Rose Geranium is truly a feminine scent - strong and floral, highly reminiscent of roses. Unknown to many, rose geranium is one of the few essential oils, besides Angelica Root (当归 / dong kwai) that has an affinity for the female reproductive system and hormone regulation. In short, rose geranium is compulsory for for female health and skinare, and here's 5 very good reasons why.

1.  Rose geranium oil stimulates the lymphatic system and acts as a diuretic to help correct and balance the elimination of water and waste in our bodies. It's detoxifying effect helps keep your immune system in good shape and condition.

2.  When inhaled or used on the body, rose geranium is effective at addressing PMS symptons like abdominal cramps, sore breasts andother menopausal symptons.

3.  The pharmaceutical industry wouldn't want you to know this, but rose geranium is remarkably effective against yeast infection and other fungi without affecting bacterial flora. If used at the first sign of an yeast infection, it will knock the nasty bits out. Just remember to dilute it (1:10) before applying it in case your skin is sensitive.

4.  Rose geranium oil is anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and detoxifying. It balances all skin types and is very effective at controlling acne. It does not matter if your skin is dry or oily, rose geranium balances the skin’s production of sebum according your needs. It’ is also regenerative at the cellular level and helps give a radiant glow.

5.  Rose geranium oil relieves anxiety and mood swings. In aromatherapy science, rose geranium is highly ranked for easing tension, anxiety and irritability. The ester content of rose geranium gives it a soothing effect like lavender, which makes it an excellent nerve tonic.

This Christmas, we are delighted to bring all customers the following Rose Geranium products -- Pure essential oil ($23)  /  Organic body wash + body lotion gift set ($30)  /  Organic body & massage oil ($55)  /  Premium soy candle ($28)

​I'd received a few emails and messages after the DIY Lip Balm post, encouraging me to post more DIY tips and natural recipes. Here's another one if you are looking to make your own body cream. 

My body cream recipe is a semi-commercial formulation that I’d picked up from cosmetic training in France. It requires a nourishing oil, vegetable and some natural extracts, which are optional if you are planning to keep it simple. You can also use organic oil  to make a truly lush, pampering cream. Remember - Organic does not have to cost a fortune, but not a lot of people seem to realise or appreciate that.
Hopefully when you start to make your own skincare products, you will see the genuine benefits they delivery and why there is no reason to pay a lot of money for commercial cream that contains mainly synthetic ingredients and artificial fragrances to cover those chemical smell.

INGREDIENTS TO MAKE A SINGLE PORTION OF LIP BALM
7.5g vegetable oil - choose from sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, rosehip oil, coconut oil etc
5.25g vegetable butter - cocoa butter, shea butter, avocado butter etc
2.25g beeswax 
2 drops of your preferred essential oil 

To prepare a lip balm, melt the beeswax, vegetable oil and vegetable butter (preferably in a double boiler) and mix them thoroughly. Take the oil mixture off the heat and when it starts to cool and slightly thicken, add the essential oil (around 40 degree Celsius). 

Before adding the essential oil, test the consistency of the lip balm by putting a few drops on a glass that has been left in the freezer for a while. This will allow you to adjust the oil mixture before pouring them into a container or tube of your choice.

Vegetable oil more commonly known as "carrier oils" or "base oils" have been used since time immemorial as beauty products. Every culture, region and even historical period has traditionally used one or the other of these vegetable oils. It was only in the last 5 years that we have begin to rediscover their marvellous effects and multiple uses.
 
The vegetable oils that you use should either be virgin or cold pressed. Filtration and higher temperature extraction could degrade the vegetable oil. It is also preferable to choose a vegetable oil that is farmed organically. Heavy metals and chemicals used such as pesticide tend to  stick to fats.
 
A vegetable oil keeps its beneficial properties for 1-2 years depending on its composition. After this time, it will lose its properties gradually and in some cases, turn rancid. To keep your vegetable oil in best condition, keep it away from heat, light and air.
 
Even though vegetable oils are often used as a "carrier" for active ingredients such as absolute, they contain genuine skin care properties of their own, and penetrate the dermis and epidermis deeper than commercial skin products. In general, they are soothing, softening, toning and restorative for the skin. They protect the skin by reconstructing its protective lipid film, which prevents dehydration while allowing skin to breathe. This film, when neglected suffers from dryness, pollution and other environmental damages.
 
Did you know some vegetable oil contains natural sunscreen as well, though they generally are SPF 5. Remember that the skin is also nourished from inside, so consuming pure, high quality vegetable will help maintain your skin as well.
 
Classic Vegetable Oils to Include in Your Skincare Regime

• Apricot kernel oil - Regenerating, nourishing and contains a natural sunscreen. Very easily absorbed by all skin types without leaving a greasy film.

• Argan oil - Healing, protective, softening and makes the skin and hair more supple. Excellent for troubled skin. High in vitamin E and is rapidly absorbed.

• Avocado oil - Hydrating, protective and toning. This is a very rich and thick oil, thus not recommended for oily skin.

• Hazelnut oil - Purifying, astringent and helps control the production of sebum. Contains vitamin A and E, and is very well absorbed by the skin.

• Jojoba oil - Very good at controlling the production of sebum, calming, softening, anti-inflammatory and contains a natural sunscreen. Ideal for all skin types as the composition is very close to that of the human sebum.

• Olive oil - Soothing, softening and nourishing. The only type of olive oil that has genuine beauty properties are in shades of light green and usually extra virgin. Note however that olive oil is absorbed moderately by the skin.

• Sweet almond oil - Soothing, toning and softening. Excellent for dry, irritated and sensitive skin. Ideal base for massage oil. Penetrates the skin moderately so use sparsely.