Eco-friendly honey-based home cosmetics
Honey has long been associated with health, beauty and wellbeing. The cleansing and antiseptic properties of honey has been known for centuries.
A simple mixture of honey and water was a common face freshener in ancient Egypt. Legendary beauties, such as Cleopatra and Madame du Barry are among countless women throughout history who have used honey extensively in their daily beauty routine.
Modern-day beauties (aren’t we all?) are also using it in their skincare, so why don't we share the full benefits of this natural product, free from harmful chemicals and artificial fragrances?
I rub a mixture of honey and salt all over my body to moisturise and exfoliate. You wash it off and your skin is gorgeous.
Catherine Zeta-Jones
Honey and Lemon Cleanser
The following recipe is very easy to make, but you will be surprised to see the rejuvenating effect of it on your skin after just a couple of applications.
You will need:
1 tbsp clear honey
2-3 drops of lemon essential oil
- Using wet fingers apply a thin layer of honey to your face, using your fingertips and leave for 5-10 min., it should be enough for the honey to soften your skin.
- Pour some boiling water into a bowl and add the lemon essential oil.
- Put a towel over your head and lean over the bowl so that the steam can work on your pours.
- When the water cools down, rinse off any honey, remaining on your skin.
- Splash your face with cold water to close the pores. Pat the skin dry.
Cleopatra’s beauty tip: Honey and Buttermilk Cleanser •
You will need:
2 tbsp clear honey
1 tbsp buttermilk
1/2 tsp rosewater
- Place all the ingredients in a bowl and whisk well.
- Apply the cleanser to your face, neck and shoulders using your fingertips.
- Gently massage for a couple of minutes in circular movements.
- Wash off with lukewarm water and pat the skin dry.
* This treatment is attributed to Cleopatra.
I make my own face exfoliant at home, using finely ground rice powder mixed with milk or yogurt. I also treat my skin to a honey, rose water, glycerine and lemon face pack. The honey moisturises, and the lemon removes impurities.
Yami Gautam
Almond*, Honey and Lemon Facial Scrub
This is an easily made natural exfoliator. Ground almonds gently remove dead cells and smooth the skin, honey has a hydrating effect and lemon juice tones the pores of the skin. A perfect synergy!
You will need:
2 tbsp ground almonds
2 tbsp of honey
2 tbsp of lemon juice.
- Mix all the ingredients together and apply to the face in small circular movements, avoiding the eye area.
- Leave on for 10-15 minutes, then wash off with warm water.
*In case of allergy to nuts, oatmeal can be used instead of almond.
Honey and Oatmeal Exfoliating mask
This treatment is particularly beneficial for dull or oily skin. Applying it once a week will transform the tone of your skin in no time.
You will need:
2 tbs clear honey
2 egg yolks
3 tbs finely ground oatmeal
1 tbs orange or rose water
- Whisk the honey and egg yolk together well, and sprinkle in the oatmeal. Mix well.
- Add the rose or orange water to scent.
- Apply the mask all over your face and neck, avoiding the eyes.
- After 20 minutes or so, wash the mask off with warm water, using a face cloth.
Honey and lavender facial mask
The effect of this mask is truly amazing: it leaves the skin look silky and toned.
If you do it before going out, you won’t need much makeup at all, since your skin will look young and radiant, as if emitting a natural glow!
You will need:
1 tbsp clear honey
2 egg whites
2 tsp thick yogurt
2-3 drops lavender essential oil
- In a bowl, whisk honey and yoghurt until well blended.
- Add the egg whites and lavender essential oil. Mix well until it’s silky smooth.
- Using your finger tips, apply the mask to your face, avoiding eyes and lips.
- Leave it for 15 minutes or so, until the feeling of tightening on your skin.
- Rinse it off with lukewarm water.
- Finish the treatment with your favourite toner.
Honey and almond fascial mask
This is a real treat, after 15 minutes of application your skin will look radiant and silky.
You will need:
2 tsp honey
1 egg yolk
1 tsp vitamin E or 1 capsule
1 tsp sweet almond oil
- Blend the egg yolk with the honey and oil, stirring well until well mixed.
- Add vitamin E and stir again until well incorporated into the mixture.
- Apply to clean skin, avoiding the eye area.
- Relax for 15 min.
- Wash it off with warm water.
Honey and cream body moisturising mask
You will need:
4 tbsp thin honey
2 tbsp heavy cream
2 very ripe bananas
1 tbsp finely ground sea salt
- In a food processor mush the peeled bananas, cream and honey.
- Stir in the salt.
- Rub into the skin, all over your body, from heels to shoulder.
- Leave for 20 min until the mixture dries up.
- Shower it off.
Luxurious Honey Hair Conditioner *
This enriching, creamy treatment will condition your hair, leaving it soft and shiny. Please note that all the ingredients need to be mixed just before the application.
You will need:
2 tbsp creamy set honey
1 tbsp olive oil
1/4 tsp vanilla essence
- Wash your hair and towel dry it.
- Put all the ingredients in a bowl and mix well using a whisk.
- Smooth the conditioner evenly over your hair and comb through using a wide toothed shower comb.
- Cover your head with a plastic shower cap.
- Leave it for 15 minutes. For the best results, take a relaxing warm bath, the heat will help the conditioner to get deeper into your hair.
- Remove the plastic cap and wash off the conditioner with your favourite shampoo, preferably a mild one.
*The origin of this conditioner attributed to Queen Anne, who kept it as a secret.(Queen of England, Scotland and Ireland,18th c.)
