I am sure some of you have been waiting for this recipe This is an easy homemade skin firming or skin tightening recipe. This blend tightens sagging skin and even brightens and evens out your complexion. I am not going to use too many ingredients because  I feel that it should be easy for everyone to make at home without having to hunt for those exotic ingredients.

Ingredients:

1/2 oz (15ml) Evening Primrose Oil

1/2 oz (15ml) Grapeseed Oil

5 drops Grapefruit Essential Oil

3 drops Juniper Berry Essential Oil

1 Vitamin E Gel Caplet

You can buy Certified Organic Oils here

Mix all the ingredients together and store this mixture in a dark glass bottle. Apply a drop or two before going to bed(avoid your eye area).If your skin is dry you can also substitute Grapeseed Oil with Jojoba or Avocado Oil.

Please note that Grapefruit Essential Oil is phototoxic(not as strong as Lemon or Lime but it still is phototoxic) so make sure you don’t go out in the Sun for at least 12 hours after the application.

Did you know that Cinnamon could give you a Glowing Complexion? I had posted some recipes for Blemishes and Scars using cinnamon before.

Cinnamon works even better when you drink it as Tea. Cinnamon increases blood circulation which results in Rosy and Radiant Complexion. Don’t drink more than 1 Cup a day.

How to Brew Cinnamon Tea?

Its very simple. The process is same as brewing any herbal tea. Boil some water,  add  a few pieces of Cinnamon sticks (I use Ceylon Cinnamon Sticks), strain it and add some honey. Make sure you use Cinnamon and NOT Cassia sticks because often Cassia is sold as Cinnamon and you have to be really careful while selecting it.

Note: Please check with your doctor if you are on any medication because Cinnamon reduces blood glucose levels (specially if you are on Metformin please check with your doctor because it interferes with it).

DO NOT take Cinnamon if you are Pregnant or Nursing

After a long wait Varnya is finally gonna be launched on October 28th 2010,  website (www.varnya.com) will go live on September 28th and Pre-order option will be there.

Varnya is an Anti-aging Serum made with Rare Ayurvedic Herbs, Botanical Extracts and Essential Oils that addresses 9 Skin Care Issues

Varnya:

Reduces Fine lines and Wrinkles

Evens out skin tone

Repairs damages caused by UV rays

Fights Acne

Tightens sagging skin

Fades age spots and blemishes

Moisturizes and makes your skin soft and supple

Tightens pores

Brings glow to dull and lifeless skin

This is the only product that I have been using for a while now and all I can say is my skin  looks much better than when I was in my 20s.  Its Glowing , literally!  I am not boasting because this is my product but all the volunteers who have tried Varnya(in the testing phase) has to say the same thing.  Ayurvedic Herbs, Botanical Extracts, Essential and Cold Pressed Oils have been used  in this formulation.

I am gonna be offering  a customized option where you get to fill out a skin care questionnaire and I personally create a product that is beneficial for you. This is specially helpful if you are Pregnant, Nursing or Allergic to some or the other ingredients used in Varnya.

Though Essential Oils and Herbal extracts are 100% Natural some of them have to be avoided during Pregnancy and Nursing. Some eesntial oils might not be good if you have a high Blood Pressure so taking all those factors into account, I will personally create an unique blend “just for you”.

Varnya is 100% Vegan

Gluten Free

Preservative Free

Chemical Free

Artificial Fragrance Free

Colorant Free

Mineral Oil Free

Cruelty Free(Not Tested On Animals),  it is tested on Human Volunteers.

Join Varnya on Facebook now and be the First to know about Varnya’s launch, Discount Codes and Offers!!!

Join Varnya on Facebook and you will get a chance to Win Varnya even before its launch.

We will randomly select 9 Varnya Facebook Fans and send out Varnya Anti-aging Serum (sample size-5ml, that will last you almost a month) on September 28th 2010 (September 28th is when our website will go live)

Red Wine Lovers are gonna love this recipe. I had written a short post about Red Wine’s Anti-aging properties before, you can read the benefits of drinking red wine here if you have missed it.

Red Wine is rich in Antioxidants that help fight Free Radical Damage, you can reap the benefits by drinking Red Wine(doesn’t mean you have to get sloshed to get that radiant Skin)and  by using it topically.

Here’s a recipe for Glowing Complexion using Red Wine, Green Tea and Cocoa Powder

You will need-

1 Tbsp. Red Wine

1 Tsp. Green Tea Powder

1 Tsp.  Dark Cocoa Powder

If the mixture becomes too thick add some Red Wine to make a smooth paste.  You can add Honey if your skin is dry, I also love to add a few drops of Patchouli Oil to this recipe(Patchouli oil has cell regenerating properties).

Apply this mask to your face avoiding the eye area and rinse off after 20 minutes. Your skin will look Brighter and Healthier:)

Indian Gooseberry for Glowing Skin

The many health benefits that come hand in hand with Indian Gooseberry can be mostly attributed to the incredible high content of Vitamin C that is found in the berry. Due to its richness of Vitamin C the berry alone has the ability to fight all kinds of free radical damage which can be beneficial in a number of ways, such as reducing the signs of aging and preventing hair loss.

Indian Gooseberry can enhance absorption of food, fortify the liver, nourish the brain, strengthen the lungs, help the urinary system, increase vitality, and help the body mentally and physically. Its effectiveness as an antioxidant allows it to increase the health of the skin, and give you the glowing look that you strive for.

Gooseberry itself is a part of the Euphorbiaceae family and is considered to be a sacred tree in all of India thanks to its health benefits.

A lot of skin damage can be linked to oxidative damage, which is when the cells in the body use oxygen and thus cause damage, which can actually be counter-balanced in many ways thanks to antioxidant agents in the Indian Gooseberry. The agents can prevent the oxidative damage and even repair some that may already be present.

Because the berry itself can help detoxify the liver, is rich in vitamin C, and can strengthen digestion, it is incredibly beneficial for complexion. It can clean skin tissues of all kinds of toxins, support the immune system, and moisturize the skin all at the same time. This gives your skin that luster and glow that so many of us strive for, without all of the negative drawbacks that come with chemicals that offer the same benefits.

We all know that it is better to turn to natural ingredients whenever possible, and the Indian Gooseberry makes it easier than ever to get that glowing skin you desire without using unnatural products.Indian Gooseberry is beneficial for our skin when taken internally or applied externally.

How to make a Gooseberry Facial Mask

You will need-

1 Tbsp Indian Gooseberry Powder

1 Tbsp. Honey

2 Drops Ylang Ylang Essential Oil (optional)

Mix everything together and apply the paste to your face avoiding your eye area. Rinse off after 20 minutes. You can use this facial mask once a week to reduce the signs of aging and  get glowing skin.

Chocolate and Strawberry make a Great Food Combination. When you talk about Valentine’s Day Chocolate and Strawberry are two foods that lovers would not want to ignore. Did you know that Chocolate and Strawberry are Aphro Foods? They are not only good to eat but also help you both connect well.

I am on a diet these days so I don’t snack on Chocolates often but using it as a facial mask is a guilt free pleasure. I often combine chocolate with fresh fruits and essential oils to make it a more powerful Facial Mask.

Chocolate and Strawberry are rich in Antioxidants and can save your skin from free radical damage.

You can simply combine organic dark cocoa with strawberry or any fruit of your choice and essential oils(1-3%) and use it as a mask.
You will need-

1 oz Organic Dark Cocoa Powder

1 Ripe Strawberry(mashed)

One drop Patchouli Essential Oil

1/2 teaspoon Honey

Mix everything together and apply. Rinse off after 20 minutes. Its a renewing facial mask.

You can buy Organic Patchouli Essential Oil here

Happy Valentine’s Day in Advance

Skin and Hair Benefits of Aloe Vera

Aloe plants have been used for thousands of years as a natural way to heal the body, prevent problems, and soothe skin. There are more than 200 varieties of these desert lilies, but Aloe Vera is by far the most popular and the easiest to find. It contains a dizzying array of minerals, vitamins, amino acids, natural sugars, anti-inflammatory agent and enzymes. This combination gives this miracle plant healing properties that simply cannot be denied. Let’s take a look at some of the skin and hair benefits of aloe vera.

Aloe Vera Reduces Acne

Aloe Vera’s anti-inflammatory properties can reduce the appearance of acne and the different enzymes have the ability to prevent acne from reappearing. Not only that, but Aloe Vera can also reduce the appearance of acne scars that may have formed from previous skin problems.

Aloe Vera Soothes Sunburns

One of the most well known uses for Aloe Vera is to soothe sunburns. The healing properties provide an undeniable soothing feeling to the skin and can also boost healing for any problem skin. While it will not completely treat sunburns on their own, it does an incredible job of simply making things feel better.

Aloe Vera Reduces Loss of Hair and Dandruff

One of the lesser known benefits of Aloe Vera is that it can reduce loss of hair and also help you get rid of troubling dandruff. The scientific evidence for the hair loss prevention is often varied, but there are thousands of people that rave about how much Aloe Vera has changed their lives, and their hair. In terms of dandruff it is believed the powerful enzymes soothe the scalp and that the moisturizing effects of Aloe Vera reduce dryness on the scalp and thus eliminates dandruff.

Aloe Vera truly is a miraculous, natural and effective solution for many problems. There are no proven side effects and the organic makeup gives it an edge over many other products that are available on the market. On top of all that it is more affordable than a number of other skin creams and lotions that can be found in every store and online.

I wanted to make some announcements about LashMantra Giveaway, LashMantra Tuesday Sale  and a Freee  Skin Care e-book.

From today LashMantra Tuesday Sale becomes LashMantra Weekend Sale(all the coupon codes are valid for Saturday and Sunday)

Today’s discount is Free Shipping on every order. Just apply the discount code “Freeshippingoct” to get $9 off your order. This offer is valid until Sunday night)

If you haven’t already entered LashMantra Giveaway, here is your chance, in fact you have 3 chances to Win LashMantra this month.

Win LashMantra and Stunning Yellow Sapphire Earrings

Win LahMantra, Sparkling  Peridot Earrings and Malibu Secret Anti-aging Body Cream on Beauty and Personal Grooming

Win LashMantra, Multi-Gem Sparkling Earrings and lots of other goodies on Viva Woman

Robin of Toxic Beauty Blog is giving away a Free e-book on Skin Care so feel free to visit her blog to download it.

Benefits of Frankincense Essential Oil for Skin

Frankincense is most commonly known as a gift that was suitable for god many years ago, and has continued to be one of the most sought after oils in the entire world. It is almost impossible to sum up all of the health benefits of frankincense oil in just one article, but it has incredible properties that can rejuvenate skin, administer a feeling of calm and serenity, and even relieve pain and stomach aches.

Frankincense is native to parts of Northern Africa and comes from a stunning plant known as Olibanum. The plant itself is incredibly large and surprisingly beautiful thanks to the white flowers and slender leaves that burst out from underneath. The frankincense originates as sap within the tree and becomes a dark gum type resin, and this is the point where it can be used for its medicinal and cosmetic benefits. The term frankincense originates from the word Franc, which means pure, and the word incensum, which means smoke.

Frankincense belongs to the base note with a very different kind of smell, I can’t explain how it smells but it just takes me to another world.

In terms of the benefits of frankincense oil when it comes to skin, one of the most impressive aspects is the oils ability to prevent and even fade scars. The application  of frankincense essential oil(diluted with carrier oil) can reduce the appearance of marks from boils, acne, pox and even stretch marks. Essentially, any scar on your body or face can be treated and become less visible thanks to this miraculous essential oil.

In terms of prevention, frankincense essential oil has been used for centuries as a way to keep the skin healthy. Frankincense oil can be used  in facial masks (at 1%)  to prevent the formation of wrinkles, smooth out the skin and provide anti-aging properties.

For centuries people have been using frankincense essential oil for a number of reasons. There are no known side effects and really no reason why you shouldn’t consider treating your skin to the benefits that this wonderful oil can bring.

Note: Never apply any essential oil directly on your skin(Lavender and Tea Tree can be used directly on the skin), mix a few drops with Carrier Oil and apply(at 1-3%)

You can buy Therapeutic Grade Frankincense  Essential Oil here

We all know the health benefits of Walnut and Almond. They are good for heart, brain and overall health. Walnut is rich in omega 3 fatty acids and Almond is a rich source of Vitamin E. Combined together they make healthy snack and nourishing facial mask for aging/dry and dehydrated skin.

This simple recipe will keep your skin moisturized and prevent further skin damage if used once a week.

Walnut Oil is yellow in color and has a slightly nutty smell. Always go for cold pressed organic walnut oil and buy from a reputed seller.

You will need:

One tsp Cold Pressed Walnut Oil

8-10 almonds

1 Drop Geranium Essential Oil

Grind the almonds and mix it with Walnut and Geranium Essential oil to form a thick paste. Apply it liberally on our face(avoid eye area).  Rinse off with lukewarm water after 20 minutes.

Note: You can buy Certified Organic Essential and Carrier Oils here