DIY Flower Infused Facial Toner (Pore-Refining + Great for Blemishes)

Spring is the best thing since sliced (gluten-free) bread. Which, by the way… have you ever seen Danielle Walker’s recipe for cashew-based grain free sandwich bread?! She’s a genius! I just bought her cookbook and it’s full of gems like rosemary breadsticks, Thai iced tea with coconut cream, chewy honey graham crackers and more.

Anyway, back to spring… Since my worldview has changed over the years to see all nature around us as divinely designed medicine, I’ve realized that flowers can be potent little healers, too. It turns out that our new landlord has some Azalea bushes growing around our house, and once I saw them I knew I had to find a use for the gorgeous blossoms! As the flowers started falling, I gathered them one by one until I had enough for this lovely creation.

Benefits of Azaleas

According to Medicinal Plants of China, Azalea flowers are analgesic, anaesthetic and sedative. They can be applied externally to support the treatment of arthritis, caries, itch, maggots and traumatic injuries.

To make this toner, we’ll be combining azaleas with witch hazel, an astringent bark extract excellent for killing bacteria on the skin. The combination becomes a synergistic blend that tightens pores and moisturizes thanks to the natural oil found in the flowers.

Note: I’m using Azalea flowers because they’re what I could find locally and I researched thoroughly to assure their safety. Always consult a database such as Plants For A Future and type in the species of flower you’d like to use before anything. To play it safe, use roses as they are famous for skin health.

You Will Need

– 1 32 oz. mason jar with lid

…btw, did you know they have purple mason jars now?!

– enough flowers to fill the mason jar

– 1 bottle of organic witch hazel

– spritzer bottle

Step 1

Thoroughly rinse your flowers in a mesh strainer to assure all traces of bugs and dirt are washed away.

Step 2

Place your flowers into a sterile mason jar until it’s filled to the brim (without pushing down). Add the bottle of witch hazel, secure the lid, and shake the mixture so that the witch hazel penetrates every inch of the flowers. Let your mason jar sit for 2-6 days, or until most of the pigment is out of the flowers.

Step 3

Strain the pink, slightly fragrant witch hazel using a nut-milk or cloth bag (I used muslin cloth). Squeeze the flowers to make sure you get as much witch hazel as possible. Pour your strained mixture into a clean spritzer bottle and enjoy!

How to Use

I go through my usual oil cleansing method routine where I clean and lightly scrub/exfoliate my face with oil and a steamy wash cloth. Once I’ve cleansed, I spritz on this toner, wait a few minutes until it sinks in, and apply one of my favorite moisturizers. I’m working on perfume next, so I’ll keep you posted… lots of love, and happy spring! xox