SPRING FACIALS

Egg face maskEggs, the symbol of spring and new beginnings, have been used by women for centuries in order to cure dry skin. They are packed with protein and lecithin, which is a natural lubricant for the skin. Adding a bit of sour cream to the mix will help slough off any dead skin cells, too. 

Ingredients:
1 raw egg
1 tablespoon of honey
1 tablespoon of sour cream 

Directions: Mix together all the ingredients and slather over your face and neck. Let the mask sit for 15-20 minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water. 

Carrot buttermilk maskFor oily skin types, spring is when nature brings the rabbits' BFF and your skin's cure -- the vitamin A laden carrot. 

Ingredients:
2 tablespoons of fresh carrot juice
2 tablespoons powdered buttermilk 

Directions: Mix the juice and buttermilk until you get a smooth paste. Then, spread the mixture over your clean skin and let sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Remove by rinsing with lukewarm water and gently pat your face dry with a fluffy towel. 

Lettuce cleansing lotionLettuce is abundant come spring and makes a perfect cleansing solution to soothe wind-burned or aggravated skin. It is packed with vitamins, sulfur, silicon and phosphorous -- all which help to naturally restore your skin's pH level and balance your complexion.

Ingredients:
1/2 head of lettuce
4 cups of water
1/8 teaspoon of benzoin (found at the drugstore)

Directions: Put the lettuce in a saucepan and cover with the water. Place over medium heat and bring to a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat and simmer for one hour. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let cool completely. Strain all the solids and stir in the benzoin. Pour into a clean bottle and use the lotion to cleanse your skin in the morning or at night. 

Flower petal steam facialThe power of flowers should not be taken for granted this season. They are in full bloom and do wonders to keep your skin soft and supple.

Ingredients:
2 cups of spring water
1/2 cup of fresh flower petals (try lilac, rose, pansy, camellia, and primrose petals)

Directions: Bring water to a boil and then remove the pot from the heat and add the flower petals, stirring gently. Let the mixture rest for five minutes then lean over the pot, keeping your face about 12 inches off the surface of the water, and drape a towel over your head to trap the steam. Sit for five minutes then rinse your face with cool water and pat dry. 

Refreshing travel towelsSpring vacation anyone? Be prepared with travel-friendly astringent towels that can clean up dirt on the go.

Ingredients:
1/2 cup of vodka
1 teaspoon of glycerin
1/2 cup of water
10 drops of lemon oil
Strong ply paper towels

Directions: Combine all the ingredients in a small bowl and stir well. Place folded paper towels side by side in a separate shallow dish. Pour the mixture over the towels and press to saturate. Then, stack the towels in a clean, airtight container and cover. Before you leave on your trip, place them in a re-sealable plastic zipper bag.