Take a peek inside the cabinet of any beauty blogger worth their salt, and you’ll likely spy a bottle of something tinged pink, all natural, and gorgeous smelling. Can you guess what this beauty essential might be? While it may be tempting to guess at the hyper expensive product du jour, the answer is much simpler – it’s rosewater!
This simple spray is experiencing a resurgence in popularity lately, thanks to its delicate scent and very real ability to calm inflamed skin, add moisture, balance pH, and boost mood (honestly the list of rosewater benefits goes on). And though rosewater may seem like a more recent beauty fad, in fact this beautifying spray has been used for thousands of years (it’s rumoured that even Cleopatra spritzed iton her face… and what’s good enough for Cleopatra…).
Rosewater by Any Other Name
Ancient Egypt aside, rosewater has been used in beauty routines the world over, from India to France. Trusted for its ability to soothe and calm nearly any type of skin, and appreciated for its simple ingredients. Or ingredient. True rosewater is simply the water distilled from rose petals. No chemicals. Just pure essence of one of the world’s loveliest flowers.
Rosewater is believed to date back to 10th century Persia. From there, it was brought to Europe during the crusades, where is was used for everything, from beauty routines to treating illnesses. These days, rosewater is most popular as a beautifier and as a culinary ingredient (it features heavily in Indian desserts).
Along with it’s gorgeous scent, rosewater could:
- Balance skin’s pH, reducing excess oil while adding moisture.
- Support cell renewal and may reduce the signs of aging thanks to antioxidants.
- Reduce redness and inflammation.
- Aid in wound healing.
How to Make Your Own Rosewater
While relatively inexpensive to purchase pre-made, making your own rosewater couldn’t be easier. The most important thing to keep in mind when sourcing ingredients is to always purchase organic roses that haven’t been treated with chemicals, like pesticides and fertilizers. Since you’ll be distilling the petals, you don’t want to risk the possibility of contamination, the results of which could have some nasty side effects!
Simply combine organic rose petals and distilled water, and follow the steps below to make your rosewater. Then combine it with clarifying witch hazel and beautifying rose otto essential oil to create a nourishing spray for face and body that harnesses the power of rosewater for everyday use!
DIY Rosewater Toner
Ingredients:
Petals from 6 large organic roses
4 cups distilled water
20 drops rose otto essential oil
Organic witch hazel
Cheese cloth
Large pot
Glass spray bottle (the spray bottle shown here is 2.5 oz.)
Optional: organic rosewater to use in place of roses and distilled water
Step 1
Rinse the roses to remove any dirt or dust. Remove the petals from the flowers and place in a large pot. Cover with 4 cups distilled water.
Step 2
Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat to low to simmer for approximately 30 minutes, or until petals become translucent and water has reduced. Remove from heat and allow to cool. Use cheesecloth to strain out the petals, squeezing out the liquid. Reserve liquid in a sealed glass jar and compost the petals.
Step 3
Fill the spray bottle about half way with your rosewater. You can also use store-bought organic rosewater if you’d rather not make it from scratch.
Step 4
Add witch hazel until bottle is nearly full.
Step 5
Add 20 drops rose otto essential oil (or more if desired). Cap spray bottle and shake to combine.
To Use
Mist face after cleansing and before moisturizing. Mist face and body anytime you need a refresh. Tip: Store your toner in the fridge to use on hot summer afternoons. Always shake before using.
Do you use rosewater? Any secret recipes? Share with us on Instagram or Facebook with @AvocadoMattress or #AvocadoGreenMagazine
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