This basic matte skin cream will moisturize without leaving skin greasy. The borax in the cream acts as a mild astringent to reduce shine. Borax also gives this matte cream a creamy texture and acts as a simple preservative to prevent spoilage. You can add a couple drops of lavender or another essential oil to add scent, or leave it unscented. To help prevent acne breakouts, tea tree oil can be substituted for the essential oil, although some may find the scent off-putting.
Step 1
Place the oven-safe dish inside the pan and fill the pan with water until it is two inches from the top of the dish. Put the pan on a stove burner set to medium high heat. Put the beeswax and olive oil in the dish and stir gently with a wooden spoon until they are combined. Remove from heat.
Step 2
Microwave 4 tbsp. of distilled water in a heat-proof measuring cup until the water is hot but not boiling. Whisk the borax into the heated water until all borax is dissolved.
Step 3
Remove the oven-safe dish with the beeswax/olive oil mixture in it from the pan and set it onto a stable surface. Slowly drizzle the borax solution into the dish, stirring carefully to combine all ingredients.
Step 4
Add two to four drops of scented oil, if desired. Whisk for two to five minutes, until the mixture has started to cool and has taken on a light and airy texture.
Step 5
Transfer your matte cream to a small jar, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator. Refrigerate the cream after each use and dispose of the remaining cream after two to four weeks or the olive oil may turn rancid.
Tips and Warnings
- For a slightly longer shelf life, substitute mineral oil for the olive oil. When made with mineral oil, the matte cream will last three to six weeks if refrigerated, according to the Spa Index. Follow up the cream with a very light dusting of corn starch on the most oily portions of your face. Corn starch absorbs oil and will give your face a matte finish.
- Do not use this product on or near an infant. According to MedlinePlus, borax may be toxic to infants.
Things You'll Need
- Pot
- Oven-safe dish that fits inside the pot
- Pyrex measuring cup
- Measuring spoons
- Whisk
- Wooden spoon
- Oven mitts
- 1 oz. grated beeswax
- 6 tbsp. olive oil
- 1 tsp. borax
- 4 tbsp. distilled water
- 2 to 3 drops of an essential oil of your choice, if scent is desired
- Small clean jar with cover
- Stove
- Microwave oven
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