The current lock down meant that I was running out of my usual facial cleanser. This gave me the incentive to look around to see if I could make my own - those who know me might be wondering why it has taken me so long to try this, as I like making my own lotions and potions! I have tried out two so far, both cleanse well and are based on recipes from Neal’s Yard, but I have altered them to suit me, as well as to use ingredients that I already had at home. The first was the simplest and is good if you like to use pads: 50ml/2floz fractionated coconut oil 50ml/2floz witch hazel Mix together in a sterilized bottle, shake before each use. I prefer to massage my face and then wipe with a warm cloth, so my next cleanser is: 2 tablespoons of shea butter 1 tablespoon of coconut oil 1 tablespoon avocado butter 1 teaspoon calendula oil Melt all the above together, either in a double boiler (container over a saucepan of boiling water), or in the microwave, for 30 second increments at a time, so as not to overheat. I did add essential oils (E.O.) to mine, but these are optional. 5 drops frankincense 5 drops geranium 5 drops sweet orange If you do add any E.O., make sure you do a skin test first, if you have not used them before and only add a maximum of 15 drops to this amount of product. Pour into a sterilized jar, leave to cool (or place the jar in the refrigerator to speed up the cooling down). To use, scoop out a little, I have found the size of an almond about the right amount, massage gently all over your face, wipe off with a wet, warm cloth. Whilst making these you can add in your intention, mine was for cleansing away any negativity from the day, to replace it with purity and protection. Magical correspondences for the ingredients: Oils & butters – protection, purification, versatility, beauty, love, prosperity Witch Hazel – protection, divination, balance Frankincense – purification, relaxation, spirituality, love, abundance Geranium – protection, love, cleansing, balancing Sweet orange – happiness, uplifting, purification, clarity, energy. Sources: Neal’s Yard Beauty Book A Kitchen Witch’s World of Magical Herbs & Plants by Rachel Patterson
