I have a confession to make—I don't like primping and preening.
It's weird, because I love colorful clothes and skirts and bangle bracelets and all things sparkly. But I really don't like taking the time for facials, pedicures, and many of the things most women view as "me time." Makeup to me is mascara and face powder. I'm really dressed up if I bother with eye shadow. And while I loved me some thick eyeliner as a teen, I almost never wear it any longer.
Don't get my wrong—I still wash my face nightly, shave my legs, and try my best not to smell like old gym socks, but all the extraneous stuff feels like a chore. I still do it, but only because I want my hair soft and shiny, and I don't want eyebrows that rival Bert from Sesame Street.
Maybe it's because I'm kind of a hippie. Maybe some of the luster was lost the day I threw out all of my hormone-disrupting perfumes and swapped my shampoo for clay-based masks. But not all my grooming love is lost, because I do enjoy experimenting with essential oils for new fragrances, and I take pride in making my own lotions and tinctures. And I adore the soft feel of my hands after a good coconut coffee scrub.
See, not all hippies are dirty hippies. ;)
So whether you're feeling the need for some you time, or you're just tired of the cold winter weather wreaking havoc on your dry skin, I'm sharing three of my favorite spa day kitchen-born treats that will make you feel pampered and refreshed without having to take off your sweats or put on a bra!
Honey Face Mask
Did you know raw honey is great for your face? It's hydrating and naturally antibacterial, which makes it both soothing and nourishing if you're struggling with breakouts! And just a teaspoon is enough for your entire face.
I smear a dab on my forehead, cheeks, and chin. Then I lightly dampen my fingertips and massage the honey into my face, letting it sit for 5-10 minutes before rinsing it off with warm water. No chemicals needed! You can do this weekly (or even daily) for a natural, chemical-free glow! ;)
Green Tea Detox Footbath
If there's one spa-ish thing I do love it's a nice, hot footbath. And creating a detox footbath is super easy! Simply throw a couple of green tea bags into hot water and you're ready for an episode of Gilmore Girls while you relax and detox! If you're looking for an added boost, stir in a couple of spoonfuls of bentonite clay to invigorate your tootsies. Slather on some lotion when you're done, and you will have some happy feet!
Oh my, why did I just say that? There's no need for puns. Let's pretend this never happened...
Coconut Coffee Hand Scrub
Living in the desert makes keeping your skin hydrated almost impossible. I can drink anyone under the table in water, and I use enough lotion to make a lizard's skin look soft and supple. But it's a losing battle, and my hands are in constant need of attention.
A simple mixture of one tablespoon of coconut oil and two teaspoons of coffee grounds is a great way to exfoliate and nourish your dry skin! You may also substitute olive oil or sugar if you're out of coconut oil and/or coffee.
But you should never be out of coffee. *shakes head*
I focus primarily on the backs of my hands, because that's where they are the most dry. Give some love to whatever your trouble spot is. Then rinse the mixture off in the sink. Your hands will be oily, so use a paper towel to remove the excess and then rub the remaining oil into your skin. It's a fantastic way to pamper yourself in just five short minutes!
Since we Pagans take our nature very seriously, it's comforting to know we can still treat ourselves to a little pampering without taxing the environment. Good for us and good for Mother Earth. That's a winning combination!
What's your favorite kitchen-inspired beauty treatment?
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NOTE: As with any recommendation found on this blog, consult your doctor or naturopath before use.
