Do It Yourself Says Master Beauty Chef, Carla Oates

I recently attended a workshop provided by ex-beauty editor and DIY Skincare Chef, Carla Oates. During the speedy 15 minute workshop, the lovely Carla whipped up a stimulating coffee body scrub, and a moisturising strawberry yoghurt mask, all using fresh ingredients commonly found in your fridge and kitchen cupboard. Smashing.

Bad news for me. I'm afraid the strawberries would be making their way into my stomach well before they made it onto my skin.  Order me a backup punnet. Stat.

Half for me, half for my face (photo courtesy flickr)

These days, women  are more discerning about what they should put on their skin. We want natural, we want organic, and we want it to be chemical free. And when do we want it? Now. And it's these very same principles that are used in Carla Oates DIY skincare:  high potency fresh ingredients sourced from  nature. 

Okay, so how tricky are these concoctions to make? You won't see me sweating over a Bain Marie armed with only a spatula. Carla explains that all you need is a little time and to purchase a few of the more unique ingredients such as essential oils, floral waters, and carrier oils  (readily available at health food stores). Armed with these you can make anything from cleansers, toners, and moisturisers to shampoo, deodorant, and insect repellent.

And you don't need to be wearing a kaftan, chunky beaded necklaces and Birkentstocks. Man.

And Carla has written it all down in her fabulous little book with an incredibly pretty illustrated cover by Liselotte Watkens. I also managed to find a few recipes reproduced already on the Manchester Evening News no less, so I will share them below.

Quickie Lemon and Olive Scrub for Hands
Ingredients
1 tablespoon of granulated raw sugar
2 teaspoons lemon juice
2 teaspoons olive oil
Method
Combine the ingredients thoroughly. Rub onto damp hands and rinse.

Lady Muck’s Pre-Party Facial
Ingredients
1 egg white
1 teaspoon strong chamomile tea, cooled
Method
Whisk the egg white until a little foamy then add the chamomile tea. Apply lightly with a brush. Leave on for 15 minutes before removing with tepid water and a flannel.

Pineapple and Yolk Nail Softener and Cuticle Exfoliant
Ingredients
2 tablespoons pineapple juice
1 tablespoon egg yolk
Method
Combine the ingredients. Massage into the cuticle area, leave on for a couple of minutes, then rinse off.

Beetroot and Orange Lip and Cheek Tint 
Ingredients
2 teaspoons beetroot powder or crystals
3 teaspoons of vodka
¼1 teaspoon vegetable glycerine
3 drops sweet orange essential oil

Method
Dissolve the beetroot powder into the vodka.
Add the glycerine and oil, mixing well.
Apply with a brush.
Store in a bottle for up to three months in the fridge. 

(Repeatedly lick lips and do not attempt to operate heavy machinery)

The best thing about DIY skincare? Any leftovers can be cooked Nigella style and eaten at Midnight.

Carla Oates book, Feeding Your Skin can be purchased from Amazon

Now, can you go away and make these recipes and tell me what you think? I am busy right now on sofa duty.

And have you dabbled in DIY skincare? Wins? Fails?

I had the best slice of Black Forest cake tonight. What's your best cake EVER?