Instructions:

Using a digital kitchen scale weigh out the oils in a small glass beaker and then warm slightly. Weigh out the shea butter and stir into oils until it melts completely, then add the essential oil blend. Pour into a 1 oz. amber glass bottle and cap.

You can then decorate your bottle as desired. For my bottle I used a blank sticker label and washi tape. I covered a section of the label with washi tape then cut it out into the shape of heart. I then cut out a smaller heart shape from the blank label sheet and adhered it to the front of the washi tape covered heart and wrote out my message. Finally the I adhered the entire heart to the bottle.

To give your massage oil an even more romantic feel, package instead in a clear glass bottle and a small amount of rose petals or buds, calendula petals or even pink mica.

Breakfast , Lunch, Relaxation Facial , Indian head and shoulder massage, Hand exfoliation and massage, Foot exfoliation and massage, Full body exfoliation, Full body massage, Session in the jacuzzi or pool, Complimentary juice, coffee, tea and still water

Equipment
Saucepan
Lotion mold, muffin pan or tins 

Ingredients
1 part Coconut Oil
1 part Pure Beeswax
Essential Oils (Optional)

Directions
Heat coconut oil and beeswax together in a saucepan over low heat. It helps if you break up the beeswax into small chunks because it takes a while for the wax to melt. Once the beeswax and coconut oil are melted add essential oils. I like to use vanilla and lavender. I’m sensitive to strong fragrances so I only add a few drops.
Pour melted coconut oil and beeswax into lotion bar molds or muffin tins. Let them sit until cool. You can also place them in the refrigerator if you need to speed up the process.

How to Use Lotion Bars
The first time I used a lotion bar I had some trouble. No one explained to me how to use them. I ended up bringing it into the shower with me and used it like a soap bar. It worked pretty well as a moisturizer, but a lot of it would wash off in the shower. Later I figured out that you’re not supposed to use it in the shower (though I still keep one in my shower because we like to use it the wrong way). Instead you need to rub the bar until it’s warm and then apply it on your skin like lotion.

Eyeliner
Waterproof liner you say? I’m safe if I go swimming, but that’s about it. I have used almost every brand of waterproof liner, and within a couple hours it is sliding off my oily eyelids. So how do I fix this?

1. Put on your eyeliner as usual, then trace over it with a high-quality eyeshadow. For extra staying power, add another layer of your crayon, gel, or liquid liner. I know, it seems like a lot of work. However, it’s only a minute longer, and it saves you from bringing your liners with you everywhere you go.


Eyeshadow
Ugh… creasing eyeshadow. Creasing eyeliner. Is there no cure?! I have yet to find a primer that solves this. So what can you do?

2. Use a long-lasting cream shadow, like Maybelline Color Tattoo or e.l.f. Smudge Pot, as a base for your other eye makeup. Cream shadows that promise long wear will also lock on whatever products are layered on top, meaning that your eye makeup will last all day long. Bonus: Use a white shade to make your shadow color pop.


Foundation
Foundation is the bane of my existence. I have yet to find a foundation, other than the Physician's Formula Super BB All-in-1 Beauty Balm Powder, that does not slick off my skin and leave me with a blotchy face. My number one tip for oily skin is using Rimmel Stay Matte Primer. Even compared to many high-end brands, it is simply the best. For those of us gals that need even more grease-fighting power, here are some more tricks.

3. You’re going to wince when I say this. Prepare yourself. Here it is... apply a light dusting of powder on your face after your moisturizer, and before your foundation. It’s ok! You can! It actually works wonders. Apply your foundation as normal, and then gently pat on more powder to finish.

 4. Never skip moisturizer. It will make your skin even more oily. You don’t want a heavy cream, but most lotions are fine. Or you can use a mattifying moisturizer. If you aren’t prone to breakouts, do not be afraid to use oil either. Just a tiny bit of an oil, like jojoba. It negates the production of oil from your skin.

 Now, for the actual tip. After you’ve applied your moisturizer and let it set, take a tissue, and gently blot your face. It just gets rid of that little bit of extra moisture, and it helps to extend your foundation.

5. Makeup setting spray is a must. But not after all is said and done. Spray it on your face after moisturizing and priming, but before concealer and foundation! Let it dry, and apply your foundation as usual. My favorite setting spray is e.l.f. Studio Makeup Mist & Spray. This is my holy-grail makeup setting and prolonging trick!

6. I use this all the time when I’m going to be outdoors: waterproof/sweatproof sunscreen sprays. They are seriously amazing. Nothing is budging under that veil. It’s also my go-to when I travel to hot, sunny destinations. Simply spray it on your face after you’ve finished your makeup routine, and you're ready to go.

7. Last but not least, this tip is for use in extreme situations. Do not do this regularly, as it will dry out your skin. Mix a little bit of a clay mask with your moisturizer. Massage it into your skin, and let it dry. Add primer, and then foundation. Your oil will be absorbed by the clay, and your foundation won’t see a hint of it.


Concealer
Along the same principle of foundation, but this usually comes into play when covering an imperfection. Blemishes generally do not hold on to concealer very well. This is not necessarily for under eyes, as that can lead to noticeable creasing.

 8. Tap your concealer onto the blemish, then tap on some powder. You can use a sponge or a brush, just layer on these products gently. On top of the powder, add more concealer. Lastly, finish with a dusting of powder to make sure any harsh lines are blended out. And voila!

 Note: I always use primer. These tips may or may not be more beneficial with the use of a primer.

 Good luck out there! Summer will never know what hit it!

Almost time for the Aloe Valley Outdoor festival! http://on.fb.me/1LTlzwiLook out for us on Sunday 13 September at BASE 4, We will be offering Hand or Foot massages for only R50!! All proceeds go to the fundraising effort of Ride the Rhenoster - Have you entered? http://www.ridetherhenoster.co.za/index.../book-for-the-ride
 #‎ridetherhenoster‬ ‪#‎aloevalleymeander‬ ‪#‎vusalela‬ ‪#‎dayspa‬ ‪#‎cyclists‬‪#‎footmassage‬ ‪#‎handmassage‬ ‪#‎outdoor‬ ‪#‎festival‬ ‪#‎outdoorfestival‬ ‪#‎base4‬

Beauty tips that we are about to share might sound a bit strange, unusual and even weird, but sometime the most unexpected things make the biggest difference in our beauty routine. Most of these beauty secrets are for girls but some of them guys can use as well. Let’s get started:

Beauty tip N°1: To get rid of puffiness around your eyes use a simple tea spoon. Put it in the fridge for 5 minutes and when it’s cold enough, use it as a treatment for reducing the swelling. Slices of cucumber or potato can also be useful in solving the same problem. Put either a potato or cucumber slice on your eyes, keep it on for 10 minutes and it should greatly help.

Beauty tip N°2: Make an easy scrub while on holiday. Chilling under the sun on the beach, scarab your body with sand mixed with water, it’s perfectly natural and healthy way to do it.

Beauty tip N°3: Again, if you have a vacation in a sunny country, you can easily create natural hair highlights using lemon juice. Just mix it with water in proportions 1:1 and apply it on thin sections of your hair and go out in the sun. The acid in the lemon juice will react with the sun’s rays and lighten your hair. And it will look extremely natural!

Beauty tip N°4: You can whiten your teeth with the help of strawberry. Just take one strawberry and rub it into your teeth or mash up the strawberry into the paste, then dipping your toothbrush in it, brush your teeth. If you do it for couple of times, you will notice significant whitening of your teeth. All this because of the acid content in the strawberry.
But make sure to rinse your mouth thoroughly afterwards to reduce acidity in the mouth. Don’t use it every day, not to damage your teeth.

Beauty tip N°5: Fight pimples with toothpaste. This sounds weird, I know, but it definitely works. Apply the toothpaste on the pimple before sleeping and you will get rid of this uncomfortable problem, usually, overnight. It should be a plain white toothpaste. This can be a good alternative on occasions when you don’t have a proper spot treatment at hand or when you are out of your usual acne cream – but remember, that it should be used rarely. (It’s a good tip for when you find yourself on a desert island, for example :)).

Beauty tip N°6: Now almost everybody knows about the existence of a dry shampoo, which is a very convenient and quick alternative of usual washing of the hair. But if you don’t have a dry shampoo, you can use a baby powder (talc) instead. For better result apply it with a big makeup brush on the roots of your hair and then, take away the excess by brushing your hair with a usual hairbrush. You hair will be refreshed and will look as if you’ve just washed them.

Beauty tip N°7: Lips stains are very popular nowadays. The unexpected place where you can find a lip stain is your fridge. I’m talking about beetroot. Yes, this red/purple vegetable makes an amazing and natural lip stain. Dap a little bit of it’s colour on your lips and you will look just amazing! And by the way, this kind of colour is very fashionable now. 😀

Beauty tip N°8: When you don’t have your usual shampoo at hand, mix (thoroughly) 2 or 3 eggs in the bowl and wash your hair with this substance, when you massage it into your hair you will notice that it will even make a foam. After, rinse it as usual and apply your conditioner. But if you want to go all natural or you don’t have a conditioner at hand, then you can mix 3 table spoons of vinegar with 1 litter of water and add couple of drops of any aromatic oil, this will add shine to your hair and the aromatic oil will infuse a very pleasant scent.

Beauty tip N°9: Cut the lemon in two parts and dip your fingers inside, so that all your nails enter. Keep it for 10 minutes, this will strengthen your nails and prevent their fragility.

Beauty tip N°10: Your makeup remover is finished and you don’t have time to go to shop and buy the new one? That’s alright, remove your makeup using olive oil which is not only very gentle, but also hydrating and filled with vitamins.

I hope you found some of these beauty tips interesting. If you know any other strange but useful beauty secrets, please, share them with me in the comment’s section.

Stay happy and beautiful!

With Summer just around the corner, here are some “whoop that body back into shape” Tips :-)

Are you feet ready for Summer? Here are 8 Tips for Dry, Cracked Heels

A Day at the Spa is Not a Luxury, It’s a Necessity


Traditionally, people think of spas as a luxury. They tell themselves they can’t afford to go, they don’t deserve to go, or maybe that spas are for another level of society. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. In this fast paced, modern age in which we live, spa days have become essential.



The psychological benefits of taking one day to relax and refresh are astounding. Stress is the number one killer in society today, and a spa day combats stress like no other. A day of massage, facials, manicures and pedicures, and generally being cared for by another person is often enough to offset an entire week of demanding workloads and stressful situations.



The biggest benefit of going to a spa, and the underlying feature of all spa treatments, is the psychological comfort of simply letting go. At a spa, you trust completely in the employees to take care of you, to work out the physical stress that has built up in your body, and to generally make you feel better about yourself.

Massages are common features of spas and considered one of the most physically relaxing treatments available. Allowing a trusted and trained professional to massage and work out all tightness in your muscles and reduce stress within the body is both physically and psychologically relieving.



Manicures and pedicures, also common in most spas, both feel great and leave customers with higher confidence and self-esteem about their hands and feet. Despite seeming insignificant to some, the psychological benefits of letting someone pamper your hands and feet are surprising.

The trainers and health coaches at Evolution of Well Being Spa are experts in their fields and make it their goal to help customers achieve a relaxed and healthy state. The physical and psychological benefits available to improve customer’s health and well being are innumerable.

6 Tips for Foot and Nail Care
By Karen Bruno

Your feet move you through the world, help you stand up to your day, and ground you. They also need TLC to keep them soft, strong, and free of problems.

These 6 steps will help your feet stay fabulous.

1. Smooth It Out.
Make it a habit to use a pumice stone or foot file on damp heels and calluses. Doing so will keep your feet looking good in open-back shoes.

First, soak your feet in water or a foot bath for 10 to 15 minutes to help soften the skin. Then gently remove the thickened skin with a pumice stone. New York podiatrist Isaac Tabari, DPM, recommends a warm foot bath made of black tea (tannic acid). Tannic acid, he says, is a natural antibacterial agent that may reduce the chance of getting athlete’s foot.

Moisturizing foot scrubs made from botanicals such as crushed fruit pits, sugar, or chemical exfoliators also help remove dead skin. After you scrub, apply a rich foot cream or balm containing shea butter or cocoa butter.

Look for balms or heel creams containing salicylic acid or urea to soften tough calluses.

2. Moisturize.
If your heels are very dry and cracked, see a podiatrist or dermatologist for a prescription treatment. If they’re not that bad, there are plenty of moisturizing products from which to choose.

First, you might try some medicated heel pads, which don't need a prescription, to soften calluses while you walk. After you’ve exfoliated the calluses, use a heavy cream to moisturize tough skin on your heel.

Look for creams containing petrolatum, an emollient, or a humectant such as lactic acid, which draws moisture into the skin.

3. Fight Fungus.
Over-the-counter antifungal treatments come in many forms -- lacquers, creams, lotions, liquids, spray powders, and spray liquids. These products work best on mild cases of athlete’s foot, and probably not at all with toenail fungus, which is difficult to treat.

No matter the form, they have one of the following active ingredients, which are all equally effective: terbinafine, tolnaftate, miconazole, ciclopirox, or clotrimazole. Tabari says tea tree oil, sometimes called melaleuca oil, also works well on mild cases of athlete’s foot.

Look for a medicated powder or spray if you have sweaty feet. Powders usually contain aluminum chloride hexahydrate to help keep feet dry.
If you have dry feet, look for an antifungal lotion.
Dry your feet thoroughly before you apply antifungal powder or lotion.

Dark and damp conditions let the funguses that cause athlete’s foot flourish. Basic good foot hygiene is the best way to prevent fungal infections. Wash your feet frequently and dry them thoroughly, especially between your toes. Wear fresh socks or other hosiery daily.

4. Wear Sunscreen.
Wear sunscreen on the tops of your feet. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 to your feet when you're going barefoot or wearing open sandals.

5. Get Support.
Standing for a long time can make your feet sore. Wearing insoles can help make shoes more comfortable.

Look for insoles that have a plastic shell at the bottom. Podiatrists say the shell makes them strong enough to provide real support.

6. Don’t Forget Your Toenails!
Love getting pedicures? The technique matters. Clumsy trimming can lead to hangnails and ingrown toenails.

Also, make sure the nail technician gently pushes back the cuticle rather than cuts it, which can lead to an infection.

If you do your own nails, look for nail “nippers” that have a curved handle and a cutting jaw shaped to follow the natural curve of nails.
Your nails naturally become more brittle with age. Ingredients in some nail polish and polish remover can speed the process, drying out your nails. Elle, a celebrity manicurist who writes a blog for Barielle Cosmetics, suggests her clients use polish that is free of formaldehyde, toluene, and dibutyl phthalate. She also recommends using a nail polish remover free of alcohol.

To moisturize your toenails, Elle suggests using a cuticle cream, petroleum jelly, or vitamin E oil. Put it over the entire nail, including the cuticle, and gently rub it in.

My Non-Greasy Homemade Lotion Recipe

(recipe yields about 2 cups of cream)


Lotion Ingredients:
• 1 cup pure aloe Vera gel, distilled water, or strong-brewed herbal tea.
• ½ cup grated beeswax.
• ½ cup sweet almond, grapeseed, or jojoba oil.
• 1 tsp Vitamin E oil.
• 15 drops essential oil.


Directions for Making Lotion:
1. In a medium-sized bowl combine aloe Vera gel, Vitamin E oil, and essential oils. Set aside for later, allowing it to come to room temp.(Sometimes it even helps to set this in a warm water bath to bring it closer to the temperature of the oil/wax mixture you’ll be adding it to. This helps it emulsify.)
2. Add grated beeswax and oil to a glass measuring cup. Place measuring cup in a small pot of water and bring water to a gentle boil. Heat, stirring occasionally, until beeswax is completely melted then carefully remove measuring cup from pot.
3. Pour beeswax/oil mixture into blender and allow to cool. (Move on to step 4 when it has cooled down, but is still soft.)
4. Once cooled, turn blender on LOW. Remove top of blender and pour aloe Vera mixture in a SLOW, continuous stream.
5. Stop blender as often as needed to run a spatula around sides to incorporate ingredients. If liquid is pooling at the top, stop frequently to push it around with spatula. (This step may take as long as 10-15 minutes, and patience is key!) Continue blending until desired consistency is reached.
6. Transfer moisturizer to clean jars and refrigerate any portion that will not be used up within a few weeks.