The skin under the eyes is extremely thin and does not produce an abundance of the protective oils that keep the skin supple. For this reason, many women use an under eye cream to compensate for the lack of moisture. Fresh violet flowers and almond oil create a soothing and moisturizing under eye cream that keeps your skin hydrated and glowing. In her book "Jude's Herbal Home Remedies," Jude Todd suggests that there exists no better oil for the skin than almond oil, as it softens and feeds the skin, particularly the sensitive area beneath the eyes.
Step 1
Place the fresh violet petals and leaves in a stainless steel pan. Cover with the almond oil and place the pan over very low heat. Cover the pan and allow the mixture to steep for about six hours.
Step 2
Remove the flowers and leaves from the oil and add the beeswax to the pan. Stir until the beeswax is melted, and then remove the pan from the heat.
Step 3
Add the vitamin E oil and essential oil quickly, and stir to combine. In her book "The Herbal Home Spa," Greta Breedlove recommends using blue chamomile essential oil for making an under eye cream, as it is very soothing to this delicate area of the face, but it can be very expensive. Other gentle essential oils such as lavender, rose, geranium and neroli work just as well.
Step 4
Pour into glass jars, label with the contents and store in a cool, dark place when not in use. The vitamin E oil works as a preservative, so refrigeration is not necessary if used within about three months.
Step 5
To use your homemade under eye cream, dab a bit on your ring finger and gently pat under the eye, starting at the outside and working your way in. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends applying with a light tapping motion to stimulate the skin rather than rubbing in, which may promote wrinkles.
Tips and Warnings
- If fresh violet flowers and leaves are not available, use ½ cup of dried horsetail, which is also believed to have a softening and firming effect on the skin. This recipe makes approximately 30 1/4-ounce containers of under eye cream. Decorate them with stickers and ribbons and give them as gifts.
Things You'll Need
- ½ cup fresh violet petals
- ½ cup fresh violet leaves
- Stainless steel pan
- 1 ¼ cups almond oil
- 2 tbsp. beeswax
- Spoon
- 10 drops vitamin E oil
- 10 drops essential oil of choice
- Glass jars for storage
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Skin Wrinkles and Blemishes Treatment
- "The Herbal Home Spa"; Greta Breedlove; 1997
- "Jude's Herbal Home Remedies"; Jude Todd; 2002
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