Two words. Rose. Water.
It’s amazing.
And this face moisturizer is even more amazing. I kid you not. I have had multiple strangers comment on my skin, mostly TSA agents in the airport who, after searching my bag, are looking at me with a skeptical eye as I explain that I make my own moisturizer while they examine and sniff the jar I keep the homemade nectar safely stored.
I love the delicate smell of rose water but didn’t realize there were so many benefits to using rose until my sister-in-law sent me this article from the Huffington Post. In a nutshell, rose is good for:
sensitive, dry and mature skin
treating acne
calming redness and inflammation
refining skin texture
calming and soothing because of the aromatherapy properties
lowering the stress hormone (cortisol) in the body
depression and anxiety
softening skin
inhibiting pigmentation (i.e. sun spots, age spots)
I chose rose water for this recipe, not knowing any of the above information at the time. I just thought it seemed kinda feminine and fancy. I’ll let you be the judge.
rose water moisturizer
yields | approximately 1 1/2 cups (perfect for sharing!)
Ingredients:
1/2 c. olive oil (I use 1/4 c. olive oil and 1/4 c. avocado oil)
2 Tbsn beeswax, grated or granulated work well
3/4 c. rose water
(optional) 10-20 drops rose essential oil
clean, dry jars
I get most of the ingredients and supplies at a local herbal-essential-oils-soap-candle-making type shop. I would imagine a place like Whole Foods or other natural stores would carry the items you need. There’s always Amazon but I tend to try supporting local stores first.
Directions:
Combine the oil and beeswax. Warm gently over indirect heat (i.e. double boiler or pyrex dish over simmering water) until wax melts.
While wax is melting, pour boiling water into the blender or mixing bowl to warm it. This keeps the wax from solidifying to the walls.
Measure out the tepid (lukewarm water is key!) water.
Remove oil/wax mixture from heat; stir in essential oils. *Have everything ready so you can do the following steps quickly.*
Empty the hot water from the blender /bowl. Pour in the warm oil and start the blender/mixer.
Add the tepid water in a steady stream. The oil will thicken to cream instantly.
Immediately pour or scrape the cream to clean dry jars. Let cream cool before putting on lids.
Voila!
Give it a try! Your skin will thank you. And let me know what you think.
Recipe adapted from the book Making It