Relaxing Spa Day - At Home Mini Facial YAY!

Today I got my little package from Lilith's Apothecary on Etsy. I ordered the Healing Herbal Spa Mask and the Clarify: Organic Herbal Facial Steam (for normal-oily skin). I haven't done a clay mask in just over a week because I ran out of my Mask of Magnaminty from Lush. So I thought it was the perfect opportunity to finally treat myself! So today I had a little mini spa day and I took pictures along the way so hopefully you enjoy this =)

Step 1: Make sure you have a clean face. I washed my face thoroughly with African Black Soap to remove any impurities and then patted my skin dry.

Step 2: In a pot, bring purified water (I just used brita water) to a boil if you don't have a facial steamer. Add an organic herbal mix to your boiling water if you wish or you can just use the steam itself. I used Lilith's Apothecary Clarify - an organic herbal facial steam for normal to oily skin.

Step 3: Carefully bring the pot over to a table after it has stopped boiling and place it on a heat-proof surface. Wrap a towel around the circumference of the pot just to ensure you do not burn your skin and to have a soft surface to rest your face on.

Step 4: With a clean face hover over the pot (or facial steamer) letting the steam open up your pores and do it's natural detoxifying job. If you find that the steam is getting too hot just lift your head up and take a few seconds to breath and cool down and then repeat. It's important you don't put your head too close to the steam because you definitely don't want to burn your skin. I found that resting my face on the towel was actually too close and I had to lift my head up about 12 inches away from the pot. However when the water had slightly cooled down I could rest my head on the towel and while blowing into the water it produced more steam. I steamed my face for about 15 minutes.

Step 4: After you have patted your face dry with a clean cloth you can then begin mixing your clay mask if it is not already pre-moistened. The mask I am using is Lilith's Apothecary Healing Herbal Spa Mask (for blemished or acne-prone skin). You can mix your dry mask with any kind of wetting agent including: purified water, rosewater, honey, yogurt, aloe vera or toner. I decided to use 100% natural fresh aloe vera gel. In a bowl mix 1 tbsp of your clay mask with 2.5 tablespoons of the wetting agent you're using. You should mix it until you have a yogurt-like consistency.

Step 5: Spread the clay all over your face using your fingers; avoid your eye and lip area. Once you have the mask to the thickness you desire you can take a nap, shave your legs. or take pictures of your green monster face and send them to your boyfriend until it has dried. Keep in mind, the thicker you apply your mask the longer it will take to dry!

Step 6: After your mask has completely dried (when there are NO dark wet spots and you can't smile properly..mine took about 25 minutes) you can then take a very damp warm cloth and begin patting your face until you have removed all the clay! I try to avoid rubbing the cloth into my skin because I find it just irritates it and it's unnecessary.

Step 7: When your face is clean of the mask, you can pat your face dry with a clean cloth. You will notice that your skin is quite red..like I mean red like you have just been baking in the sun for 3 hours. No worries! It will subside within 20 minutes.

Step 8: The final step to your mini spa day is to moisturize! I used raw unrefined shea butter for this step. In circular motions rub the moisturizer gently into your skin. Don't forget your neck!

You can follow this regime once or twice a week. It's a great weekend treat for you and your face! Detoxifying helps to purge all the excess oil and bacteria in your pores and leaves your face smooth, youthful and glowing!

lovelove,

Julia