Call it my communism influenced mind (I grew up in Poland) but I like to have my skincare basics handy and I like to know that I can confidently and creatively use them in case of emergencies.

It gives me the sense of being in charge of my care + I feel that I can weather anything that comes my way.

So here is my must have list:

HONEY

Wash your face with honey, apply it straight as a mask, or exfoliate with it.

It will brighten your skin, help retain its moisture and will remove dead skin cells too.

Full of antioxidants, nutrients and enzymes, honey is incredibly nourishing. It is antiseptic, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. It’s amazing.

To mask with honey, apply for 15-20minutes, wash of with tepid water & follow with your moisturizing routine.

*some have sensitivity to honey. test first.

CLAY

You need clay in your home!

My favs are White, Pink and Green Clay. I keep all three on hand and use them straight or mix them together or add them to other ingredients to create a mask. Each clay has a different mineral composition (thus different colour). Generally clays are antiseptic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, deodorizing, drawing and detoxifying.

WHITE CLAY | is the gentlest and most suitable for the sensitive, normal and dry skin. It doesn’t have the drawing properties like other clays do.

It will mineralize and sooth your skin and gently cleanse + exfoliate it.

PINK CLAY | can also be used on normal, dry and sensitive skin.

Add a pinch of pink to your white and you’ll acquire a beautiful pastel coloured mask. It makes us look super pretty with its gorgeous pink hue.

Pink is soothing and at the same time cleanses skin + stimulates circulation.

GREEN CLAY | this bad boy is great for the treatment of oily and problem skin.

It has strong drawing action and will pull toxins from the tissues.

If you have a stubborn, deep pimple you can apply green clay to the spot throughout the day and green clay will help to bring it up.

You can mix a bit of your green clay to the white clay base. It will still be gentle but with a tiny bit of a detox kick to it.

You can do a full body green clay detox mask in the spring (perfect timing). I sit in my bathtub with my body covered with green clay and rinse it off after it has completely dried.

This feels super good!

How to prepare a clay mask?

Very simple. Place a tablespoon of any of the clays in a small glass dish and drizzle purified water or herbal tea into it. Add a tiny bit at a time to form a nice creamy paste. If you put too much liquid it will become too watery.

OIL

Of course one must have organic oil at home at all times. Below are great oils which are easily accessible.

You can use them for moisturizing all over, for cleansing your face (jojoba is my favourite for this) , for oil pulling:) or in your bath.

Jojoba is suitable for everyone.

Sesame is great for dry dehydrated skin.

Sunflower is excellent for sensitive skin.

Remember that oil must be applied onto damp skin. Oil+Water= Moisturizer

HYDROSOL

Rose hydrosol is good for every skin type. Unless you have sensitivity to rose:(

It’s hydrating, cooling, refreshing and a must for moisturizing with oils and balms.

It also makes a super lovely & cooling compress over tired eyes.

DRY HERBS

These can be made into a tea, herbal compress for the face, herbal infusion for your mask or a bath…

I love the following:

Calendula

Chamomile

Mint

Rose

Rosemary

Hibiscus

ESSENTIAL OILS:

Lavadner for skin burns, to aid sleep and to help with anxiety.

Helichrysum for all skin related treatments. This one is 100% skin care superstar.

And then come your fruits, veggies, oatmeal and lentils and with them come the unlimited possibilities for creating masks, skin packs, scrubs…

I hope that my list invites you to consider your own so you too can be ready if shit ever does hit the fan.

Magdalena xo