1. Chocolate facial mask
This decadent mask will leave your skin baby soft. Recommended for normal skin.
• 1/3 cup cocoa powder
• 3 tbsp heavy cream
• 2 tsp cottage cheese
• 1/4 cup honey
• 3 tsp oatmeal
Blend all ingredients together and smooth onto face. Relax for 10 minutes, then wash off with warm water.
2. Fruit salad body mask
This smoothie for the skin may seem a little strange, but the benefits are extraordinary. Pineapple contains bromeliad, a protein-digestive enzyme which helps rid the skin of dead cells and dirt. It's also a mild astringent, plus it counteracts histamines and has anti-inflammatory properties. Grapes are an antioxidant and provide protection against harmful UV rays. Bananas have loads of vitamins, calcium and essential nutrients which keep the skin smooth and soft. Kiwi is high in vitamin C and has enzymatic properties. Honeydew is both soothing and hydrating.
• 2 slices pineapple - rind removed
• 1/2 med. honeydew melon - rind removed
• 1 doz. green grapes
• 1 med. banana - peeled
• 1 med. kiwi fruit - peeled
Puree all ingredients in food processor. Mixture will be slightly lumpy. Refrigerate for one hour. Smooth onto body and/or face, leave on for half an hour and rinse with tepid water.
3. Nail brightener
Banish dull winter nails with this quick brightening solution.
• 1 denture tablet
• 1 cup warm water
• 1-2 drops essential oil of your choice
Saturate one denture tablet with a few drops of the essential. Drop the tablet into a small bowl of warm water. Soak fingertips for 10 minutes. Discard mixture after use.
4. Overnight foot treatment
Give your tired tootsies a break with this overnight softening treatment.
• 1/4 cup almonds
• 1/4 cup dry oatmeal
• 3 tbsp food-grade cocoa butter
• 2 tbsp honey
Grind almonds in a blender or coffee grinder until fine. Set aside. In the same blender, pulse oatmeal until it's the same consistency. In a bowl, combine ground oatmeal, cocoa butter, honey and ground almonds. Rub into clean feet, step into cotton socks and leave on overnight. In the morning, remove the socks and rinse feet in cool water. Pat dry. Do not remove your socks until you're standing in the tub!
5. Rosemary honey olive oil hair conditioner
The honey in this make-at-home conditioner will add shine while the olive oil is great for extra moisture. The treatment is enhanced with rosemary essential oil to stimulate hair growth.
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup warmed olive oil (2 tablespoons for normal to oily hair)
• 4 drops rosemary essential oil
• 1 tsp of xanthan gum (available at health food stores)
Place all the ingredients in a small bowl and mix thoroughly. Pour into a clean plastic bottle with a snug-fitting cap. To use, apply a small amount to your slightly dampened hair. Massage your scalp and work the conditioner through your hair until it is completely and evenly distributed. Next, cover your hair with a warm towel (your microwave or dryer can heat it up) or shower cap. Leave the conditioner on for 30 minutes. Shampoo lightly and rinse with cool water. Dry as you would normally.
For more great at-home spa treatment ideas, visit spaindex.com.
First published in Chatelaine.com's March 2008 issue.
© Rogers Publishing Ltd.
