Beauty Hacks 2.0: Marvelous Mandarin, Nail Health and Growing Eyelashes Longer

Mandarin Oil Benefits

 

Mandarin Essential Oil has been a popular item on Essentially Natural of late so I thought I would delve into its benefits so the rest of us can get in on the action.

The Mandarin orange or tangerine is a citrus fruit with a light and fresh scent. The fruit is native to China and got its name because they were given as gifts to mandarins (Chinese officials). Mandarin essential oil is cold pressed from the fresh peels. It is popular in aromatherapy, in soaps, cosmetics, fragrances and in the food and beverage industry as a flavorant.

As many of the citrus oils are, mandarin is a skin beautifier, an immune booster, tonic and is good for circulation. Mandarin oil can be used as a muscle relaxant and to improve circulation in skin cells. It helps cell regeneration and is a skin anti-ager. The oil is antibacterial and forms a protective barrier over wounds or scrapes and promotes blood clotting, helping to prevent infections. Mandarin oil relieves spasms and improves digestion, and is a wonderful liver tonic and blood purifier.

Mandarin’s skin beautifying properties include fading stretch marks and evening skin tone, healing scars and acne and providing the skin with a rich source of vitamin C and free radical-fighting antioxidants.

 

Try this recipe for your skin:

Mandarin Sensation Skin Treatment

12 drops mandarin essential oil

30ml carrier oil (try sweet almond, jojoba, macadamia, rosehipbaobab or rice bran)

50ml pipette bottle

Optional add-ins: 4 drops of either grapefruit, frankincenselavender or clary sage

 

Combine in a bottle, shake gently and apply to clean skin.

 

The delicate citrus scent is calming and de-stressing, and the muscle relaxing and circulation boosting properties make mandarin a special oil in aromatherapy and massage. It is a warming and autumnal oil which is maybe why it is so popular at this time of the year. Mandarin blends well with other citrus essential oils such as grapefruit, orange, lime, lemon and neroli, as well as bergamot, clary sage, cinnamon, lavender and frankincense. Try out your favorite blend as a stunning perfume, dilute in a carrier oil for massaging, add to a burner to scent your whole room or add a few drops to your bath.

Marvelous Mandarin is our essential oil Wonder of the Week!

 

Not-so Nails

I moved to a new city and province two months ago and since then have noticed my nails have become all brittle and breaky. I have a suspicion it is the water (we don’t drink it as it is often milky and has a strange flavour, but for dishes and showering purposes, we don’t have a choice). Whether it’s from doing the dishes, gel nails, nail polish remover or dry weather, we all know how annoying broken nails are, so I’ve decided to research some natural solutions. It turns out there are some great ones!

 

Nail Soaks

Nail soaks are the best way to get nutrients to your nails directly and can show results quickly.

 

Here are our top picks:

Soak your nails in argan oil to gain all the oil’s benefits which include fatty acids, vitamins, antioxidants and linoleic acid.

Massage lemon essential oil mixed with argan oil into your nails. Lemon oil is antibacterial, germ-fighting and full of vitamin C.

Flaxseed oil is rich in omega-3, vitamin B, magnesium and potassium. Massage into your nails and incorporate it into your diet for stronger, healthier nails.

Apple cider vinegar soak - Apple cider vinegar contains nail-loving nutrients such as iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium, and other vitamins. It also contains acetic acid and malic acid which help prevent nail infections. Soak your nails in vinegar diluted with an equal part water once a day for three days.

Castor oil strengthens nails and fights fungal infections. Soak your nails for 10 minutes a day.

Grapeseed oil can help chapped and broken nails. Massage in directly twice a day for 3 weeks.

 

Here is our wonderful serum for strong healthy nails. Make it in a roller bottle and pop in your car or handbag.

DIY Strengthening Nail Serum

1 Roll on bottle

1 ¼ tsp  Jojoba oil

½ tsp Vitamin E oil

5 drops Lavender essential oil

5 drops Lemon essential oil

5 drops Frankincense essential oil

5 drops Myrrh essential oil

Add the oils in the order they occur to the roller bottle. Snap on the ball and gently shake to combine. Apply to your nails 2 to 3 times a week.

 

How to Grow Eyelashes Longer and Thicker - Naturally!

We go to all sorts of lengths (excuse the pun) to attain more luscious lashes including icky mascaras, stick-ons, extensions and makeup, all of which can damage your delicate eye skin and your eyelashes. One thing I’ve been curious about lately is how to grow my lashes longer and thicker without expensive lash extensions or having to use mascara daily (I’m terrible at removing makeup too). If you’re also keen to try some natural lash hacks then read on!

Castor oil stimulates hair follicles and offers a protective barrier to lashes and skin. It is rich in linoleic, palmitic, stearic and oleic acids. There are two kinds of castor oil: the regular cold pressed oil and Black Castor Oil. Both are highly recommended.

Vitamin E oil stimulates circulation and growth and is fabulous for skin and hair.

Green tea: I’m a green tea-holic, so I have started putting some on my eyelashes hoping for results. A cold green tea bag over the eyes also works. The flavonoids and caffeine found naturally in green tea help stimulate growth. Green tea is a wonderful wake-me-up and I love putting it on my skin as a toner!

Aloe vera gel contains vitamins and minerals that promote lash growth. It is also super moisturising and will prevent brittleness and breaking.

Coconut oil is famous for its restorative hair and skin qualities. It has a high nutritional value and helps nourish lashes, making them grow thicker and healthier.

Jojoba oil is amazingly regenerative - it’s a favorite skin oil of mine - and can be applied to lashes to help them grow out longer and thicker.

 

Apply any of the above (or a combination) to your lashes with a cotton swab or clean mascara brush before bed. Here are some simple recipes:

 

Mix 2 drops castor oil with 1 drop of rosemary oil and a drop or 2 of vitamin E oil. Use a clean mascara brush and brush the oil through your lashes. Be careful not to get it in your eyes. Leave in overnight. Repeat nightly for 2-3 months to see results.

 

Mix aloe vera gel with castor oil and apply to your lashes at night. Apply for 2-3 months to see results.

 

Mix coconut oil with 2 drops lavender oil and apply nightly as a lash conditioner.

 

A happy note: All of these can also be applied to your brows, for a thicker, well conditioned look!

 


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