Life Of A Mixtress: A Few Of My Favorite Beauty Formulations!

This is hands down my favorite lip exfoliant recipe, it leaves my lips extremely smooth, and hydrated. The Sweet Almond Oil, Grapeseed Oil, Peppermint Essential Oil and Vitamin E can all be found at your local health food store. And I purchase my Meadowfoam Oil here, Meadowfoam Oil is a superior oil used in a lot of high-end hair care and beauty formulations.

About This Formulation:
Sweet Almond Oil; acts as an emollient to keep your lips soft and smooth all day
Grapeseed Oil; hydrates, and delivers skin loving nutrients to your lips.
Meadowfoam Oil; is choked full of moisturizing essential fatty acids
Vitamin E Oil; smooths, softens and protects lips from harsh environmental elements [free radicals]
Sugar; acts as a natural [and sweet] humectant, drawing the moisturizing properties of the oils into your skin, sugar also gently exfoliates your skin, leaving your lips soft and smooth

YOU WILL NEED:

Sugar
1oz Sterile Container
2 tsp Sweet Almond Oil
2 tsp Grapeseed Oil
2 tsp Meadowfoam Oil
2 tsp Vitamin E Oil
3 Drops Peppermint Essential Oil

DIRECTIONS:

Mix all ingredients together until it forms a thick paste, transfer paste to container. Use nightly during your skin care regimen to gently exfoliate your lips. All you ladies who love your matte lipstick will love how this formulation keeps your lips soft and smooth hours after use.

Here are two simple yet highly effective recipe's that don't require a ton of different ingredients. All of the ingredients for these two cleansing oil recipes can be purchased at your local grocery store:

Anti Acne Cleansing Oil
4oz Grapeseed Oil
4oz Castor Oil

Cleansing Oil, Formulated For Those W/Dry Skin
4oz Castor Oil
4oz Olive Oil

This is one of my favorite facial masks because it's easy to make, and the ingredients can be found at most health food stores. Flax Seeds have anti-inflammatory properties that helps heal skin issues like Eczema, as well as acne. This Flax Seed facial mask also imparts nutrients in your skin that will help keep it smooth, and hydrated.

The Rosemary Essential Oil in this formula is also beneficial; as it is extremely effective in clearing, calming [the skin], and preventing break outs. 

YOU WILL NEED:
1/2 Cup Flax Seeds
2 Cups Water
Rosemary Essential Oil

DIRECTIONS:
Bring water to a boil then remove from heat. Add flax seeds, and allow to steep for about 30 minutes, when the mixture becomes gelatinous, remove the seeds from the bowl. Allow to cool, then add 3 drops of Rosemary Essential Oil to your mask.

Apply mask to your face, and allow to sit for 5-10 minutes. Rinse face with cool water, and gently pat dry.

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Calling All Mixtresses: | The Bentonite Clay Body Wrap

 [I am in love w/head wraps; her skin isn't too shabby either - Source: The Color Is Black]

I finally received my package of Bentonite Clay in the mail, and I put it to use immediately! I try to do a FULL body wrap at least once a month to draw out toxins, improve skin tone, and keep my skin healthy, and glowing. It takes about five minutes to prepare the mixture, another five to apply it, and about an hour to dry. - Last night I diffused Lavender into the air, and meditated for an hour while my wrap dried. Perfect way to center self, while drawing out stressful energy, and pollutants.

Your mix should be spread about one inch thick on your skin, you can use your hands; or you can use a cake spatula like I do [hey; it's no frills over here].

Here is what you need:
1 cup of Bentonite Clay
3 tablespoons of Aloe Vera Gel
2 cups of Distilled Water
Large Crock Pot
5 thin towels or strips of old sheets
Plastic or Glass Bowl
Spatula

Here is what you do:
1. Boil your water, then remove it from heat; allowing it to stand for about 15 minutes, or until comfortable to the touch. Add the remainder of your ingredients, and mix well.
2. Drink plenty of water prior to applying the body wrap, this helps flush out toxins as well.
3. Take a warm/hot shower before applying the wrap, this will open up your pores.
4. Take 5 thin towels folded lengthwise [ones you don't mind using for this purpose], wet them, wring out the excess water, then stack them in a crock pot set to low. 
6. Apply the mixture to your skin
7. Remove the towels from the crockpot, wrap them around your body.
8. Read a book, listen to music, or meditate for an hour.
9. Rinse in warm water
10. Enjoy your freshly exfoliated skin!


Benefits of Body Wraps:
Tones & Tightens Skin
Purported to Help w/Cellulite
Improves Circulation
Detoxifies Skin

Helps Clear Up Acne/Blemishes
Relieves Joint Pain

Purported to Help w/Weight Loss <--Although I never noticed this.

Herbal Hair Rinses

 {Source: Black Fashion}

I must admit, I do not tea rinse as much as I would like to. Although in a perfect world, I would make use of all of my ingredients, and I would have them at the ready. To make it a bit easier I decided to premix my herbs in little muslin tea bags, store them in a mason jar for safe keeping, and place the jar next to my shampoo.

I get most of my herbs from my local health food store, however if I want to buy in bulk, Mountain Rose Herbs is my first choice. If you do order herbs in bulk, make sure to store them in an airtight container [to keep them fresh, and to keep mites/bugs out], I like to use these heat sealable poly bags.

Now just to clarify a bit, I call it "tea rinsing" but I actually use herbs instead of tea. I do this because I like the properties of the herbs I use a lot better than tea, and rinsing with herbs doesn't leave your hair feeling hard like tea often does. Another plus is that you can "prescribe" different herbs to naturally, and effectively combat different issues with your hair. Here are a few simple recipes that you can make for your final rinses:

Breakage: 1 Tsp Blue Malva Herb + 1 Tsp Irish Moss + 1 Tsp Hibiscus Powder - Perfect for ladies who are transitioning

Dandruff: 1 Tsp Neem Powder + 1 Tsp White Willow Bark + 1 Tsp Burdock Root

Growth:  1 Tsp Sting Nettle + 1 Tsp Horsetail + 1 Tsp Peppermint + 1 Tsp Basil

Condition/Shine: 1 Tsp Horsetail + 1 Tsp Stinging Nettle + 2 Tsp Hibiscus Powder + 1 Tsp Coltsfoot + 1 Tsp Parsley

Detangling/Conditioning: 1 Tsp Irish Moss + 1 Tsp Marshmallow Root + 1 Tsp  Stinging Nettle + 1 Tsp Coltsfoot + 2 Tsp Hibiscus Powder + 1 Tsp Blue Malva

To use bags, steep one "tea bag" in hot water until cool. If you like, you can add your favorite essential oil [I love adding Rosemary EO for crazy sheen] to the water after it has cooled. Never add EO's to hot water, as they lose their therapeutic properties.

Pour the mixture over your entire head. You can also place a large bowl in the sink to "catch" the water, and repeat the process ensuring you get even coverage. Towel dry hair, and style as usual.

....These Are a Few of My Favorite Things

• Banana & Honey Facials - Mix (1) Ripe Banana with (1) tablespoon of honey (when my skin is dry)

• Banana & Yogurt Facials - Mix (1) Ripe Banana with (1) tablespoon of full fat yogurt (when my skin is oily)

• Natural Makeup Remover & Oil Cleanser - Mix (1) Tablespoon Jojoba Oil (1) Tablespoon Castor Oil & (2) Drops of Tea Tree Essential Oil - Perfect for oily, acne prone skin. Be careful using around the eye area (the tea tree oil pings a bit) 

• Pretty Apothecary Bottles - I love putting my homemade concoctions in apothecary bottles! You can buy them for about $2-3 dollars at your local thrift store [always check the thrift stores first, as stores marked "vintage" tend to be a little more pricey]

• Horsetail, Nettle, & Coltsfoot Hair Oil - This makes a killer herbal hair oil.  Take 8 ounces of Olive Oil or Jojoba Oil (two of the best oils for infusing) and add (3) tablespoons each of Horsetail, Nettle, and Coltsfoot Herbs. Place in a dark cabinet for about 2 months, shaking once every two weeks. Strain oil through cheesecloth, and bottle. 

• Lavendar Infused Jojoba Body Oil - Take 8 ounces of Jojoba Oil, and pour it in a Mason Jar. Add 1/4 cup of dried Lavender, cover, and place in a dark cabinet for about 2 months [shake once every two weeks]. Strain oil through cheesecloth, and bottle. 

• Herbal Essence Hello Hydration Conditioner - I am little late jumping on the Herbal Essence bandwagon, but better late than never. This stuff is cheap, and it works. 

• Target Brand Teeth Whitening Strips - Works just as good as Crest Whitening Strips! (I use the kind that dissolves)

• Nars Eyeshadow - Love this stuff, you will see why as soon as I get over this wretched cold [my eyes are super puffy and not ready for tutorials at this very moment]. It's HIGHLY pigmented, and pops against darker skin tones.

• OPI Nail Polish - Gives me flawless color everytime; Essie polish comes in a close second! 

• How to Cook Everything: A cookbook by Mark Bittman that received almost 5 stars on Amazon; An indispensable tool for the kitchen.

Hard Water? Read On...

[Source: Aminah]

I was perplexed at why my hair would come out much better at my mom's house versus my own. I would use the same products, and the very same technique across the board, yet the outcome was noticeably different.  Then one day, it dawned on me.  It was my water.

If you have experienced dull, dry, lackluster hair [no matter how clean you get it], issues with dry scalp, hair that lacks body, or hair that almost has a "rough/hard/tangled" feeling after shampooing/conditioning, then your water might be to blame.

Hard water leaves behind traces of minerals on your hair, and creates hair that is a lot more tangle prone due to the deposits of minerals, and improper PH balance of the hair. Did I also mention that hard water takes a major toll on shampoo consumption? You may also notice you need to use more shampoo because hard water significantly decreases soaps lathering capabilities.

In a perfect world, I would collect rainwater to shampoo my hair with, start a petition against my local municipal water district, and have a water softener installed in my overpriced apartment. The reality is; I lack the time and funds. So I came up with less expensive ways to get around those nasty effects of hard water:

1. After rinsing out your condish, do a final rinse with TWO TABLESPOONS of Apple Cider Vinegar per THREE CUPS of bottled spring water [Start off with this formula, then up the ante with the ACV as needed]. 

• Simply pour this mixture throughout your hair [be cautious of your eyes, this stuff burns], and voila. There is no need to rinse out the ACV.  You will notice a distinct smell, however as your hair dries the smell dissipates. 
• Once every two weeks is a normal regimen for ACV rinsing, however I usually do this once a week because my water is just that bad.

** If you are not a big fan of ACV rinsing, you can also try Aveda Shampure [This product won Allure's Editor's Choice Award]. This shampoo is formulated to gently strip minerals from your hair, and is safe enough for everyday use. I would recommend using this shampoo twice a month.  

The Natural Alternative to Serums & Hair Polishers

[Source: Afroflower Universe]

One of my FAVORITE products to use in my hair was Rusk Smoothing and Shining Polisher. Now I can't even bring myself to look at the half-empty bottle glaring at me from the confines of my medicine cabinet! It wasn't until recently that I discovered that most of my shine serums and hair polishers were comprised of nothing more than silicones. 

Once I decided to give up my once-beloved polisher, I began to source more natural ingredients to achieve the same look. After a ton of trial and error, I came across two ingredients that gave me effects similar to those of commercial polishers and serums.

• Squalene - I use Squalene in place of a serum, I either apply a dime size amount to wet hair prior to blow-drying (if wearing it straight) - OR Apply a dime size amount to dry hair after doing a braid-out, twist-out, curly fro, or your style of choice.  

• I haven't been able to find Squalene on-ground in Los Angeles, however my source Texas Natural Supply, has lightning fast shipping [Squalene runs about $11.50 per 1.5oz]. As an added bonus, you can use this as a facial serum (Squalene is found in a lot of high-end facial creams and serums) and to clear up skin issues like eczema. Here is a small excerpt from their site about the benefits of Squalene Oil:

Boosts Cell Regeneration and Oxygenation
Helps prevent formation of “age spots”
Heals chapped /cracked Skin
Antibacterial Properties
Helps prevent UV damage to skin
Helps skin to retain moisture
Helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles
Imparts relief to dehydrated and ultra-sensitive skin
Softens the most rough-textured skin and leaves no oily residue
Helpful in counteracting conditions of eczema, psoriasis, and post-operative skin.
It can be applied throughout the day to soften dry, scaly spots.
It can be used under make-up for a flawless application and as a base to maximize the effects of moisturizers.
Squalane is also an ideal addition to nighttime facial treatments or other formulations.

•  Fractionated Coconut Oil - I use Fractionated Coconut Oil in place of using a commercial sheen spray. Fractionated Coconut Oil is different from regular coconut oil, as it is odorless, colorless, and has a much lighter texture than regular coconut oil [A plus for those who don't like the greasy texture of regular coconut oil].  

• Fill a spray bottle with Fractionated Coconut Oil, and have this at the ready for adding sheen to locks, pressed hair, and natural styles. This also doubles as a nice body spray after baths/showers, it leaves your skin feeling smooth and velvety with absolutely zero residue. An added bonus is the price: $6 for 8oz can't be beat, especially when it has dual purposes. I also order this from Texas Naturals as well!

Tone Up Your Skin, The Ayurvedic Way

This is one of my favorite recipe's for a quick yet effect at-home facial. Not only are most of the ingredients in the box, this recipe is 100% natural. Another benefit? It won't break the bank like a day at Burke Williams will. The ingredients needed for this facial recipe will set you back a whopping $8.00 [which is about 15-20 applications], not bad eh?

The benefits aren't too shabby either if you like soft, clear, smooth, blemish free, glowing skin. This is the claim on the back of the box:

Hesh Pharma Naturoriche Skin-Toneup Powder is packed with nature's most basic healer and conditioner - Fuller's Earth, or what is popularly known as Multani Mati. The blend contains minerals and healing agents that are active in the particular soil. This helps remove grime and other impurities from the pores of the skin.

Regular use of Hesh Pharma Naturoriche Skin-Toneup Powder leads to fresh and rosy skin. The blend also contains sandalwood extracts, rose extracts and orange peel.
These are proven healers and coolants that cure minor skin ailments, protects the skin and helps the ingredients reach the inner layers.

Briefly, 'Hesh Skin Toneup' has the following advantages:
* removes dirt and grime from skin pores
* maintains natural oil balance
* adds glow to the skin
* treats minor skin infections.

 Here are the ingredients:

Aloe, Harida, Chandan, Amla, Masurdal Powder, Wala, Jasat Bhasma, Shalmalikantak, Orange Powder, Rose Powder, Neem Powder, Multani Mati

I purchased the Rose Water and Skin Tone Up Powder in Little India [Artesia, CA] at Pioneer Cash & Carry. Their prices are much cheaper than my local Indian Grocer, and they have much more of a selection. The Rose Water is $2, and the Skin Tone Up Powder is $2 as well.

So here's how it works;

[This recipe yields (2) applications] - In a bowl add (3) Tablespoons of Skin Tone Up Mix

Add (3) Tablespoons of Rose Water, and (1) Teaspoon of Honey. Mix well until it is a thick pudding-like consistency.

Date Left-Overs [if you want]. Refrigerate, and store in a airtight bag. Because I introduced water into this mixture, I keep this no longer than two days.

Application:

• Apply all over face, taking special caution around the eye area
• Massage into skin in a circular motion
• Leave on for 15-20 minutes
• Rinse with lukewarm water, and a warm towel.
• Cover your face with a clean hot/warm towel for about 1 minute
  
• Pat dry with a clean dry towel [don't rub]
• Apply your favorite moisturizer & Go Au Natural!
  

Overnight Ayurvedic Pre-Poo Treatment - The Pictorial

You Will Need:

1/4 Cup Herbal Essences Hello Hydration Conditioner

1/4 Cup Melted Coconut Oil

1/4 Cup Coconut Milk

1 Tablespoon Brahmi Powder

1 Tablespoon Neem Powder

1 Tablespoon Methi Powder

- Gloves

- Plastic Cap

- Applicator Brush

- Silk Scarf  

***this pre-poo treatment has a potent "herbal" smell, just an fyi to those with sensitive sniffers!***

Why Should You Pre-Poo?

Simply put, using shampoo [especially shampoo's formulated with sulfates] strips the hair of it's natural oils [sebum]. Sebum is very important because it plays a vital role in protecting the protein structure of the hair. Doing a Pre-Poo/Pre-Shampoo Treatment preps the hair by adding moisture, therefore minimizing [in most cases eliminating] the harsh effects of shampoo.

About These Ingredients;

Coconut Oil - Strengthens Hair at the Root - Moisturizes Hair & Scalp - Purported to Aid in Hair Growth - Rich in Minerals

Coconut Milk - Strengthens Hair at the Root - Coconut Milk Contains Proteins, so it can Help Prevent/Stop Hair Breakage. Nourishes Scalp with Minerals. Purported to Aid in Hair Growth, & Stop Hair Loss.

Brahmi Powder - Strengthens Hair at the Root - Stimulates Hair Growth - Imparts Shine & Sleekness to Hair -

Neem Powder - Acts as an Antibacterial Agent & Prevents Dandruff - Imparts Shine

Methi Powder - Restores the Hair Shaft - Strengthens Hair at the Root - Purported to Aid in Hair Growth - Moisturizes Hair & Scalp

  Add Herbs To Bowl

Add Conditioner

Add Coconut Milk

Then Coconut Oil

MIX WELL

[Because I added oils and excess liquids to a water based conditioner, this formulation will not completely emulsify. It is ok if you have some separation as pictured above. ]

I add this mixture to DAMP HAIR using an applicator brush, and to ensure even distribution, I work it through my hair using my hands. Once the Pre-Poo treatment is added to my entire head, I put my hair in a loose bun, put on a plastic cap, then my silk scarf, and it's off to bed!   

I rinse my hair in the morning [it usually takes about 2 rinses to get rid of any residue], shampoo, condition, and style as usual. My hair feels MUCH softer, stronger, and my issues with elasticity and porosity are corrected after using this mixture. I like to alternate between commercial products [for the convenience], and homemade mixtures.

Spinoff - My Top 3 Must Have Oils

[give me this entire look. source: Afroflower ]

In my last post, I talked about my ever growing supply of "ingredients" [I don't know how to classify them]. Instead of just sharing my favorite vendors with you, I can go a step further and tell you some of my all time favs for kinky curly coils and why. This will help all of you who want to venture off into the abyss of collecting ingredients, and also just the opposite, those than just want a list of what to get and why.

So here we go;

Brazil Nut Oil - This is a semi-expensive oil [when compared to Sweet Almond, Grapeseed etc], but it is a luxury worth including in your shopping list. This oil packs a moisture punch that is out of this world, and also absorbs easily which is a plus.

• Recommended Use: Pre Shampoo Treatment. Adding to Conditioners. Sealing Moisture in Your Hair 

Monoi De Tahiti Oil - I would classify this as an expensive oil, however the benefits are endless. Let me start off by saying this oil makes my hair so soft and shiny it is ridiculous, I don't know any ONE product that works as well as this does on it's own. Monoi oil is also purported to stop breakage, strengthen hair from the roots, and also stimulate hair growth.

• Recommended Use: Pre Shampoo Treatment. Use Prior to Rollersets for Softer Shinier Results. Great for Use in Braid Outs/Twist Outs. Sealing Moisture in Your Hair

Rice Bran Oil -  This stuff is dirt cheap, which makes it all the more appealing to me. I love things that work well, are easily available, and has a price that won't leave me eating ramen noodles until payday. [I'm just saying] - If you want some sheen, drop the serums, and pick up some Rice Bran Oil, this is a natural silicone-free alternative [use only a tad though/dime sized portion]. Aside from imparting shine, Rice Bran Oil is good for dry and damaged hair, and it too like the Brazil Nut oil absorbs easily.

• Recommended Use: Add to Shampoo for Extra Shine/Softness. Add to Conditioner for Extra Shine/Softness. Use as a Shine Serum. 

Camellia Oil - This is the Granddaddy of all oils in my opinion, and unfortunately, it is rather expensive. The upside to that though is that an 8oz bottle should last about 6months to one year depending on how heavy you are with the product application. So here's the 411 on Camellia Oil, this stuff has superb moisturizing capabilities, and is often used in high end hair care products that target dry, damaged, over-processed, and brittle hair.

Not only does it offer great moisturizing benefits, it also penetrates the hair shaft easily, is also purported to promote healthy hair growth, and adds an incredible amount of sheen! If you look for duality in hair care products, this is your one stop shop.


Recommended Use: Pre Shampoo Treatment. Sealing in Moisture. Use Prior to Rollersets for Softer Shinier Results.Add to Shampoo for Extra Shine/Softness. Add to Conditioner for Extra Shine/Softness.

Divine Mixtress

[some herbs should not be taken while nursing or pregnant, Licorice Root Powder is one of those, it is good to mark this important info on the storage container/bag]

Take a peek into my closet that has been completely overtaken by vegetable oils, herbs, floral waters, exotic butters and the likes. It's pretty scary that a year ago this closet was filled with sewing supplies, and now they have been exiled from the closet, and taken up new residence under my bed. There is even a special stick blender in my house appropriately titled "hair". Yes dolls, I am a total ingredient junkie. It didn't just start with hair though, I have been "soaping" and making a lot of my own bath and body products for the past 10 years. My new found obsession with hair has apparently aggravated a problem I already had. ;-)

So for all you mixtresses out there, I have a short [yet useful] list of my favorite bulk vendors. - In order to get me as repeat customer the prices need to be cheap, shipping needs to be fasssst, quality of goods needs to be good, and fab customer service will win me over every time.

Texas Natural Supply

Columbus Foods/Soapers Choice

Majestic Mountain Sage

Southern Soapers

Wholesale Supplies Plus

Bramble Berry

New Directions Aromatics

Snowdrift Farm

Mountain Rose Herbs - Best quality bulk organic herbs...trust.

San Francisco Herb Company - Another good quality herb supplier