Creating refreshing beauty mists are as simple as making tea. Most flower herbs should only be steeped to preserve their healing benefits. The beauty mist that I recently created was with two of my favorite herbs: catnip and calendula.
Catnip, also called catmint, is part of the mint family yet includes the leaf and flower of the plant. I’ve found catnip infusions to be very soothing to my skin and softening to my hair. Many use this herbal infusion to prevent split ends by doing hair soaks and also as a hair conditioner. I enjoy drinking catnip tea when I feel stressed as it is also a natural sedative. Here is an article that I recently wrote about catnip.
Calendula, also called marigold, is native to northern Mediterranean countries. Calendula is an edible flower that can be used in cereals, salads and salad dressings, rice dishes, and desserts. It is most commonly used for its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties in cosmetics, yet is also antibacterial and antiviral. Calendula is wonderful for healing slow cuts or wounds while stimulating collagen production and minimizing scarring.
What you will need:
Dried Catnip
Dried Calendula
Distilled Water
Essential Oils optional
Simply steep 2 teaspoons of catnip herb and 4 tablespoons of calendula in 16 ounces of boiled distilled water. I prefer strong infusions and leave the herbs to steep overnight. How long you steep your herbs is your own personal choice. Finally strain your infusion, add a few drops of your favorite essential oils (lavender and chamomile are both lovely), and transfer your DIY Skin Hair & Body Mist to a clean cosmetic spray bottle. Please refrigerate unused portions of your body mist, or keep a small 1-2 ounce bottle with you that you know you will use throughout the day.
I purchased both catnip and calendula from Mountain Rose Herbs. Enjoy!
(General Note: Please research new herbs to ensure there is no conflict with pregnancy or medical conditions before using.)
(Image by Dawn Michelle)
Danielle says
Is the distilled water hot?
Dawn Michelle says
I recommend using distilled or purified water versus tap water. Yes you will boil the water to steep the herbs. I will clarify that in the article.
Khala says
can you use other herbs as well? i love catnip as much as the next girl but…i have cats, and they go crazy for catnip…
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Khala,
Try using rosemary instead of catnip. Let me know how you like it.
Best,
Dawn Michelle
Lisa says
How long does the mix usually last if left in the fridge? I am wondering if I make larger amounts if it will keep?
Thank you for sharing this! I want to avoid perfumes, but I am looking for a good body mist recipe that will also incorporate a nice scent.
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Lisa, I usually keep my DIY items that contain water or aloe for about a week or so. I always make small batches. If you are interested in something with a nice scent with 100% essential oils and other natural ingredients you may want to check out the DIY Fragrance Body Oil or read this article which talks about how to make your own perfume with the alcohol based method. This body mist is refreshing and rejuvenating to skin yet doesn’t have a strong scent. Hope this helps some. Best wishes!
Jess says
Do you think freezing would harm any of the beneficial properties of the herbs? I was thinking you could make a larger batch of this, freeze into an ice cube tray, and just thaw a couple out at the beginning of each week to have a fresh batch.
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Jess,
I can’t imagine that freezing this toner would cause harm to the benefits from the herbs. If this is an easier method for you go for it.
Enjoy your day!
Kat says
Hey Dawn!
I’m a recent addition to the minimialist train (from Down Under!) and I’d like to thankyou for making the transition so much easier! This website has given me a new, more hopeful outlook on doing things the natural way. You’re an inspiration 🙂
Much love,
Kat.
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Kat,
Thank you so much for your comment! Best wishes on your minimalist journey and all things natural!