A FULL MOON SELF-CARE BEAUTY RITUAL

“I AM LOVED”

Holly Cline, holistic esthetician and owner of Holly Cline Skincare in Seattle, shares her recipe for a botanical facial steam and floral bath as part of our Home Spa Ritual series.

We’re currently living in uncertain times, and uncertainty often brings high levels of stress and anxiety so it’s important, now more than ever, to make sure we take the time to practice self-care rituals that destress, nurture our souls and focus on self-love. For this particular full moon ritual I’ll be working with beautiful roses because to me the rose is the epitome of love. I hope you find comfort in its beauty, intoxicating aroma and sweet floral flavor. 

The first step in this self-care beauty ritual is a botanical/herbal facial steam. Start with a freshly cleansed face and follow the instructions below. 

BOTANICAL/HERBAL FACIAL STEAM

What you’ll need:

• Mix of fresh or dried flowers and/or herbs (I chose organic dried red rose buds, jasmine, lavender, thyme and fresh Rosemary. You can get creative here. If you don’t have these exact ingredients, you could just use rosebuds, or just rosemary. Try to choose something fragrant for the aromatherapy experience.)
• Kettle of boiling water.
• Glass bowl
• Bath towel

Directions:

• Place the dried flowers/herbs in a glass bowl.
• Pour boiling water over the botanical/herbal mixture and allow it to steep for a minute.
• Drape a bath towel over your head to trap the steam and place your face over the bowl.
• Breathe in the beautiful floral aroma and take pleasure in the warm steam hydrating your skin.
• Steam the skin for 10 minutes or until the steam dissipates. 

The facial steam is amazing for softening your skin and opening the pores, allowing for easier absorption of your skincare products. After steaming, and while the skin is still damp, apply a drop or two of the Dr. Alkaitis Ageless Elixir and gently massage it in with your fingertips. Next, use a Gua Sha stone or crystal roller to really work the elixirs healing magic into your skin. I particularly love Gua Sha because it feels amazing and really helps plump and firm the skin. Complete your treatment by applying a small pump of the Dr. Alkaitis Day Crème over the elixir followed by the Organic Eye Crème.

Your facial steam is now complete, but don’t toss the water. We’re going to strain it into a glass pitcher and use it in a flower bath, the next step of our self-care ritual! 

FLOWER BATH

I love taking flower baths. The smell and beauty of flowers is an instant mood booster, and there’s nothing more relaxing than soaking in a warm bath while being wrapped in nature. For this full moon bath I chose roses again, a dozen of them! All flowers are removed from the stems and some heads are kept whole while some are broken into petals. After adding the roses to your warm bath, pour in the water from your facial steam. We essentially brewed a tea for our bath while we were steaming which provides an additional floral fragrance to the bath that is absolutely divine. Immerse yourself in this luxurious mixture for as long as you like! 

After your beautiful soak, slip into a robe or a comfy pair of pajamas to continue your at home spa ritual. Complete your full moon self-care ritual with a delicious, soothing cup of herbal tea.

Any herbal tea would be lovely but to keep with the theme of roses, I recommend a fragrant cup of rose and lemon balm tea. Just those two ingredients in equal parts. After steeping your tea, add raw honey or stevia if you prefer a little sweetness or simply sip just it as (which is my preference.) Sip your tea slowly, savoring its uplifting aroma and delicate citrusy/floral taste.

Take joy in the moment, savor the little things and remember to repeat the affirmation “I Am Loved," because you are.  

Full Moon Blessings to each of you!

Holly

HOLLY CLINE SKINCARE
1817 Queen Anne Avenue North, Ste. 415
Seattle, WA 98109

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206.658.5539

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All photos taken by Holly Cline