Do we all love chocolate? Yes! Do we want to smear it all over our faces? Yes!
Seeing as the Easter eggs are on the shelves, I thought a chocolate face masque recipe was just the ticket for those who might not be craving some of the sweet stuff just yet, but still want to experience the antioxidant benefits of mood-enhancing cacao.
You will need:
20g organic raw cacao powder
Vegetable glycerin (derived from coconut)
Organic orange blossom floral water (pure with no alcohol added) – dry skin
Organic rose floral water (pure with no alcohol added) – sensitive skin
Organic geranium floral water (pure with no alcohol added) – combination skin
Organic ylang ylang floral water (pure with no alcohol added) – oily skin
It’s important the cacao powder is organic and raw, as the commercial cocoa powder you buy is mixed with milk and sugar; the antioxidant benefits being virtually nil!
In a bowl, mix the cacao powder with your floral water of choice. Add a teaspoon of floral water, one at a time, until you get a nice paste; not too runny or too thick. Next add some vegetable glycerin to bind the ingredients. Vegetable glycerin is a humectant and draws moisture to the skin, it leaves your skin silky smooth and is a great skin moisturiser for those suffering from psoriasis, eczema and dry skin. Less is more with vegetable glycerin so add a capful at a time until your paste has a silky, smooth appearance.
Not only will the aroma of this luxury facial paste boost your serotonin levels, the amino acid tryptophan found in cacao enhances relaxation. It has also been proven to reverse many of the behavioural symptoms of age including irritability, anxiety and stress. As well as the psychological benefits, cacao is rich in sulphur and magnesium, two beauty minerals that promote strong nails, glowing skin and luxurious hair. Do you need another reason to use pure cacao?!
Apply the facial paste to clean skin. If you have make-up on, I suggest removing it with a vegetable oil rather than a skin-stripping cleanser. Massage the paste into your skin using circular movements from neck to forehead. Take 5 minutes to gently repeat this massage to boost circulation and prep the skin to absorb the nutrients. Cover your face and neck with the rest of the facial paste and put your feet up for 20 minutes.
Enjoy!
