Original publish date: January 19, 2012
Last nerve frayed? Winter weather dried out your skin? No problem. The chamomile in this mask has natural anti-inflammatory properties that will ease your nerves. The honey is a natural humectant, pulling moisture from the air and drawing it to your skin. It will leave you feeling calm and moisturized, and who wouldn’t want that?
You’ll need:
2 1/2 tsp. powdered milk
2 tsp. ground oatmeal
1 tsp. honey
2 chamomile tea bags
Brew…
Place the chamomile tea bags in your favorite mug and pour in 1 cup boiling water. Put a saucer over the cup to trap the escaping steam, which is now infused with the beneficial constituents of the chamomile flowers. Let this steep for 10 minutes.
After the tea is done steeping, remove the tea bags, squeeze out any excess water and place them in the refrigerator to cool.
Mix…
In a small bowl, mix together the powdered milk, ground oatmeal, honey and 2 tsp. of the warm chamomile tea. The warm water will draw out the beneficial elements of the oatmeal and milk, while liquefying the honey, creating a thin paste.
Relax…
Using your fingers, apply the oatmeal mixture to your forehead, then gently sweep down your temples, under your eyes and around your nose. Move your fingers in small circles as you apply more mixture to your cheeks, around your mouth and down your neck.
As you apply the mixture, pay attention to your breathing, take slow, calm breaths. Enjoy the light scent of chamomile and honey as you inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth. Feel the warm sensation of the oatmeal mixture as you gently spread it over your face.
When you’ve finished applying the mask, rinse your hands in warm water. Get the cooled tea bags from the refrigerator, then lie down with the tea bags placed over your closed eyes. Relax for 20 to 30 minutes and let the chamomile calm your skin and soothe your nerves.
And Rinse.
To rinse the mask off, use warm water and a wash cloth. You do not need to use soap or a cleanser. The mask will rinse clean without them and you want to allow the delicate essences of the chamomile flowers to linger on your skin. The honey will rinse off, leaving your skin feeling moisturized, without clogging your pores. Pat your face dry.
Dispose of (or compost!) the tea bags and finish your facial by sitting with a good book or magazine and sipping on the rest of the chamomile tea that you brewed earlier. If you’ve got the ingredients on hand, this entire process takes less than 45 minutes and can really replenish your mind and body after a draining day.
Happy brewing!
P.S. Who knew? Tea vs. Tisane
Did you know that in order for a beverage to be called “tea,” it actually needs to have tea leaves in it? So all of the herbal brews, like the chamomile tea you just made, are not actually teas…they’re tisanes, water infused with herbs. But seriously, who would ever call them that?? Chamomile tisane?
I will try this! Thanks!
Let me know how your skin feels afterwards, mine always feels so smooooth. 🙂
I will!
Hi Katie! I have a mild allergy to honey and I’m guessing that putting it on topically wouldn’t be a good idea. Any suggestions on alternative ingredients that I could use to replace the honey? I’ve got a calling for a hot bath and face mask…
Hi Jen! You can replace it with agave nectar which is becoming more readily available in grocery stores now. You can also use vegetable glycerin which is available in some natural food stores or you can order it from mountainroseherbs.com. Enjoy!
I feel calmer just reading this post so I can’t wait to use it this weekend x
Glad I could help inspire calmness in your day! 🙂
will be giving this a try!
This would probably be great after those run-ins with your evil boss. 😉
Love natural masks! And got oatmeal this week! Just need to get me some chamomile, love the idea 🙂
Sweet, let me know what you think!
What a lovely and most timely post! First, make your masque…then apply it…then, because sustainablity is all about recycling and reusing you can eat what’s left for breakfast! Too much too soon? ;). Cheers for what promises to be some serious “ME” time this weekend 🙂
Hahaha, I love that! Yes, please eat what’s left for breakfast. With all of your hard work on the farm lately, it’s time for some calming vibes!
Ooh! ooh! I have these ingredients in my pantry! I am SO trying this tonight. I’ve been on a natural/homemade kick for a while but I’m mostly dabbling in homemade cleaning solutions – so this is a great segue for me. Thanks!
Fabulous, let me know what you think!
I love love love Oatmeal. It does wonder to my skin. Thank you for the post. Can’t wait to try it 🙂
I’m so glad you stopped by…let me know how you like it! 🙂
I love that you shared this with Susie’s party… after a party it’s always nice to have a calming afternoon!
Haha, it’s true…Susie’s parties can get a little wild and you’re gonna need some calm! 😉
Great post. Can’t wait to try this one!
Thanks Jennifer! You can toss the tea in the compost when you’re done, so it’s a zero-waste mask! 🙂