Astringents are used to remove excess oil from the skin. This is how you can make it at home. Take 6 parts of lemon balm, 4 parts of chamomile, 1 part of rosemary, 4 parts of rose, 1 part of lemon peel, 1 part of sage and vinegar to cover, and essential oil of lavender or rose(optional). Place all herbs in a wide-mouthed jar. Add enough vinegar to come about an inch or tow above the herb mixture. Cover tightly and let it sit in a warm spot for 2-3 weeks. Strain. Reserve the liquid. To the herbal vinegar, add 1/2-1 cup of rose water. Add a drop or two of essential oil, if desired. Rebottle. This product does not need refrigeration and will stay preserved indefinitely.

Take 2 tablespoons of rosemary powder, 1 tablespoon of orange peels, 2 tablespoons of lemon peels, 1/2 teaspoon of sodium benzoate, 1/2 tablespoon of brandy, 30 mint leaves and 1 cup of rose water. Soak lemon peels, mint leaves and orange peels in boiling rose water for 1 hour. Mix other ingredients into this solution. Use after washing your face.

Rose water is known for its toning properties and is one of the best-known potions for the face. This recipe is a traditional way to prepare rose water. Be sure you have a brick and a heat-safe stainless steel pot. Take 2-3 quarts of fresh roses or rose petals, water, ice cubes or crushed ice. Put the roses in the pot. Pour in just enough water to cover the roses. Place the lid upside down on the pot. Turn on the stove and brig the water to a boil, then lower heat to a slow steady simmer. As soon as the water begins to boil, toss 2 or 3 trays of ice cubes (or a bag of ice) on top of the lid. You’ve now created a home still ! As the water boils the steam rises, hits the top of the cold lid, and condenses. Its time to stop when you have between a pi t and a quart of water that smells and tastes strongly of roses.

This is a refreshing toner for oily skin. It uses ingredients like cucumber and yogurt that are rich in their water content and hence are good on oily skins. Chop up a small-sized, fresh cucumber and liquidize it with 1/2 cup of yogurt. Apply the mixture for 5-10 minutes, and wash it off. The remainder can be stored in fridge for future use.

Dried mint is a lovely ingredient for beautiful skin. Smoothing, hydrating, and toning – mint does it all. Take some dried mint and cover it with 11/2 cups of boiling water and steep for 10 minutes. Strain and reserve the liquid, and allow to cool before using. Apply with cotton pads and use in a mister. Allow to dry on the skin naturally; no need to rinse off.