Category Archives: Almond Oil for skin

Skin Care

Whipped Butter Sugar Scrub (for skin)

Hey Maicurlies,

I am back with a highly anticipated skin DIY!

I did a poll on my YouTube Channel (click on the link if you haven’t already) to see what I should share next and my DIY Whipped Sugar Scrub got the most votes, so here we go!

Sugar scrubs can be used on the body and face to remove dead skin cells while promoting new glowing skin. It can help reduce bumps, blemishes, fade scars, reduce dark spots, clean up pores and promote healthier skin overall. Before delving into the details please not that I highly recommend only using brown sugar versus refined white sugar because the granules of brown sugar are less coarse and harsh on the skin, thus will not tear or cause damage. When using the scrub on your face, I suggest applying it no more than 1 – 2 times a week (daily use would be excessive). When it comes to your body, alternative days (works for me) however, I once again suggest daily use would be excessive.

Ingredients:

3 oz Mango Butter
0.6 oz Almond Oil
0.2 oz Lemon Juice
3.6 oz Brown (Cane) Sugar*
3 oz Raw African Black Soap
12 drops Peppermint Essential Oil

*I suggest using equal amounts Sugar to Butter and Oil, this way it won’t be too runny or hard on the skin.

Ingredient alternatives:

Mango butter can be replaced with another soft butter however, I highly recommend only using a soft butter that is not overly greasy. Almond oil and Peppermint Essential Oi (EO)l can be replaced with any carrier oil or EO of choice. (EO can be omitted altogether and should be in case you are pregnant)!

Ingredient benefits:

Mango butter is rich in fatty acids, antioxidants and contains anti-inflammatory properties. It contains vitamins A, C and E and is known to help ease skin conditions such as acne and eczema. The butter is effective in moisturizing dry skin and is said to help reduce the appearance of fine lines.

Almond Oil contains vitamin E and helps promote smooth, soft and supple skin. It is effective in keeping dry skin moisturized and known to help ease itchiness, reduces redness, relieves inflammation and can help skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema.

Brown (Cane) Sugar works at exfoliating the skin by removing dead skin cells, clearing out the skin’s pores, removing dirt as well as excess oils. It contains glycolic acid, which, is an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that is known to help maintain healthy skin. Due to its exfoliating properties it can reduce the appearance of scars and dark areas (e.g. dark underarms, elbows and knees).

Raw African Black Soap contains anti-fungal, antibacterial and cleansing properties for the skin. It can help reduce the overproduction of oils (and in this mix will help maintain a level of oil and butter). It is moisturizing for the skin while soothing, it reduces irritations, blemishes and fine scars.

Peppermint Essential Oil Peppermint Oil has a soothing and cooling effect on the skin that leaves it feeling tingly and fresh. Its anti-bacterial and inflammatory properties is known to help fight acne and skin irritations. It is also known to help with blood circulation in the skin.(*Never use undiluted EO on the skin as it can lead to burning and itchiness).

Mixing Instructions & Use:

You want to place the butter, oil and lemon juice in a bowl and mix with a whisk for a few minutes until everything is well combined. light and fluffy. Fold in the sugar first before using the whisk in order to avoid sugar granules from being flung around the kitchen (it can get a little messy). The final step is to add in the Raw African Black Soap which, you need to grate first in order for it to be well mixed and distributed evenly in the scrub. Essential oil can be added as the last step (if used) and then the mix can be transferred into a disinfected airtight container.

When it comes to applying the scrub, please ensure that you have anti-slip stickers in your shower in order to avoid potentially falling (it can get really slippery). You want to start off with damp skin (for both your face and body) and gently using your fingertips rub the scrub onto your skin in circular motions (be gentle). You can rinse your body with a body wash post scrub (if you feel like you have too much butter/oil present and a face wash for your face). Please ensure that you use a dry and clean spoon to scoop out the scrub (don’t use wet fingers otherwise you are inviting bacteria growth) and make sure to close the lid. Once used always store the scrub in the fridge to help ensure it remains fresh for as long as possible.

So, that’s it! If you use this mix, please do let me know what you think and if you have any suggestions on what you would like me to share, let me know!

Maicurls

DIY Body Butter Bars (2 recipes)

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Hey Maicurlies,

At long last I have a skin care tutorial & video! This is going to be about my DIY Body Butter Bars, I LOVE these gems! They are excellent for the winter months when the weather is cold and dry resulting in dry and sensitive skin.

Body Butter Bars

I have 2 different recipes my CoSheaCo Bars (I add some exfoliating ingredients to make a few exfoliating Body Bars) and my Simple CocoaCo Bars which only consists of 2 ingredients.

What are Body Butter Bars?

Literally they are bars made up of oils and melted butters to help moisturize and seal in moisture. You can add additional ingredients to make them super moisturizing e.g. glycerin/honey/agave nectar or coffee beans/dried roses/dried lavender/sea salt etc to make them exfoliating Body Butter Bars. They can be used in place of lotions or creams after a shower or bath.

Ingredients

CoSheaCo Bars (recipe yields 6 large and 3 small bars)

125ml Unrefined Cocoa butter (4.2oz)
80ml Unrefined Shea Butter (2.7oz)
60ml Virgin Coconut Oil (2oz)
40ml Coffee infused almond oil (use any carrier oil of choice) (1.4oz)
1 teaspoon glycerin (optional) – can replace with raw honey (my teaspoon is 0.1oz or 3ml)
20 drops grapefruit essential oil (optional) – use any essential oil of choice. (If you are pregnant do not use essential oils!)

CocoaCo Bars (recipe yields 4 small bars)

Instructions

1. I slowly melt the butters using a double broiler in a heat proof glass bowl. 2. I take the melted butters off the heat and add the Virgin Coconut Oil. 3. I add the other ingredients (e.g. Glycerin, Coffee infused oil and Essential oil in the CoSheaCo bars) once I know the butters are not really warm. 4. If you are making exfoliating bars put your chosen ingredients (coffee beans and rose petals) in the molds and then pour the melted butters and oils into the mold. 5. I let the mixture sit on a counter for a few minutes and then place the molds in my fridge. I prefer setting mine overnight (let them set for no less than 4 – 5 hours until they are completely firm, longer if possible). 6. Once they are set, gently pull back the edges of the molds and the bars will slide out.

I use silicon molds but for the purposes of this demo I also used metal molds in case you don’t have silicon ones.

Making CocoaCo Bars

Making CoSheaCo Bars

Storing the bars:

I always store my bars in the fridge in an airtight container. Since I do not use Beeswax in my recipe there is the potential of the bars melting in warm climates or hot households (more likely in summer) but I do not risk it so I store all but the one I will be using in the fridge*. The fridge and airtight container also helps to keep the bars from going “off” too quickly, but the general shelf life of the bars should be 6 months – 1 year since no bacteria inviting ingredients (e.g water, Aloe Vera juice etc) are used in combination with the oils and butters in the recipe. I keep the bar being used in an airtight container in a dark cupboard in my bathroom room.

* There is nothing “wrong” with beeswax, it is a natural ingredient but I choose not to use it simply because it tends to sit on my skin and I do not like that feeling (I have sensitive skin). There are thousands of Body Butter Bar recipes online that follow the same ingredients I use but also include beeswax.

How to use:

After a shower I don’t completely dry off all the water with a towel, I then rub the bar between my dry palms and apply like I would a body cream. The bar will help trap in moisture from the water and also add amazing benefits from the butters and oils. With the exfoliating bars I rub the bar itself onto my skin to get the additional scrubbing effect.

Benefits of the ingredients used:

Cocoa butter – is known for its deep hydrating and moisturizing properties due to its high fatty acid content. It is said that the butter can help reduce stretch marks and the fact that Cocoa butter is packed with antioxidants, means that it can help fight off free radicals and skin irritations such as eczema and dermatitis.

Coffee bean infused almond oil – is rich in vitamins A, B, D, and E, has been used to improve the skins complexion and its emollient properties soften the skin. Almond oil is quickly absorb into the skin and has healing and hydrating properties. The coffee bean infusion helps to tighten the skin giving you a youthful fresh glow, reduce the appearance of cellulite, reduce redness and skin inflammation and is known to fight free radicals thanks to the antioxidants contained in caffeine.

Coconut oil (Virgin) – is very good at re-hydrating the skin because it is absorbed into the skin and conditions, moisturizes, and softens the skin. Coconut oil naturally clears away dirt, grime, and dead skin cells and due to its anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties. The oil acts as a good protectant against skin irritations and rashes. It is known to soothe insect bites, flaking skin and mildly sun damaged skin.

Glycerin (Vegetable) – is a natural humectant that draws moisture onto the skin by extracting it out of the air. Apart from its ability to draw in moisture, it is also known to help retain moisture in the skin. This makes Glycerin a great agent in fighting rough, dry, irritated and dull skin. It also makes it an excellent skin plumping product.

Grapefruit essential oil – aside from its delicious scent, it has antiseptic qualities and helps to clean and clear congested skin and to treat oily skin.

Rose petals & Coffee beans – used as exfoliating ingredients to help remove dead skin cells and stimulating blood flow.

Shea butter – is highly moisturizing, improves the skin’s softness, suppleness as well as soothes burns. Shea butter can also be used as a mild “sun protectant”, soothes, moisturizes and is an effective anti-aging & anti-wrinkling butter.

I have a video on my YouTube Channel (below) showing you exactly how I make both Body Butter Bars.

Have you used/made a Body Butter Bar before? What is your favorite? I would love to hear from you 🙂

Maicurls

DIY Coffee Bean Infused Almond Oil (Recipe 6)

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Hello Maicurlies,

My oil infusion has finally come to an end. I know, I know you all are doing a little happy dance and saying fiiiiinnnaaalllly! Yup this is it, no more oil infusion frenzy.

As you probably guessed (thanks to the title and picture) the oil I will be sharing is my DIY Coffee Bean Infused Almond Oil! Doesn’t the coffee beans look oh sooooo good?!

Right, first off I need to stress how much I LOVE this oil!!! Of all the 6 in fusions I have done this is right up there along with my DIY Rose Infused Grapeseed Oil. As with most of my infused oils you can use this one for both your skin (face/body and scalp) as well as your hair.

Finished Coffee bean infused Almond Oil

For the hair:

Reduces hair shedding and said to reduce excessive hair loss because of the antioxidants present in caffeine.
Increases hair growth since caffeine promotes blood circulation in the scalp which promotes growth.
Known to darken the hair and slowdown the early onset of grey hairs (with frequent and consistent use)*
Adds sine and dimension to the hair due to the darkening effect of the oil

*Should you have bleached/blond or dyed hair you do not want to darken, I suggest not trying this oil.

For the skin:

The caffeine helps reduce puffy and dark circles under the eye.
Tightens the skin giving you a youthful fresh glow.
Its anti-inflammatory properties is said to reduces redness in the skin and inflammation.
Said to reduce the appearance of cellulite.
Known to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on the face.
Fights free radicals thanks to the antioxidants contained in caffeine.

Mixing Process:

: I blend coffee beans for a few seconds then place them in a coffee filter

: Close the coffee filter with string

: Cover the coffee beans with Almond oil

: Let it infuse for 2 weeks

: Comparison of infusion before and after (right after 2 weeks)

: Place the filter in a sieve the collect excess oil from the coffee beans in the filter

I have a video up on my process:

NOTE: I am not a dermatologist nor a doctor. I provide this for informational purposes only so please consult with a professional before you apply anything new to your skin or hair. Should you be taking medication or creams from a medical professional please do not replace that with my DIY recipe – consult your medical professional first! If you are allergic to any of the ingredients I use do not use them. Do a small patch test on the inside of your arm when trying anything new before applying it all over your hair/skin. Always ensure to dilute the Essential Oils (EO) in a carrier oil as they can cause skin irritations if used undiluted. If you are pregnant you should NOT use any EO.

If you try this please let me know how it turns out. If you make your own Infused Coffee Oil I would love to hear from you!

Thanks!

Maicurls

DIY Infused Oil “Mini-Series”

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HELLLOOO Maicurlies,

I hope all is well!

I have been BUSY making DIY mixes, recording videos (editing), taking photos and have come up with an Infused Oil “series”! Do I hear you say: HOW EXCITING! (Yes, it is!)

Infused Oils

If you are wondering why would you want to make an infused oil? I say why not?!

In all seriousness, infused oils give you the option of incorporating your favorite ingredients to your favorite carrier oil – adding more punch, nourishment and benefits for your hair and/or skin.

Uses of infused oils for the hair

Infused oils can be used in a number of different ways such as: Pre-poo’s, hot oil treatments, scalp massages, Deep Conditioners, leave-in conditioners, whipped butters, sealing…ANYTHING! Their benefits depend on the ingredients used for infusion and the carrier oil you use. With each of my infusions I will list the benefits of each and how I personally use them.

Infused oil for skin

You can incorporate infused oils into a DIY Body butters, sugar scrubs or even directly onto your skin to trap in moisture after a shower.

So which Oils have I made (are in the making?)

Rose Infused Grapeseed Oil
Hibiscus Infused Almond Oil
Amla Infused Grapeseed Oil
Coffee Infused Almond Oil
Neem Infused Coconut Oil

Heads up – Rose Infused Grapeseed Oil will be first!

I hope you enjoy this “mini series”.

Do you make your own infused oil? If so what do you make and how? I would love to hear from you!

Thanks

Maicurls

DIY Scalp Scrub

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Good Morning Maicurlies,

I wanted to share another DIY mix with you. I am sure you are wondering when does she stop mixing?! NEVER 😀

In all serenity I LOVE mixing my products. I have had both the bad and good store bought products and I can not lie not ALL of my DIY mixes have been a success however at least I can blame myself for that. I prefer tailoring products and adding ingredients I know are good for me, work for me and will not harm me or my body.

Anyways back to the topic which is a scalp scrub.

photo credit: lovelihood via photopin cc

There are a number of different reasons why you might want to use a scrub and different ways in which you can make one. The skin on our scalp is no different to the skin on the rest of our body. It can become dry, flaky, overloaded with product, irritated, itchy and so on. Scrubs can help to:

Remove dead cells
Relieve an itchy or irritated scalp
Relieve flaking/dandruff
Help to remove build up on the scalp
Clear up clogged pores
Relieve scalp acne, scalp pimples and white heads
Provide moisture and oils to a dry scalp

My particular scalp includes ingredients that helps to exfoliate, remove buildup, moisturize, conditions my roots and scalp as well as relax and increase blood flow to my scalp. I have a video on YouTube of my DIY Scalp Scrub.

My DIY Scalp Scrub

Ingredients:

8 Teaspoons of Raw Sugarcane (brown) Sugar*
10 Tablespoons of Pure Honey
2 teaspoons of Amla Powder (optional)
2.5 teaspoons of Almond Oil
4 drops of Peppermint Essential Oil (optional)

*I blend the brown sugar before making the scrub just for a few pulses because I have a sensitive scalp and do not want to scratch it with rough sugar granules. Even if you do not have a sensitive scalp I suggest first lightly blending the sugar because the scrub will not only be gentler on your scalp but also on your roots!

Ingredient Explanation:

– Sugarcane (brown) Sugar – Acts as the exfoliant to help remove dead skin and buildup (you can use regular white sugar if you can not find brown sugar).

– Honey – Used to moisturize the scalp and roots due to its humectant properties. It also has natural antibacterial and anti-fungal properties to help heal up scalp irritations a little quicker. (You can use molasses if you are allergic to honey.)

– Amla – Helps to condition dry scalps and roots, restores the p.H balance and also works as a good anti-fungal and antibacterial agent. (This is an optional ingredient.)

– Almond Oil – Helps to restore any lost natural oils produced by the scalp. (You can use any oil – I suggest using any light oil of choice)

– Peppermint Essential Oil (EO) – Helps to simulate blood flow to the scalp which helps to promote hair growth due to the increase in oxygen from the blood flow. It also has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties and is an excellent soothing EO. (You can use any EO of choice)
NOTE: Essential oils are potent therefor need to be diluted and if you are pregnant I would refrain from using any EO

Mixing

I first blend the 8 teaspoons of sugar just a few pulses and put it in a bowl. I add the remaining ingredients to the bowl and mix everything really well and then transfer it into a container.

I would recommend using a scrub no more than once every 2 weeks. The longer you leave the scrub standing the more the sugar will dissolve so you might need to remake this recipe before you use it up (depending on how much you use when you scrub).

TIP: This scrub can of course also be used for your body. If you feel like you will not be able to use all of it for your scalp before the sugars dissolves use it for your body!

Do you use a scrub for your scalp if so what do you use? If you try my recipe please let me know if you enjoyed it or not I would love to hear from you.

Thanks

Maicurls

DIY Face & Body Sugar Scrub up on YouTube

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Good Evening all!

While I already had the write-up of my Sugarcane Sugar Scrub already up on my blog here I did not have my video made yet. I finally started making some skin care videos and have loaded up my Scrub video on YouTube and also linked the video here in my blog.

This scrub can have so many variations in terms of the ingredients used so please feel free to replace certain ingredients to change things up (if you want.) E.g. Peppermint Essential Oil, Tea Tree Oil. Or use Molasses instead of Pure Honey. You of course can add ingredients too like coffee granules, orange zest…the list is endless!

I hope you enjoy the video and have fun making the scrub (I love making it for family, friends and myself of course!)

Thanks

Maicurls

Skin Care Written Up

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Alright guys so I just wanted to give you a very quick summary of all the Skin Care Routine write-ups I have done so far (04.09.2013)

I have basically written up ALL of my Skin Care Routines. I not only show the ingredients I use to create my DIY products but I also provide the quantities I use, mixing instructions and application process. As and when I make videos I will be adding image demonstrations of the application or mixing processes because it is a little easier to follow if there are pictures along with the write-ups.

The Skin Care Routine Write-ups I have are: