DIY: All Purpose Eucalyptus Water

A couple of months ago, I wrote about Eucalyptus Oil and It's Uses and I thought this is a good time for me to share what I have been using it for.

To summarize, Eucalyptus oil is one of the most powerful antiseptic with several disinfectant properties. Its powerful anti-bacteria properties helps to relief and soothe pains.

I whipped up a simple concoction of:

100ml water + 3 drops of Eucalyptus Essential Oil + 2 drops of Lavender Essential Oil

.....and bottled up the concoction in my hubby's empty glass perfume bottle. 

Yoghurt with Bedak Sejuk ( Cooling Rice Powder ) Mask

Those who read my blog regularly knows that I have this love affair with yoghurt mask. I have been consistantly using this as my mask and it has become a staple mask for me. My skin has reaped great benefits from it, both in moisturization and evening out my skin tone too.

On the other hand, I love the benefits of rice powder as well. I have read some site that recommended adding rice powder to yoghurt as it claims to reduce wrinkles, blemishes and helps in brightening. So I have decided to amped up my yoghurt mask with my bedak sejuk pastilles.

My Blemish Treatment ( Part 3 ): Bedak Sejuk ( Cooling Rice Powder )

Homemade Bedak Sejuk ( Cooling Rice Powder )

Concluding 'my blemish treatment' trilogy will be this tradional beauty product called Bedak Sejuk ( Cooling Rice Powder ). For me, I would fondly call it 'Sui Fan' ( literally translated to powder water ) because I remember when I was young, my mom would apply them all over my face.

Then, I wasn't sure how this product will do any good to my face because I looked ridiculously ghostly when applied at night. Now, being older and wiser *cough*, I really have to thank my mom for this because I think, it gradually helped me as I don't have severe acne problems when puberty hits. I am very blessed with good skin condition ( up until now ) and my friends would always praise me for my fair and glowing skin.

Read more to know how is it made, the benefits of it and my experience with it.

My Blemish Treatment ( Part 2 ): Lactic Acid



Last week, I have shared the multiple benefits of using Latic Acid for face. ( Highly recommended to all readers to read ). In this Part 2 of my experimental blemish treatment, I am going to share with you my experience in using Lactic Acid as a facial mask to combat my hormone related acnes.

In short, Lactic acid ( versatile alpha hydroxy acid derived from sour dairy products and fermented fruits and vegetables ):  

• Fight against Aging and Wrinkles
• It is a safe and natural Skin Lightener alternative
• Help against Acne

Read on to know whether this particular ingredient have helped me with my acne problems....

Lactic Acid: An All Rounder Natural Ingredient for Face

( Image Source: yoghurtstarter )

This is part of my continuation post of 'My Blemish Treatment'. What I have decided to do here is to write a separate page of the multiple uses of Lactic Acid as the benefits are too overwhelming for me to write :D

I first came to know about the benefits of Lactic Acid when I was reading a featured article posted on Marie Veronique's blog (http://mvorganicsblog.com/) To my discovery, it seems to do wonders for your face!

What is Lactic Acid? It is a versatile alpha hydroxy acid derived from sour dairy products and fermented fruits and vegetables.

My Blemish Treatment ( Part 1 ): Salicylic Acid Treatment and Benefits

( Image taken from getacnehomeremedies )



I had a series of breakouts for the past 2 months and most of it is due to hormonal breakouts. Sigh! My breakouts are not major... probably 1 pimple per week especially on forehead and chin area. Though it is little, I usually freak out and I would desperately find remedies to calm it down. ( I think anyone would )

This is the Part 1 of my 3 'experimental treatments' ( which I will share with you this week and next too ).

Before I move on, here is a quick look on my updated skin profile:

Normal to dry, sensitive.

( Slight oiliness on the forehead but normal to dry on nose and cheeks area)

Occasional breakouts at forehead and chin area.

Congested nose
 ( blackheads )

Pigmentation and freckles at cheeks area.

In the month of April, my skin type was combination to dehydrated. ( Read HERE ) I am happy that after 5 months, my dehydrated skin type changed back to normal and my pigmentation problem is under control.:D

Due to my skin type, I am prone to acne scarring ( even though I do not pick on them ) and it would usually take 2 months for the scars to lighten. I am not sure if it is only me or it's normal for acne scars to take that long to clear or lighten.

In this post, my first blemish treatment that I've tried is using products containing salicylic acid. Here is a brief description on salicylic acid and other uses too.

Eucalyptus Oil and It's Uses

( Image taken from botanical.com )

I bought a bottle of Eucalyptus a few months ago and my initial use of it is to treat my husband with his sinus problems. So far, I only use it once with my room diffuser to disinfect and clear my room air. With the hazy situation and the flu bug that we are experiencing now in our country, I think it's time for me to use it more often. But, are there any other uses of this oil rather than just using it with a room diffuser? Yes and here is a list of uses that I discovered:

Background

Eucalyptus oil has a fresh distinctive odor and is the most powerful antiseptic with several disinfectant properties. It also has a powerful anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties, that relieves pain and soothes.

It's Uses:

• Commonly use as chest rubs or decongestants. Mix 2 drops of Eucalyptus oil in 2 teaspoons of carrier oil and apply as chest rub.
• Clear nasal passages ( noseblock ) or respiratory system. Put 2-3 drops of oil to a steam inhalation.
• Purify a sickroom during illness or antibacterial spray for kitchen and bathroom. Add 20-30 drops of oil to 300ml water in a spray bottle and spray into the room to kill the germs.
• Muscle or joint rub. Mix 3 drop of Eucalyptus oil, 2 drops of lavender oil and 2 drops of Chamomile  to 2 teaspoons of carrier oil and apply to joint for soothing effect.
• Insect repellent.
• As an antiseptic gargle.
• Removal of tar from clothes. Apply a few drops of oil to the area and wipe the tar gently using a clean cloth
• Helps ease rheumatism, arthritis and muscular aches.

Even though Eucalyptus oil has many benefits, one should be careful to use it. It can cause skin irritation and should be use in moderation. Eucalyptus oil is very stimulating and it is not advisable to use it on anyone who is pregnant or suffers from high blood pressures, heart disease, hypertension and epilepsy.

Where do I get my essential oil?

Eucalyptus Smithii Essential Oil ( from Garden of Wisdom )

Price: USD 3.85 ( MYR 11.97 ) for 30 ml

This item was purchased by me for my personal purposes. This review is based on my honest and personal experience with this product and is not influenced by any parties.

DIY: My Neroli Body Oil

I discovered my love for body oils when I first bought my first bottle from Weleda. I love body oils and I find that it works so much better than body lotion. I love applying them after shower at night and the next morning, you willl wake up with smooth and supple skin.

This time, I decided to be a little adventurous by doing my own body oil when I ran out of my Weleda and Burt's Bees oils. I did a little research on DIY sites and found the right percentage by incorporating my favourite carrier and essential oils.

I like oils that are moisturising, regenerative and anti-oxidant..and that is why I choose the oils below for my body oil. Feel free to select any carrier oils of your choice or anything that is suitable for you should you like to embark on doing your own DIY body oil.

My carrier oils are:

Jojoba Gold Oil- Moisturising and anti-oxidant.
Avocado Oil- Regenerative with vitamins A, B, D and E, emollient, slows aging, repairing, stimulates collagen.
Apricot Kernel Oil- Vitamins A and E, absorbs well, soothing and moisturising.

Benefits of Lavender Essential Oil and What Did I Use It For

( Picture taken from mostbeautifulflower.com )

I absolutely love the smell of lavender..so does my hubs. I find it really soothing when exhaled and it will automatically put me in a calm and relaxing mode. I usually get my staples from L'occitane ( be it lotions, shampoos, etc ) but I do find that their pure essential oil is a bit too expensive for me to purchase.

Recently, I found out about Milagro Trading and was glad that I bought my EO from there at a reasonable price. I also found out that there are lots of different types and grades of lavender oil that one needs to be aware if they are getting the right and a high grade of this oil before purchasing. In this post, I will be sharing with you on the common ones, pricing grades, as well as their benefits and uses.

Where does it come from?

Lavender oil is an essential oil obtained by distillation from the flower spikes of certain species of lavender.

Common Types of Lavender Oil ( from lowest to high )

Lavender ( 40/42 ) or lavandula officinalis

Origin: France

Most floral scent of all lavenders but therapeutic levels are the lowest. However, it is recognised as having some strong properties. Has a floral, herbaceous fresh scent with balsamic woody undertone.

Price: Lowest

Lavender Mont Blanc or lavandula augustfolia

Origin: France

Scent is similar to common Lavender Population but subtle differences in tones due to different growing conditions.

Price: Average

Lavender Malliette or lavandula augustifolia

Orgin: France

A hybrid of the true Lavender and widely use in aromatheraphy and perfumery industry.

Price: Medium

Lavender Blugarian or lavandula augustifolia

Origin: Blugaria

Very therapeutic grade comparable in status to the better known Lavender Population. It has a rich lavender floral scent, fruitier, mellower and less champoraceous than Lavender 40/42. Smells more like fresh lavender.

Price: Medium High

Lavender Population or lavandula augustfolia

Origin: France

Sweet, green scent that speaks well in therapy.

Price: High

DIY: Homemade Hair Serum using Camellia Oil and using it neat for my skin

( Picture taken from Wikipedia )

Recently, my interest in doing my own skincare has grown and to date, I have mixed my own hydrosol and body oil. In this post, I am introducing my own homemade hair serum, which is using camellia oil and lavender essential oil. Apart from using camellia oil for my hair, I also use the oil as a moisturiser for my skin. 

I am fond to mix my own skincare ( mostly oil based ) because by doing that, I am rest assured that the products that I am mixing gets superior quality ( minus all the additional addictives ). Secondly, it is far more cheaper than products on shelf. Thirdly, I can always get fresh products everytime, hence the efficacy of the product.

What is Camellia Oil?

Camellia oil is also known as tea seed oil, which is derived from the seeds of the plant called camellia oleifera or camellia sinensis ( camellia japonica ). The seeds of this plant are cold pressed to extract the oil, which is in pale greenish yellow in colour and has a slight aroma.

It is said that camillia oil is high in omega fatty acids, polyphenols and vitamin E and is traditionally used for healing wound and preventing infections.

Benefits of Camellia Oil

Camellia oil is highly beneficial for hair and skin conditional properties and are mainly used in hair oils, soaps and skin products. Camellia oil benefits the hair as it prevents breakage, promotes hair growth and soothe dry scalp conditions. It is easily absorbed into the hair, without making it greasy.

In skincare, it is an excellent moisturizer as it is easily absorbed to the skin, without making it oily. Camellia oil is good for preventing damage from the sun and reducing the signs of aging like wrinkles and age spots. Not only that it beneficial for wound healing and soothing skin irritations, it is said to be effective to fade scars with long term use.

It is great for sensitive skin as it is not found to cause allergic reactions and is not prone to cause acne.

Review and DIY: Garden of Wisdom Neroli and Rose Damascan Hydrosol.

Neroli Hydrosol 30ml US 3.70/ RM 11.50

Rose Damascan Hydrosol 30ml US  4.25/ RM 13.20

What are Hydrosols? Hydrosols are sometimes referred as floral waters and is the aromatic water that remains after producing an essential oil via steam or water distillation. The water which is used for the oil distillation has a wonderful aroma and even has some medicinal properties in it. Hydrosol also offers some therapeutic benefits and is also widely used for aromatherapy purposes.

Hydrosols are versatile to use and can be added to creams or lotions in replacement of water. Some may use it as facial toners, body spritz or as a wetting agent with clays as your homemade mask.

Neroli Hydrosol

Neroli is one of the most desirable natural aroma used in skincare products. It's delicate floral scent makes it light and feminine that promotes happy feelings and relieving depression and anxiety. In short, it is calming. In skincare, it works as a gentle yet effective astringent, helping in balancing skin.

Neroli Hydrosol is a good, less expensive alternative to those who want to enjoy the benefits of neroli. It makes a good toner for mature and oily prone skin as it has anti-bacterial properties.

DIY Yukuko Tanaka Anti Aging Face Coutouring Massage

I came to know about this face contouring massage through Viva Woman and subsequently, from Epicbeautyguide, that did a video translated in English. I find this very, very interesting as I usually have my face massages from my monthly facials and would like to incorporate massages as part of my skincare routine at the comfort of my own home.

Yukuko Tanaka is a Japanese Beauty Expert and here are the videos that presents her anti-aging, face contouring massage. This massage is believed to reduce and prevent wrinkles, improves sagging skin, minimizing pore size, emiminates puffy and under-bag eyes and improving skin tone and texture.

My Recent Haul- Garden of Wisdom products!



Just giving everyone a quick glimpse on my recent haul-Garden of Wisdom! They look pretty, don't they? Well...all new products are and I just can't wait to try them.

Garden of Wisdom is a company that supply all natural raw ingredients that you need to formulate your own skin care line. Well, if you are not the usual DIY-ers, you can also choose from their enormous selection of finished products. Please be aware that their website is a bit overwhelming to navigate but no worries, you will be able to manage it once you are familiar.

I can tell you that when I was browsing through their products, I really, really want to try everything that they offered! All their products sound so promising and all the prices are very, very AFFORDABLE. For example, their Organic Rosehip oil( 30 ml ) sells for USD 5.65/MYR 17.57. Wherelse Trilogy( 20 ml ) here sells for MYR 66.00. For me, it's dirt cheap!

Review: DIY Mask with Hada Labo Super Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizing Lotion

Hada Labo Super Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizing Lotion 170ml RM40.90

Selena Big Size Cottan Pads( 60mm x 80 mm ) 80pcs RM18.90

I am pretty sure many of us have heard of this much raved "one drop locks up an ocean"product and I won't go into the details of the said product. Instead, I am going to talk about the DIY mask that I use weekly with this product. Using the lotion as recommended didn't really perform well for me. Yes, I did feel the instant 'toink-toink' effect, but that's about it. It didn't really give me the long term moisturizing that my skin needed. I feel it's a bit of a waste to discard the whole bottle and I might as well use it for something else.