Over the last couple of years I've changed quite a lot about my lifestyle. My overall health has become a lot more important to me, and the results I've experienced with a more natural diet have led me to rethink my beauty routine too.
I've always had sensitive skin prone to breakouts, something that really knocked my confidence for years, but I just thought it was something I'd have to live with. I would compensate by trying to cover up with heavy makeup and to treat breakouts with products which I now know to be harsh and totally unsuitable for my skin.
As I began exploring more natural and homemade alternatives I came across essential oils all the time. These plant extracts, created through steam distillation and cold pressing, could apparently be used to create everything from soothing and effective beauty treatments, to air fresheners and household cleaners.
There's actually so much information out there that they can be a little intimidating. I wanted to try some out but didn't really know where to start! So I was pretty excited when Nicole of blog Today Is My Favourite suggested a collaboration.
Nicole and her family have been on a wellness journey over the last couple of years with Young Living Essential Oils, the worlds leading essential oils manufacturer, becoming such an important part in their lives that she now works to spread the idea of natural, chemical free homes to others.
'We're so excited to incorporate them into our health and wellness as a family as a safe alternative to normal chemical products we use in our home. As a mama to little Emmett and Gideon, I love having a natural way to maintain health and wellness in our home.'
'Young Living Essential Oils are 100% pure and derived straight from the plant. They contain the plants own natural immunity, hormones and scents. When oils are pure, they have the ability to work with your body, not against it, to bring about change in your health.'
Nicole was kind enough to send me some samples of her favourite Young Living Essential Oils; Lavender and Thieves.
I'm going to do a couple of posts about the oils and my experiences with them, with this this post focusing on my personal favourite of the two; Lavender. I was recommended this oil after the birth of my son for its healing abilities, which worked wonders, but I had no idea there were so many other uses too!
It's amazing before bed for rest and relaxation, by rubbing a drop on your neck or temples you can encourage a good nights rest; mix it in with some coconut or olive oil to create a soothing cream for eczema and dry skin. It can be diluted into a spray with some epsom salts to create a soothing mist and homemade air freshener, free from any chemicals.
When used as part of a beauty routine, Lavender oil can prevent outbreaks by regulating the bacteria that causes spots, and even reduce the signs of existing scars.
After I mentioned that I was interested in natural beauty remedies Nicole recommended her favourite go-to facial recipe, which I've been using with a lavender water spray and still can't believe how much better my skin has been because of it.
In this recipe there are oats to exfoliate, lavender oil to encourage a balanced complexion, and water to create the paste. I also like to add some olive oil into my face masks as it's fantastic for hydrating your skin, and works great on any annoying lines or wrinkles. This mask left my skin feeling soft and nourished, not to mention it has that beautiful lavender scent!
Oat & Lavender Facial
1/2 cup of Oats
7-10 drops of Young Living lavender oil
Splash of water
Splash of olive oil (optional)
Grind the oats in a food processor or pestle and mortar until it becomes a fine powder, then add the lavender oil. Store in an airtight jar, then when you're ready to do the facial, just pour some out and add a splash of water and olive oil, stir in so that it becomes a paste. Apply to your skin and leave on for around 5-10 minutes, then rinse off with warm water and cotton wool.
If you're interested in reading any more about essential oils then I'd definitely recommend taking a look at Nicole's blog, nicoleneesby.com, where she has lots more information about Young Living and some great recipes too. There are essential oil classes available online as well as an online community to share recipes and answer any queries.
You can also find her on social media:
Instagram - dwelling simple essentials
Instagram - personal
Thanks again to Nicole for sending me these oils and for all her help, I can't wait to share more about Thieves soon.
Have a wonderful week ahead! x
This is wonderful thank you so much! I will definitely give this a try! ..... Xx
ReplyDeleteI hope you like it! Essential Oils can be a little intimidating to a beginner like me, but this recipe is so easy! And it's so reassuring to know that there's no nasty chemicals hiding in there either :) xxx
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