DIY Nymphéas Facial Toning Mister pairs Selkie Herbal Detangler with other natural ingredients to make a refreshing, nourishing mister that moisturizes and tones pores.
When I started out, I thought the misters I bought for my face were fine, and then I made my own. It’s at once dewier and lighter, more nourishing and better-smelling. I’ve been using this for a few months now and I’m so, so excited to share it with you!
Inspiration In A Personal Challenge
Last year I 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 Toning Facial Mister?
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. The 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 and trace amounts of oils help keep moisture in the skin without it being heavy or sticky.
Ingredients
In researching what makes a good toner, I found that you wanted something pH balanced, slightly astringent, with a smidge of moisture and beneficial 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.
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 Lotus Absolute I get from Lotus Garden Botanicals, and yes, the price is eye-watering, which is another reason this mister offer is for Patrons only. About 75,000-100,000 pink blossoms are needed to make one kilo of absolute.
More Ingredients
I was intensely selective in the other ingredients that made it into the toner. They had to work well with Selkie and also contribute to the final result in a meaningful way.
- Lotus Flower Absolute- Prized for both its enchanting aroma and nourishing properties, it was a favorite of the Greeks in beauty products.
- White Willow Bark Extract- Contains salicin, which is an antiseptic, antipyretic, anti-microbial and anti-fungal. It works wonders on acne and other breakouts.
- Witchazel Extract-Its astringent tannins that tighten and repair the skin.
- Hyaluronic Acid- Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by alleviating dry skin.
How To
Step 1
Round up and measure out your ingredients. You’ll need:
- 3 oz water (distilled or purified water is best)
- 2TB Selkie Herbal Detangler
- 2TB Witchazel Extract
- 1TB Aloe
- 1tsp White Willow Extract
- 1/2 tsp Hyaluronic Acid
- 5 drops Lotus Flower Absolute
For Storage: This makes about four ounces of toner. If you have any of the 1oz mister bottles I sell some of my products in that you need a use for, you can always fill up the bottle and keep the remainder in the fridge (which will make it last longer, too!). If you’re taking advantage of me making this for you as a Patron gift, you’ll receive a full 4oz glass mister bottle full.
Step 2
Add all ingredients into a small bowl. I go thinnest to thickest, so water first, then blending in the Selkie, white willow extract, witchazel, hyaluronic acid, and aloe. The Lotus Absolute I save for very last.
Stir gently until all ingredients are fully blended.
Step 3
Add the blended ingredients to your mister bottle. You’ll want to stop with enough space at the top so you can give everything a really good shake before using it. My favorite place to do this is right where the cylindrical sides of the bottle start to dome at the top. That way there’s still room left after you add the mister cap to shake the ingredients.
Step 4
Twist on the mister head. To do this turn until it’s barely snug, then give it another 1/4 turn. Less and it might leak, more and you’ll break the plastic neck on the mister. Give everything a really, really good shake. Because this mister isn’t loaded with emulsifiers (which keeps ingredients from separating out in commercial products), you have to do this *every time* you use the mister to get the ideal mix of ingredients on your face.
Mist! I do this first thing in the mornings (before putting on my sunscreen for the day) and also after showers, before moisturizer. 1-2 light sprays is all you need.
