By Melissa Corkhill
14th February 2009
If you only have 15 minutes:
PAMPER YOUR VISAGE Start with a facial steaming treatment to revitalize dry skin.
What you need: Bowl; Soft towel; Essential oils of rose and mandarin
What to do: Put two drops of each oil into a large bowl of boiling water. Place a soft fluffy towel over your head and allow your face to soak up the relaxing scented steam for 8 minutes. Finish with a facial massage using 1 tbsp of sweet almond oil with 4 drops of essential oils. Choose from ylang ylang, rose, neroli or frankincense. Gently stroke the oil over your face. Lie down for 5 minutes to allow the oils to soak into your skin.
If you only have 30 minutes:
BEST FOOT FORWARD To make a restorative footbath, take two large bowls. To one bowl add hot water and 4 drops of black pepper essential oil. Fill the other bowl with icy water and 2 drops of peppermint. Bathe your feet in the hot water for 5 minutes, then place in the cold water for 2 minutes. Repeat twice. Now dry your feet with a warm towel and dust with a silky powder. Place 8 tbsp cornstarch and 2 drops each of rosemary and tea tree essential oils in a jar with a lid. Shake to mix and dust your feet with the luxurious silky powder.
BLISSFUL BATHING Make an uplifting bath and luxuriate behind locked doors for half an hour. Take a square piece of muslin. In the centre, place half a lemon, sliced, the grated zest of 1 small orange and a tbsp of grated ginger. Tie up and add to a warm bath for a warming, invigorating soak.
If you have all the time in the world!
FLOWER POWER Make up a spicy rub for your body.
What you need: 4 tsp ground cloves; 2 tsp grated ginger 2 tsp ground cinnamon; 2 tsp ground coriander seeds; 1 tsp ground turmeric 2 tsp grated nutmeg; 1 tbsp ground sandalwood; 4 tsp rice powder (you can use baby rice for this if you have some available); 3 tbsp sweet almond oil; 4 carrots grated
What to do: Mix the spices and rice powder together. Add enough oil to make a paste. Massage this mixture into your skin all over your body, up to your neck. Relax on a towel in a warm bathroom for 10 minutes to allow the spices time to do their work. Using a flannel soaked in warm water, gently wash off the paste. Smooth the carrot over your body to soothe and moisturise the skin. Wash it off and step into a floral bath to complete the indulgent experience.
BATHING BEAUTY
1 Make up a bath oil blend using 3 tbsp sweet almond oil, 15 drops of essential oils such as jasmine, sandalwood, ylang ylang and clary sage.
2 Run a warm bath and surround it with candles.
3 Scatter the bath with petals such as jasmine, rose, hibiscus or frangipani and pour in half the oil.
4 Step in and relax for at least 20 minutes, drinking in the scent and luxurious atmosphere.
5 When ready get out of the bath and using the rest of the scented oil, massage your whole body with long deep strokes.
6 Follow this with a sensual dusting powder, made from 8 tbsp cornstarch and 2 drops each of rose absolute and jasmine essential oils.
7 Lie down in a warm room, lit with candles for some peaceful meditation.
Do you have any natural bathing tips to share? Tell us what helps you to relax at the end of a long day.
