Simple & Sweet Beauty Treats

From head to toe, honey is an all-natural beauty remedy. It is one of the only products that can be packed and sold straight from nature and it has been used in beauty regimens since the days of Cleopatra.

Christopher Watt, a licensed aesthetician and owner of the West Hollywood skin care spa, Christopher Watt Esthetics, has used honey-based treatments on Halle Berry, Jennifer Lopez and a number of other famous faces. Watt recommends the following treatments for an all-over, head-to-toe glow.

Rosemary Honey Hair Conditioner
The extremes of heat and cold we endure throughout winter can make even the greatest hair look and feel like straw. This nourishing conditioner blends honey for shine, olive oil for moisture and essential oil of rosemary to stimulate hair growth.

Ingredients
1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup warmed olive oil , 2 Tbsp. for normal to oily hair
4 drops essential oil of rosemary
1 tsp. xanthum gum (available in health food stores)

Directions
Place all the ingredients in a small bowl and mix thoroughly. Pour into a clean plastic bottle with a tight fitting stopper or lid. Apply a small amount at a time to slightly dampened hair. Massage scalp and work mixture through hair until completely coated. Cover hair with a warm towel (towel can be heated in a microwave or dryer) or shower cap; leave on to nourish and condition for 30 minutes. Remove towel or shower cap; shampoo lightly and rinse with cool water. Dry as normal and enjoy shinier, softer and healthier hair the natural way.



Green Honey Glow Mask
Makes 2 treatments
Benefits: Beautiful glowing skin that feels youthful and tight.

Ingredients
4 cups fresh spinach
1 cup fresh mint
3 Tbsp. honey
1 piece (1-inch) ginger
1 ripe banana
2 egg whites

Directions
Rinse spinach thoroughly in colander. Cut and peel ginger, set aside. In food processor or blender combine spinach, mint and ginger. Blend on low setting. Add honey and banana and blend until liquid consistency. Add egg whites and blend until all ingredients are mixed thoroughly. Transfer to porcelain bowl or glass dish. On clean skin apply a small amount of Green Honey Glow to entire face and neck. Apply using a fan brush or finger tips. Allow to remain on skin for 15-20 minutes. Rinse and apply appropriate moisturizer. Store covered in refrigerator for up to one week.



Foaming Vanilla Honey Bath
Makes 4 treatments
Banish the winter blahs and dissolve away the harshness of the day by relaxing in a soothing bath. Honey is nature's silky moisturizer and guaranteed to sweeten your mood!

Ingredients
1 cup sweet almond oil, light olive or sesame oil may be substituted
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup liquid soap
1 Tbsp. vanilla extract

Directions
Measure the oil into a medium bowl, then carefully stir in remaining ingredients until mixture is fully blended. Pour into a clean plastic bottle with a tight-fitting stopper or lid. Shake gently before using.

Swirl desired amount into the bathtub under running water - then step in and descend into a warm, silky escape.



Peppermint Honey Feet Treat
Makes 2 treatments
Aids in circulation of overworked feet. Moisturizes and softens while it soothes and restores tired aching feet.

Ingredients
4 Tbsp. aloe vera gel
4 tsp. grated beeswax
2 tsp. honey
2 tsp. fresh mint , optional
6 drops peppermint essential oil
2 drops arnica oil
2 drops camphor oil
2 drops eucalyptus oil

Directions
Rinse mint leaves and place on a paper towel to dry. Grind mint using coffee grinder (or by hand using mortar and pestle). Set aside. Melt beeswax using a small double boiler. In a microwave safe glass bowl combine aloe vera and honey, mix well. Stir in beeswax. Let cool. Add mint and oils, stirring until completely mixed. Apply after bath or shower to entire feet and toes. Store remaining feet treat in covered in cool place away from sun or heat.

Swirl desired amount into the bathtub under running water - then step in and descend into a warm, silky escape.

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