Little Green Dot

Category: Beauty

When I saw the price tag I did a double take

I’m in a trendy area in Singapore, window shopping, when I see this beautiful body scrub. My first instinct is to read the ingredients – it’s all natural, made with coffee and sea salt, coconut oil… mmmmm!

And then I see the price. It costs $60…

ouch!

When I think back to what got me started into this wellness journey – it was out of pure frustration. I’d just learned that the trusted skincare brand I’d been using on my three-year-old daughter was full of weird and unnerving ingredients.

I was upset at myself for not knowing sooner. I was nervous about making more mistakes.

So, I hit the stores, determined to buy all-natural skin care. But the reality of how difficult that was soon hit me. I lived on a tight budget, in an already expensive city. Natural products were sold as a luxury, and even though I desperately wanted to use safe products for my family – I couldn’t afford them, not as an everyday option.

It seemed completely unfair that we should have to choose between using toxic commercial products, or breaking the bank going natural. I was thinking, “How can that these be our only options?” Honestly, at that point – I wasn’t just frustrated, I was angry!

They say that necessity is the mother of invention and it must be true.

I took my frustration and poured it into learning. I spent years figuring out how to make natural living a reality for our family. Soon, the frustration turned into passion and a happy obsession. And I haven’t stopped since.

For a long time, I only bought natural products as a treat. Today, I’m proud to say that natural beauty is not just reserved for special occasions. Everyday, I use the finest oils infused with nourishing herbs to moisturise our skin and hair. My children bathe in herbal baths… they smell of real flowers!

Because sometimes SelfCare Sunday comes early! ? Fill yourself up and then get right back in there! Healing Bath: Muslin Bag filled with ground oats, elderflower & coconut milk powder.

A photo posted by Little Green Dot (@littlegreendot) on Oct 7, 2015 at 3:51am PDT

It feels luxurious, but it’s completely accessible and I’m driven to show everyone how to do the same.

I know so many parents who struggle to provide their families with safe skincare. I’ve heard people say over and over again that they’d love to use more natural products, but can’t afford them. And I get it, because I was there.

I want you to know that the most empowering thing that I ever did was to not accept this as my reality – and to take action.

Take matters into your own hands

I’ve learned that making your own skin care is a real, practical and simple solution. Even though the idea of finding skincare in your kitchen or the produce aisle of the supermarket seems playful – don’t underestimate it! When you begin to learn the process, you’ll see you can create better skin care than most of what you find out there on the shelves.

It changes everything.

You’ll never again walk into a store and feel like you need to buy toxic skincare or struggle to afford natural – because you know how to care for yourself.

Stop skimping on the self-love!

Have you noticed that when you buy an expensive natural skincare product, you’re precious with it. The bottle says to use two pumps, but you use one. Maybe skip days just to get the most out of it! We’ve all done that right?

With your homemade product, you enjoy the same quality – but you’re lavish with yourself! You’re treating your full body, everyday. Every single inch of you deserves the best oils and nourishing ingredients. You walk out of your house with your head up, and when you start the day that way – watch out!

Back to that $60 scrub. One day, standing there in your naturally glowing skin – you may very well discover a natural brand that you just fall in love with. Their process, the ingredients, their story. It’s happened to me, many times!

If you choose to buy this product and bring it home – it’s not because it’s your only choice…it’s only because you WANT to.

As a maker, you know the effort that goes into making whole-food skincare. You understand the ingredients and can immediately spot an authentic brand who love what they do. It’s beautiful to support these amazing makers who are aligned with your values. You’re making an empowered choice – and that feels very different.

So, if you’re struggling to bring natural beauty into your life – start by making one recipe!

Check out this video (and don’t forget to subscribe to my channel) to see how to make your own beautiful body scrub – with my secret blend that creates a richness that I know you’ll love!

When you try it, leave me a comment and tell me what you think. And if you need advice or want help getting started, email me, I read every message.

October 17, 2015
8 Healthy Haircare Products You Should Know About
Creating a capsule collection can extend to any area of your life – your wardrobe, your kitchen, your beauty cabinet. The idea is that you carefully select only the things that you need and love, nothing more. You are curating your life and surrounding yourself with things that make you feel good, that hold a story, meaning, usefulness and beauty to you.

Here are 8 haircare products to consider for your capsule beauty collection:

BoxWood Massage Brush: Handmade by artisans in Japan, the Tsuge Boxwood Brush takes 3 years to complete one brush. It’s carved from a solid piece of wood and the wide teeth make it great for detangling Unlike plastic, this brush doesn’t break hair or create static. You care for your boxwood brush by wiping it with Camellia Oil. Using this brush stimulates the scalp, and with the oils on the wood – it conditions your hair.

If you are an appreciator of fine design, you’ll love having this gorgeous, scalp healthy brush in your capsule collection.

Find it here: Chidoriyaworld

Herbivore Beach Wave Hair Mist: You know the way your hair looks effortlessly better after a day at the beach. It’s all the salt in the water and air that gives you that lovely texture. Herbivore are makers of 100% Natural products, and bottled that beach essence in their Beach Wave Hair Mist. It has ingredients like Aloe, to keep your hair strong and hydrated and scented with essential oils!

Find it here: Herbivore

Klorane – Dry Shampoo: If like me, you’re not washing your hair everyday – you know that there’s those days where your hair starts to get a bit.. shiny. A little.. heavy. I’ve been using this dry shampoo and it’s pretty amazing the way it makes hair looks fresh and new again. It’s made well, with none of the nasties and filled with loads of goodness. It comes in oat milk, for all hair types or infused with nettle, great for oily hair. If you prefer, it comes in non-aerosol form as well (though to be honest, that’s an easy DIY!)

Find it here: Klorane – Dry Shampoo

Milk Anti-Frizz Leave In Treatment: Created with a base of organic and sustainable plants oils and infused with a blend of 16 essential oils, this leave in frizz treatment is a favorite of the hair beauty world. I heard about it through celebrity hairstylist Sunnie Brook, and you can see her talk more about it here.

I think it’s great when a product is known, not just for being organic, but for being effective!

Find it here: Milk – Reverie

Biconi Shampoo & Conditioner: If you’re dealing with hair-loss, maybe because of hormonal imbalances, pregnancy or menopause – this is a great product to consider. The star ingredient of this range is Noni Fruit, a nutrient-dense, antioxidant-rich powerhouse – which they harvest on the family farm. The shampoo is incredibly unique – it’s health food for your scalp.

The noni enzymes nourish and build strong healthy cells, to support healthy hair. If you have ever considered going to expensive hair clinics to treat hair-loss, try this shampoo first!

I have partnered with Biconi and gotten to know them very well. I think what they do is brilliant. Find out more:
Turkish Bath Towels: If you’re using a bath towel to wrap up your hair after a shower – you’re doing it wrong. It turns out the fibers and weight of your standard towel can easily break your hair. Turkish bath towels are super light weight, soft and absorbant. You can find them easily on Etsy, delivered to you straight from Turkey. They’re hand-loomed, you can find them in organic cottons and – they’re beautiful to look at!

Find it here: Etsy
Camellia Seed Oil: Long valued in Japan for beauty care (think lush, silky hair!) camellia seed penetrates the hair shaft and conditions your hair from within. It absorbs quickly and is brilliant to use with scalp massaging (try the boxwood brush) packed with antioxidants camellia seed oil promotes healthy scalp and hair. To give yourself an oil treatment, once a week, massage the oil onto your scalp, down the strands and leave it on for 20 minutes.

Find it here: Abundant Earth

Herbal Hair Rinse: I am in love with my weekly hair rinses – have you tried it? What you do is make a strong tea, in 2 cups of water and mix in 1 Tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. Pour it over your scalp, right after your shampoo. It leaves your hair so soft – it’s pretty amazing!

Thing is, finding the right herbs and tea blends can be tricky – things like horsetail, oat straw and rose petals. That’s why I like this product by Soap & Salve. They’ve custom blend organic herbs with the right properties to treat different hair types. They also have blends that brighten your natural hair color: red, brown or blonde.

Find it here: Soap & Salve

I hope that you found some new products here to explore and get to know more about. Something as simple as the shampoo that you use, can have a big impact on how you feel. Use products that you know are made well, with regard for your health and for our planet.

If you know someone who may enjoy this list – share the love by clicking the buttons below!
July 14, 2015
Herbal Teas for Beautiful Skin

While we love slathering on various skincare products for our blemishes, wrinkles, and other skin issues, we often forget that nourishing the skin from within plays a far larger role to how our skin looks like. Often we go about it the wrong way and apply harmful chemical laden synthetic beauty products that end up causing more harm than good.

What if I tell you we can all now drink our way to gorgeous glowing skin? And I’m not talking about the latest beauty pill or quick fix method but it can be simply made in the comforts of your own kitchen. Sounds tea-riffic right?

So I met with the clinical herbalist, Alina Uchida (founder of Abundant Earth) to learn more about herbal teas. We discussed on the common concerns of her clients who want to opt for natural alternatives when making real and lasting change for their skin.

So, if you have any of these skin conditions, perhaps you can grab one of these herbal teas, which has heap of benefits for healthy skin. (Note: Please be advised to consult your doctor or make an appointment with Alina for a consult)

Really? Herbal teas and teas are not the same?

Black/green/white teas, all come from the leaves of the tea bush (Camellia sinensis). The level of fermentation determines the colour – green tea being the least fermented, and highest in antioxidants. As the above all come from the same plant, they have more or less a similar chemical makeup. They all contain caffeine, tannins, and antioxidants.

Herbal teas, on the other hand, don’t come from the tea bush, but from their respective herbs. For example, Chamomile flowers, Echinacea root, Nettle leaf, all come from different plants, which have very different chemical profiles. Each possesses a wide range of active, healing phytochemicals and unique medicinal properties. Some are anti-inflammatory, some restorative, or stimulating, or relaxing.

Herbal teas are the gentlest form of Herbal Medicine, and do not contain caffeine, which makes them ideal for those of us who are caffeine sensitive, insomniacs or generally want to avoid stimulants. Herbal teas are a great ally for health and beauty, as the root to these problems more often than not originates internally, and should be treated from within.

Acne

Burdock root is an important herb for acne, as it supports your liver’s detox functions. What has the liver got to do with acne, you may ask. In short, one of the most common factors in acne is hormonal imbalance. The liver breaks down circulating hormones and toxins in our body, and prepares them for elimination. If it isn’t functioning well, you will have an excess of hormones circulating through your body.

Now that excess hormones and toxins have been processed, you must ensure that you are eliminating them efficiently. Enter Dandelion Root and Licorice Root, wonderful anti-inflammatory herbs that help move sluggish bowels. I usually like to combine these three herbs with the Red Clover (a blood purifier), in my herbal blends for acne.

Eczema

Liver supportive herbs such as Burdock and Yellow Dock help elimination of irritating toxins from your body. Combine these with Nettle Leaf (a natural antihistamine, which is rich in skin healing minerals), Red Clover (a blood purifier), and Licorice Root, for it’s anti-inflammatory properties.

Applying a strong infusion of Calendula flowers to affected skin may also help soothe the itch, reduce inflammation and dryness, and help skin healing.

Do remember that your food choices have a huge impact on your skin. Eating less processed, sugar heavy foods (acne is sometimes referred to as ‘skin diabetes’), and dairy, and more plant-based foods, will start you on the right path.

Acne & eczema are two very different conditions with different triggers/causes. And if you are thinking why I didn’t add for dry skin/ stretch marks, that’s because dry skin would probably be better off treated with oils (as dry skin is a lack of oil/digestive issue, and stretch marks is treated more topically than internally).

Healthy Hair (our scalp is our skin too!)

Healthy, strong, glossy hair feeds on an abundance of minerals, namely iron and zinc. Dandelion leaf, Burdock root are especially rich in iron, while Nettle leaf is a rich source of both minerals.

My hair and nails grow like crazy when I am on a course of Nettle concentrated infusion. To make a concentrated infusion, place around 30g of nettle leaf in a glass jar, cover with 3 cups of boiled water, screw on the lid, and leave to infuse at room temperature overnight. Next morning, strain and drink throughout the day. You can drink it as is, chilled or gently heat it up. You can try nettle concentrated infusion for hair loss!

Rosemary is another great herb for healthy hair & scalp. You can use your left over infusion for a nourishing herbal hair rinse.

Wrinkles

Gotu kola, also known as Centella, is my favourite anti-aging, rejuvenative herb. It is known as the ‘fountain of youth’, and is said to preserve the mind, as well as the body. How does it slow our ageing skin & bodies? By stimulating collagen production (our bodies produce less collagen as we age). More collagen means, skin with more elasticity, bounciness, and firmness, ie. less wrinkles. And it does this on the inside too. You will find Gotu Kola is a major ingredient in rejuvenating skin care & cellulite treatment products. On top of that, it is a fabulous tonic for frazzled, stressed out nerves.

Puffy Eyes

Puffy eyes are usually a symptom of sluggish lymphatics, or allergies, rather than late nights. As such, you may find that eye creams, gels, serums and other miracles in a bottle only help temporarily.

Calendula is a superb lymphatic herb, and may be combined with a herbal diuretic, such as dandelion leaf, to eliminate excess fluid. I would also add some Gotu Kola as it stimulates microcirculation, and improves skin tone.

For temporary relief make a strong infusion of green or black tea, and place over your eyes for 5-10 mins. The astringent effect of the tannins will help reduce puffiness.

“We are what we repeatedly do. It is said that success is the sum of small habits, repeated day in and day out. This is also true of health. The foundation for good health is cultivated day by day, cup by cup.” – Abundant Earth

written by Ferina Natasya of Musings off the Mat for Little Green Dot
photography by Little Green Dot

July 3, 2015
Secret Beauty Ingredient in Your Kitchen // And How to Use It!
You’re going to be so excited to find out that there is an incredible, skin-loving beauty ingredient, right inside your kitchen! I’d bet good money that you have a box of herbal tea in your pantry… With that tea, you can make quality skincare and see beautiful results.

Let me show you a few common teas and some ideas for how to use them. Just make sure your tea is made from 100% herbs, with no added flavourings!

What’s in your Pantry?
- Rooibos Tea: Packed with antioxidants and minerals – it’s especially good for ageing skin. It helps with cell regeneration and it’s also antibacterial which makes it great for acne prone skin.
- Chamomile Tea: A great inflammatory, which helps to reduce and soothe red or inflamed skin caused by breakouts or other skin conditions.
- Green Tea: A great amount antioxidants, really good for ageing skin. It also helps to protect your skin from free-radicals which can cause damage over time.
- Mint Tea: An astringent, which is good to control oil production and reduce breakouts. The cooling effect is great for soothing itchiness or uncomfortable skin.
- Green Tea + Rose: Antioxidant effects from the green tea, plus astringent effects from the rose to help control oil and breakouts.
- Lemongrass Tea: A powerful antibacterial, used to improve the texture of skin reducing break outs and pimples.
- Ginger Tea: Gets your circulation going, great for tired and dull skin. It has a lovely warming effect on the skin.
- Chai Tea Blend: A blend that has different herbs and spices – all with similar warming effects on the skin. Cinnamon, cloves, ginger – are great antibacterials that cleanse the skin, get’s your circulation going and gives you a lovely glow. If you’re blend has fennel in it – you’re in luck! Fennel is used in many ageing products!
- Sleepy Time Tea Blend: A blend that usually has herbs like lavender which cleanses the skin – it’s great for breakouts. Also, chamomile which soothes the skin, blackberry leaf used in ageing skincare to combat wrinkles and often too you’ll find lemongrass in the blend – which is used to improve the texture of skin reducing pimples and breakouts.
- Stevia in the blend: If your blend has stevia to sweeten, it’s good to know that stevia is also used in commercial skincare products. Its been found to help tighten and soften the skin.
How do you use the tea bags?

It couldn’t be simpler. Open the tea bag and add the herbs into your homemade products. Here are some of my favorite recipes. You can choose to add one type of tea or create a blend by adding different tea bags according to the properties you want.
When you make your recipes at home, notice the way you feel as you simplify your life, by getting the most out of the things you already have. I think you’ll feel empowered – and that only adds to the beauty that you already have!

I hope you enjoyed this article. If you did, please share it with your friends on Facebook, Pinterest or Twitter!
February 25, 2015
Dark Chocolate Body Mask & Moisturizer
I hope you’re not too gutted when I tell you this recipe is not for eating… but I promise, it’s even better for your body 🙂 This chocolatey treat is a face and body mask, cleanser and moisturizer all in one – that smells just as good as it looks!

I got the inspiration for this recipe from a popular brand that will go unnamed… it rhymes with Hush. I love their cleansers, but making it at home means we can save a lot of money and avoid the preservatives that otherwise need to be used. The idea is that you make a batch and store it in your fridge. It will last for up to one month – and once or twice a week, you grab a pinch and give your skin a good deep clean.

The ingredient list is incredibly simple and they’re all superstars:

Raw cacao powder: has an impressive antioxidant measure – even higher than blueberries. It’s going to help repair and protect your skin. Go ahead and eat your raw cacao too! Studies show it may protect against the sun and keep your skin hydrated and plump. For a great healthy treat, try this raw chocolate shake recipe.

Almond flour (ground almonds): full of oils, lots of vitamin E, it leaves your skin feeling soft and supple. It also acts as a gentle exfoliator, which helps to shed dead skin cells. It’s important to exfoliate weekly, to brighten up dull, tired complexion.

Green clay (or bentonite clay): clay gives you a deep cleanse. Your skin feels brand new after a good clay mask.

Natural oil: acts as the binder for our mixture – but more importantly – it will moisturize your skin. My favorites for my face are almond and grapeseed – they’re both very moisturizing, but also very light. You can add a few drops of jojoba, which is great for acne prone skin. Or rosehips oil, great for aging skin. If your skin is very dry, try macadamia oil. Choose one, or do a mixture. (check out my list of 6 best supermarket oils for skin) Which ever oil you choose, always go for a cold-pressed, virgin oil to get all the beneficial properties.
Dark Chocolate Body Mask & Moisturiser Recipe

This chocolatey treat is a face and body mask, cleanser and moisturiser all in one – that smells just as good as it looks!
2 tbsp almond flour

1 tbsp cacao powder

1 tbsp green clay

2-3 tbsp oil
in a large bowl, mix in the dry ingredients.

slowly pour in the oil and mix until it can hold its shape, like a play-dough consistency

store it in a jar in your fridge.
When you’re ready to use it, grab a small pinch. Mix it with a few drops of water until it thins out enough to smear onto your face.

Work it on and let it sit for 15-20 minutes, to let the ingredients have an effect and to let the clay cleanse your pores.

Wet your hands and begin to remove the mask in a circular motion to exfoliate the skin as you go. You’ll see your skin is going to feel clean, soft and have a beautiful healthy glow.

Buy your ingredients online:

Almond flour

Cacao powder

Green clay
Give it a try and let me know how it works for you!

And if you want more, join 17,000+ subscribers who receive a new recipe in their inbox every Tuesday by signing up for my newsletter below.
September 6, 2014
Superfood Green Smoothie Face & Body Mask
How’s your summer been? It’s scorching hot over here and while that makes for beautiful bright days, my skin is taking a bit of abuse. I often get emails asking about techniques to improve the skin. I think doing a face & body mask is a great ritual to start – and making it yourself is fun, easy and so inexpensive!

So this smoothie is going on our skin! 🙂

Inspired by the summer, I created this cooling mask to help to calm, heal and protect the skin. It smells fresh and green and feels so refreshing on, especially after a hot day outdoors!

cucumber: A good source of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) which is a well-known antioxidant that heals and protects our skin from free radical damage. Cucumber also has caffeic acid, which helps to prevent water retention ( a great thing for bloating ) but also for our skin, it helps to reduce puffiness.

aloe: A complete superfood! Aloe is used to heal burns, important for your skin after being out in the sun. Remember, even if you’re not sunbathing, you’re still getting exposed – which leads to damage and early signs of ageing. Aloe is like a moisturiser packed with vitamins – it will leave your skin plump and healthy.

mint: Gives a wonderful cooling effect to your mask and I love the fresh scent! Mint is great for your complexion, it awakens the skin and gets the blood flowing – leaving you with a fresh glow.

bentonite clay: clay gives body to the mask – without it, the mask would be to runny to sit on the skin and have any effect. If you don’t have bentonite clay, you can use rice powder or arrowroot powder to bulk it up. Bentonite is my favorite choice because it helps to draw out impurities from the skin, it tightens the skin and leaves you feeling completely cleansed and toned.
Superfood Green Smoothie Face & Body Mask
1/2 cucumber

1/2 cup fresh aloe or bottled 100% pure aloe gel

1/4 cup fresh mint

2-4 tablespoons bentonite clay
in a blender, blend all your fresh ingredients

pour into a container and add tablespoons of clay until the mixture becomes a thick paste

apply onto your skin (from head to toe)

allow to sit for 20 minutes, wash off with warm water

moisturise with a natural body oil
Makes 2 full body applications.

Store your left-over mask in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Choose your favorite body oil here.
I hope you’re getting as excited about whole food skincare as I am. Just get started, and you could have your first natural skincare product in just 5 minutes!

And if you want more, join 17,000+ subscribers who receive a new recipe in their inbox every Tuesday by signing up for my newsletter below.
August 23, 2014
Weekly Steam Facial Cleanse
If you like the idea of natural beauty treatments that you can do at home, you’ll love this simple facial treatment. It’s a great healthy habit to start! You’ll be getting a deep cleanse – the steam will open your pores and allow you to unclog and effectively clear your skin of build-up – which if left untreated, gives your skin a dull and textured appearance. What we want is glowing and smooth!

By adding herbs, peels and other ingredients to your steam cleanse – you’re going to get all those essential oils and their benefits! You’ll see clearer skin, less oil and breakouts. Follow your steam facial with this mask – you won’t believe how smooth your skin will feel!

Not only will you see better skin, but you’ll be making use of ingredients you already have, which what a sustainable lifestyle is all about! This recipe is more of a guide or inspiration for you to look at what’s in your pantry (or garden!). I’ll offer you some tips for different ingredients that you can use – but I hope you have fun rooting your kitchen and creating your own steam facial blends!

Here are some ideas for steam facials that you can make:

Fresh Herbs & Plants:
- Mint: invigorating, gets the blood flowing
- Thyme: great for oily skin
- Lemongrass: astringent, cleansing
- Eucalyptus: cleansing
Dried Herbs (use your tea bags!)
- Lavender: cleansing, good for acne prone skin
- Rose: astringent, tightens the pores
- Chai: the cinnamon, cardamon and spices are great antiseptics and cleansers
Rinds and Peels (don’t throw them out):
- citrus peels are loaded with essential oil that stimulate and cleanse our skin
Any combination works beautifully. I love breathing in the scent of Chai tea, but here are some other ideas:
- Orange & Mint would be great for tired skin
- Rose & Lavender for oily skin
- Lemongrass & lemon for a good thorough cleanse
All you need to do is give yourself the 15 minutes a week to do this steam cleanse – and be consistent with it. Sometimes that’s the hardest part – sticking to a new routine. But it’s exciting when you see the great results! Here’s a tip: choose a day in the week that will fit your schedule for your steam cleanse – you needn’t worry about buying ingredients or prepping anything, because you’ll be using what available to you and you can always switch it up.

It’s to easy not to try and your skin will absolutely love it!

Weekly Steam Skin Cleanse Recipe

Ingredients:
- large bowl and towel to cover your head
- boiling hot water
- your choice of fresh herbs and plants, dried herbs or citrus peels
Directions:
1. wash your face
2. add your ingredients into a bowl
3. pour in the boiling water
4. sit over the bowl with a towel over you head to receive the steam
5. end with a toner and your favorite natural serums or moisturisers
6. remember, after a steaming your face, your skin will soak up whatever you put on it – so don’t use any chemicals or synthetic products!
PS: From this to That – Smoothies and Facials
July 19, 2014
Hemp & Argan Hair Oil Treatment
A good hair oil works in two ways: massaged onto the scalp, it helps to nourish and fortify your hair follicles. Worked onto the hair, it helps to moisturise and seal your strands. I showed my friend Holly a really simple recipe, that uses some of the best oils for our hair. Once you have them on hand, you’ll be able to make a beautiful product at home that can be found in any high-end salon!!

Hemp Seed Oil: This oil is rich in essential fatty acids, vitamins and is 25% protein. You’re hair will drink it up! It’s packed with vitamin E, so a good massage on the scalp will feed in those antioxidants. Remember, healthy hair begins at the scalp. You can eat this oil too! Always eat it raw, unheated, in salad dressings, dips or in smoothies – and you’ll get those healthy benefits internally too.

Argan Oil: Prized as a moisturising oil, it’s very light weight but also very hydrating! Argan Oil is multi-use, not only will you use it in this recipe, but you can use the oil as a skin moisturiser. It’s great for under the eyes, your cuticles and any dry spots of skin.

Rosemary Essential Oil: My friend Alina, of Abundant Earth once told me that she adds rosemary oil to every hair blend she makes! She’s an incredibly informed herbalist, so I listen! Rosemary essential oil is antibacterial – massaging it onto the scalp helps to cleanse hair cuticles from bacteria that can cause scalp irritations. It feeds the scalp with antioxidants and helps to stimulate blood flow – all which leads to healthier hair.

These ingredients combined will produce an oil that your hair will absolutely love! Use it once a week – I like to put it on at night, then wash it off in the morning. The trick is to set a routine that works with your schedule. You’ll see – your hair will soon feel stronger and healthier with very little fuss!
Hemp & Argan Oil Hair Treatment Recipe
Hemp Seed Oil

Argan Oil

Rosemary Essential Oil

dark glass bottle
use a small, dark bottle to better help preserve the oils.

fill it with your blend: two parts hemp seed oil, one part argan oil

add in a few drops of rosemary essential oil, 5-10 drops for every 1/4 cup of oil blend.

How to use:

on clean hair (not covered in product), begin at the scalp. Give yourself a good massage with the oil – take your time here! We tend to focus on the hair, but healthy hair begins at the scalp!

work the oil down onto the strands

tie your hair up in a bun, or braid. Allow to sit for 20 minutes or overnight

wash as normal

you can use a tiny small amount onto dry hair to help tame frizz

you can also use this blend for your skin! It’s multi-use and rosemary is often used in anti-ageing care products for its antioxidants – so you’ll get lot’s of great use with this! Dab it around your eyes, use it on cuticles or even as an all-over nighttime moisturiser.
Hemp & Argan Oil Hair Treatment Giveaway

This giveaway has now closed. Congratulations to Angela Molinaro in Singapore. Her shopping cart is winging its way to her now! Thanks to everyone who entered – watch out for the next Recipe + Giveaway!

It’s a giveaway!! Win a shopping cart filled with everything you need to make the hair treatment, delivered straight to your door! It’s that simple! Here’s how to enter:
- Sign up for the weekly Little Green Dot newsletter and get 1 chance to win
- Don’t forget to confirm your subscription in your email (because we hate spam!)
- Get bonus chances by following Little Green Dot on Facebook,Pinterest & Instagram!
The contest will run until the end of July and then we’ll pick a winner! Good luck!

Click here to enter the giveaway!
July 9, 2014
Superfood Body Mask // Recipe + Giveaway
How many times have you seen a recipe and thought, “I’ll make it one day, as soon as I buy all the ingredients… ” But, we all know what happens – time passes and we never end up making it! Well, not this time! For this recipe, you can enter our giveaway for the chance to win all the necessary ingredients, delivered straight to your door! And it’s open to 25 countries!! Sounds good? Let’s start making!

Superfood Body Mask Recipe

This particular bodymask recipe is one of my favorites. All of the ingredients are pure super foods for the skin:

Bentonite Clay: Comes from volcanic ash, it helps to draw out impurities from the skin. You feel absolutely cleansed after a good clay mask.

Oat Flour: Soothing and moisturising – it helps to calm inflammation, irritations and when mixed with water, it produces a gel that is nourishing and protective.

Aloe Gel: Incredibly hydrating, it’s like vitamin water for the skin. Aloe is packed with nutrients and minerals and helps to heal and protect the skin.

Almond Oil: Packed with Vitamin E, an antioxidant that’s helpful against free radicals (like those caused by the sun) that can cause damage and wrinkles. Almond oil is a very light-weight oil, it moisturises the skin and is quickly absorbed.

Ingredients for one full body application:
- 4 tbsp bentonite clay
- 4 tbsp oat flour
- 2 tbsp aloe gel
- 2 tbsp almond oil
- optional: juiced cucumber (or water) if you need to thin out the paste
Directions:
- mix all of the ingredients together in a bowl. You want a consistency of a thick paste that will stick onto the skin – not crumbly or too wet.
- apply all over and allow to sit for 10 minutes
- wash in the shower
- moisturise with pure almond oil afterwards
Shopping guide:
- Get everything you need right here
Superfood Body Mask Shopping Cart Giveaway

This giveaway has now closed. Congratulations to Jennifer Perry of the United States. Her shopping cart is winging it’s way to her now. Want some inspiration for your green life? Check out Jenn’s Pinterest boards for thousand of fun, natural ideas!

It’s a giveaway!! Win a shopping cart with everything you see in the picture, delivered straight to your door! No excuses – you can make your own body-mask at home! Here’s how to enter:
- Sign up for the weekly Little Green Dot newsletter and get 1 chance to win
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The contest will run for a week and then we’ll pick a winner! Good luck!

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June 19, 2014
How to Use Your Aloe Vera Gel
Every natural home has to have aloe on hand. Whether it’s bottled, or fresh – aloe does wonders for your skin, hair and health! We all know that it’s good for burns – but you really needn’t wait for an accident to use aloe!

Benefits: Aloe packs an impressive 75 nutrients and 200 active compounds including 20 minerals, 18 amino acids and 12 vitamins – a true superfood. Not only does it nourish the body, but with its regenerative properties it helps to protect and heal it as well. I thinks it’s a good habit to apply aloe after a day out – even if you’re not out sunbathing, you’re still getting exposed to sun and pollution and this accumulation of damage is what ages us. Aloe helps the body to repair itself and boosts new cell production, making it your new favorite anti-aging care!

It works in the same way when you consume it – it helps to boost your immunity and keeps your body strong from the inside out!

Choose it: Fresh aloe is always great. When you cut out the inner fillet, you’ll see a yellow liquid form – it smells obnoxious and when consumed, it’s a laxative – so I always wash it under water first. If fresh aloe is not easy for you to come around, or if like me you go through a lot of it – I like this brand of bottled aloe vera gel, Lily of the Desert. It’s 100% pure aloe vera gel, with a natural food preservative – which I like because it also helps to preserve any skincare I make with it.

Store it: If you buy it from the bottle, store it in the fridge. It should last 6 months once opened. A fresh cut leaf keeps for 2-3 weeks in the fridge. You can just slice from it as you need.

Use it: You can apply it directly on the skin. If you use it fresh, check this post where I show how to remove the inner fillet. Here are three recipes for you to try!
Aloe Sea Salt Spray Recipe

This is skin freshener and toner that is great especially for oily skin and breakouts. When you come out of the shower, mist it on over any areas that you are breaking out. It’s even used on hair to create those natural beach waves! Sea salt is a natural detoxifier and delivers important minerals for the health our skin, but it can be drying. Aloe is a natural moisturiser, so it will help to balance it out.
1/4 cup water

1/4 cup aloe gel

1 pinch of sea salt
If using fresh aloe, cut out the inner fillet, wash it under water and blend it to liquidize.

Mix the ingredients into a spray bottle.
Aloe Clay Mask Recipe

This is such a beautiful mask. Clay is like a vacuum cleaner – sucking up excess oils, dirt, grime – you will feel so thoroughly cleansed after this treatment. Mixing it with aloe helps to soothe the skin.
2 tbsp aloe gel

1 tbsp clay powder
mix the ingredients together. This amount is enough for the face, but you can make more and do your whole body! It should form a thick paste.

Apply it onto the skin and let it sit for about 15 minutes until it dries. You’ll feel a tightness. Wash it off in the shower.
Aloe Green Shake Recipe

This is a great way to pack in loads of nutrients! It’s tasteless, so you won’t even know it’s there, but your body enjoys a cocktail of nutrients, minerals and vitamins! There are tons of recipes you can try – here’s my favorite, just add the aloe. If you haven’t tried a green shake yet, you’re going to love it! Here’s another good one:
2 cups water

2 cups spinach

1/4 cup aloe gel or 1 slice of inner fillet from a plant

1/2 lemon

1 banana

1 green apple

1 pear

1 nib ginger (optional)
blend all the ingredients until completely smooth, about 20-30 seconds.
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- Bottled Aloe Gel – I’m liking this brand, Lily of the Desert – you can pick it up at iHerb
May 20, 2014