This has been one of my favorite posts to write. In the midst of learning about/buying better skincare options in the all-natural world, Jennifer and I have come across so many products that we love. Truly. I would say the overwhelming majority of what we have been lucky enough to stumble upon has been fantastic. Also, the people behind the brands in this relatively small community are always so knowledgeable, passionate, and generous.
Jessica Ress is one of those incredible people behind a brand that we have been lucky enough to get to know. The founder of natural spa product line Angel Face Botanicals (check out our review of her products), and “blogess” over at Spa Goddess, Jessica can now add published author extraordinaire to her resume. Her new DIY book, 100 Organic Skincare Recipes, will keep you occupied for hours.
I had so much fun reading this book and trying out some of the recipes for my face, body and hair. Jessica’s main mantra is to infuse all that you do with love. Having already developed a successful line of natural beauty and skincare products, she wanted to share her insights and empower readers to make homemade remedies with a few simple ingredients. While I obviously didn’t try all 100 recipes (I mean, c’mon, girl, we like to research our blog entries, but I ain’t got THAT much time!), I dabbled. Some of the recipes are so simple you could probably make them right now with what you have in your fridge; others might require a trip to your local farmer’s market or health food store.
What I love about this book is that you are getting inside information from a health and wellness expert who really knows her stuff, why certain ingredients will work for or against your skin, and so on. Jessica has taken an enormous amount of time, love and consideration to make this book not only enjoyable to simply read (and learn), but has made it super user-friendly for you to start experimenting in your own kitchen.
We will be giving away a copy of this gem of a book to one lucky reader in honor of our one year “blog-iversary” (it all started with this deodorant post…)! Enter the rafflecopter bellow by Oct. 31 for your chance to win! This is open to all U.S. Unsullied readers.
Jessica has also generously let me include some of my very favorite recipes from the book for you try at home (copied as is, right out of the book)…hooray!
Fizzy Mojito Foot Spa
Treat your tired feet with this tingly home spa cocktail. Astringent witch hazel helps relieve swelling, while the lime and grapefruit juices soften calluses. Mint refreshes and soothes, and the bubbly water re-mineralizes and relaxes.
Yields: 1 foot bath
- 1/2 cup witch hazel
- 1/2 cup fresh squeezed lime juice
- 1/2 cup fresh squeezed grapefruit juice
- 1 lime, sliced into rings
- 1 quart sparkling mineral water
- 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1/2 cup Epsom salts
- 1/2 cup fine grained sea salt
- 1/2 cup coconut cream (full-fat coconut milk)
What you will need: washtub, cutting board, wooden spoon, measuring cups, mixing bowl, fork. Note: if you don’t have a washtub, you can use a soup pot, shallow bowl, or plastic storage tub. As long as you can soak your feet inside without spilling, it should work!
To Make: Start with room temperature rather than refrigerated ingredients. Put the witch hazel, lime juice, grapefruit juice, and lime rings into the washtub. Muddle the mint leaves by crushing them with the back of a wooden spoon, coarsely chop them, put them in the washtub, and give it a mix. In the mixing bowl, place the salts and coconut cream. Stir to blend to a uniform consistency. Bring the washtub and the bowl of scrub to the place where you will have your foot spa. Set up you foot spa area with anything you will want for a super comfy-cozy relaxing experience. Light a candle, gather a magazine, or maybe an eye pillow, and enjoy a cup of tea. Play some relaxing music. Since the foot bath will not be warm, you may want a blanket, heating pad, and some pillows so you’re sitting as comfortably as possible. Gather a towel to dry off after the foot bath. And you’re ready to get started!
To Store: This recipe should be made fresh before each use.
To Use: Pour the mineral water into the washtub and stir. Settle in and soak your feet for 10-20 minutes. When you’re ready, use the coconut cream and salt mix to scrub the built up dead skin and softened callouses off your toes and feet. Dry off with a towel. Rinse off your feet in the tub or shower if desired. Note: Get the most out of this foot spa treatment by trimming your toenails right before putting your feet to soak in the Fizzy Mojito Foot Spa. After the soak and scrub, use the tip of a nail file to scrape the softened buildup from under your nails.
Go Green Moisture Mask
Go green with the avocado and spirulina found in this recipe and your skin will glow from the life-giving vitamins, emollients and vital antioxidants in this super-nutrient-charged facial mask. Avocado is hydrating, nourishing, and regenerative, and every molecule in spirulina is skin-food for a pure, natural healthy glow. This easy-to-make superfood moisturizing facial mask is beneficial for all skin types, especially dull, dry and sensitive.
Yields: 1-2 masks
- 1/2 small avocado
- 1/4 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon spirulina
- 1/2 teaspoon olive oil
To Make: Scoop the avocado out of it’s shell and place into your mixing bowl. Add the lemon juice, spirulina, and olive oil. Mash the ingredients together with the back of your fork until you have a smooth, even consistency.
To Store: This mask should not be stored. Use immediately.
To Use: To use, spread a medium-thick layer of the mask onto clean skin. Leave on skin 10-20 minutes and rinse off with warm water. Follow with toner and moisturizer.
Cucumber De-Puffer Spa Water
Get rid of extra water weight while staying hydrated with this deliciously quenching spa water. Cucumber and lemon are natural diuretics that aid digestion and appetite control. The ginger and spearmint help relieve bloating and will also benefit the digestive system. This delicious, refreshing, and detoxifying drink is beneficial for weight loss and for relieving PMS symptoms.
Yields: 8 cups
- 8 cups spring water
- 5 thin slices of ginger, peeled
- 1 medium cucumber, sliced thin
- 1 medium lemon, sliced thin
- 12 spearmint leaves
- ice, optional
To Make: Mix all the ingredients together in a large pitcher. Refrigerate for several hours or overnight to allow the flavors to infuse the water. Strain and serve over ice, if desired. Garnish with a slice of cucumber or lemon.
To Store: Keep refrigerated and drink within 4 days.
To Use: You can drink this spa water all day long! Drink this for up to four days in a row and you will start feeling great, The extra fluids and diuretics are flushing out the toxins while you are also flooding your system with Vitamin C, antioxidants, and digestive aids. You are cleaning out your cells and staying hydrated, which will show in the radiance, tone, and texture of your skin.
Excerpted from 100 Organic Skincare Recipes Copyright © 2014 by Jessica Ress, founder of Angel Face Botanicals and published by F+W Media, Inc. Used by permission of the publisher. All rights reserved.
Photos courtesy of Jessica Ress, Diane Harrison, and Adams Media.
