DIY APPLE CIDER VINEGAR (ACV) FACIAL TONER

ACV toner is very easy to make at home, and also it's very cheap when compared to what we have to pay for store-bought toners. What's more conventional toners are usually mixture of harsh chemicals such as alcohol, mineral oils, parabens, astringents or fragrances.

Apple cider vinegar is a product of apples' fermentation. Malic and lactic acids found in the vinegar gently exfoliate the skin and help to treat acne and reduce redness. ACV toner also regulates the natural pH of the skin, clears and tight the pores and lightens age or sun spots.

It's really worth to try ACV as it is so inexpensive and very beneficial for the skin.

As for the ingredients all we need is raw organic unfilterd apple cider vinegar with "mother" and destilled/mineral water.

Dillution ratios:

- for sensitive skin - mix 1 part of ACV with 4 parts of water

- for normal skin - mix 1 part of ACV with 2 parts of water

- for combination/oily skin - mix 1 part of ACV with 1 part of water

No matter what is your skin type, I suggest to use sensitive skin ratio for first time to see how your skin reacts to ACV toner. Then you can experiment with the ACV ratios and see what your skins responds the most.

DIY WHIPPED (COCOA-SHEA-COCONUT-SWEET ALMOND OIL) BODY BUTTER

Here's a recipe for a homemade whipped body butter which is really easy to make without even any experience in home-making cosmetic goodies. This butter consists of four natural and amazingly nutritious ingredients that give your skin more radiant, healthy and youthful look. And these are the heros:

* Cocoa Butter - perfect for dry skin, moisturizes and nourishes even deeper layers of the skin. It's full of antioxidants which help combat free radicals and prevents skin from ageing. Cocoa butter is also great tool for fighting against stretch marks.

* Shea Butter - rich in vitamins (A, E, F), minerals and fatty acids. Shea butter helps in rejuvenating and moisturizing the skin, stimulates cellular activity, fights the effects of aging and is unbeatable in repairing rough and damaged (also sunburned) skin.

* Sweet Almond Oil - very gentle, doesn't cause allergies. Due to content of vitamins (A,B,D,E) and fatty acids (oleic and linoleic) it balances effectively the moisture in dry and irritated skin. Sweet almond oil is easily absorbed and doesn't leave skin oily or sticky.

* Coconut Oil - rich in saturated fatty acids, vitamins (B,C,E), folic acid and minerals (potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, zinc). It's naturally antibacterial, antifunginal and also protects against UV (SPF 4-6). Coconut oil has great anti-ageing properties and can help to improve the moisture and lipid content of the skin.

As for the ingredients we need half of a glass of each oil mentioned above and additionaly/optionally few drops of favourite essential oil or/and vitamin E oil.

Directions:

1. Gently melt cocoa butter, shea butter and coconut oil in a double boiler.

2. Remove from heat, add sweet almond oil (if you're adding essential oil or vitamine E add them, too) and stir all the ingredients until blended.

3. Let the mixture cool slowly, then move to the fridge for about an hour (it should start getting white and firm).

4. Remove frome the fridge and mix for few minutes until it gets white and fluffy.

5. Store in a glass jar.

Enjoy!