Opal Crown

This homemade facial mask feels rich and luxurious. It's not just high in antioxidants, but it's also good at moisturizing the skin. This mask is made entirely of natural ingredients that will nurture your skin. It exfoliates softly, leaving your skin hydrated and rejuvenated.

WHAT IS HIBISCUS?

Hibiscus is a genus flowering plant in the Malvaceae family. The genus is vast, with several hundred species found in warm temperate, subtropical, and tropical climates around the world. For generations, the Hibiscus flower and leaves have been used traditionally for decorative and medicinal uses. It has been used to make extracts, drinks, and supplements. Personally, when I think of hibiscus, I think of Agua de Jamaica. A delicious beverage made from the petals of the hibiscus flower, which is quite popular in Mexico. But today, I'm going to share how to make a wonderful face mask using hibiscus powder.

INGREDIENT BENEFITS:

HIBISCUS: Hibiscus-rich qualities keep skin nourished, soft, and youthful, preventing dry, dull skin. The antioxidants and beta-carotene found in Hibiscus are reasons it has been compared to Botox. Hibiscus contains vitamin C, which is a known complexion enhancer with collagen-boosting properties that help tighten the face. Making it firm for a youthful appearance. Hibiscus' natural surfactants help deep cleanse the skin without stripping it of its natural oils. Hibiscus contains alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), which help to eliminate dead cells and flaky skin. As well as clear pores.

ROSE: Roses are rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals. Its anti-inflammatory properties help reduce redness and relieve irritation, making it perfect for all skin types due to its calming and healing properties. Roses brighten and tone the skin while also helping to maintain the skin's pH balance and controlling excess oil. Roses are rich in vitamins A and C, both of which can assist with aged skin. Apart from reducing the appearance of wrinkles, these vitamins help to diminish the appearance of age spots on the skin and help with collagen production.

ALOE VERA: Aloe vera contains a variety of antioxidants, including beta-carotene, vitamin C, and E, which can help improve skin firmness. It can also be used to hydrate and soothe the skin. Aloe vera moisturizes the skin without leaving it greasy, making it suitable for all skin types. It contains anti-inflammatory properties that can help treat acne, eczema, and psoriasis.

RAW HONEY: Honey is rich in antiseptic, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties that can help clear up acne breakouts. Honey is a humectant, which means it helps your skin absorb and hold moisture, preventing it from drying out. It can also help reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Your skin will be soft, radiant, and shining after using raw honey.

VITAMIN E: Vitamin E is a moisturizing ingredient that functions as a humectant and an emollient, allowing water to be absorbed and trapped in the skin. It is also an antioxidant that helps fight free radical damage. Vitamin E can be used to prevent or treat dry, flaky skin. Vitamin E oil's hydrating properties may make skin appear more youthful and wrinkle-free.

INGREDIENT:

2 tbsp hibiscus powder
1 tbsp rose powder
2-3 tbsp aloe vera gel
1 tsp raw honey
1/4 tsp vitamin e

WATCH THE VIDEO OR SKIP DOWN BELOW FOR THE STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE:

DIRECTIONS:

1.) If you don't have hibiscus powder or rose powder, you can make your own by grinding the dried flowers.

2.) Add the hibiscus powder, rose powder, aloe vera, raw honey, and vitamin e into a bowl.

3.) Mix to combine all the ingredients.

HOW TO USE:

1.) Before applying the mask, cleanse your skin.

2.) With a mask brush, apply the face mask to your entire face and leave it on for 10 minutes.

3.) Use a face cloth dipped in warm water to gently rub the mask off your face.

4.) Follow up with a moisturizer.

(For gentle exfoliation, massage skin before rinsing off with warm water.)

NOTE: Use this Hibiscus face mask at least 2-3 a month, or whenever your skin needs a boost. Hibiscus will leave a stain on your clothes and towels, so wear clothes and use towels that can be stained.

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Make these rejuvenating under eye masks to get rid of puffy eyes and wrinkles beneath the eyes. The best part is that all of the ingredients can be found in your own kitchen.

Cucumber is one of the most refreshing, and cooling vegetables available. Did you know that they contain about 96 percent water? It is the most hydrating and calming ingredient for your skin because of its high water content. Cucumbers are high in vitamins and nutrients, that help moisturize and rejuvenate your skin. Three skin-boosting ingredients are used in the recipe I'm sharing with you today, along with a few cotton rounds.

INGREDIENT BENEFITS:

CUCUMBER: The vitamin C and folic acid found in cucumber juice not only minimizes swelling around the eyes. It can also soothe damaged skin and make your eyes look refreshed. Cucumber juice may also help your skin appear firmer and healthier. Cucumber is high in antioxidants, and antioxidants are a well-known element for fighting free radicals. It helps heal the damage caused by prolonged exposure to the sun's harmful UV rays.

CHAMOMILE TEA: Chamomile contains polyphenols and phytochemicals, which are powerful antioxidants. It can help minimize signs of aging by protecting the skin from free radical damage. These nutrients can improve the look of fine lines, wrinkles, and scars by speeding up cell regeneration. Chamomile's antibacterial properties can help treat acne by reducing bacteria while preventing future breakouts. Chamomile’s anti-inflammatory and healing properties benefit those with sensitive skin. As well as those suffering from inflammatory conditions such as rosacea or eczema.

MINT LEAVES: Mint leaves can be used as a mild astringent to naturally tone the skin. It removes excess oil and dirt from the pores. As well as restoring the skin's suppleness and hydration. Mint contains salicylic acid and antibacterial properties. Both of which can help treat and prevent acne. Mint is an excellent source of antioxidants, which help to protect the skin from free radical damage and delay the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. The richness of the antioxidants in mint leaves can help reduce dark circles beneath the eyes.

INGREDIENTS:

Half a cucumber
2 oz chamomile tea
A small batch of fresh mint leaves

MATERIALS NEEDED:

Blender/Food processer
Bowl
Cotton rounds
Parchment paper
Resealable bag
Sieve
Sheet pan

DIRECTIONS:

1.) Steep the chamomile tea leaves in hot water for 3-4 minutes.

2.) Meanwhile, cut the cucumber into slices or chunks.

3.) Add the cucumber slices, chamomile tea, and mint leaves to the blender or food processor.

4.) Blend the mixture until smooth.

5.) Place a sieve over a bowl. Pour the mixture through the sieve to separate the pulp from the juice.

6.) Cut your cotton rounds in half. (This mask will require a lot of pairs, so cut more than you think you'll need.)

7.) Transfer to a bowl, then soak the cotton rounds in the mixture. Then squeeze out the excess.

8.) Place the eye masks on the sheet pan. Repeat until you've used up all of the cucumber juice.

9.) Freeze the eye masks until solid, about 30 minutes.

10.) Then pull the frozen eye masks away from the sheet pan, and place them in a resealable bag in the freezer for future use.

HOW TO USE:

To apply, place the eye pads underneath the eyes. Leave on for 10–15 minutes.

NOTE: Before using the eye pads, set them aside for 5-10 minutes but make sure they're still cool, as the temperature will help minimize puffiness.

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Easter baskets are typically stocked with tons of single-use plastic or non-sustainable materials. This year, I wanted to avoid waste by focusing on an eco-friendly Easter basket for my son while still enjoying the festivities. With Easter right around the corner, I wanted to share some great ideas to help you create quality and meaningful Easter baskets that your kids will adore.

HERE ARE SOME PLASTIC-FREE GIFT IDEAS FOR EASTER:

1.) SIDEWALK CHALK:

Sidewalk chalk is a classic item that is also an excellent choice for a zero waste Easter basket. Egg-shaped chalks, which also come in cardboard cartons, are another unique option that fits in wonderfully with this occasion. I purchased these marble egg chalks at a supermarket, but you can find them online.

2.) PUZZLES/BOARD GAMES:

Puzzles are excellent for keeping children occupied while learning at the same time. I've found puzzles and board games in good condition, some even brand new, at Goodwill. You can get a lot of amazing stuff at the thrift store for a fraction of the cost.

Photo by Karolina Grabowska from Pexels

3.) EASTER EGGS:

Don't go out and buy new plastic Easter eggs. If you have leftover plastic eggs from previous years, you can utilize them this year. You can also upcycle the eggs by painting them to give them a new look. If you want to buy new Easter eggs, look for hollow eggs made of plant-based biodegradable plastic or hollow wooden eggs to reuse year after year.

4.) PLAYDOUGH:

What kid doesn't enjoy playing with play dough? I know my son can spend hours playing with play dough, and making your own is simple. You can find many recipes online that teach you how to make them. You can invite the kids to join you and spend time together having fun.

(Here are a few recipes I found online)

5.) EASTER GRASS:

Although Easter grass isn't required, it does look beautiful lining the basket. This year, instead of plastic, use shredded paper as the grass in your basket.

6.) ART SUPPLIES:

My son enjoys being creative! So I'll be stuffing his Easter baskets with recycled paper, non-toxic crayons/colored pencils, and paint this year!

Photo by Karolina Grabowska from Pexels

7.) BASKETS:

Every Easter, stores are brimming with Easter baskets. Avoid purchasing plastic baskets as they can easily break. Beautiful baskets can be found at a thrift store for a reasonable price. I still have the first Easter basket I purchased for my son as a baby, and we use it every year.

Photo by Eduardo Rodriguez on Unsplash

8.) TOYS:

If you want to put toys in your children's Easter baskets, you can buy wooden toys, make your own rag dolls, or buy secondhand.

Photo by cotton bro from Pexels

9.) BOOKS:

Books are my go-to for any occasion; you can't go wrong with them, and it's an easy way to bond with your children.

10.) CANDY/SNACKS:

There are many ways you can go about this. You can buy candy from local stores that sell unwrapped candy, candy wrapped in tin foil, or you can make your own.

Photo by Karolina Grabowska from Pexels

11.) CLOTHES:

If your kids need clothes, hats, socks, or even pajamas, this is an easy way to fill their baskets.

12.) GIFT BAGS:

A fast snip, pom-poms, and gift tag transform a plain brown paper bag into a wonderfully cute party favor. If you don't want to make your own, you can buy adorable burlap or cotton drawstring treat bags.