Homemade Shaving Products

Razors with multiple blades, shaving creams, shaving gels, shaving solutions - shaving isn't as simple as it used to be. Women are bombarded with hundreds of products, each promising the smoothest shave. But one of the best products can be found in your kitchen pantry - olive oil.

 Olive oil is an excellent shaving agent because it reduces friction and softens hair upon application. It also acts as a natural moisturizer, attracting external moisture to your skin. When shaving, many people actually remove the top layer of skin along with hair.

 Oils create a thing surface barrier, preventing any skin loss. This helps create a smoother shave without skin irritation. Used over time, olive oil will create supple, younger looking skin. It worked for Cleopatra. Shaving oil is also the easiest way to shave, because it works best when used in combination with water.

You don't have to worry about it washing off, or creating a good lather. Simply wet your legs (or desired other shaving area), apply the oil, and shave. You can even shave your legs underwater! It's also extremely cost effective, as a little goes a long way. Pour a small pool into your hand, about the size of a quarter, and apply to each leg.

After shaving you can apply additional olive oil as a moisturizer. Olive oil is a non irritant, recommended for sensitive skin. Skin problems and irritations, including razor burn, can be treated naturally by adding 10 drops of essential oil to every 1 ounce of olive oil.

Eucalyptus: antiseptic, irritation, healing agent, insect repellant

Bergamot: acne, eczema, also see this

 Chamomile: inflammation, sensitive skin, irritation Patchouli: inflammation, itching, wrinkle prevention

Peppermint: rejuvenation (may irritate sensitive skin, avoid if pregnant) Rosewood: natural moisturizer

 Sandalwood: skin hydration Tea Tree Oil: antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, itching and irritation

Witch Hazel: itching Aloe: itching and irritation Clove: antiseptic, circulation Lavender: anti-inflammatory, water retention or swelling, normalizes skin

 Benzoin: improves elasticity, reduces redness, itching, irritation Lemon: acne, varicose veins, cellulite, antiseptic (may irritate skin, avoid if pregnant, avoid direct sunlight)

Aloe vera skin care 

Living in Luxury: Getting the Spa Treatment at Home

If you don't have the time or money to make it to the spa every week or so (and most of us don't), you'll be happy to know that there are a number of spa treatments you can perform at home that are easy, affordable, and take as much time as you'd like. So, whether you're planning a night of relaxation all by yourself, or an evening of home spa treatments with friends, here are a few things you may want to try.  

At-home facials

A facial is one of the most popular spa treatments, but we don't always have time to keep our skin in the best condition. When you're giving yourself a facial at home, make sure that you thoroughly cleanse, tone and moisturize your face. Depending on your skin type, you'll want to select a cleanser that can easily remove dirt, oil, and makeup without stripping or over-drying your face. Toning your skin will help you to close the pores of your face again, so that dirt and toxins can not easily enter the skin. A good toner will also bring the skin back to its natural pH. Before you moisturize the skin, you may also want to use a mask to tighten the pores and give your skin extra clarity. Choose a moisturizer that is suitable for your skin type, and apply the moisturizer to your skin while it is still damp.

 Here are some all natural facial masks and cleansers you may want to try: Strawberry cleanser: For this facial, you'll need a ripe strawberry, about a tablespoon or so of sour cream, and a couple of teaspoons of olive oil. Mix the ingredients together and work the mixture gently on the face. Wash the strawberry cleanser with a loofah or damp washcloth.  

Herbal toner: Green tea leaves (about a tablespoon), strawberry tea leaves (about a tablespoon), distilled water (1 cup), chamomile tea leaves (about a tablespoon), aloe vera gel, apple cider vinegar and lemon juice (3 teaspoons each) make up this all-natural toner. Heat the water to boiling, then add tea leaves and steep. Then add aloe vera, vinegar, and lemon juice. You can apply the toner with cotton swabs or with your hands. This toner is good for about a week, and should be stored in the refrigerator for best results.  

Moisturizer: To make this moisturizer, you'll need 3 tablespoons each of jojoba oil and rose hips seed oil, 2 or 3 drops of rose essential oil, 2 or 3 drops of lavender oil, 2 drops of extra virgin olive oil, and 2 drops of Palma Rosa essential oil. Mix the oils together and don't rub directly into skin-let your skin naturally absorb the oil so that your pores won't become clogged. -before moisturizing or toning, you may also want to try an avocado mask to healthily moisturize your skin. Mash up half an avocado and spread over the face. You can place a warm towel over your face to open your pores, and be sure to rinse the avocado mask thoroughly before applying anything else to your face. See more info.

Manicures/Pedicures You may want to ask a friend to help with the manicure, since most people can paint the nails on one hand better than the other. But before you get to the nail polish, you should soak your feet or hands with sea salts or essential oils, and exfoliate the skin. A manicure kit will help to do the job, and you can find one at most drug stores for a few dollars. After soaking, shape your nails with a file, and buff them to add extra shine. Using lotions or creams after exfoliating will help to make your hands and feet extra soft. To maintain your pedicure, try using cocoa butter of Vaseline on your feet before bed, and covering your feet with thick socks overnight.

 Other manicuring and pedicuring tips include: -To moisturize your cuticles, try using a little olive or lavender oil to prevent dry skin and help to keep your polish on longer. -If your nails are slightly discolored, use a little lemon juice on a cotton ball to restore healthy nail color. -For exfoliating, you can use sea salt, bath salts, or even salt and sugar to smooth the skin and remove dead cells. You can also give your whole body a facial. Applying special moisturizing tips to your back, chest, and legs will give your whole body a healthy glow; this is especially a good idea for the summer months. You can use the avocado mask for your whole body for combination skin, or even a mixture of mashed strawberries and oatmeal for oily skin. You can also use a couple of drops of essential oils in your bathwater-citrus scents wake up the senses and energize the body, while oils like lavender and chamomile are best to use before going to bed, since they tend to relax the body and help induce sleep