I have been following a multi-step facial regimen that has made a difference in my visage glow factor. These facials are geared towards my skin type, which is sensitive and maturing. With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, I chose roses and hibiscus for their love energies and hot pink flair. I thought of love and self-love. The facial process is an act of self-love you can do while setting good intentions for yourself.
First, assemble all your ingredients and start making the clay mask. Next, get the water simmering for the steam and your hibiscus tea before you wash your face.
Step 1: Cleanse
Whenever you are doing at-home facials, always start with a clean slate. Use your favorite gentle cleanser.
Step 2: Rose Petal Steam
I grew up in the 80s watching beauty videos of Donna Mills doing facial steams with herbal tea. Facial steaming isn’t as in vogue as it used to be but as long as you keep your face far enough away from the heat this is a great way to prepare for the next step. The Rose Clay Mask will draw out impurities. Everything is an exchange. You must take out negative energy and insert positive energy. Roses embody love. As you hold your head over the steam, inhale and exhale with the energy of the roses. Breathe out negative self-talk and breathe in love for yourself.
Put a handful of rose petals and a glass bowl. Simmer some water on the stovetop. Add enough water for the steam and a cup of hibiscus tea for step 4, the sheet mask. You don’t want to boil the water. Just simmer to create steam. Once it is simmering pour it over the roses, and your Hibiscus Tea in a separate cup. You want enough water to create a nice steam and be able to tent your head over the bowl with a towel over your head and stay six inches away from the water. Set a timer and hold your head this way for 5 minutes.
Step 3: Rose Clay Mask
2 teaspoons kaolin clay
1/2 teaspoon rose clay
Water as needed
1/2 teaspoon rose-infused almond oil*
1-2 drops rose absolute oil (optional)
Mix the clays in a small bowl. Start with one teaspoon of water and add more as needed. You want a thick paste and keep in mind you will be adding oil to this. Adding the oil makes it less drying. I also like to add a couple of drops of essential oils to any clay mask to cover the clay smell. The clay smell is just off-putting to me. You can leave out the rose absolute or put in another oil, such as lavender essential oil.
Once all the ingredients are added mix well and spread onto your face. You can use your fingertips or I like to use a silicone face mask applicator tool (Amazon). Leave on for 5 minutes or until the mask feels dry. I like to rinse with warm water and use a reusable face scrubby to add exfoliation. While the mask is sitting, I mix ingredients for the sheet mask.
Step 4: Rose Hibiscus Sheet Mask
2 tablespoons hibiscus tea, cooled
1/2 teaspoon honey
1/4 teaspoon rose-infused almond oil*
Disposable sheet mask (Amazon)
Whisk all ingredients together and dip in your sheet mask. It will be an amazing hot pink! Once the mask is saturated, place it on the face and leave it on for 15 minutes. Peel the sheet mask off and rinse your face with warm water. Dry your face and move to the last step to lock in moisture.
Step 5: Moisturize
End your facial with your favorite moisturizer. Your skin should look glowy and wonderful by now.
*A note about the rose-infused almond oil. I made this oil a few months back. You can make any herb or flower-infused oil. Fill a jar 1/3 with dried herbs or flowers and the rest with oil of your choice. I make mine by the full moon, then gently shake it once a day and let it steep until the next full moon. When you reach the next full moon, strain out the herbs and you have a nice herb or flower-infused oil to use for many applications. I apply it neat as a facial oil. I have used it in lotion bars, body butter, and lip balm.
Enjoy your glow and enjoy this Valentine’s Day Self-Love Facial!
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