Not-so-magic potions

On Wednesday, I headed over to the makelounge (a craft workshop in Islington, London) and spent the evening making skincare products.

I wish I could share just how delicious these smell!

I've been to quite a few workshops, at the makelounge and elsewhere, but this is by far the best one I've ever been to. Ever. The tutor, Karen Gilbert, really knows her stuff and is clearly passionate about natural skincare. And she's an excellent teacher.

I was surprised by how amazingly simple it is to make your own skincare products. I had imagined a complex process, involving lab equipment and weird chemical compounds (have you seen the ingredients list on your moisturiser?!). But actually all the ingredients required are completely natural (apart from the preservative, but you only need a few drops), easy to get hold of, and best of all, you get to pick the fragrances (essential oils) you like best.

All of the products we made were prepared in a basic kitchen pan (so no fancy equipment is needed), and each has approximately six ingredients. Six ingredients that don't require a chemistry degree to understand. Oh, and each took about ten minutes to make. It takes me so much longer to go to the shops and buy my skincare!

I've used all of them already, and so far, they work really well (and smell so delicious!!). Honestly, I don't think I'll go back to using shop-bought skincare products. Karen has a book with more recipes, which I can't wait to get my hands on!

I should add that I'm not benefiting in any way from this gush of enthusiasm.

Have a lovely weekend and speak soon!