Secrets Unveiled
 
My ayah, Sheba
has been with the family, goodness knows, for ages.
Yet, as I remember now
she seemed never to have aged.
 I remember her looking the same way she did
when I was a child -
The same natural glow to her olive skin
and sparkle to her deep black eyes.
She smelled of some mystic fragrance
of camphor and jasmine, comforting to my senses.
'Twas she who endearly nicknamed me
her little "ylang-ylang"
the sweetest perfume flower in her life,
which since then, had become my personal trademark.
Dedicated and faithful to my mother.
Although it was a topic never mentioned,
she had come into the family as a gift
given to my mother's mother.
An offering from an impoverished family
comforted by the fact that at least one child
would be well cared for in a comfortable home.
My grandm`ere, kind soul that she was,
had no need of her services,
so she was relegated
to become my mother's personal companion and playmate.
She became almost as close as a sister,
they were inseparable,
To me, she was like my second mother.
A woman as enigmatic as the country
from whence she came...
Memories recall a dark, wise, mysterious woman,
her lilting voice echoing in a sing-song canto,
as she chastened the servants.
I had a golden childhood,
filled with scented nights, dancing fireflies -
fallen stars from the twilight night,
 As Ayah sang me to sleep in some strange lullaby.
 Often she would keep me starry-eyed with wonder
as she spun the web of glorious legends,
tales of maharajahs and courtesans,
their lives, loves, triumphs and betrayals.
I usually loved to curl up and watch
as they, my mother and Ayah,
spent hours huddled together in hushed commune,
laughing over secrets.
My presence forgotten in a corner,
listening to tales i could not comprehend.
There were days when they would concoct and brew
special potions and essences...
"for beauty love and health",
as my mother would laughingly say,
from herbs, fruits and flowers,
"passsed-on-recipes"
using nature's quiet secrets of beauty
natural ingredients
to counter the "ravages of time".
I have compiled some of these
secret recipes
for you
to indulge in.
 
 
Secrets of Beauty
Whispered from the Seraglio
 From Milk
  • For Soft and Smooth Skin
  • For Petal Soft Skin
  • Dull Complexion
  • Lighten Complexion
  • Sparkle Back Tired Eyes
  • Remove Freckles
  • Sunburn Relief
  • Blemishes
  • Dry and Rough Skin
  • Enlarged pores
  • An Excellent Mask
  • Glowing Skin Mask
  • Freshener
    • From Oil
    Baby Oil
  • Weak Nails
  • Chapped lips
  • Wrinkled Elbows
  • Smooth Face and Neck
  • Castor Oil
  • Prevent Chapping
  • For Long Thick Lashes
  • Rough Skin Around Heels
  • Corn Oil
  • To Moisturize Aging Skin
  • Olive Oil
  • Beauty Mask
  • Anti-Wrinkle Cream
  • Dry Skin
  • Blemished and Discolored Face
  • Dull and Dark Complexion
    • From Eggs
  • For Limp or Split Ends Hair
  •  Facial Mask  Removes Excess oil
  • For Toning and Tightening
  • Effective Hair Conditioner
  • Beer Hair Treatment
    • From Veggies, Herbs and What-Nots
  • Mayonnaise
  • Hair Treatment
  • Protective Skin Lotion
  • Honey Masque
  • Oatmeal
  • Oatmeal Facial  Perfect For Dry skin
  • For Blackheads
  • Tea
  • Eye Freshener
  • Eye Freshener with Rose Water
  • Anise Facial Sauna
  • Tapioca
  • Cucumber
  • For sleepy eyes
  • For Freckles
  • Potato
  • Skin Whitener
  • For Puffy Eyes
  • For Tired Feet
  • Yoghurt
  • Yoghurt Masque
  • Beauty Masque
  • For Unmanageable Hair
  • Salt
  • For Rough skin
  • Dandruff Treatment
    • From Fruits
  • Avocado Glow
  • Chico Astringent
  • Lemon
  • Hair Cleanser
  • Lemon Softness
  • For Underarm Treatment
  • As Body Bleach
  • Watermelon Lotion
  • Melon Magic
  • Orange
  • Orange Oil
  • Skin Tonic
  • Tamarind
  • A natural Remedy for Pimples
    •   
     
     
    FACIAL HOW-TO'S
    HISTORICAL FOOTNOTES
     
    SKIN TEST
    DISCLAIMER
     
     
     
     Email me
     
     
    "Life is full of laughter when you try to look at the comic side of it."
    "To appreciate loss,
    Live, Love, Laugh, to the fullest!"
      
     
     
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     Index | Scented Thoughts | Know Thyself | Shokrun
     In the Eye of the Beholder | A Little Art
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     Secret Recipes of Beauty 
     
    From Milk
    Besides using milk externally, drink a glass everyday in order to keep your teeth, hair, nails and eyes in good condition and to put a glow into your face.  
    Effect
    Ingredients
    Method
     For Soft and Smooth Skin milk 
    cotton wool    		 - dip a piece of       cotton wool in milk. 
    -  pat all over face. 
    - leave on for half an hour and wash off with water.
     For Petal Soft and Silken smooth Skin 2 Tsp. of milk 
    1 tsp. of salt    		 - mix milk and salt 
    - apply on face at bedtime
    To Lighten a Dull Complexion 2 Tsp. of milk powder 
    hydrogen peroxide  
    a few drops of liquid ammonia    		 - mix milk powder with enough hydrogen peroxide to a thick paste 
    - mix in a few drops of liquid ammonia 
    - leave it on for 15 minutes. 
    - wash off 
    To Lighten and Brighten your complexion 1 Tsp. of milk 
    1 tsp. each of:  
             carrot juice 
            orange juice 
           melted honey      		 - mix milk, carrot, orange 
    and melted honey 
    - leave it on for 15 minutes
    Sparkle Back into Tired and Puffy Eyes plain evaporated milk 
    cotton pads    		 - soak cotton pads in evap. milk 
    - placed over closed eyes 
    - leave on for 10 minutes
    To Remove Freckles  
    Apply daily  
    (an hour before you take your bath)    		 1 tsp. of finely grated radish 
    1/2 tsp. buttermilk 
    1/2 tsp. lime juice    		 - mix radish, buttermilk and lime juice 
    - apply on face
    For Sunburn Relief 1 Tsp. buttermilk 
    1 tsp. of tomato puree    		 - mix buttermilk and tomato puree 
    - apply it on face 
    - leave on for half an hour 
    - wash off with plain water
    To Remove Itchiness and other Blemishes 1 tsp. of yellow mustard 
    1 Tsp. of cream of milk    		 - grind to a paste  
    mixed with milk 
    - apply and leave on for 20 minutes 
    - wash off with water 
    To Improve Dry and Rough Skin 2 Tsp. cream of milk  
    1 tsp. of almond oil  
    a few drops of essence of rose    		 - mix milk, almond oil and a few drops od essence of rose  
    - apply and leave on for half an hour before washing of with water
    To Remedy Enlarged Pores 1/2 tsp. lemon juice  
    1/4 tsp. milk  
    1/4 tsp. tomato juice    		 - rub the skin with the mixture of lemon juice, milk and tomato juice  
    - rinse off
    An Excellent mask ! 
    For dry and blemished skin making it soft and glowing    		 1 Tsp. of gram flour 
    1 big pinch of turmeric powder 
    1/4 tsp. of orange peel powder 
    1 tsp. of beaten curd 
    1 tsp.  of milk    		 - mix all ingredients together into a paste 
    - apply on face and neck 
    - when the skin starts feeling taut, rub it with your hands until it glows 
    - then wash off with warm water then very cold water to close the pores
    Another  mask For Soft Smooth Glowing Skin 1/4 tsp. of watermelon seed (the inside, remove shell) 
    1/4 tsp. of cucumber seeds 
    1/2 tsp. cream or top of milk 
    a few drops rose water    		 - prepare mask mixture by grinding together all ing. into a paste 
    - apply on face 
    - leave on for 20 minutes 
    - gently scrub off to remove dead skin cells 
    - rinse of in warm water then cold to seal pores
    As  a Freshener half pint milk 
    1 whole lemon squeezed 
    (or 10 calamansi balls) 
    cotton wool    		 - mixed milk with squeezed lemon juice 
    - soak cotton wool in mixture and pat on face 
     
     
     
    FromOil
     Baby oil  
    Effect
    Ingredients
    Method
    For Weak nails Baby oil  
    white iodine    		 - apply baby oil mixed with white iodine on the nails and base of cuticles daily
    Lined and Chapped Lips Baby oil - give your lips a daily massage with baby oil before going to bed
    Gray and Wrinkled Elbows Baby oil - Daily give your elbows a massage with baby oil before retiring
    Smooth face and Neck Baby oil - At bedtime massage your face and neck with baby oil to keep it smooth and soft
    Castor Oil  
    To prevent Chapping Skin 1 tsp. castor oil 
    1/2 tsp. rose water    		 - Mix castor oil with rose water 
    - apply on face and neck 
    - leave overnight. 
    - wash off with plain water the following morning
    For Long Thick Lashes castor oil - Brush pure castor oil on the roots of your lashes before going to bed to make them grow long and thick
    For Skin Around Heels castor oil - if the skin in the area has become hard and cracked, scrub heels with a stiff brush using soap generously. 
    - gently rub with pumice stone. 
    - wash with water and pat dry. 
    - now apply castor oil and massage lightly.
     Corn Oil  
    To Perk-up Dry and Lifeless Skin or moisturize aging skin that's beginning to wrinkle (For a month's supply) 
    1 cup of corn oil 
    1 Tsp. of Liquid shampoo 
    1/2 tsp. of your favorite perfume    		 - mix ing.s together keep in a lovely glass decanter 
    - Add just 2 teaspoons of this refreshing mixture into your bath. 
    - Feel how smoother your skin is!
    Olive Oil  
    Beauty Mask 1 Tsp. flour 
    1/2 tsp. orange peel powder 
    1 Tsp. beaten curd 
    1 tsp. olive oil    		 - mix well and apply the paste to your face and neck. 
    - leave on till the skin feels tight and dry 
    - Now rub your face with your hands till it glows 
    - then wash face first with warm then cold water 
    * The mask removes skin blemishes and leaves skin soft and smooth.
    Anti-Wrinkle Cream 1 tsp. olive oil 
    1 egg 
    1 tsp. of  soda bicarbonate 
    cottons    		 -mix the olive oil with the egg 
    - smooth over face and neck 
    - leave on till skin feels tight and dry 
    -wipe off gently with a piece of cotton dipped in hot water to which a teaspoon of soda bicarbonate has been added 
    -rinse with a splash of cold water
    Dry Skin olive oil, warmed 
    a piece of muslin cloth    		 - To counteract dryness, get a piece of muslin cloth,  
    - cut holes for eyes and nose. 
    - now dip the cloth in warm olive oil 
    - cover your face with it, leave on for half an hour 
    - wipe off with a soft cloth or cotton 
    - leave face as is overnight. 
    - next morning wash it with warm water then splash on with cold water.
    Blemished and Discolored Face 1 tsp. of olive oil 
    1 tsp. of lemon juice    		 - First steam face for 10 minutes. 
    - cleanse face with a cleanser 
    - pat dry with tissue paper 
    then apply mixture 
    - leave on for 20 minutes 
    - wipe with cotton 
    - rub ice cubes gently all over the face for about five minutes. 
    - rinse and pat dry
    Dull and dark Complexion 1 tsp. of flour 
    a pinch of turmeric powder 
    a few drops of lemon juice 
    1/2 tsp. of olive oil 
    1/2 tsp. of milk    		 - mix all together  
    - Leave on face for half an hour 
    - wash off with water
      
    From Eggs
    One of the oldest of beauty aids. The whites are for toning and tightening,  
    The yolk, nourishing and enriching. 
     
    Effect
    Ingredients
    Method
    For Limp or Split Ends Hair 1 egg yolk 
    Hair Shampoo    		 - Egg is super rich in protein so it can work wonders for limp hair or split ends! 
    -In a cup mix the egg yolk with just the right amount of shampoo you need for one hair washing. 
    - Use the egg-shampoo mixture as you would regular shampoo, but leave on for one or two minutes before giving it a good rinse 
    * Egg treatment should be done once a week until hair is back to its lustrous self.
    Facial Mask  
    Removes excess oil that causes facial blemishes    		 1 egg white 
    lemon half squeezed    		 - don't throw the egg white, use it as a facial mask. 
    - beat the egg white lightly, squeeze the juice of the  lemon into it and presto, you have an inexpensive beauty mask. 
    - apply on face 
    leave on for 20-25 minutes 
    rinse well
    For Toning and Tightening dried skimmed milk 
    egg white 
    a drop of camphor    		 - mix into a paste  
    - apply on face and neck ( to tighten the skin of the neck) 
    - leave on for 20 minutes or so
    Effective Hair Conditioner 2 eggs 
    glass of rum    		 - Beat 2 eggs in a glass of rum to produce a shine. 
    - Leave the mixture on your hair for 15 minutes
    Beer Hair Treatment 1 whole egg 
    1 bottle of beer    		 - Mix one part whole egg with two parts beer. 
    - Stir. Use as treatment before each shampoo.
      
    From Veggies, Herbs and What-Nots
    Mayonnaise   
    Effect
    Ingredients
    Method
    Hair Treatment mayonnaise -put bounce back into dry hair  
    -Before shampoo, part the hair and apply mayonnaise.  
    - after all parts have been covered, massage the scalp and wrap the head with a hot towel.  
    - After 25 minutes or so, remove towel and shampoo.
    Protective Skin Lotion 2 Tsp. mayonnaise  
    lotion    		 - Mayonnaise can also be used as protective lotion when going out on the beach, if you can't get hold of expensive suntan lotion.  
    -place two tablespoons mayonnaise in a jar and sprinkle with inexpensive lotion ( so you don't end up smelling like a salad )  
    - and apply on exposed skin  
     
    Honey   
    Honey Masque 1 Tsp. honey  
    1 Tsp. sour cream  
    flour    		 - mix together honey and sour cream with enough flour to make a paste.  
    - Apply to face  
    - leave on for 25- 30 minutes  
    - rinse off with warm then cold water.
     Oatmeal   
    Oatmeal facial  
    Perfect For Dry skin    		 1 cup pure oatmeal  
    2 whole eggs  
    4 Tsp. honey    		 - make a thick paste of all the ingredients.  
    - apply the paste with fingertips.  
    - scrub gently  
    - leave the mixture for 30 minutes.  
    - Rinse with warm water.  
    - Then apply cool water to tighten the pores.
    For Blackheads oatmeal  
    a little water    		 - rub face with oatmeal and water, concentrate on the blackhead prone areas  
    - rinse with cold water
    Tea   
    Eye Freshener 2 tea bags, chilled - Lie down with cold wet tea bags on your eyes for half an hour  
    * you will find it very soothing.
    Another great Eye Freshener weak tea  
    rose water  
    cotton balls    		 - with the mixture of weak tea, rose water,soak cotton ball in this and pat on eyelids gently.
    Anise   
    This herb, used to add flavor to alot of native dishes, can make a very penetrating herbal steam-  
    A Facial Sauna . For those who want clear, clean skin, a facial sauna is suggested once a week to loosen up stale make-up, rancid oil and blackheads.  
    For Facial Sauna 2 quarts of water  
    1 heaping Tsp. of Anise    		 -Pour two quarts of water into a pot and let boil.  
    - add a heaping tablespoon of anise.  
    - Place the steaming brew on a table and place your face over the pot where the steam can penetrate it.  
    - Do this for 3 to 5 minutes  
    - wear a shower cap to protect the hair and a bath towel over the head so the steam doesn't escape.
    Tapioca   
    This flour can cure acne and pimples, says a famous Indonesian cosmetologist, so it could be worth trying.  
    Tapioca Facial Mask 2 tsp. of tapioca flour  
    1 Tsp. water    		 - Stir mixture until pasty.  
    -apply on face and pimple-prone areas  
    - leave on for 25-30 minutes and rinse well with warm water and a warm soft facecloth  
    - finish off with a splash of cold water to close and tighten pores.  
     
    Cucumber   
    For sleepy eyes thin slices of cucumbers - cool cucumber has the same effect as milky cotton pads.  
    - place a cold slice each of cucumber over the eyes to remove their sleepy look.  
    * soothing and refreshing!
    For Freckles 1 whole cucumber - a marvelous natural way of bleaching facial freckles away  
    - scrape cucumber above a strainer and let its juice drop into a container.  
    - Use the cucumber juice as an overnight skin lotion.
    Potato   
    Skin Whitener thin slices of raw potato - used to soften and whiten skin, rub over your face neck and hands  
    - let dry and rinse
    For Puffy Eyes raw potato - grate raw potato and place between layers of gauze.  
    - Put slices over the eyes and relax for 15 minutes
    For Tired Feet peeled slices of raw potato - don't throw 'em away  
    - massage hot, tired feet with raw peeled side of the sliced potato  
    - Let the juice dry  
    - Then rinse
    Yoghurt  
    Besides being considered a supreme food for longevity, yoghurt is also a food for the skin, sensitive skin in particular. Use as a face mask, to smoothen hands and legs. Cooling, softening, whitening, refreshing, yoghurt enhances one's beauty.  
    Yoghurt Masque 1 Tsp. of wheat germ flour  
    1 Tsp. of  yoghurt    		 - mix until as smooth as mayonnaise  
    - apply the mixture on face and neck  
    - let stay for at least 15 minutes  
    - You'll find this mixture very soothing.  
    - wash off with warm water followed by a cold water rinse.
    Beauty Masque yoghurt  
    1 tsp. of mint (freshly chopped or dried)    		 - Mix then apply as a beauty mask.
    For Unmanageable Hair yoghurt - Massage it through the hair for three minutes  
    - then rinse it off with tepid water
    Salt   
    For Rough skin Rub coarse salt into rough skin before bathing
    Dandruff Treatment Massage it into the scalp gently as an effective dandruff treatment before shampoo
     
    From Fruits
     
    Effect
    		 Ingredients
    Method
    Avocado Glow 1 ripe avocado  
    1 egg  
    1/2 cup milk    		 - Beat egg yolk until light and frothy.  
    - Add milk and mashed avocado(peeled)  
    - Apply to face.  
    - leave on awhile  
    - Rinse off and glow
      
    Chico Astringent -  Cut chico and rub one side on your face.  
    - Rubbing should continue for at least 15 minutes  
    - In particularly blemished or oily parts leave chico in contact with skin overnight.
    Lemon   
    The most useful beauty aid from the kitchen, lemon can do anything. Besides being used as facial mask.And if you're the kind who wakes up grumpy in the morning, take a glass of  unsweetened lemon before breakfast. its said to raise the blood sugar and banish that grumpy look that can spoil a beautiful day. You see, it's useless working so hard to achieve superficial beauty it it can easily be thrown away with an unpleasant disposition.  
    * substitute calamansi balls for lemon works just fine  
    Hair Cleanser - it can also be applied to the hair for thorough cleansing. especially good for those with oily scalp.  
     
    Lemon Softness - squeezed into hands to lessen their roughness
    For Underarm Treatment - squeezed under the arms  
    if bottled deodorants  
    can't seem to help.
    As Body Bleach - for all over the body, to bleach, particularly underarms and darkened insides of thighs.
      
    Watermelon Lotion - chill ripe watermelon.  
    - Cut a slice and force it through a sieve.  
    - Catch the juice in a bowl.  
    - Put the liquid in a bowl after straining. Pat on face and neck  
    - Leave it on to dry for about 5 minutes.  
    - Rinse off with cool water
      
    Melon Magic - during hot days, slice off into thin pieces and rub on the face.
    Orange  
    Orange Oil - Scratch the fresh peel of an orange with a knife to release the orange oil.  
    - rub over arms and neck to make the skin more velvety
    Skin Tonic - Cover pieces of orange peel in a pot or bowl of boiled water.  
    - When cooled, use the liquid as skin tonic.
    Tamarind   
    Skin Toning Agent  
    A natural Remedy for Pimples    		 - Cook tamarind in two glasses of water.  
    - Let boil until liquid has been reduced into half.  
    - Use the liquid as a toning agent for the face after proper cleansing.  
    - Dip cotton pad into tamarind liquid and dab on face  
    * Excess should be refrigerated to keep fresh for one week.
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
      
     
     Please Be Sure to do  a SKIN TEST for sensitivity
    before going ahead and trying out any of these applications
    especially for those with highly  sensitive skin or
    prone to allergic reactions.
    Apply on the inner portion of your upper arm
    and wait 30 minutes or more
    for any signs of redness or itch.
     
     
     
     DISCLAIMER
    These folk recipes are shared in good faith.
    It is not a guaranteed cure-all remedy.
    A  skin test is advisable prior to application.
     We are not to be held liable to any adverse allergic reactions.
     
     
     
    HISTORICAL FOOTNOTES
    Though her eyes were rather small, Cleopatra made every centimeter count
    by generously applying kohl to eyelids and lashes.
    Plutarch records that she plied the aging Caesar with "amorous" foods:
    honey, ginger, vinegar, garlic. shallots, cinnamon, nutmeg, wild seeds, pepper.
    Cleopatra invented the mud mask.
    Caution: The mud should be selected, mixed and applied by experts.
    Madame advised imbibing only champagne, which,she wrote,
    "leaves a woman beautiful after drinking it,
    giving brilliance to the eyes without flushing the face."
    To amuse the frequently bored Louis,
    she mastered the art of creating provocative new identities for herself:
    One evening she would become an oriental sultana,
    while the next she would appear as a charmingly simple rosy cheeked shepherdess.
    Never one to underestimate the impact of a little interior decorating,
    this imaginative lady would have the royal gardener
    transform her boudoir
    into a charming wooded bower
    on nights when she wanted to be particularly romantic.
     
     
     
    Facial Mask Tips
    To remove make up and grime, cleanse face with your favorite cleansing
    cream or a mild soap.
    After tissuing off or washing off with tap water, cover face with a hot towel
    (only as hot as you can stand) to open the pores.
    Then smooth facial mask and leave on for about 15 minutes
    or until the application is completely dry and your face feels very tight.
    Rinse off with luke warm water
    Followed by very cold water ( never ice) to close the pores.
    Finish the beauty job with your brand of skin freshener fot that tingling feeling.