DIY Cooling Summer Natural Facial Mists

A spontaneous sun-shower on a scorching day can wash away the stickiness, cool us down and enliven the senses. Unfortunately we can’t control the weather. Not yet anyhow. However we can do the next best thing: create mini showers to combat the heat. This way no matter what Mother Nature decides to shine down on us, we’ll be prepared.

In addition to temperatures, our skin is exposed to UV rays and environmental toxins on a daily basis. How we protect the largest organ in our body directly relates to health and wellbeing. Chemical free, made from the purest water, herbs and flowers, natural facial mists are are surprisingly easy to craft. And unlike most mass-produced skincare products laced with synthetics and unpronounceable ingredients, we can feel good about using these. In addition to quenching our skin throughout the day, a few squirts in the tub will transform an ordinary bath into an herbal sanctuary.

Beauty becomes a method of self-care when it’s inspired by nature. And remember, what we apply to the skin becomes absorbed into the bloodstream. So opt for organic products whenever possible to avoid applying pesticides to your face. To store mists, they’ll keep longer in the fridge. Opt for dark glass spray bottles over plastic ones, which can compromise the integrity of the liquid.

*Make sure you don’t have allergies to ingredients. Natural remedies are not proven by science and can have interactions. Always look up side effects when trying any holistic treatment or skincare. When using facial sprays, safeguard your eyes by closing them and avoid the area completely to avoid irritation. You may want to test before: with a cotton swab, add a drop to your cheek or neck to make sure you don’t experience a reaction.

* If you don’t have a glass or enamel pot, create a double boiler by using a metal saucepan only filled ¼ - ⅓ the way with water. Then place a heavy duty heatsafe ceramic or glass bowl atop the water.

Cucumber, Green Tea & Sage

Mild and alkalizing, cucumber has a cornucopia of beauty benefits for the skin. It contains vitamin C and caffeic acid that soothes irritation and reduces inflammation. Even its peel should be used because it contains silica, which helps tighten skin. And sage is aromatic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and astringent. Antioxidant-rich green tea helps protect from free radical damage, lightly exfoliates and clears clogged pores. Its caffeine content may shrink blood vessels, reduce puffiness and brighten skin.

Ingredients:

(5 oz.) Distilled Water

1 Tbsp Witch Hazel

1/3 Cup Unpeeled Cucumber Finely Chopped

1 Tbsp Green Tea

1 tsp Fresh Sage or 1/2 tsp dry

To Craft:

Place distilled water, witch hazel, green tea and sage in a saucepan and allow to steep on low heat. After 5 minutes, add cucumber and stir with a wood spoon for another 10 minutes. If mixture begins to boil, lower flame to simmer. Press on cucumber, tea and sage to release more of their goodness. Shut off flame and let sit for an hour. Mash mixture down to extract as much juice as possible. Strain and chill.

Rooibos, Basil & Lemon

Rejuvenates and hydrates tired skin. Rooibos is antioxidant powerhouse with vitamin C, zinc and an anti-aging ingredient called superoxide dismutase that naturally slows the creation of wrinkles. Basil has antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory beauty benefits. Lemon peel contains an abundance of vitamins; along with citric acid, additional skincare benefits include, reduction of darks spots, brightens and exfoliates dead skin cells.

Ingredients:

1 Tbsp Witch Hazel

(5 oz.) Distilled water

1 tsp Rooibos Tea

10 Fresh Basil Leaves, or 1/2 tsp Dry Basil

1 Tbsp Lemon Zest

To Craft:

Combine water, witch hazel, basil and rooibos in a saucepan. After about 5 minutes, once tea has had a chance to steep, add lemon. Bring to a boil. Then lower flame to simmer for 10 minutes. Stir with a wood spoon, press lemon to release oil. Shut off flame and allow to sit for 30 minutes. Strain and chill.

Honeysuckle, Red Clover, Turmeric

Turmeric is known for its powerful anti-inflammatory, anti-aging benefits. Aside from its sweet fragrance, honeysuckle is anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and possesses healing properties to help clear skin. Red clover flower soothes irritations and has additional anti-aging benefits.

Ingredients:

(5 oz.) Distilled water

1 Heaping tsp Red Clover Flower Tea

1 Tbsp witch hazel

1 tsp dry Honeysuckle Petals or 2 tsp Fresh

1/4 tsp grated or chopped Turmeric root

To Craft:

Heat water, red clover, turmeric and witch hazel to a boil. Lower flame, stir and simmer for 10 minutes. Shut off flame and let sit until room temperature. Press mixture down to bottom of pot. Strain off, releasing as much juice as possible. Then strain and chill.

*Warning. Turmeric has a lovely bright orange color but can stain clothing and may be noticeable on skin. Use lightly at first to determine what’s right for you.

Calendula & Rosemary

Simple yet powerful… restorative calendula mildly soothes the skin, while rosemary moisturizes and offers antiseptic properties. Science studies also show rosemary’s aroma may increase focus and memory.

*This facial mist also doubles as an amazing toner.

Ingredients:

1 Tbsp witch hazel

(5 oz.) Distilled water

1 tsp Dry Rosemary or 2 tsp Fresh Rosemary

1 Tbsp dry Calendula or 2 Tbsp Fresh Calendula Flowers

To Craft:

Heat water, rosemary, calendula and witch hazel to a boil. Lower flame, stir and simmer for 10 minutes. Shut off flame and let sit for an hour. Strain off, releasing as much juice as possible. Chill.