Nidasii Spa: Papaya & Banana D.I.Y Mask

 

Hey Beauties! It's been a while but we're back with another D.I.Y. beauty recipe. I love do it your self beauty recipes because there's no exact science to them and you can tweak them to your specific skin needs. Today's beauty recipe is a Papaya & Banana mask that can be re-mixed into a body scrub. But, we'll talk more about that in our beauty remix section below.

Here are the ingredients needed for today's beauty mask:

1/2  Ripe Papaya
1 Whole Banana
1/4 Cup Heavy Whipping Cream
Blender

Take a spoon and scoop out the seeds from the center of the papaya and place them on a paper towel to dry. I'll tell what to do with those in our beauty remix below.  Next, take a spoon and begin to scoop out the the flesh of the papaya into the blender. Next, place the peeled banana into the blender and begin to blend until you achieve a pureed consistency. Next, add 1/4 of a cup or 4 tablespoons of heavy whipping cream to the papaya & banana puree and blend for 2 minutes. The heavy whipping cream will help thicken the mixture allowing for a better application. Plus the lactic acid in the cream is a natural exfoliant. When done apply the mixture to face and relax for twenty minutes to let all the natural nutrients absorb into the skin. Be sure to place the remaining mixture in an air tight container and store in the refrigerator. I can usually get three applications from this recipe. This recipe also will last up to one week if stored in the refrigerator.

Beauty Benefits of This Mask:

This mask exfoliates, moisturizes and provides the skin with essential minerals and antioxidants.

The papapya contains papain an enzyme that acts as an anti-inflammatory agent and natural exfoliant that has the ability to melt away the outer most layer of dead dry skin. Because the ezyme papain has anti-inflammatory properties its ideal for acne prone skin types.

In this beauty recipe the banana acts as a natural moisturizer with a host of essential vitamins and minerals.

The heavy whipping cream has many functions in this beauty recipe. It serves as an emulsifier, thickening the papaya & banana mixture allowing for a rich, decadent application. The lactic acid in the cream also provides gentle exfoliation. And, last, but certainly not the least, it provides tons and tons of moisture.

Papaya Beauty Re-mix:

Earlier in this post I told you I would get back to you  on what to do with the papaya seeds I instructed you to place on a paper towel to dry. So, here it is!

Now that the seeds are dry. I need you to crush them. This can be done a number of ways. You can use a rolling pin to roll over them a few times for a rough chop consistency, coffee grinder or mini chopper....you get the idea. Next pour the crushed seeds into the papaya and banana mixture and mix well. I like to pour them into what's left after I apply my facial mask. This makes the most awesome body scrub that will leave your skin looking, feeling & smelling AMAZING!!!

Be sure to look out for more papaya goodness in part II of this post Wednesday!

Tumblr Tuesday: Curlista Edition

Hey Beauties every Tuesday is "Tumblr Tuesday" here on our blog. Each week we give you a peek at what we're currently posting on our Tumblr page. This week it's all about natural hair.

The Foodie In Me

Hey Beauties I have a confession to make....."My name is Nicole and I am a Foodie". I had to share this recent admission with all of you because last week I realized every single time I turn on my TV I immediately switch it to channel 51 if it's not there already. Do you know what channel 51 is....? It's the new Cooking Channel!! And I'm totally addicted!! I remember the first day I found it this summer I' jumped up & down like a fool because Nigella Lawson's show was on. Now the reason I was acting like a fool was because my Grandmother and I use to love watching her on either the Food Network or TLC, I can't remember wich station at the moment. But, I love watching her and the approach she takes with her globally inspired dishes with an english twist. I think she has cooking swag....or would that be food swag? As you see I come from a family Foodies. Since finding the station I'm now in love with Everyday Exotic, Spice Godess, Food Crafters and Indian Made Easy ....you know I love my spicy food...LOL.

But the thing that inspires me about food are the ingredients. Just like beauty, the ingredients are key. The most basic natural ingredients seem to create the most amazing beauty products and dishes that give you that warm and fuzzy feeling. Let's face it. Food and beauty are about creating an emotion!!......I'm just a hopeless Foodie.

Are you a hopeless Foodie too? Share your stories we want to know!