NOT Oprah’s Favorite Things
Today I am unveiling a new feature for the site – Friday Favorites. I have always liked the idea of Oprah’s Favorite Things, but quite honestly I think Ms. O has really gotten off track with her annual lists.
After skimming quickly through just a few of Oprah’s Favorite Things for 2014, I am stunned at how incredibly expensive they are. $700 headphones, a $55 key ring, body scrub for over $250! Seriously??!! Her tastes are bit too pricey for me. I would guess if you aren’t a billionaire media mogul, they may be for you too.
Inexpensive Health & Beauty Basics
So, I am going to start sharing some of my favorite health and beauty basics. Most of the products I use every day are natural and cost less than $10. I have done lots of research over the years to find the most inexpensive, natural and effective products out their, and now I am going to share them with you. I start off with a natural product that I use several times a day – rosewater spray.
What is Rosewater?
Rosewater is simply water that has been infused with the essential oil of roses. Actual rose oil is very concentrated, and requires a large amount of flowers in order to be produced. That makes it quite expensive. Rosewater (or Rose Hydrosol as is it also called) is more of an “essence of rose.” It is created through a distilling process which enables it to have many of the beauty and aromatherapy properties of rose oil without the cost. [To learn more, check out his intro on What are Hydrosols.]
Uses for Rosewater
Rosewater is naturally moisturizing and light. When used in aromatherapy, rose is helpful in improving mood, aiding in relaxation, relieving headaches, and decreasing fatigue. It is particularly useful as a spray to:
- Quickly moisturize dry skin,
- Combat dry air, as in airplanes or office buildings,
- Set make-up, or
- Refresh hair or body after a workout
Heritage Products Rosewater and Glycerin
The first rosewater product I ever tried is from Heritage Store, a company that creates natural healing products based on the teachings of Edgar Cayce, who was considered a pioneer in holistic health. Their products are inexpensive and all natural. Their rosewater and glycerin is about as simple as you can get – containing Vor-Mag Water (“water that has been vortexed and magnetized to raise the energy to a higher vibration that many believe to be more beneficial”), natural vegetable glycerin and hydroessential rose oil. I take the 4 oz spray bottle with me on trips, and keep a bottle near my desk so that I can refresh my skin and relieve my dry, tired eyes (a symptom of Sjogren’s Syndrome) throughout the day.
Reviva Labs Rosewater Facial Spray
Although I love the general healing and uplifting qualities of Heritage Product’s rose spray, I learned about Reviva Labs Rosewater Facial Spray and decided to give it a try. It has far more ingredients including hyaluronic acid, vitamin A, extracts of fennel, hops, balm mint, mistletoe, maticaria, yarrow, mallow, ivy, cucumber, sambucus, arnica, and trace minerals. These additional ingredients, in my opinion, make it more of a facial treatment than just a skin “pick-me-up.” In addition, the rose scent seems a little richer than the Heritage version. I use it at bedtime as a final spritz over my other moisturizers.
Order Rosewater Online
Both rosewater products can be purchased inexpensively online for around $4 – 10 depending on what size you choose. Beat that Oprah! I generally order mine through Vitacost.com or Swanson Vitamins.
Whichever product you choose, I hope you experience softer skin at a great price, just as I have.
Michelle Gibeault Traub is a health writer, compassionate coach, and the author of Online Dating for Sensitive Women. Her mission is to help women be their best in body, mind & spirit.
Sign up for Michelle’s FREE Gifts – The Natural Healing Toolkit and 33 Ways to Add More Joy to Your Life.