Astringents
Calendula and witch hazel, traditionally known as two of the best 
natural healers, are astringents. This group of plants contains
tannins -- compounds that react with proteins to produce a 
contracting and tightening effect on tissues to which they are applied.

Emollients
These sooth and lubricate the skin surface. Violet and Irish moss are 
two of the most effective. Both contain mucilages -- compounds that form gels when mixed with water making them easy to use on the skin.

Moisturizers
Both almond oil and sunflower oil have a softening, moisturizing
action on the skin. Almond oil also has a reputation as a cleanser.

You should match herbal cosmetics to your skin type, as you
would any other skin-care products. If you have oily skin, select
preparations containing astringent herbs, which tighten the
skin, encouraging the closing of pores and the healing of blemishes.
For dry skin, use emollient herbs, which soften, soothe, and
lubricate, supplementing the skin's own protective oils. For a
simple cleanser, try using a normal strength infusion of chamomile,
elder flowers, marigold, violet, or yarrow, choosing the herb for its extra
properties listed in the chart below. Strain the liquid through a
coffee filter and store it in the refrigerator.

Elder flowers	Cleansing, emollient, lightening, promotes sweating
Irish moss	Emollient
Violet	Cleansing, emollient
Marsh mallow	Emollient
Comfrey	Emollient
Marigold	Cleansing, astringent, promotes healing of wounds, toning
Witch hazel	Astringent, promotes healing of wounds
Thyme	Toning, refreshing, disinfectant
Yarrow	Cleansing, toning, promotes sweating
Chamomile	Cleansing, cooling, lightening, anti-inflammatory
Lavender	Antiseptic, stimulating
Calendula (Pot Marigold)	Antibacterial, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, & astringent. Calendula (pot marigold) should not be confused with French marigold (Tagetes patula), which is used as an insecticide and weed killer.

Note: Rosewater and vitamin E capsules are available at most
drugstores. Essential oil fragrance available at specialty fragrance, 
bath or herb shops.

Below are some recipes for cleansers, toners, and nourishers, Use
cleansers night and morning on cotton balls to remove dirt and
make-up. Use toners after a bath or facial steam -- gently wipe
the face and neck with moistened cotton balls. Massage 
nourishing cream into the skin at night.

Herb Soap The alkalinity of most soaps can upset the skin's natural acidity, making it feel tight and irritated, so use this gentle herbal soap with warm or cool water -- avoid excessive heat or cold. 5 oz simple uncolored, unscented soap 3 oz whole fresh rosemary or marjoram 10 oz water 2 teaspoons oil of rosemary or sandalwood Coarsely grate the soap into a bowl. Make a normal-strength infusion of your chosen herb and let stand for 30 minutes. Strain the infusion on to the soap and stand the bowl over a pan of simmering water. Stir as the soap melts and whisk hard until smooth. Remove from heat and beat in the essential oil. Pour quickly into molds. When cool, cover with greaseproof paper and leave in a warm, dry place for about eight weeks until hard. Variation: For wash balls, use 5 fluid ounces of rosewater instead of the herb infusion. Rosewater is slightly astringent. Form the soap into small balls and dry in a warm place. To finish, moisten your hands with rosewater and smooth each ball to make the surface shiny.

Creamy Calendula Cleanser 4 tablespoons olive or almond oil 2 tablespoons dried calendula flowers Few drops of violet, orange blossom or rose water Warm the oil in a bowl placed over a saucepan of hot water. Stir in the dried flowers and continue to heat gently for 30 minutes. Remove from heat, allow to cool, strain, and stir in the flower water.

Cleansing Complexion Milk To remove ingrained grease and dirt, deep cleansing is often necessary. Used night and morning, this milk will cool and cleanse your skin. Apply it on cotton balls or soft tissue. It contains several ingredients that are good for the skin. Oil of lemon is acidic and refreshing. Marigold is an astringent that is good for blemished skins. Almond "milk" is also very good for the complexion. It keeps for much longer than cow's milk. 2 oz ground almonds 5 oz water 3 tablespoons strong infusion of marigold 1 teaspoon borax 2 tablespoons grape seed oil 5 drops oil of lemon Tie the almonds in a muslin bag and soak in the 5 oz of water in a bowl for several hours, pressing occasionally with a spoon. Lift out the bag of almonds and squeeze dry. (You can set this aside for use as a bath bag, see Hydrotherapy). Reserve the milky almond liquid. Put the marigold infusion an a cup with the borax and stand in a pan of hot water, stirring until the borax dissolves. Heat the grape seed oil and vigorously whisk in the borax solution. Add 4 tablespoons of almond milk and the oil of lemon. Cool, then pour into a bottle and shake well. Shake the complexion milk again before using.

Quick Cleansing Milk This preparation is easy to make with common ingredients. It is good for dry skins. The lemon juice it contains is astringent and quickly restores the pH balance of the skin. 1/2 small carton natural yogurt 1 tablespoon safflower oil 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice Whisk together all the ingredients and use within two days.

Cleansing Facial Steam This is a useful cleansing process for blackheads and oily skins; do not use it if you have thread veins, or your face flushes easily. Choose from the herbs listed below. This is also a good cleansing method for dry skins, provided that you follow it by massage. 2 handfuls of fresh herbs or 2 tablespoons of dried herbs, selected from: Lavender, dried lime flowers (calming), peppermint (stimulating),      rosemary or sage (soothing, refreshing) Cover your hair and lean over a bowl of hot water containing the herbs of your choice. Tent a thick bath towel over your head and shoulders and inhale the reviving aroma for 5 to 10 minutes. Afterwards you can squeeze out blackheads using a clean face tissue, not fingernails. Apply a dab of witch hazel to the spot.

Toning Flower Lotion Many soaps and cosmetics upset the skin's natural level of acidity. A healthy body restores the balance after a while, especially if you use a gentle, natural soap. This toning lotion speeds up the process, closing the pores, and tightening the skin to leave it cool and refreshed. The lemon juice provides acidity, while the witch hazel acts as an astringent. 4 tablespoons witch hazel 4 tablespoons lemon juice 4 tablespoons flower water (rose, elderflower, orange, or lavender) A few drops of oil of lemon, lavender, or rose geranium Mix all the ingredients in a jug. Pour into a bottle and shake well.