There is nothing quite like the boost from the scent of citrus. It’s a summery scent but almost more impactful in the darker winter months. Lemon verbena brings me there, as well – but did you know that it isn’t a citrus fruit, but a leafy plant often used in cooking? This super-fragrant herb has many talents that you can use in the kitchen and to benefit your skin and soul. Lemon Verbena (Aloysia citriodora) Lemon verbena is native to South America, but will live well in frost-free climates. Where I live in B.C., it grows happily all summer but doesn’t often survive the winter – much like the tender basil plant. While I’d love to have lemon verbena year round, it’s that much more…
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Beautiful Balancing Lavender
Beautiful, Balancing Lavender I have to admit, when I see those tiny, light purple lavender buds start to appear in my garden, I get excited. There is even more anticipation this year, as I have a good-sized plot of lavender that is destined for my still to make lavender hydrosol. The hydrosol and/or lavender essential oil is found in nearly all of the products in my Balancing Line for it’s skin-loving and healing properties. I’ve written about the history and many uses of lavender before (read it here), but today is all about BALANCE. A Balanced Skincare Routine Before we get into lavender’s skin-balancing powers, it’s important to understand what our skin needs (and doesn’t) to stay healthy. As our body’s largest organ, our…
Tinted Moisturizers 101
Tinted Moisturizers 101 Adding colour to a product can create a lot of confusion and therefore questions. I hope this 101 helps you to choose your perfect match, and get the best results from your tinted moisturizer. The colours: GLOW – a light, illuminating and creamy light beige for highlighting and creating a dewy look. BRONZE – a rich, darker bronzer to give a natural sun kissed look Both colours blend with your natural skin tone, so are suitable for all skins. Coverage: They are translucent, not full coverage foundations but the product can be built up, by layering, for a more dramatic effect. Application: They can be applied by themselves or mixed with a moisturizer for an even lighter look. I recommend…
Natural skin care in the HEAT – how to rescue your melted moisturizer
MELTED MOISTURIZERS I pride myself on creating beautiful skin care products using very few, and very clean nutritious ingredients. However, that does mean that they are more sensitive to extreme temperatures. In the winter you may have received your facial mist in a recycled plastic bottle. Not our first choice of packaging, but when temperatures drop below zero celsius the mists can freeze and shatter the glass. However, the summer heat can be trickier to manage; we are unable to ship in cooler bags. The most vulnerable products are the moisturizers and tinted moisturizers. These products have cosmetic butters as their bases, shea and mango, and just like butter from a cow these are solid at most room temperatures but melt when it gets hot….
Making Hydrosols at Home – It’s so simple!
I love my copper still but it’s a big process to set up and clean away. I need to allow a full day to run it, which I don’t often have. This stove top method, using simple items from my kitchen, is quick to set up and only takes a couple of hours from start to finish (most of which is passive too!). It won’t yield as much as my copper still but I also don’t need so much plant material so it’s easier that way too. It’s fast, simple and the results are magical so I really encourage you to have a go. The best plants to use are common aromatic plants like mint, lemon balm, calendula, rosemary etc all of which are easy…
How to Fit Face Masks into your Skincare Routine
As a busy mom and business owner I know how hard it is to actually do the face masks that I had all the best intentions to do. However, I also know just how good they can be when done regularly, especially if you are trying to create changes in your skin or improve a skin issue. So here are my top tips for making it happen: How to Fit Face Masks into your Skincare Routine 1. Forget the idea that doing a face mask equals a “spa night”. I know the vision is bubbly baths and candles but the reality of that is rare. 2. Lots of masks can be done while you are in the shower. This is the number 1 way I…