Cleopatra is notorious for her milk bathes and kohl eyeliner. The Pharaoh(ess) indulged in a natural beauty regime (I meant routine, of course) that included a large variety of herbs, plants, and raw ingredients including aloe vera, which is our star ingredient today. Queen Nefertiti is also known for using aloe vera to help promote healthy skin.

Aloe Vera is anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and soothing. It can help prevent scars and contains salicylic acid which helps combat acne. It also helps to improve the elasticity of skin, preventing wrinkles.
This aloe vera cleanser is indeed fit for a Queen! Something about creating my own beauty products makes me feel like royalty myself.

This recipe fills a 4 oz container. I usually recommend using glass bottles and jars but because we put these in the shower (especially if you have little ones), I recommend using "safe" plastic bottle likes these clear ones or these pretty blue ones. 

If you have dry skin, skip the castile soap and use an extra tablespoon of almond, castor or olive oil. You can also interchange these with the almond oil below. I buy most of my carrier oils from Mountain Rose Herbs but you can find the sweet almond oil on amazon as well. 

Aloe Vera Facial Cleanser

5 TB aloe vera gel (or heaping 1/4 cup)
2 TB sweet almond oil
1 TB castile soap (as noted above, skip if dry skin and replace with an extra tb of oil)
15-20 drops Essential oils (optional)

Directions:
Add aloe vera gel (using funnel) to bottle. Shake to break up chunks. Combine rest of ingredients in bottle. Shake vigorously to mix. (May seperate over time so just shake to mix - mine never does seperate though).

To use:
Wet face with warm water (too hot and it can actually work against you). Pour a small dollop on your clean fingers rubbing them together. Start at your forehead, working toward your nose then out toward your cheeks and eventually down to your neck. Using a muslin cloth, rinse your face with cooler water to help close pores. Pat dry with clean, unused towel. Voila!

I originally posted this in 2012 and it was re-published in Willow and Sage magazine but it's a great recipe and I know it will help someone besides myself! I love making my own body care and I think in these trying times, it's important to learn how to make more and more recipes. 

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