SAY IT WITH ROSES

Our in house beauty guru, Rebecca Claridge gives us a rosey selection of beauty products, just in time for Valentines.

When we think of Valentine’s Day, our minds immediately turn to chocolates and flowers, roses in particular. I love the smell of roses; it makes me think of summer at my grandparents’ house growing up. Being born on St George’s day, my Granddad used to give me a red rose from his garden every year that always smelt divine. My Nan used to collect rose petals with me and we would put them in a jar with water, to make our own ‘perfume’. Using this idea, I came up with a DIY recipe for a rose water face mist.

Rose WateR Face Mist

To make a rose water face mist you will need: 2 fresh roses and distilled water.

To make, simply remove the rose petals from the stems and put them in a small pan. Add enough water to submerge the petals, and then boil on a high heat for 10 minutes. This will implant all of the colour and properties into the water. Then strain the rose infused water and dilute it with 3 parts water. Add it to a glass spritz bottle and use within one month. You can spray your face with it as often as you like, for a nourishing, fragrant and refreshing mist. It can also be kept in the fridge for an extra cooling effect, not just in summer, but it’s also ideal if you are suffering from hot flushes caused by menopause.

The reason I mention hot flushes is because the rose is amazing at supporting women’s health. It can help ease heavy or painful periods, but it is also known to help limit the effects of pre-menstrual tension (although it should be avoided in pregnancy, as it can have a toning effect on the uterus).

Rose also has amazing benefits that can enhance wellbeing. It can help ease stress related conditions, relieve anxiety and grief and even increase feelings of vitality. A few drops of rose essential oil in a diffuser can be very beneficial.

On the skin, rose can help to repair sun-damage and also damage from burns and scalds. It is calming and anti-inflammatory, making it ideal to help soothe dry, hot, itchy skin. This brings me to the 2nd recipe.

NouRishiNg Rose aNd hoNey Face Mask

Rose petals from one rose 3tbsp organic honey Rose water

Remove the petals from the rose and wash them thoroughly. Soak them in some rose water for 3-4 hours (about enough water to cover them). Then grind the petals with the rose water into a fine paste. Add the organic honey to the paste and mix well. Place in the fridge to cool for 20-30 minutes. Apply to the face, avoiding your eye area, gently massaging with your fingertips. Wash it off after 15-20 minutes.

The honey in the facemask is packed full of vitamins and minerals, that can provide nourishment to the cells. Honey is an antioxidant and can also prevent sun damage. By softly massaging with the mask as you apply it, you will be gently exfoliating, not only removing dead skin cells, but also boosting your complexion and helping to keep the skin supple. If you are prone to oily skin, add a few drops of lemon juice to the mask when you add the honey, as this can control excess sebum and clean your skin.

Happy Valentines Day. Rebecca X