Review: homemade toner

Last month I wrote about running out of my usual toner and trying a homemade version. Now, my hormones have been all over the place since HAM came into this world so my skin has been a bit spotty. The toner has helped a bit but I don't think there is much that can be done at the moment. I'm just a bit spotty for now and that's ok.

This recipe works pretty well; I give it a 7 out of 10. It's effective for removing dead, flaky skin but it doesn't leave my face feeling all that clean. If you want to try it I would recommend using the toner and then washing your face with a cleanser to get a nice, healthy, clean glow.

So it's not quite as good as the store bought brand I usually get but I will be sticking with this stuff and adjusting my routine slightly to maximize the effects on my skin.

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Homemade toner

I've run out of my toner and I wanted to try to make my own and see how it works. I really like knowing what is going into my beauty products. This recipe is easy enough, only 3 ingredients. Somehow I managed to find the time and motivation to make it in my new busy schedule of napping at odd hours and being a Guernsey.

2 parts distilled witch hazel
2 parts rose water
1 part water
1 part lemon juice

I'll let you know how it goes for me. First impressions are good. Although my skin doesn't feel as clean as it does with my precious toner, it also doesn't feel as dry and tight as it did.

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Belly itch

After having a good scratch I like to look at my belly in the mirror and imagine Ham is trying to claw his way out alien style. These are the things that amuse me.

But belly itch is not really amusing; it's annoying. All pregnant women get it to varying degrees. Even Michelle Heaton asked for tips on twitter. Celebrities: they're just like us.

As I said in my post about stretch marks: I've tried several different products: Palmers, Bio Oil, Burt's Bee's. They all work just fine. However. What has worked best for me to soothe the itch is either putting coconut oil straight on my belly or using some homemade whipped body butter. Here's my recipe:

1 cup coconut oil (solid)

1 teaspoon vitamin E

A few drops eucalyptus or peppermint essential oil

Put it all in a bowl and whip for 7-10 minutes. I add the essential oil to make it smell nice and the eucalyptus/mint has a lovely cooling effect. If you have very sensitive skin it might be better to go fragrance free. Coconut oil smells good on its own anyways.

Remaginedbydara

***If you get belly itch so bad that it keeps you up at night then talk to your midwife or GP to be safe***

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2 posh beauty products that changed my world

1. Clarins Pure Melt Cleansing Gel with Marula Oil (£19.50)

This is by far the best product I have ever found for make up removal. You don't have to scrub your pretty little eyelashes off to remove layered mascara or thick black cat eyeliner. Clarins always has a way of making their products feel luxurious, put it on dry and rinse off. Simple. You won't get that tight dry skin feeling you get after using other face washes.

2. Clinique Clarifying Lotion for Oily Skin (£25.00)

This improved my skin in ways I didn't even know were possible. +Clinique UK's description claims that it "de-flakes to reveal clearer skin." Amen, does it ever. This is the perfect, gentle, "wake up skin it's time to get ready" product.

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