Also included is information on how to make your own vinegar, red yeast rice vinegar, and rice water toners.

———————————————————————

This first link includes info on:

How to dilute vinegar to make the toner suited to your skin type–

• Sensitive skin: 1-part vinegar to 5-parts water;
• Dry skin: the ratio would be 2:5;
• Normal skin: the ratio would be half and half;
• Oily skin: 4-parts vinegar to 2-parts water (although some extremely oily MUAers reportedly use apple cider vinegar neat!!).

More helpful information like this is in the link below:

http://www.essentialdayspa.com/forum/viewthread.php?tid=5419

There are many types of toners, the link below gives a recipe for vinegar/papaya toner (do a spot test first, that baby sounds strong!):

http://www.skincareresourcecenter.com/Organic-Skin-Care.html

This link has a short bit about apple cider vinegar:

http://www.naturalskincarediy.com/?p=40

More toner recipes:

http://skin-creams-cleansers.suite101.com/article.cfm/natural_facial_toner_recipes

Skin care ingredient glossary (find the right toner ingredients):

http://www.tafreehmela.com/herbal-treatment/33471-glossary-natural-skin-care-ingredients.html

Opps, somewhat off the subject– cleanser recipes:

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080619234849AAWz8Jm

Vinegar info, many good uses listed here:

http://gomestic.com/homemaking/seven-types-of-vinegar-and-their-uses/

Skin care from India, how exotic: 

http://www.indiastudychannel.com/resources/6178-Skin-care-treatment-with-food-for-healthy-skin.aspx

Ahh, refreshing watermelon toner:

http://www.beautytipshub.com/natural-beauty-treatments/skin-care-tips/natural-facial-toners.html

More toner recipes. I like the idea of sage and vinegar together, like in one of these recipes:

http://www.a1-natural-beauty.com/Toner.html

How vinegar can improve your skin when used internally and externally:

http://store.annabellina.com/beautytips.html

Vinegar to treat acne. Recipe for green tea and vinegar toner included in this link:

http://www.detox-for-life.com/apple-cider-vinegar-acne.html

More toner recipes, plus recipes for skin revitalizing:

http://www.theblufish.com/healthnutrition/skincare/natural/toners/index.html

Info about toners, moisturizers, etc.:

http://www.mysensitiveskincare.com/skin-care-tips.html

Everything you wanted to know about apple cider vinegar, but was afraid to ask:

http://www.buzzle.com/articles/apple-cider-vinegar-acne-treatment.html

Home spun recipes with a click-able ingredient glossary:

http://www.natural-homeremedies-for-life.com/homemade-facial-toner.html

Frugal body splash recipe (excerpt):

…The apple cider vinegar as a toner balances the ph of your skin, so it can be used for both dry and oily skin. Moisturizer may not be needed. Keep your eyes closed when using the vinegar! Splash immediately with water. And be sure it’s diluted. One teaspoon to a 1/2 gallon. Incidentally, I also use apple cider vinegar in the same quantities for an after washing splash in the shower – full body, followed by a clear water rinse. Skin feels as good as it ever could. No need for moisturizer…

For more ideas check out this link:

http://www.thefrugallife.com/frugalskin.html

Ahh, Lemon-Mint Toner sounds delightful!:

http://www.fine-skin-care-products.com/facial_toners.html

For some environmental info on toners and some gentler store brands, check here:

http://www.greenyour.com/body/personal-care/facial-cleansers/tips/choose-natural-toners-and-astringents

How to use vinegar on acne:

http://www.ehow.com/how_4421049_use-rice-vinegar-acne.html

Rice water toner recipe:

http://www.vivawoman.net/2009/04/23/diy-beauty-rice-water-for-smooth-fair-skin/

Red rice vinegar toner.  After checking out these prices, keep reading and you will be able to make your own:

http://www.beautyheaven.com.au/products/21242-Red-Rice-Purifying-Rice-Toner

If your a chem major, this info will be stimulating for you:

http://www.search.com/reference/Vinegar

O.K. more chem speak… this is about red yeast rice:  http://www.search.com/reference/Red_yeast_rice

General stuff about rice vinegar. Not required reading, but helpful:

http://www.search.com/reference/Rice_vinegar

More on rice water toner:

http://greenleafskincare.com/discussions/good-skin-care-products-for-blemish-prone-dry-skin/

Everything you ever wanted to know about vinegar is right here:

http://www.vtnaturalfoods.com/info.html

More recipes, one uses pine needles in the toner:

http://www.essortment.com/lifestyle/homemadecosmeti_sntf.htm

Now you have many toner recipes to try and many ways to stay fresh as a daisy! But try as I might I could not find a red yeast rice toner recipe, so I just used my experience to come up with the recipe below.

If you would like to make your own Red Yeast Rice Toner, here is what I suggest:

Take a 1/4 cup measure of red yeast rice, add it to 1 full cup of warmed rice vinegar (both of these ingredients should be found at Asian markets). Let the mixture cool in a glass container. Put it in the fridge for one week and shake the bottle everyday. After one week, strain out the rice (keeping the liquid, this is your toner). Discard rice. Use the strength as is or dilute using the guidelines mentioned previously… or glance at them below:

How to dilute vinegar to make the toner suited to your skin type– (reminder: Use distilled water for purity or your toner may turn cloudy from chems in your drinking water):

• Sensitive skin: 1-part vinegar to 5-parts water;
• Dry skin: the ratio would be 2:5;
• Normal skin: the ratio would be half and half;
• Oily skin: 4-parts vinegar to 2-parts water

Bottle toner in a clean glass container. Lable. (Spot test to make sure you are not sensitive to ingredients). Use once or twice a day, if you have no sensitive reactions. Enjoy this cool refresher… and you’ve just saved about $20!

Say you have a tube of cleanser and you are not too happy with how your eyes burn after using it and you feel that when it washes down the sink and gets into the ocean, the “fishies” will have burning eyes too.  (Especially, if thousands of people are using the same product and washing it into the same ocean.)  But you are not sure just what is making your eyes burn because the 25 letter chemical name for most of the ingredients on the package is Greek to you.  No fear, Sheila’s Code Buster Chemical Dictionary Service is near.  Actually, they are listed right below as links.  And I warn you some of the stuff is scary.  Saving the planet is not for sissies.  But when you have the little nasty tube of eye burning cleanser in you hand and you are looking up the ingredients, there is an empowerment you would not believe in that.  You are becoming an Informed Consumer.  Congratulations!

So, First Step:  Select one product for the month.  Pick the one that is almost run out or the one that uses the harshest ingredients and investigate what the ingredients are.  Here are links to the chem dictionaries:

Quick shopper’s guide:  http://www.pioneerthinking.com/ls_naturalcosmetics.html

http://www.deancoleman.com/cosmetics.htm

http://www.cosmeticscop.com/cosmetic-ingredient-dictionary.aspx

http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/splash.php?URI=%2Findex.php

Scary, but true info.  http://www.natural-skincare-authority.com/cosmetic-chemicals.html

http://www.enviromom.com/2008/01/eco-friendly-co.htm

See how many of these chemicals are harming the environment:

http://toxtown.nlm.nih.gov/text_version/chemicals.php

Second Step:  Write down what you want the next product you purchase to do.  Do you need something that moisturizes?  Clears up excess oils? Exfoliates?  When you know what you want from the product, then it is so much easier to make a choice.

Say you are giving up a product that promotes itself as a “deep pore cleanser” and the side affect is blurred vision after use (true story!).  You decide to check out what may be causing this and, frankly, the information you find about this product is giving you a panic attack.  O.K. Calm down.  There IS a greener version “deep pore cleanser”  it is called papaya and it is totally natural and effective.  See this link for more on the Four Good Chemicals: http://greenyourskincare.wordpress.com/2009/07/27/the-four-good-chemicals-in-natural-skin-care/

Third Step:  Research your natural alternatives.  Admittedly this is kind of tricky because the big cosmetic firms simply don’t want you to know this stuff.  I say, use their research. Go to the boutique shops and ask questions to find out what “natural products” (in tiny amounts) they are using.  If they have a toner with rice flour and rice vinegar, check for recipes on the internet and make up your own. That way you save $$$ or you can look for something similar at a shop that promotes pure, natural and organic products.

Forth Step: Find out how lifestyle changes can improve your skins condition and over-all health; then, the beauty products don’t have to do all the work:

http://greenyourskincare.wordpress.com/2009/08/28/free-radicals-finding-the-facts/

http://greenyourskincare.wordpress.com/2009/08/07/exercise-and-beauty/

Fifth Step:  Enjoy knowing that the beauty product that you are using is not harming the planet and doing an effective job at helping your skin look it’s radiant best.  To see how others have created a green skin care routine for themselves, check out this link:

http://greenyourskincare.wordpress.com/2009/09/19/organizing-your-green-skin-care-routine/

http://www.treehugger.com/files/2009/12/readers-send-us-your-green-new-years-resolution-photos.php

http://www.greengiftguide.com/be_green/new_years_resolutions.shtml

http://www.thedailygreen.com/environmental-news/latest/new-years-resolutions-47121520

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jessica-jensen/green-new-years-resolutio_b_154291.html

http://www.ivillage.com/green/home/0,,dxntlg0z,00.html?nlcid=gr%7C12-29-2009%7C

http://www.seobythesea.com/?p=1161

http://www.usnews.com/money/blogs/fresh-greens/2009/1/2/green-new-years-resolutions-transportation.html

http://www.lowimpactliving.com/blog/2007/12/27/green-new-years-resolutions-2008/

http://www.ecohuddle.com/forum/thread/2256/easy-green-new-year-s-resolutions

http://www.ehow.com/how_4589133_green-new-years-resolutions-women.html

***http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/green-living/10-green-new-years-resolutions-761021.html

http://greenliving.suite101.com/article.cfm/environmental_new_year_resolutions

http://www.recycleholic.com/2009/01/green-new-years-resolutions.html

http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/01/02/green-new-years-resolutions-from-the-writers-at-eco-childs-play/

http://www.greenstudentu.com/eco_lifestyle/10_green_new_years_resolutions.aspx

http://www.foe.co.uk/resource/press_releases/green_new_year_resolutions_08122006.html

***http://www.energyrefuge.com/blog/new-years-green-resolutions-2008/

http://www.keenforgreen.com/b/green-new-years-resolutions

Pick out some green resolutions and save YOUR planet.  

NEXT POST:  Green your skin care one month at a time in the New Year.

You might be wondering about the best way to extend the shelf  life of a recipe.  Just mix the dry ingredients and put them in a pretty gift bottle (ala cookie mix in a jar).  Then give the lucky recipient instructions on how to prepare their green skin care by using moist ingredients that they have on hand in the kitchen (honey, egg whites, apple juice, whatever).  Have some fun being creative and save some money too.

When you want to see what other gifts are in Santa’s bag take a look at these links:

http://www.edf.org/article.cfm?contentID=5616

http://www.blogher.com/top-10-green-gift-guide

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/11/30/earlyshow/saturday/main3560554.shtml

http://www.treehugger.com/files/2006/12/green_gift_guid_1.php

http://www.newdream.org/holiday/giftideastaff.php

http://greenliving.suite101.com/article.cfm/go_green_this_christmas

http://greenandcleanmom.org/christmas-gifts-holiday-traditions-and-going-green/

http://www.thedailygreen.com/living-green/green-gifts

http://beyondjane.com/shopping/holidays/have-a-green-christmas-15-gift-ideas/

http://www.treehuggingfamily.com/homemade-eco-gifts-you-can-make-for-the-holidays/

*Eco packaging for skin care gifts* http://www.ecofriendlypackaging.net/

http://www.articlesbase.com/home-and-family-articles/make-it-yourself-christmas-gift-ideas-658590.html

http://beauty.suite101.com/article.cfm/homemade_beauty_gift_basket

http://www.life123.com/holidays/christmas/homemade-holiday-gifts/homemade-christmas-present-ideas.shtml

http://www.care2.com/greenliving/25-easy-homemade-gift-ideas.html#

http://www.showmomthemoney.com/10-meaningful-homemade-gift-ideas-for-a-frugal-family-christmas/

http://www.passionatehomemaking.com/2009/11/gift-ideas-for-the-natural-mama.html

http://focusorganic.com/ultimate-green-christmas-holidays-guide/

Hope you enjoyed the ideas here and have a merry and safe holiday.

Green Your Skin Care is all about making your own skin care products to make sure you are only applying the purest materials to your skin (and avoiding the waste that empty bottles create in landfills).  So, instead of going out and buying something in the store… be adventurous and make your own body butters and creams.  Here are some links to get you going.  They range from the very basic to the exotic:

Honey for skin softening:  http://www.pioneerthinking.com/honeybeauty.html

http://www.skincareresourcecenter.com/natural-skin-care-recipes.html

http://allnaturalbeauty.us/hbr_hair_skin_body.htm

Sunflower skin cream, oh my! http://www.womanjunction.com/topic/skincare/moisturizing/

http://www.helium.com/items/1558952-how-to-make-homemade-moisturizing-cold-cream

Green Tea Moisturizer:  http://crabappleherbs.com/blog/2007/02/09/winter-skin-care-green-tea-moisturizing-cream/

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0FKA/is_n1_v58/ai_18169178/

This looks likes a Spa Party winner, and it has a great name too.  http://www.beautyden.com/beautyrecipes.shtml

Mayo hair mask:  http://www.thegreengirls.com/blog/post/2009/11/Homemade-Moisturizing-Hair-Conditioner.aspx

natural moisturizer:  http://www.natural-skin-care-info.com/natural_skin_care_moisturizer.html

Resources-

http://www.buzzle.com/articles/skin-care-in-winter.html

www.skin-care-tips-online.com/Winter-Skin-Care.html

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/12/05/6-ways-to-dodge-dry-skin_n_146107.html

http://www.yourskinandsun.com/jackfrost.html

http://www.ehow.com/how_2126948_protect-skin-winter.html

http://hubpages.com/hub/-Tips-on-How-to-Protect-Your-Skin-from-Winter-Weather

mbg:  http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-184/MBG-Skinny-5-Tips-to-Protect-Your-Skin-This-Winter.html

10 Skin Savers:  http://www.pioneerthinking.com/ss_10winterskin.html

http://www.towards-sustainability.com/2008/01/damn-plastic-bags-homemade-moisturiser.html

Sheila’s Gems:  http://greenyourskincare.wordpress.com/2009/08/25/all-about-lips/

Sheila’s Bookshelf –

This book has great information on how to make your own balms and creams from herbals: http://www.amazon.com/New-Book-Herbs-Jekka-McVicar/dp/1405305797/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1251657859&sr=1-3

Next Issue:  Green Gift Giving!

All we really need is a plan, some great little techniques, and to think positive!  Don’t be afraid to treat yourself right and relax after a hard day of bargain hunting and such.  Here is a quick video to help you relax and unwind from the Mayo clinic:  http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/meditation/MM00623                                                      (and it has a candle, how Christmas-y). 

To see some simple stretches that chase away headaches, check out this link:  http://healthy-lifestyle.most-effective-solution.com/2008/10/02/simple-stretches-to-keep-common-headaches-at-bay/  and to find a great head massage to relieve tension, check out Indian Head Massage on this video:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RbudpK3505U (but you will need a partner for this).

O.K. You know how I love the spa stuff, so why not make it part of your de-stress routine this holiday season?  First some terrific home spa tips for just yourself:  http://stress.about.com/od/generaltechniques/ht/homespa.htm

Wow, wasn’t that lovely.  But, you know we can share the fun, so while passing out the gingerbread and eggnog… let’s throw a spa party!  Here are some NEW LINKS for spa party fans.  (I know you are out there.)

http://www.cbn.com/health/naturalhealth/homespa.aspx

http://www.celebrations.com/article/An-At-Home-Spa-Party  (the chocolate daiquiri looks good!)

http://www.gildentree.com/t-home-spa-party.aspx

http://www.momscape.com/articles/at-home-spa-ideas.htm

http://spas.about.com/od/homesp1/a/homespaday.htm

http://www.faithandfamilylive.com/blog/at_home_spa/

And… here are some fun NEW SKIN CARE RECIPES.   Remember to moisturize when the cold weather sets in!  http://spas.about.com/od/homesp1/a/homespaday.htm

Well, I hope you have a great Holiday Season and enjoy the time you have with your family and friends.  Remember to tell them about Sheila’s Blog, that’s a gift in it’s self.  Wink, wink!

Here are some resources and reference materials to get you started in discovering the healing of Aloe Vera:

http://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-aloe-vera.html

growing:  http://www.thegardenhelper.com/aloe~vera.html

http://www.mybeautyrecipes.com/aloe_vera.html

Recipes from cranberrylane:  http://www.cranberrylane.com/recipes-body-care.htm

http://www.healthynewage.com/skin-care-aloe.htm

http://www.guidemegreen.com/articles/article-detail.html?aID=5939

http://www.towards-sustainability.com/2008/01/damn-plastic-bags-homemade-moisturiser.html

lip gloss:  http://www.kinderinfo.com/aloe-vera-lip-gloss-recipe/

http://natural-homemade-beauty-tips.blogspot.com/2008/12/aloe-vera-cucumber-juice-recipe.html

http://leonsbeautytipsandsecrets.com/cucumber-and-aloe-vera-face-pack-for-sensitive-skin/

http://www.aloe-vera-health-benefits.com/aloe-vera-acne-mask-recipe.html

video:  http://www.livestrong.com/video/423-aloe-vera-facial-mask-recipe-/

loads of recipes:  http://www.bathandbodyrecipes.com/bath-body-recipe-554/aloe-vera-gel-lotion-recipe.html

http://www.a1-natural-beauty.com/Cleansing_Oil.html

recipes:  http://www.kitchencraftsnmore.net/bath.html

When we are talking about a Green Halloween, we are trying to make our celebration a little (o.k., a lot) more earth friendly.  For a general idea about getting things going in that direction, check out this link:  http://www.stopglobalwarming.org/sgw_read.asp?id=1141369282006 

The difference between a Green Halloween and an orange (caution light) Halloween is simple.  Just check out this post by Squidoo.  All the ideas about recycling are so cool.  After all, wasn’t Frankenstein the first real attempt at recycling? http://www.squidoo.com/green-halloween

Mahalo.com always has great party ideas, these will make your party a success:  http://www.mahalo.com/how-to-have-an-eco-friendly-halloween-party

Party games, party crafts, and party food.  These are not all green, but you can pick and choose to find some fun ideas as you read through these links:

party games:  http://www.crazystudent.com/parties/halloween/halloween-party-activities.htm

and more party games:  http://www.blackdog.net/holiday/halloween/

monster party: http://www.halloweenhowl.com/monster-party.shtml

more games:  http://halloweenalliance.com/party

dinner party ideas:  http://www.divinedinnerparty.com/halloween-food.html

party food…:  http://www.ourbestbites.com/2009/10/easy-halloween-party-food.html

free craft patterns:  http://www.allcrafts.net/halloween.htm

One more idea for a party is to have a Halloween Spa Fright Night.  Get out all the mask recipes… all bumpy and green.  Anything that was too scary for a regular spa party should fit in here.  Watch an old horror movie and relax while you wait of your pore peel to dry, then thrill your friends by removing your “skin” at the scariest part.

Tons of ideas?  Sheila’s loving it. So, have a Green Halloween.  Have fun, be safe, be green!

Resources:

http://www.gagazine.com/green-halloween-party-ideas-recycling-theme/

http://www.greenhalloween.org/

http://greenhalloween.org/blog/

http://www.inhabitat.com/2009/10/20/announcing-our-annual-green-halloween-costume-contest/

http://support.nature.org/site/PageServer?pagename=envirotips_200710

http://greenliving.suite101.com/article.cfm/online_tips_for_a_green_halloween

Did you know that after banning lead from paint and gasoline, that lead is still allowed in your lipstick?  Oh my, how did that slip through?  And though lots of hoopla surrounded the lead found in paint on toys a few years ago, it can still be found in girl’s toy jewelry?

The Daily Green has an interesting post about lead in lipstick:  http://www.thedailygreen.com/environmental-news/latest/lead-lipstick-47072702.  How do you know if something you have purchased contains lead?  This link gives you info on how to test for lead:  http://www.ceh.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=195&Itemid=207

So, which lipsticks are painting our lips with neuron toxifying lead?  Here is the name dropping list:  http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2003946692_lipstick13.html .  The way to change things is to let the make up manufacturers know that lead is not something we want on our lips and in our systems.  The next WebMD link will help you know who to contact and let your voice be heard:  http://blogs.webmd.com/health-ehome/2009/03/lead-in-lipstick-parabens-in-perfume.html (Rachel, who wrote the article, has a blog you can check out too.  http://www.ecostiletto.com/).

Now here is the really scary part.  The lead is that cute bracelet your little girl may have on could be full of lead too.  It has been going on for years and lead in toy jewelry also has to stop.   The UK is on top of it and gives us the scoop:  http://women.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/women/families/article2284276.ece and check out what ABC News has to say about the lead problem:  http://abcnews.go.com/Business/Story?id=3900505&page=1 .  More names being named here, shop accordingly…  http://www.ceh.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=38&Itemid=53.

The bottom line is,  lead is bad for you and if you are pregnant, it is really bad for your child.  Become an informed and resourceful consumer.  Here are some links to give you natural choices that get the lead out:

“Lips Against Lead” is a must read:   http://www.ecostiletto.com/index.php?/Beauty/comments/lips_against_lead-worthy_lipstick_from_terra_firma_lavera_suki_and_physicia/

Leaping Bunny checks lipsticks out:  http://www.leapingbunny.org/lip.php

Find out about some of the little nasties hiding in your toner bottle (like boric acid) by checking out this link:  http://www.101lifestyle.com/beauty/bodycare/skin/cleanskin3.html

The strength of your toner should be compatible with your skin type.  Going from a weak solution of skin soothing herbal tea (dry/sensitive skin) to a more potent blend of astringent ingredients (oily skin) and lots of places in between.  A really easy personalized toner would be to use a herb or herb combination that is good for your skin type (check out some here:   http://www.easyhomeremedy.com/beauty_care/various_skin_type_herbal.html), make a tea or infusion with the herbs you choose and play around with the astringent ingredients — like witch hazel — to make it stronger or more mild as you like.  Below are a range of toners that have an extra bonus, like built-in moisture, and great scent.

Some toners are gentle and soothing and have ingredients that can replace a moisturizer, like this one:  http://www.smartskincare.com/tips/skinrecipe_lighten_20051129.html  Other toners use herbal anti-bacterial ingredients to help defend skin against environmental damage: http://www.skincareresourcecenter.com/toner-recipe.html

For a good strong toner that clears oily skin try this Apple Toner:  http://www.spaindex.com/HomeSpa/AppleToner.htm

Rosemary Water Astringent is a nice fragrant combination that has ingredients to fight oilyness.  Maybe it should be strained and refrigerated in the last step, that may have been omitted in the instructions:  http://www.easyhomeremedy.com/beauty_care/rosemary_water_astringents_recipes.html

So as you can see, it is easy to tune up your toner.  Making the right strength to suit your skin type is the beauty of homemade skin care products. 

Resources:

http://www.ivillage.co.uk/beauty/skincare/facial/qas/0,,547687_182864,00.html

http://thebeautybrains.com/2008/07/30/whats-the-difference-between-skin-toners-and-astringents/

http://beautifulwithbrains.com/category/skincare/