Okay, so the purpose of this blog is to help you save a buck or three…Personally, I am a huge fan of MIY – make it yourself. I find that many of the things we purchase can be made at a fraction of the cost, and best of all – you KNOW what’s in there. Most of us read those really teeny tiny ingredients list (particularly cosmetics), and halfway through, we give up. Not only is it too damn small to read, it’s not even in English! All that poly whosis and whatsis is meaningless to the average person.
So, where am I going with this? Why not make it yourself? Toner can cost anything from fifty bucks upwards, depending on the brand you buy. I don’t know about you, but I would rather spend that fifty rand on something else!
Here it is, super easy and cheap:
Home made rose water toner:
All you need is some rose petals, around a cup full or so. Rinse them off first to get rid of any unwanted creepy crawlies and dust. Place in pot and just cover with water. Simmer for a few minutes. You will notice the water changes colour and the smell of the roses will be very evident ( around twenty minutes or so). Allow to cool, and place in bottle. You more than likely would have more than enough to fill your little bottle – I normally only fill my old toner bottle around halfway, and that does me for a week, using very, very generously!
Place your excess in the fridge, or freeze in quarter cup measures, so you have more when needed. You can use as is, or you could be like me and get creative.
I have been accused (unjustly!!) of sounding like a witch doctor when talking to a friend of mine regarding what I add to my rose water. I tend to add some lavender to the water before cooking, or a green tea bag, etc. I have also been known to add rose geranium to the mix (and this plant is very plentiful in this country).
Whatever floats your boat – get creative if you want! Plants like lavender and rose geranium are great for skin, or you could add a few drops of tea tree oil if you have problem skin. I normally add some ACV (apple cider vinegar) too, which can be used on its own, diluted.
The other super cheap option is ACV – most people in this country are not really aware of the benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar, and if they are, they tend to think of the stuff you can buy in the supermarket. I am talking about raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar. The stuff is kind of pricey – around R 80 for a bottle, depending on where you buy. Bear in mind though, that you would have to dilute it, so it does go quite far too. Please, please never use undiluted, and if you are just starting to use it, opt for heavily diluted. You can always lessen the dilution ratio as your skin gets used to it.