy some of the nutrients and properties of shea butter. Refined shea does not have a fragrance, which some customers find more appealing. Go one step further and source butters made by indigenous populations that support and empower the women of those local communities.
Explore the nourishing world of Shea Butter in:
Glycerine
Glycerine is a great addition to spring skincare products because it is a humectant, which means it attracts moisture.
Use Glycerine to:
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Bind water and moisture into the skin, improving hydration, preventing moisture loss, and protecting the skin for a radiant complexion.
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To balance and improve the texture and appearance of sensitive, dry, oily, and acne-prone skin.
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To mimic the skin’s natural moisturizing factors (NMF) and protect against skin stressors like environmental damage and skin irritants by improving the barrier function of the skin and making it more resilient.
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Improve the feel of dehydrated skin and alleviate dry, scaly, rough skin by softening it and supporting healthy and balanced skin texture.
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It aids in reducing some of the signs of skin aging when used regularly.
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supports wound and skin healing and soothes inflammation and skin irritation.
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Imagine it like a tiny, cute little octopus with a thousand arms grabbing molecules of moisture from the air and plopping it happily into your thirsty skin cells. It will do this all day for you to keep your skin hydrated, moisturized, and balanced. Thank you, strange little creature!
Glycerin, like Rosehip and Shea, supports the integrity of the skin barrier function that protects your skin from all those nasties like free radicals, environmental pollution, excessive heat or cold, and daily dirt and grime.
It's wonderful for those with sensitive, oily, or blemish and acne-prone skin as it is non-comedogenic and won't clog your pores.
Rosewater
Rosewater is a byproduct of the essential oil distillation process. It has a variety of skincare benefits for all skin types, as it can balance pH, improve hydration, and soothe skin irritation.
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Cleanses the skin of dirt, grime, and impurities.
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Reduces redness and soothes skin irritations with its cooling effects.
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Restores moisture to the skin, leaving it feeling hydrated and looking fresh.
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Supports healthy skin pH
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Controls and balances sebum and natural oils
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Refreshes and revitalises skin tone for a bright, even, and radiant complexion
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Has antibacterial properties that support wound healing and reduce the risk of infection. (This makes it an ideal choice for people with acne and for those who pick their spots!)
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Rosewater is gentle enough for those with sensitive skin or conditions like rosacea and dermatitis.
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Rosewater is an absolute must-have for spring skincare. I make my own from roses in the garden and use it with wild abandon!
Aqueous or Water-Based Cream
Next on the spring skincare shopping list is aqueous cream. It has hydrating and emollient properties, which makes it ideal for spring skincare products like cleansers, moisturizers, nourishing and night creams.
I know some people call this a bit of a cheat, but aqueous cream is a godsend for beginners and those on a budget. It’s readily available from pharmacies and stores and is very inexpensive!
You can shop around and source ones made with only natural and/or organic ingredients. I have used some wonderful organic varieties in my past, and I cannot fault them. Buy what suits your budget, and it will save you an enormous amount of time and faffing!
Best Essential Oils For Spring Skincare
We’ve looked at the best base ingredients; now, let's look at essential oils to use to tailor your spring skincare. These improve the quality of your skin but also have the advantage of affecting mood and feelings of well-being. This means essential oils not only make us look great but also make us feel fantastic. That’s the very best thing about using essential oils in your spring skincare.
Rose
There is no better skin food than Rose, in my humble opinion. It has a longstanding history of use for its healing essence. Its wonderful floral essence connects you to long lines of women who trod the earth before you. Like Rosewater, it is cooling, which is perfect if your skin feels hot or irritated or is glowing bright red. It hydrates the skin, which means it is very refreshing for conditions like Rosacea and Eczema.
Use Rose for dry, parched skin and when your mood needs a boost. It’s wonderfully uplifting, which is why it is great for people with depression, anxiety, and those affected by stress.
Pair it with Chamomile for sensitive skin, Frankincense for mature skin, and Patchouli for ultra-dry skin.
Rose Essential Oil Benefits:
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Packed with antiseptic properties.
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Regenerative skin tonic.
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Astringent properties lift, tone, and smooth the skin to reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
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Refines, balances, and evens the complexions.
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Reduces the formation of pox, acne scars, and stretch marks and helps fade marks on the skin.
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Deeply nourishing properties for smooth, plumped skin.
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Replenishes skin for a more luminous complexion.
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Rose Safety:
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Do not use it in the first 37 weeks of pregnancy.
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Rose Geranium
If you can’t afford Rose Oil for your skin care recipes for spring skin, then use Rose Geranium instead. I say it all the time that Rose Geranium essential oil is no poor sister to Rose oil; she is truly wonderful in her own right and for many of the same reasons too.
Use it for its lovely, calming aura to unwind and destress while uplifting your mood and relieving anxiety. It will cool and hydrate dry, thirsty skin and nourish it from within to replenish the skin’s barrier function.
The luscious green floral aroma of Rose Geranium is used across the globe to support Rose scented products, and for good reason, it’s simply gorgeous.
Don’t forget that Egyptian Geranium is a great alternative too. Find out more in Introducing Egyptian Geranium: An Ancient Aroma Reborn.
Pair with Geranium for dry, irritated skin, German Chamomile for itchy, scaly skin, and Helichrysum for skin that needs rejuvenating and nourishing.
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Supports healthy hormonal balance for skin prone to breakouts from fluctuations.
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Supports healthy circulation, which contributes to skin cell regeneration and renewal.
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Alleviates stress and can be useful to support stress-related skin conditions, like eczema and psoriasis.
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Relaxes, refreshes, and rejuvenates the mind, body, and spirit.
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Rose Geranium Safety:
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Do not use it in the first 16 weeks of pregnancy.
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Roman Chamomile
Roman Chamomile would be wonderful in your spring skincare recipes if you have very sensitive skin like mine.
It’s renowned for being super soothing to irritated, itchy, and sore skin, which makes it useful for skin conditions like acne, eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis.
It has a pleasant hay or dried grass-like aroma that works wonderfully with flowers like Lavender and Rose Geranium.
Roman Chamomile Essential Oil Benefits:
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Calms allergic skin reactions.
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Soothing itchy, irritating, and sore skin conditions.
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Reduces inflammation and provides soothing, calming relief to skin, especially sunburn.
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Supports healthy skin cell regeneration and renewal for healthier-looking skin and a more even skin tone.
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Roman Chamomile Safety:
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Do not use it in the first 16 weeks of pregnancy.
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Grapefruit
I really love Grapefruit essential oil for skin care recipes for spring. I always feel that after winter, the skin needs a thorough cleansing and a refreshing spring clean all on its own. Grapefruit is the perfect essential oil to deliver that, especially if you have oily or blemish-prone skin.
I call it the ‘Street Sweeper’ because when you use it to cleanse your face, it seems to pick up and grab hold of dirt, grime, and excess oil and diligently lifts it from your skin. Pair with Tea Tree for oily, acne-prone skin and with Lemon Eucalyptus for extra antibacterial qualities and an extra cool zing!
The gorgeous, zesty aroma of grapefruit essential oil makes spring skincare products feel bright, fresh, and energizing. It boosts your mood and instills a feeling of happiness when you inhale it. Use pink or white varieties, they are both luscious. I tend to err towards the pink, though, but that is just my preference.
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Cleans and refreshes skin with astringent qualities.
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Cleans pores to refine the appearance of the skin.
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Removes excess sebum and oil to reduce blackheads, spots, blemishes, and acne.
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Improves the overall skin tone and appearance.
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Boosts mood and reduces stress.
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Grapefruit Safety:
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Do not use it in the first 16 weeks of pregnancy.
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Grapefruit essential oil can be phototoxic and react with the sun, so be sure to stay within the recommended safety dilution AND wear proper sun protection.
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Grapefruit can interact with certain medications. This is because grapefruit can block the action of the enzyme CYP3A4, which is responsible for breaking down certain drugs in the body. When this enzyme is blocked, drug levels rise, causing a negative interaction. Contraindicated medicines include both statins taken for cholesterol and contraceptives.
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Grapefruit Specific -Not suitable for use for people who have platelet disorders or are on blood-thinning medication. It is suggested you cease the use of grapefruit essential oil 48 hours before any planned surgery.
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Frankincense
Frankincense is a tremendous anti-aging ingredient for spring skincare. If you are pre-menopause, then Rose is glorious, but the moment you start straying into the regions of late perimenopause and menopause, Frankincense should take over the helm. If you are not too sure if you should be using it just yet, trust me, the changes in your skin will tell you when it is time. You will certainly notice this shift in your skin's appearance and well-being.
Frankincense is amazing at regenerating the skin from the inside out. Supporting healthy cell production, frankincense essential oil smoothes and plumps the skin. It has astringent qualities that tighten the new skin to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
The soothing spicy aroma of Frankincense is useful in promoting stress relief and improved sleep.
Pair it with Jasmine for scarred skin, Helichrsum and Myrrh for wounded skin that needs a boost in healing, and Rosehip carrier oil for tackling the signs of skin aging.
Frankincense Essential Oil Benefits:
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Stimulates skin cell regeneration, promoting the growth of new, smooth, vital, and healthy skin.
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Reduces inflammation and soothes soreness and skin irritations.
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Balances the production of sebum.
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Tightens the skin and refines pores for a taut, smooth complexion.
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Reduces anxiety and stress
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Promotes better sleep
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Frankincense Safety:
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Do not use it in the first 16 weeks of pregnancy.
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Patchouli
If winter has left you with dull, scaly, and rough skin, then Patchouli is your new go-to. It’s wonderful, too, if your skin has cracked and needs some gentle healing. Patchouli is great for very dehydrated skin that needs small miracles and is suitable for all skin types, even hypersensitive ones.
If you have ultra-dry skin, use it with glycerine for its humectant qualities. A powerhouse pairing for the skin. Pair with Helichrysum to promote wound healing. It has effective cleansing actions, so it is ideal for adding other spiring skincare products, too, like cleansers and face masks.
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Cools and soothes your skin and has deodorizing actions.
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Has chemical constituents that tone, rejuvenate, and fight the signs of premature aging.
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reducing imperfections, blemishes, and acne.
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Constituents can speed up wound healing and reduce scarring.
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Has antidepressant constituents and qualities to elevate mood and support mental health.
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Exhibits sedative qualities that can improve rest, relaxation, and sleep.
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Has strong aphrodisiac qualities and gets you out of your head and into your body. It can help with performance anxiety.
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Safety:
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Do not use it in the first 16 weeks of pregnancy.
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Using Fragrance Oils in Your Spring Skincare
Always make sure you use the VINEVIDA Soaps & Candles Fragrance Oils for topical products. They are specifically designed for this very purpose. Do not use the Diffuser variation, please.
When it comes to using fragrance oils in your skin care recipes for spring skin, there is one major point to understand. They will smell fantastic, but they will have no active qualities to speak of, like essential oils do. You are using them simply for their appealing aromas.
Essential oils have an impact on your skin, your mood, and your well-being. Fragrance oils just smell great!
Talking of smelling great, we have a huge range of amazing fragrance oils, and here are some I think will work wonders in your skin care recipes for spring.
Florals
Floral aromas always work well in skin care recipes for spring skin, but don’t discount those fresh, juicy, fruit-based aromas. They burst with energy and blend exceptionally well with florals, woods, and musks for a deeper aromatic experience.
NO. 33 - Fresh Cut Roses
NO. 33 - Fresh Cut Roses is a delightful Rose fragrance, laced with green woody notes of freshly clipped stems and a dash of Musk. It’s the ubiquitous romance of a country garden.
Fragrance Notes:
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Top: Floral
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Mid: Rose
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Bottom: Woods, Musk
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NO. 1500 - Inspired by: Amazing Grace by Philosophy
NO. 1500 - Inspired by: Amazing Grace by Philosophy is light and dreamy with a zingy citrus introduction of sharp Bergamot. A heart filled with luscious Rose and Jasmine floral notes all wrapped in a ribbon of soft, white Musk.
Fragrance Notes:
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Top: Bergamot, Mandarin, Citrus
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Mid: Jasmine, Rose
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Bottom: Musk
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Fresh & Fruity
NO. 1114 - Inspired by: Juicy Georgia Peach by Bath & Body Works
NO. 1114 - Inspired by: Juicy Georgia Peach by Bath & Body Works is where Honeysuckle blossoms weave through the juiciness of Peach, richness of Orange Blossom, and ribbons of smooth Vanilla.
Fragrance Notes:
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Top: Peach
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Mid: Orange blossom, Honeysuckle
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Bottom: Vanilla
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NO. 62 - Pineapple Slices
NO. 62 - Pineapple Slices finds the bright and zingy aroma of fresh Pineapple interwoven with refreshing citrus fruits and a dash of light Musk.
Fragrance Notes:
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Top: Pineapple
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Mid: Citrus, Fruits
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Bottom: Musk
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NO. 3101- Inspired by: Lost Cherry by Tom Ford
NO. 3101- Inspired by: Lost Cherry by Tom Ford is where juicy Black Cherries meet the Almond notes of Cherry Liqueur. Rose, Jasmine, and a wisp of Musk bloom in the heartspace. Amber and spice weave through the woody finish, and a final Vanilla flourish.
Fragrance Notes:
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Top: Floral, Cherry
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Mid: Vanilla, Woods
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Bottom: Amber, Musk
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Soft, Smooth & Sensual
If you are not a fan of the bright and zingy or the floral fantasias, you may like these softer and smoother aromas for a gentler and more sensual experience.
NO. 2208 - Inspired by: Do Not Disturb by Sol De Janeiro
NO. 2208 - Inspired by Do Not Disturb by Sol De Janeiro, this fragrance encourages languished indulgence with linen, soft, fluffy Mimosa flowers, and sugared Violets. Tropical, warm sand, powdery Musk, and sweet Coconut Milk lead you into a sumptuous Vanilla finish.
Fragrance Notes:
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Top: Linen, Mimosa, Violet
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Mid: Coconut Milk, Warm Sand,
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Bottom: Musk, Vanilla
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NO. 94 - Shea Butter Amber
NO. 94 - Shea Butter Amber is a smooth sensation of soft citrus, wrapped in Nutmeg and Coconut. Shea Butter dances with Lily, Musk, and finally, woody Amber finish.
Fragrance Notes:
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Top: Orange, Nutmeg
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Mid: Shea Butter, Coconut, Lily
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Bottom: Woody Musk, Sweet Vanilla, Amber
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Honorary Mentions
DIY Recipes for Spring Skincare
We’ve come to the exciting bit: making skin care recipes for spring skin! I always LOVE this bit and have spent some time developing fabulous new recipes just for you. They are sure to be a real treat.
If you are going to experiment, remember to stick to your IFRA skin safety maximum dilution rate guidelines, please. If you get stuck, check out How To Find Safety Information On The VINEVIDA Website.
Cleanser
This is a fantastic way to start your skin care recipes for spring skin. Getting your skin cleaned to a fresh blank canvas is so important. This is super fresh and zingy and will leave your skin refreshed and ready for the next step.
Cypress is fabulous at cleaning the skin, and its astringent properties leave it feeling toned
I’ve paired this with NO. 1500 for a revitalizing but elegant aroma.
You could use Orange Flower Water in place of the Rosewater here if you wish.
IFRA Safety:
Cleanser appears under IFRA Category 5B. NO. 1500 has a maximum skin safety dilution rate of 21.34%. This means that in 100ml of Cleanser, you can only use up to 21 ml of NO. 1500. This is a very high dilution rate, and I suggest that using 2-5% is more than enough.
You Will Need:
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Measuring jug
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Jug with spout
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Stainless steel spoon
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Funnel
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100ml bottle
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Oil and waterproof label
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Ingredients:
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45 ml of Aqueous Cream (Various Ingredients)
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5 ml of Glycerine (Glycerol)
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43 ml of Rosewater (Rosa Damascena)
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3 ml of Soaps & Candles fragrance oil
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60 drops of Grapefruit essential oil (Citrus paradisi)
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20 drops of Cypress essential oil (Cupressus sempervirens)
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Optional: Preservative of your choice - follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Safety:
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Do not use it in the first 16 weeks of pregnancy
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Grapefruit Specific Safety:
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Grapefruit essential oil can be phototoxic and react with the sun, so be sure to stay within the recommended safety dilution, avoid direct sun for up to 12 hours after use, AND wear proper sun protection.
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Grapefruit can interact with certain medications. This is because grapefruit can block the action of the enzyme CYP3A4, which is responsible for breaking down certain drugs in the body. When this enzyme is blocked, drug levels rise, causing a negative interaction. Contraindicated medicines include both statins taken for cholesterol and contraceptives.
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Not suitable for use for people who have platelet disorders or are on blood-thinning medication. It is suggested you cease the use of grapefruit essential oil 48 hours before any planned surgery.
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Method:
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This is super simple!
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Start by measuring out your Aqueous Cream into the jug with a spout.
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Measure out your essential oils and fragrance oil into the Aqueous Cream and mix thoroughly until well combined. We do it this way so the oils get emulsified into the cream, so they won’t float to the top of the cleanser. This is why it is important to mix it very thoroughly at this stage.
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Add the Glycerine and mix again.
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Finally, add the Rosewater until it is a consistency you like.
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Use the funnel and decant in your 100ml bottle and put the lid on tightly. You can use a pump dispenser instead if you wish.
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List all your ingredients on an oil and waterproof label.
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Add a production date and a 3-6 month expiry date, unless you used a preservative, then be guided by the manufacturer's instructions.
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How To Use:
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Please do a 24-48 hour patch test before first use to avoid any unwanted reactions.
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Apply to the face generously, either with your fingers or on a cotton wad.
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You can remove it with a cotton wad to lift off dirt and impurities; make sure you do so thoroughly.
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Or you can wash it off in clean tepid water if you prefer. Do not use hot water as it dries your skin out.
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Use daily.
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Mask
I tried out this Mask last night for your skin care recipes for spring skin, and I have to say it was incredible! You don’t have to talk me into the value of Bentonite (Green Clay) or Colloidal Oatmeal at the best of times, but this is the first time I tried this particular combination out!
You make this mask up as and when you need it because it will not store for more than 24 hours. It’s so quick and easy to knock it up.
I wanted exceptionally fresh aromas, so I went with NO. 1807 -Inspired by Earl Grey & Cucumber by Jo Malone. I wanted essential oils that would clean and detox the skin as well as soothe and calm it. This is a gentle, powerful detoxifying Mask that you are simply going to adore!
Do not use metal spoons or bowls with Bentonite Clay as it will work less effectively for you.
IFRA Safety:
Because we are going to wash this off, this Mask appears under IFRA Category 9 (Wash off products). NO. 1807 has a maximum skin safety dilution rate of 8.29%. This means that in 100ml of Mask, you can only use up to 8 ml of NO. 1807. This is a higher dilution rate than you need, and I suggest 3-5% is more than enough.
You Will Need:
All equipment needs to be non-metallic.
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Measuring jugs
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Strainer
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Mixing Bowl
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Wooden spoon
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Ingredients:
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¼ cup of Bentonite Clay (Montmorillonite)
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¼ cup of Colloidal Oatmeal (Avena sativa kernel extract (Oat))
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½ cup of Rosewater (Rosa Damascena)
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20 ml of Rosehip Carrier oil (Rosa Canina)
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20 ml of Castile Soap (Potassium cocoate, jojobate and olivate) (or use Polysorbate 20)
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3 ml of NO. 1807 -Inspired by: Earl Grey & Cucumber by Jo Malone Soaps & Candles fragrance oil
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60 drops of Grapefruit essential oil (Citrus paradisi)
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60 drops of Roman Chamomile essential oil (Anthemis nobilis L.)
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20 drops of Patchouli essential oil (Pogostemon cablin)
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Safety:
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Do not use it in the first 16 weeks of pregnancy.
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Grapefruit Specific Safety:
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Grapefruit essential oil can be phototoxic and react with the sun, so be sure to stay within the recommended safety dilution, avoid direct sun for up to 12 hours after use, AND wear proper sun protection.
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Grapefruit can interact with certain medications. This is because grapefruit can block the action of the enzyme CYP3A4, which is responsible for breaking down certain drugs in the body. When this enzyme is blocked, drug levels rise, causing a negative interaction. Contraindicated medicines include both statins taken for cholesterol and contraceptives.
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Not suitable for use for people who have platelet disorders or are on blood-thinning medication. It is suggested you cease the use of grapefruit essential oil 48 hours before any planned surgery.
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Method:
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An hour before you want to use your mask, soak the Colloidal Oatmeal in your Rosewater and give it a good stir periodically. You should have a milky consistency, and the Oatmeal should feel slightly slimy, as it gives up its mucilage.
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Strain, retaining both the oatmeal and the oat milk. (No, you can’t drink it).
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The most important thing to understand here is that oil and water don’t mix, so you need to dilute your essential oils and fragrance oil into the carrier oil before adding it to the clay and oat mix. This stops undiluted oils from floating to the top and sitting on your skin.
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Measure out your essential oils and fragrance oils into the Rosehip carrier oil.
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Then add this to the Castile soap and mix gently. You don’t want to create a whole load of bubbles, but you want even distribution.
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When you are ready to apply your mask, assemble it in this way.
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Put the clay in the bowl and add in the strained Oatmeal and mix roughly; it will look chunky, but that’s ok for now.
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Add the oil and soap mix and mix thoroughly. Again, it’s probably not wet enough, but that is where your Oat Milk comes into play.
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Pour in small amounts of Oat Milk at a time and mix well until you have a perfectly smooth consistency that you can apply to your face. You want it quite thick so that it will adhere to the skin and not slide off.
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How To Use:
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It is always worth mixing a bit of this together and doing a patch test first before using it.
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Apply to your face, neck, and decolletage, avoiding the delicate eye area and your lips. If your scalp is feeling irritated and dry, too, by all means, whack some up there, too!
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Allow to dry, It will take longer than just a basic clay mask because of the inclusion of the Oatmeal.
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You will know it is drying because you will feel this strong pulsating sensation; it’s perfectly normal, and you should congratulate yourself on a successful mix! While it can be a little disconcerting for the uninitiated, I can assure you everything is just FINE! Go with it. Your pores are just giving up their gunk, and the clay is soaking it all up.
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Leave on for at least 20 minutes, preferably up to 40 minutes.
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Remove thoroughly with a soft cloth soaked in clean, tepid water.
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Make sure to remove all traces of the mask and rinse your face thoroughly.
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It is not unusual for some people to experience a little redness after using Bentonite Clay, and it should settle after about 30 minutes.
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Your face will have never been cleaner, however, your pores are now wide open, so let’s restrict them and close them up with some astringent Toner. Next project!
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Use no more than 3 times a week for oily skin; once should be enough for most people.
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If you enjoyed this mask, you will have fun smooshing your face in raw fruit in DIY Natural Face Masks: Revitalize Your Skin with Simple Ingredients.
Toner
You want a great toner as part of your skin care recipes for spring skin. After cleansing with that incredible clay mask, your pores will be clean but left open, so we need to get them closed to help refine the appearance of the skin. It also helps regulate sebum production and keeps our skin more balanced.
I’m just using essential oils for this, and they are suitable for all skin types, except perhaps for the most sensitive skins. That said, I can use it, and I have hypersensitive skin, but we are all unique.
You Will Need:
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Measuring jug
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Stainless steel spoon
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Funnel
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100 ml Bottle or toner dispenser
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Oil and waterproof label
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Ingredients:
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38 ml of Rosewater (Rosa Damascena)
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20 ml of Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana)
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20 ml of Glycerin (Glycerol)
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11 ml of Polysorbate 20 (Sorbitan monolaurate) (double check manufacturer's guidelines for amount)
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5 ml of Rosehip carrier oil (Rosa Canina)
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60 drops of Rose Geranium essential oil (Pelargonium Roseum X Asperum)
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50 drops of Roman Chamomile essential oil (Anthemis nobilis L.)
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12 drops of Ylang Ylang essential oil (Cananga odorata)
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Optional: Preservative of your choice - follow the manufacturer's instructions
Safety:
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Do not use it in the first 37 weeks of pregnancy.
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Method:
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Don’t skip the Polysorbate because it acts as a surfactant and emulsifier to combine the oils and the water elements. This means you don’t get left with undiluted essential oils floating on top of your toner.
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Start by measuring out your essential oils and carrier oil and combining them. Pour in an equal amount of Polysorbate 20 unless the individual manufacturer's instructions direct otherwise.
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Add your Glycerine and combine.
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Then add your Witch Hazel and Rosewater and stir to combine thoroughly.
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Decant into a suitable bottle using a funnel.
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List all of the ingredients on an oil and water-proof label.
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Add a production date and a 3-6 month expiry date unless you used a preservative.
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How To Use:
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Don’t forget that 24-48 hour patch test before first use.
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Apply to the face on a cotton pad and work in gentle, upward motions.
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Take care around the delicate eye area, and don’t drag the skin.
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There is no need to rinse. In fact, it works better if you do not rinse it.
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Use daily.
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Need more ideas? How to Make Facial Toner with Essential Oils.
Moisturizer
Your skin is cleaned, detoxed, and now toned, it’s ready for some nourishment from a moisturizer. Try this lovely light moisturizer for your skin care recipes for spring skin. I’ve kept it light because I’m giving you heavier serums to follow it with, as the heavy hitters.
This is light enough to use throughout the day if you wish to, perfect for popping in your purse when the office air conditioner gets too much for your skin!
Who can resist a spring-themed moisturizer bursting with the first Roses of the year? I know I cannot; resistance is futile with this one.
Bolster the Rose scent with NO. 33, but get all the rosy goodness from the floral water, essential oil, and carrier oils.
IFRA Safety:
Moisturizer appears under IFRA Category 5B. NO. 33 has a maximum skin safety dilution rate of 16.31%. This means that in 100ml of Moisturiser, you can use up to 16ml of NO. 33. This is quite a high dilution rate, and I suggest 2-5% is more than enough for this project.
You Will Need:
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Measuring jug
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Stainless steel spoon
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Funnel
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Bottle/Jar
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Oil and waterproof label
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Ingredients:
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50 ml of Aqueous Cream or Organic water-based cream (Various Ingredients)
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10 ml of Glycerine (Glycerol)
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15 ml of Rosewater (Rosa Damascena)
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5 ml of Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana)
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7 ml of Sweet Almond carrier oil (Prunus dulcis)
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5 ml of Rosehip carrier oil (Rosa Canina)
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2 ml of NO. 33 - Fresh Cut Roses Soaps & Candles fragrance oil
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40 drops of Rose essential oil (Rosa damascena)
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40 drops of Rose Geranium essential oil (Pelargonium Roseum X Asperum)
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20 drops of Frankincense essential oil (Boswellia serrata)
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10 drops of Patchouli essential oil (Pogostemon cablin)
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12 drops of Ylang Ylang essential oil (Cananga odorata)
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Optional: Preservative of your choice - follow the manufacturer's instructions
Safety:
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Do not use it in the first 37 weeks of pregnancy.
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Method:
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Measure out your Rosehip and Sweet Almond carrier oils and combine.
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Carefully measure out your essential oil and your NO.33 fragrance oil into the carrier oils and mix well.
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Add the Glycerine and Aqueous Cream and mix everything until it is homogeneous.
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Add the Witch Hazel and Rosewater and mix everything until it is perfectly combined.
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Check for consistency; if you would like it lighter, add more Rosewater, and if you want it heavier, add another dollop of Aqueous Cream.
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Use a jar funnel and decant into your jar and lid immediately.
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Use an oil and waterproof label and list all ingredients for safety reasons.
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Add a production date and a 3-6 month expiry date unless you used a preservative.
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How To Use:
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Don’t skip that all-important 24-48 hour patch test before first use.
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Apply to the face in light upward circular movements to stimulate the circulation of the skin.
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Take care over delicate areas and don’t drag the delicate skin around the eyes.
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No need to rinse this rosy gorgeousness off; why would you want to?
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Use daily.
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Explore more ideas - DIY Face Moisturizer: Nourish Your Skin with Simple, Natural Ingredients.
Eye Serum
I wanted to give you a brand new recipe for your skin care recipes for spring skin with this cream-based serum. It’s a bit different from the Face Serum and contains some new and exciting ingredients for you to explore.
Green Tea Hydroglycerin Extract has nourishing, moisturizing, and softening qualities. It is a powerful astringent to tone and tighten the skin. Its antioxidant properties are wonderful for preventing premature aging as they battle the damage done by free radicals. Making it perfect for mature skin.
I have chosen to use Green Tea Extract in this Eye Serum for its rich concentration of phenolic compounds. These stimulate the skin using micro-circulation and are extremely useful in reducing under-eye bags.
Hydrolyzed Oat Protein provides a sumptuous protective layer over the skin that locks in moisture and prevents moisture loss. It hydrates and soothes the skin, making it ideal for delicate, sensitive, and irritated skin.
I have to confess that I have spared no expense here and gone uber luxurious because the skin around our eyes needs such careful and considerate care. You can, of course, choose more cost-effective essential oils.
You Will Need:
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Hand whisk or stand mixer
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Double Boiler
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Measuring jug
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Stainless steel spoon
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Funnel
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100ml Jar
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Oil and waterproof label
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Ingredients:
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50 ml Aqueous Cream (Various Ingredients)
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30 ml Shea Butter (Butyrospermum parkii)
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5 ml of Green Tea Hydroglycerin Extract (Water, Glycerin, Camellia sinensis leaf extract, Citric acid, Sodium benzoate, Potassium sorbate)
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5 ml of Hydrolysed Oat Protein (Aqua, Hydrolysed Oat Protein, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate)
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10 ml of Rosehip carrier oil (Rosa Canina)
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30 drops of Neroli Absolute (Citrus aurantium)
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20 drops of Frankincense essential oil (Boswellia serrata)
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20 drops of Helichrysum essential oil (Helichrysum splendida)
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Optional: Preservative of your choice - follow the manufacturer's instructions
Safety:
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Do not use it in the first 37 weeks of pregnancy.
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Method:
This is two phases, a warm phase and a cold phase. In the warm phase, you will melt your Shea Butter and mix it with mechanical help into the Aqueous Cream. You will then let it cool fully before adding any of the other ingredients.
Warm Phase
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Set your double boiler over low to medium heat and let it preheat. While you do this, chop your Shea Butter into small pieces; the less time it takes to melt the butter, the better.
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Pop them in your double boiler and stir to help them melt.
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As soon as it is molten, remove it from the heat, separate it from the hot water, and set aside to cool for a couple of minutes.
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Measure your Aqueous cream into the mixer bowl. If you are using a hand mixer, you may want to grab a spare pair of hands! Turn your mixer on and start mixing the Aqueous Cream and very slowly start adding the molten Shea Butter, let it become incorporated before adding any more.
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Continue in this way until you have added it all and mix for a couple of minutes.
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Leave it in the bowl, cover it with a soft, clean cloth to keep the dust out, and let it cool down.
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Cool Phase
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Once fully cooled, prep the rest of your ingredients.
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Mix your essential oils into your carrier oil and pour into the mixer bowl with the Aqueous Cream and Shea Butter mix.
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Then add your Green Tea Extract and the Hydrolyzed Oat Protein and mix everything well until completely combined.
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Decant into a jar and lid immediately.
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List all of the ingredients on an oil and waterproof label and date with the production and expiry date of 3-6 months. It takes longer if you use a preservative.
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How To Use:
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Always do a 24-48 hour patch test before first use.
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Apply gently to the eye area, making sure you do not get it into your eyes. A Jade roller or Gua Sha tool is really useful here.
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No need to rinse; let the magical oils do their work!
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Use daily.
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Face Serum
This is a different type of Serum entirely from the Eye Serum recipe. This is a highly effective and deeply nourishing oil-based face serum to complete your skin care recipes for spring skin.
There is no two ways about it, our skin needs oil. As soon as people start to experience oily skin, they cut out oil, but your skin is simply overproducing oil because it needs that boost. Don’t shy away from this serum simply because you have oily skin, it’s likely to do you the world of good.
Naturally, you are going to find Rosehip carrier oil here, along with some other thick, unctuous carrier oils full of antioxidants, essential fatty acids, vitamins, and vital minerals to repair, restore, and protect your skin. I’m using Camellia carrier oil (Camellia japonica). Don’t confuse it with Camelina oil (Camelina sativa).
I have chosen to use the soft, smooth aroma of NO. 2208 - Inspired by: Do Not Disturb by Sol De Janeiro as they complement the rich scents of the essential oils. Frankincense will help fight the signs of aging, and Patchouli will nourish and hydrate your skin.
Make this in smaller batches, as you need so little of it to go a long way. Store it in a dark glass rubber-topped bottle to protect it from light degradation and keep out bacteria from your fingers.
IFRA Safety:
Face Serum appears under IFRA Category 5B. NO. 2208 has a maximum skin safety dilution rate of 20%. This means that in 100ml of Face Serum, you can use up to 20ml of NO. 2208. However, this is a very high dilution rate, and I suggest 1-3% is more than enough for this Face Serum project.
You Will Need:
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Measuring jug
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Stainless steel spoon
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Funnel
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50 ml Bottle
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Oil and waterproof label
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Ingredients:
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25 ml of Camellia carrier oil (Camellia japonica)
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10 ml of Avocado carrier oil (Persea gratissima)
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5 ml of Castor carrier oil (Ricinus communis)
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5.5 ml of Rosehip carrier oil (Rosa Canina)
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1 ml of NO. 2208 - Inspired by: Do Not Disturb by Sol De Janeiro Soaps & Candles fragrance oil
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20 drops of Frankincense essential oil (Boswellia serrata)
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20 drops of Rose Geranium essential oil (Pelargonium Roseum X Asperum)
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10 drops of Patchouli essential oil (Pogostemon cablin)
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Optional: Preservative of your choice - follow the manufacturer's instructions
Safety:
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Do not use it in the first 16 weeks of pregnancy.
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Method:
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Simply measure out all of the ingredients and combine them thoroughly.
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Decant into a dark glass rubber-topped dropper bottle and add a label listing all ingredients.
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Date and add an expiry date of 3 months (longer if you used a preservative.
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Yes, it’s THAT simple! Who would have thought that such a powerhouse product was so simple to make?
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How To Use:
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Always do a 24-48 hour patch test before first use.
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Apply gently to the face, It can go over your Eye Serum, but don’t do it consistently as it will be just too much product.
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Work in upward strokes and work towards your lymph nodes to remove puffiness and excess water from the face. This is where Jade rollers or a Gua Sha tool are really useful.
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You do not need to rinse this off, it is best to let the magical oils get to work!
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Use 3 times a week.
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Why not consider creating your bespoke serum to suit your skin type? Use this article to choose a tailor-made essential oil blend to include in this serum recipe. Check out Anti-Aging Essential Oils: Best Oils for Wrinkles.
If you prefer a creamier finish to your spring skincare regimen, try out a Night Cream instead in How to Make Night Cream with Essential Oils.
Tailor Some Other Skincare
Got sensitive or combination skin and sick of not being able to find recipes to suit you? I have both types of skin and have designed these just for people like us!
The Final Word
Wow, we have been on a deep dive journey through spring skincare. I hope you found recipes to suit you.
Don’t be afraid to make tweaks here and there; just as long as you follow your IFRA guidelines, it will be fine, and you can always use the VINEVIDA calculator to help you work things out more easily.
If you don’t want to include certain ingredients, kick them out and use an appropriate alternative. These recipes are yours to make your own, to suit your skin types. Just having a few basic ingredients like Aqueous Cream, Shea Butter, Glycerine, Rosewater, and Rosehip carrier oil gives you the scope to make a multitude of skin care recipes for spring skin.
Pair those with powerful and nourishing essential oils like Rose, Grapefruit, Frankincense, Rose Geranium, Patchouli, and Roman Chamomile, and we can improve how our skin feels and looks.
However, we can also use them to improve our mood and affect our overall well-being. If you feel down in the dumps and all in your head, Rose and Patchouli will soon lift you up and soothe that busy mind. Zingy Grapefruit elevates you and gets things moving, perfect first thing in the morning.
Go on, what are you waiting for? Why not have a crack at making your spring skincare to rejuvenate your skin and look and feel like a million dollars?