Do not apply a face pack just before preparing for a special occasion as the drawing power of the mask, particularly one with a cereal of clay base, can flush the skin.
Green herbal mask
Any of the herbs listed below can be used to create a green mask. Take
2 handfuls of fresh leaves of 3 tbsp (45 ml) of dried (softened by soaking
in boiled water overnight). Add 2 tbsp (30 ml) of distilled or mineral water
and liquidize at high speed for a few seconds.
This makes a rather wet mixture, but if you are in a bath or lying on a towel it can be applied as it is. If you wish to thicken the mixture, add fuller's earth or ground almonds until it reaches the desired consistency.
Paste Face packs
Ground oatmeal, ground almonds or fuller's earth used either singly or
in combination, form the basic carrier of a paste face pack. Each has the
ability to draw impurities from the skin.
To 2 tbsp (30 ml) basic carrier, add 2 - 3 tbsp (30 - 45 ml) of a strong herbal infusion, or the juice of the herbs obtained by using a juice extractor.
HERBS FOR FACE PACKS
| Normal Skin | Fennel, juniper berries, lady's mantle, lime flowers, mint, nettle. |
| Dry & Sensitive Skin | Comfrey, houseleek, marsh mallow, pounded flax or quince seed (which contain a softening mucilage). |
| Oily Skin | Sage, yarrow; 2 tbsp (30 ml) of pounded fennel or lupin seed to exfoliate dead skin and refine pores. |
NON-HERBAL INGREDIENTS FOR FACE PACKS
• Milk products
have softening and mild bleaching properties. Substitute 1 tbsp (15 ml) of
creamy milk for 1 tbsp (15 ml) of the herbal infusion.
• Add
1 tsp (5 ml) honey for its healing properties.