DIY Mermaid Face Mask with Selkie, Green Clay & Kelp pairs Selkie Herbal Detangler with other natural ingredients to make a rich, nourishing mud that moisturizes, gently exfoliates, and sucks the crud out of pores.
The product of mine that this is replacing billed itself as ‘face food’ and that’s exactly what my DIY Mermaid Face Mask with Selkie, Green Clay & Kelpis. It’s not just a pore cleanser, but overall skin nourishment and rebalancing.
DIY…Unless you’re one of my Patrons, then I’ll make it for you!
At the very end of this article is a limited-time offer for Patrons only through Dec 1, 2019. Picking up the special offer will also net you the 15% off Evergreen Discount, which is already applied to the price of the Mermaid Mud.
Inspiration In A Personal Challenge
I recently issued myself a challenge to stop buying the vast majority of my current face and skin care supplies and, instead, make them myself, both to limit the number of single-use plastic containers I’m contributing to, but also because, honestly? A lot of the products I make have simple, natural ingredients anyway. The vast majority of the work would be simply figuring out the right ratios and method.
What Makes Selkie Herbal Detangler Great in A Face Mud?
Every ingredient in Selkie is vegan, hand-blended, and certified organic.
Distilled WaterWater that has been boiled into a vapor and condensed into a liquid in a separate container, removing impurities such as chlorine, bacteria, and minerals. More, Slippery ElmDescription Ulmus rubra is a species of elm that has a mucilaginous inner bark, and it is this that gives natural slip and hydration to Selkie. It also naturally softens hair, provide natural plant protein, adds shine, and soothes an itchy or dry scalp More Infusion, Aloe Vera GelWhile well-known for its benefits to skin, this mucilaginous ingredient provides deep moisturizing effects to the hair and scalp as well. In addition it helps restore pH levels and has both emollient and moisturizing properties, meaning that it smooths the cuticle and attracts and seals in moisture More, Apple Cider VinegarThe mildly acidic nature of this helps balance pH of hair and skin and also helps to remove buildup. ACV encourages the cuticle of the hair to lay closed, making hair shine and tangle less. More, Argan OilSometimes called “Miracle Oil,” argan oil is extracted from kernels of Argan fruit by crushing. It is swiftly taking the place of other natural oils for hair protection and treatment. Argan oil contains tocopherols (vitamin E), phenols, carotenes, squalene, and fatty acids, making it both light and great for brittle hair. More, Borage OilSometimes known as starflower, borage grows wildly in many parts of the world. Borage oil is extracted from the seeds of the plant, and its essential ingredient has been found to be gamma linolenic acid, commonly known as GLA, which is an essential fatty acid that provides a replenishing effect on the skin and hair, and is able to restore... More, Camelina OilKnown as the “gold of pleasure” to Europeans not long ago. Rich in natural antioxidants, Omega-3 fatty acids, tocopherols, and high in vitamin E content, Camelina oil is truly under appreciated. More, Vitamin E OilPrevents rancidity and it acts as an anti-oxidant.Obtained by vacuum distillation of vegetable fats derived from non-GMO soy sources. More, Catnip Essential OilA stimulant, catnip can increase blood flow to the scalp, encouraging growth. It’s astringent properties help tighten muscles and skin, helping to reduce shedding in some cases. Catnip is also reputed to assist in reducing split ends. More, Cedarwood Essential OilExcellent for both hair and skin care. It balances oily skin, soothes and helps to heal skin rashes, and reduces oil in hair and skin. More, Lavender Essential OilEnhances hair growth by stimulating the scalp. The name “lavender” is derived from the Latin lavare, meaning, “to wash” and was known as one of the seven polyvalents (effective against many toxins). More, Lime Essential OilA bright scent, lime is antiviral, astringent, and bactericidal. It is at once a cleansing and moisturizing oil, helping with dandruff and scalp buildup More, Petitgrain Essential OilMade from the leaves and twigs of this amazing tree, it is antiseptic, antispasmodic, a natural deodorant, and nervine. Use in a hair oil will leave hair and scalp fragrant (petitgrain has woody, citrus and floral notes all in one!), while soothing and preventing bacterial and fungal growth. More, Sage Essential OilA scalp soother and astringent, the herb is of ancient repute, valued as a culinary and medicinal plant – called herba sacra, ‘sacred herb’, by the Romans. More, and Vanilla Bourbon CO2 ExtractVanilla is not produced as pure essential oil, but as an absolute or CO2 extract. It is well advised to question the authenticity of Vanilla labeled pure essential oil. This soothing scent is perfect for relaxing and meditation. More.
This means you get a LOT of fantastic liquid ingredients pre-blended in a pH balanced ratio. No measuring, counting drops, or guesswork needed. The ends results were fantastic: I ended up with a thick, nourishing mask that didn’t drip, that made my skin feel hydrated and firm, and that visibly reduced my pores.
Ingredients
In researching what makes a good facial mask I found that most of them were a combination of clay, moisturizing elements, something astringent, and essential oils. I already knew that Selkie is AMAZING for skin, I use it as a body mister, too, and came up with this recipe that saves me (and you!) from having to blend a ton of ingredients. Selkie is going to do a bunch of the work for us!
- Selkie Herbal Detangler- Gives us all the nourishing ingredients above in one handy bottle!
- Aloe Vera Gel- Provides slip, moisture to the skin, and helps it stick to the face.
- Honey- Naturally antibacterial, full of antioxidants, and naturally moisturizing. I’m using honeyOur honey is from our own bees, organically and ethically kept with the goal of putting more pollinators into the world rather than maximizing honey production. Chock full of humectants that nourish and moisture the hair, skin and the body, honey is also an anti-microbial and anti-fungal. More from our own bees! Ethically kept, we only harvest what the bees themselves don’t use or need.
- Sea Kelp Powder- Helps soften and hydrate skin, and helps skin retain moisture longer.
- French Green Clay- Wicks oils and other impurities out of pores, leaving skin clean and toned.
Sourcing
Many of my ingredients come from Mountain Rose Herbs; I’m not an affiliate and get nothing from dropping their name, but I love and trust their products. The Vanilla Bourbon CO2 Extract comes from Lotus Garden Botanicals: same thing here, I am impressed with their quality and like to be transparent in my sourcing.
How To
Step 1
Round up and measure out your ingredients. You’ll need:
- 3TB Selkie Herbal Detangler
- 2TB Kelp Powder
- 2TB Green Clay
- 2TB HoneyOur honey is from our own bees, organically and ethically kept with the goal of putting more pollinators into the world rather than maximizing honey production. Chock full of humectants that nourish and moisture the hair, skin and the body, honey is also an anti-microbial and anti-fungal. More
- 1TB Aloe
- Optional: 20 drops additional Selkie Essential Oil Blend
For Storage: This makes about three ounces of facial mask. If you have a couple 2 ounce salve or Thriae jars handy, this will fit in there (it will fill one with overflow, so two jars is best). Any airtight container will work. You can find the little wooden container I’m using here. I’m not sure how well it will hold up to this purpose long-term, but I’m willing to find out.
Step 2
In a small bowl, blend together the wet ingredients: 3TB Selkie Herbal Detangler, 2TB aloe, and 2TB honeyOur honey is from our own bees, organically and ethically kept with the goal of putting more pollinators into the world rather than maximizing honey production. Chock full of humectants that nourish and moisture the hair, skin and the body, honey is also an anti-microbial and anti-fungal. More.
You want to stir it until the honeyOur honey is from our own bees, organically and ethically kept with the goal of putting more pollinators into the world rather than maximizing honey production. Chock full of humectants that nourish and moisture the hair, skin and the body, honey is also an anti-microbial and anti-fungal. More and aloe are fully dissolved into the Selkie without any thicker swirls.
Step 3
Add 2TB kelp powder and 2TB green clay and blend. I recommend adding the dry ingredients in a little at a time and blending as you go rather than dumping them in all at once and then mixing. Doing it this way will eliminate lumpy pockets of powder. This is going to be THICK and that’s a good thing! The texture keeps it from running off your face, even in a hot shower. Still, if you find it too thick to your liking feel free to thin it out with either more Selkie or some water.
Step 4 (optional)
Add 20 drops Selkie Essential Oil Blend. When I got to this point I realized I had an awesome facial mask, but it was missing one of my favorite things about Selkie, the smell! Selkie’s aroma is one of crisp sea-spray over alluring sun-basked vanilla and herbs.
I’ll admit to really, REALLY loving the smell of Selkie, so much so that I also use the blended essential oils in my diffuser. Having some pre-blended and handy, I added 20 drops and the smell of Selkie once again came out over the earthier smell of the mask.
If you don’t have Selkie Essential Oil Blend handy, you can add 20 drops of any of the oils that are already in Selkie– they’ll all smell fantastic and play nice: Lavender, Cedarwood, Lime, Sage, or Vanilla CO2 extract (do NOT use vanilla extract meant for cooking, it’s alcohol-based and will dry out your skin).
Step 5
Apply the DIY Mermaid Facial Mask to either dry or damp skin with your fingertips (I’ve done both and it works great, so it’s utterly your preference!). You want to be generous with it, but not go so overboard its own weight causes it to drop off.
My favorite place to use this is in the shower. It’s thick enough to stick onto my face in spite of the mist and steam, I leave it on for 10 minutes or so, then gently rub it around for some very gentle exfoliation before I rinse it off.
Do not eat!
It is going to smell AMAZING. It’s going to be sweet-tasting because of the honeyOur honey is from our own bees, organically and ethically kept with the goal of putting more pollinators into the world rather than maximizing honey production. Chock full of humectants that nourish and moisture the hair, skin and the body, honey is also an anti-microbial and anti-fungal. More, too. If you get a little bit on your lips and in your mouth that’s all right, it won’t kill you, but make an effort not to lick your lips with the facial mask on.
