Skip the cookies, add it to your skin care!

Macadamia nuts are a staple in many sweet holiday baking goods but this delicious nut is much more than a baker's friend; it is a great beauty and waistline friend. Macadamias are teaming with fiber, monounsaturated fat and palmitoleic fatty acid, an omega-7 that helps fight weight gain.

Because of the nut's high oil content it is great for mature, dry and sun-damaged skin. Macadamia nut oil is soothing, nourishing and moisturizing; it is also easily absorbed into the skin. While the oil contains unique skin care properties not found in any other oil, the nuts also work in crushed form in scrubs.

For your at-home macadamia nut scrub, try this Grapefruit Spa Salt Glow.

You'll need:

• 1/2 cup fine mineral salts
• 1/2 cup dead sea salts (don't forget your Scandle's Dead Sea Salt Soak & Scrub)
• 8 oz. macadamia nut oil
• 40 drops ruby red grapefruit essential oil
• 20 drops lemon essential oil
• 10 drops ylang ylang essential oil
  

Directions:

• Mix essential oils into the macadamia nut oil in a large bowel/container
  
• Add your salts and mix well
• Apply evenly over entire body with your hands, a loofah or a towel
• Take a shower to rinse off your scrub
• This treatment is great as a pre-shave routine, just avoid any cuts or scraps on your skin

Got any great at-home Macadamia nut remedies or treatments? Let us know.......

Scandle Lotion Candle Holiday Spa Set | Review and Giveaway

Scandle Lotion Candle Holiday Spa Set | Review and Giveaway

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Tea-rific Treatments

Tea has proven its staying power! Research shows the multiple health benefits you get from drinking a cup of green, black, chamomile, peppermint, etc.

Along with its inner beauty, teas can help with your outer beauty too!

For some outer uses, try out these at-home tea recipes:

For hair:

To add shine and bounce to a drab do, try a tea rinse. Blondies use chamomile, brunettes use black tea, and reds use an orange tea.

Boil around 2 cups of water and add 2 bags of your tea and let them sit for about 10 minutes.

Shampoo and condition your hair, then add your tea treatment.

Leave the tea in for 10 minutes then rinse with luck-warm water.

Towel dry, then style.

To keep hair looking holiday ready, use the rinse once a week.

For feet:

The holiday season is here. It comes earlier and earlier ever year. Get your feet in tip-top perfection so they won't betray you in the checkout line.

To rejuvenate tired feet and easy into shopping mode try a peppermint tea foot soak.

Brew a strong cup of peppermint tea and to a bowl of hot water. Add you favorite salt or soak (Scandle's Dead Sea Salt Soak and Scrub is perfect because it is odorless, no funny scent combinations) and relax.

Got a tea-rific beauty treatment we should know about? Let us know............

Pass the cranberries, please

Cranberries are a staple of the holiday season. They are used in candles, potpourris and sprays to enhance the "holiday spirit." And let's not forget the important part they play on Thanksgiving.

Along with these holiday season elements, cranberries are a great source of antioxidants in the form of vitamins A and C. These festive fruits have become a staple in sugar scrubs used in spas during the winter season.

To create your own at-home cranberry body scrub, follow the directions below:

• Combine 1/2 cup organic cranberries, 1/2 cup organic pomegranate airls (seeds separated from the pulp), 3 tablespoons almond oil and 1 teaspoon glycerin in a food processor or blender
• Lightly blend until the mixture has a thick consistency, avoid blending it into a paste.
• Pour the mixture in a bowl
• Blend 1/4 cup dry oatmeal into a fine powder
• Add 2 tablespoon to your cranberry mixture
• For an added spice, add 2 drops of an essential oil (such as, orange, rosemary or lavender)
• Massage the mixture into your skin and gently exfoliate, let it set for around 10 minutes, then rinse with warm water.

Got any great cranberry skin treatments? Let us know...........

Today's Featured Indie Business at Indie Beauty.....

Scandle Body Candle. To view our profile, click here. Thank you for the support!!!!

Luxurious Lavender, more than just a sweet smell

Lavender is one of the most distinctive smells in nature. Spas utilize lavender in many of their treatments because it helps relax the mind and the body.

Not only does lavender smell oh-so-relaxing, it also has purposes beyond the spa realm. Lavender can be used as a natural antiseptic, to treat minor cuts and burns and to treat bee stings, allergies and acne; and also as an anti-inflammatory.

Some research shows if you apply lavender oil to your temples, it will soothe headaches. It is also used as an aid to sleep and three flower-heads, added to a cup of boiling water can be used as a relaxing and soothing bedtime drink.


For a do-it-yourself, luxurious lavender spa treatment, see below:

Lavender Bath treatment

Ingredients:

• 4 cups distilled water
• 3 tbs. jojoba oil
• 4 drops lavender essential oil
  

Mix all of the ingredient and store in a sealed container until you are ready to use it. Pour the entire contents under hot running water and soak.

For the ultimate lavender experience, follow up your soak with Scandle Candle in Lavender or a Scandle Essentials in the Calming Blend, which contains pure french lavender essential oil.

Got any at-home lavender spa treatments? Let us know....

Scandle-ous Halloween Giveaway

Check out Romy Rave's More Halloween Treats: Some of My Favorite Pumpkin Beauty Products for a Scandle-ous review and see some other great pumpkin beauty products up for a Halloween giveaway!!

Are You "Red in the Face"?

Rosacea is a chronic skin disease which has affected millions of people worldwide. It typically occurs in people between thirty and sixty-five and is more common among women then men and in people of Scandinavian descent.

Although there is not a cure for Rosacea, many have reported good results using natural treatments that work by strengthening blood vessels and promoting healthy circulation. Some of the remedies are preventative while others are taken orally or applied to the skin. Here are some of our favorites:

Pine Tar Soap:
One remedy that is said to reduce the redness in Rosacea is pine tar soap. This is not exactly a home made remedy but something that you can apply easily. You use this by whipping up a thick lather of the soap and smoothing it on your face. Leave the lather on through the night and wash it off the same in the next morning. After that Applying bag balm to your face could prove very effective but you have to apply it for at least 10 minutes.

Fenugreek Tea:
Fenugreek tea has proven its effectiveness in reducing the damage caused by Rosacea. This tea which has shown its effectiveness in countering most skin disorders specially in the case of acne. If fenugreek tea isn’t easily available, you can buy some fenugreek and pour boiling water over it keep it for 10 minutes, drink the tea it does wonders to your skin.

Oatmeal:
Studies suggest that Oatmeal is reported to relieve itching. Also it contains antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties which may prove as a usefull tool in treating rosacea. There are many commercial sources of oatmeal formulated into skin cleansers but simply applying wet oatmeal to your skin can do the trick for you.

Keep Jack Frost from nipping at your hair

With the onset of every season, our skin and hair must adapt to the changes in weather. Now that the fall is here and winter is slowly approaching, it is time to tweak your hair care routine to keep Jack Frost from ruining your winter do.

In Dry Skin - Ten Best Quick Fixes, we got the skin covered, now here are some tips to keep your hair moisturized:

• Use a thick, moisturizing conditioner that is made specifically for your hair type (thick, thin, curly, straight, etc). They are made that way for a reason. Some ultra-moisturizing conditioners may be too heavy for thin hair.
• Go easy on the blow dryer. Towel drying hair is always the best way to keep heat-damage at bay. You can still use it in the final styling process but don't start with completely wet hair.
  
• Use hair-specific masks, serums and oils to lock moisture in at least once a week. Try to use all-natural but if you can't, make sure it is alcohol-free.
• Always use alcohol-free products when styling your hair. They will make your hair feel drier.
• And, just like with your skin, avoid those hot showers. When your hair is hit with hot water, the follicles open and the moisture escapes quicker.
  

Let us know of any great hair treatments you know?

Sensitivity, It's in your air

More than half of Americans say they have some type of skin sensitivity but a recent study says only 2 percent are actually born with it.

Skin sensitivity can result from certain products or ingredients coming in contact with your skin and causing excessive dryness, burning, redness and tightness. Sensitivity can be genetic and inherent but the majority of people that have negative reactions from products are affected so because of environmental or lifestyle factors.

Environmental factors and exposure to irritating ingredients and chemicals are known to bring on skin sensitivity. But, if the irritations are eliminated within a reasonable amount of time, your skin may return to its original state.

When caring for sensitive skin, use calming ingredients. Seaweed, olive oil, olive leaf extracts, green and white tea are natural antioxidants that help with free radical damage, and should be ingredients in your skin care and cosmetics.

Tips for sensitive skin:

1. Your cosmetics should be rich in minerals, vitamins and antioxidants in order to protect, hydrate and defend against any environmental factors attributed to skin sensitivity
2. Throw away any beauty products that may be contaminated with bacteria
3. Avoid highly fragranced products, essential oils (like The Scandle Essential Lotion Candles) are okay because they are all-natural
4. Do not over-exfoliate; avoid scrubbing or scratching
5. Always try to use products made especially for sensitive skin types

Do you have any great beauty products perfect for sensitive skin? Let us know!!

An essential head start

Scalp massages are a great way to stimulate a region of your body that, for the most part, is extremely overlooked. An invigorating scalp massage, using essential oils, can help the growth of hair by increasing the flow of blood and nutrients to this region.

Many spas are now offering this relaxing treatment to clients. Most spa scalp treatments focus on pressure points throughout the scalp, neck and head to balance out your mind and body. It is important to incorporate an oil into the massage process, the best is an essential.

Essential oils are a great, natural way to add oils and scents to any beauty routine. Also, some of these oils (peppermint, rosemary and thyme) have a lot of scalp stimulating properties. You can also add them to your already established hair routine. A few drops of an essential oil can enhance any shampoo or conditioner.

If you do use essential oils in your hair regimen, be sure to add them to a shampoo or conditioner that has a moisturizing element. Because essential oils evaporate easily and penetrate the scalp differently than other products, making them not very efficient at trapping in moisture.

But, that makes them a great addition to any massage therapy. They evaporate quickly and deeply penetrate the skin, which is why The Scandle Essentials Massage Candles have been a fave by spas and massage practices.:)

Women's small business interview series - Christine White of Scandle LLC

Women's small business interview series - Christine White of Scandle LLC

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Indonesia, just a bathtub away

Indonesia is full of ancient beauty secrets just now making their way over to us. One ancient hour-long ritual, boreh, is quite easy to achieve in your own home.

Not only is the boreh an amazing, moisturizing skin treatment, it is relatively inexpensive. Although, you might have to go to a specialty grocery store to find some of the ingredients, it is well worth the trip.

For your own Indonesian beauty ritual, try out the following boreh:

What you need:

• Soft music (try some traditional Indonesian to set the mood)
• Incense
• Flower Petals
• Borah spice past (recipe bellow)
• Ginger or coconut massage oil
• Fresh grated ginger root, steeped in hot water

Boreh

• 4 tsp. sandalwood powder
• 2 tsp. whole cloves
• 2 tsp. cinnamon
• 1 tsp. coriander
• 1-2 tsp. rice powder
• 1 tsp. turmeric
• 1 tsp. ginger spice oil
• 1 tsp. galangal water (place shredded galangal root and water and let soak over night, then strain the water)
• Grind together the first 7 using a motor and pestle. Add the ginger spice and water to make a thick paste. Add more rice powder if the paste is to hot on your skin.

For your beauty ritual:

1. Draw a warm bath with the flower petals.
2. Apply the boreh paste with your hands, using a thin layer across your body.
   
3. Wrap up in a towel and relax for 20 minutes.
4. Slip into the warm bath and stay as long you like and sip on your ginger root tea. (make sure the water stays warm)
5. After the bath, massage oil into your body starting at the feet and moving up.
   

Add some spice to your routine

Cinnamon's essential oil is an antimicrobial food, which gives it the ability to stop the growth of bacteria and fungi. Cinnamon also contains slight astringent properties, making it beneficial for skin care.

However, it might be a little overwhelming for extremely sensitive skin types. Try to always combine cinnamon with other ingredients so it does not cause irritation. Cinnamon oil also has a stimulating, warming effect, making it a popular choice for massage therapy.

In traditional Chinese medicine, cinnamon is used for its warming qualities and to provide relief when the onset symptoms of a cold begin.

To brighten up oily skin try out the facial below:

Cinnamon and Oatmeal Facial

• Combine 3 tsp. oatmeal, 3 tsp. powdered milk and 2 tsp. ground cinnamon in a bowl.
• Add just enough water to make a thick paste
• Stir in 1 tsp. vitamin E oil
• Apply the mask to your face, massaging in small circles
• Leave on for 2-3 minutes
• Rinse with warm water and apply a light moisturizer
  

Got any cinnamony treatments? Let us know about them!

Dry Skin - 10 Best Quick Fixes

Seems like it's getting colder earlier this year and along with that comes dry itchy skin. Here are 10 Quick Fixes to get rid of the "Fall/Winter" itch:

1.)Keep Water Lukewarm, Not Hot - Hot water robs skin of moisture causing dry skin, so it's best to shower in lukewarm water.

2.) Moisturize After Showers or Handwashing - Moisturizer is the key to soft supple skin. I light my Scandle lotion Candle and hop in the shower, when I get out I have just enough oil to moisturize my skin!

3.) Exfoliate on a Weekly or Semi-weekly Basis - Moisturizer is much more effective on properly exfoliated skin.

4.) Invest in a Humidifier - If you live in a low-humidity climate or you are around furnaces in the winter, invest in a humidifier.

5.) Skip the Drying Soaps - Soaps can be drying. Stick with a creamy moisturizing cleanser that contains glycerin or petrolatum.

6.) Baby Your Hands & Feet - Consider lathering up your feet in thick moisturizer and sleeping in cotton socks at night (Try our Scandle Helping Hand or Sole Survivor Treatment kits)

7.) Stay Hydrated But Don't Go Overboard Many people believe if they drink more water, they'll hydrate skin. This is a myth and you simply cannot moisturize skin from the inside out.

8.) Don't Forget Your Lips - Licking your lips will not moisturize them and instead will help dry them out.

9.) Protect Your Face, Too - Consider avoiding rinsing your face with tap water, which can contain harsh minerals that are especially drying to the skin

10.) Consider Fish Oil Pills New studies show omega-3 fish oil pills may soothe super dry skin.

Let us know of any dry skin solutions you have?