How to Store Cosmetics

The storage of cosmetics and other lotions and potions is very important if you want to prolong their “shelf life” and ensure they stay fresh for longer. When makeup and other cosmetics are not stored properly, they can deteriorate rapidly. Eyeshadows for example become crumbly and soft, mascaras can go mouldy and creams can go hard and discolour.

For correct storage of cosmetics like makeup, it is sensible to invest in a hard durable fishing tackle style of box. The different compartments will allow you to organise your products carefully so you can find them quickly when you need to, and the durable nature of the box will provide long lasting protection against your products getting broken or moisture and humidity from getting inside and affecting the contents. Moisture and humidity are the biggest reasons why makeup becomes crumbly and breaks and no longer be used. For this reason it is never sensible to keep makeup in a bathroom, but instead store it well away from the bathroom in a cool, dark cupboard.

Creams and lotions need good storage too so they last as long as possible. Homemade creams especially need good storage. The best candidate for the job is white plastic pots and jars with shives. Currently Baldwins have these on special offer, so it is a good time to stock up. They come in two different sizes, 30ml and the larger 250ml. Priced well under a pound, they are very strong, durable, easy to clean and will keep your creams looking, smelling and feeling great.

Similarly with makeup, it is vital that your creams and lotions and potions are not kept in the bathroom with all that moisture and humidity that is in the air. Keep them in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. With the correct containers and the correct storage, both makeup and other cosmetics and perfumes will stay fresh for longer.

If any of you have any tips on how to store makeup and cosmetics, send in your comments below.

Protect yourself from Flu this winter

Winter is upon us once again, only this year we have seen a rather rampant and dangerous flu reeking havoc across the globe that although has simmered down now, could potentially rear its ugly head again in the future. Although health care professionals in the UK seem confident another bout could be dealt with efficiently and risks kept to a minimum, there are a few natural things you can do to protect yourself and decrease the chances of catching any flu, swine or the plain old seasonal variety.

Solid deep sleep, plenty of exercise and a diet packed full of fruits and vegetables is the number one step to take. This will ensure your immune system is working at its peak performance levels which is important when battling illnesses and disease. Berries, beans and green tea are especially good for your immune system.

Try and get at least 8 hours of deep uninterrupted sleep each night. Instead of watching TV until 11, go to bed at 10 with a book and you will find yourself dropping off in no time. Watching TV tricks our bodies into thinking we are not tired, when really we are. For exercise, spend at least 30 minutes each day doing something that raises your heartbeat just a fraction. Even just hoovering the house is enough, no one is asking you to train for a marathon!

Introduce more garlic into your life if you really want to fight the flu! Studies have shown it is not just vampires that it wards off, but also cold and flu symptoms. You could make some really garlickly salad dressings, or make a healthy pizza with masses of garlic sprinkled on top. Yes, you may smell a little, but that is still better than catching a cold or even worse the flu.

Have any of you got any ideas of how to ward off colds, coughs and the flu? Send in all your comments below including any top tips you have.

Homemade Soaps

Making soap is a wonderful pass time to have. Both relaxing and satisfying, you can unleash all your creativity that is undoubtedly lurking beneath the surface! Although soap is cheap to buy, it is often full of chemicals and ingredients that are not necessarily good for your skin, and can leave it irritated and dry.

When you make your own soap you can add as many ingredients as you like and design soap for a specific purpose. For example, you could make up a batch of soap designed for a pair of mechanics hands. By using ingredients such as turpentine and ground almonds for a pumice effect, this soap will clean even the most oily and grime caked hands, and leave them soft and lovely. By adding a splash of your favourite essential oil too, hands will smell wonderful as well.

Alternatively you can make clear soaps and add pretty flowers or rose petals. This will look great and with carefully selected essential oils, soap like this will be a treat for both the eyes and the nose.

Homemade soaps are a fantastic gift too. You can experiment with different packages and designs and the end result will be a fantastic looking product that you would be proud to add your name too. The chances are though you will want to keep the first batch of soap you make for yourself, as you will think it too good to give away.

There are many combinations of ingredients you can add to your soap and can experiment with a host of natural ingredients such as herbs, spices, olive oil, honey, milk, colourings even coconut. If you are looking for a hobby or fancy trying your hand at something creative, making your own soap could be just the thing.

At the moment here at Baldwins the Melt and Mold Soap Making kits are on special offer, so you can even save a few pennies in the process.

Do any of you make your own soaps? Do you have any combinations that you find work particularly well? Send in your comments.

What is a herbal tincture?

A herbal tincture is an alternative to infusing herbs as the tincture can be added directly to a drink such as water or fruit juice. To make a herbal tincture, the herb is placed in a mixture of alcohol and water and then left at room temperature for 2 to 4 weeks. As this point the mixture is filtered and bottled. Generally the ratio of tinctures is 1 part herb to 3 parts liquid. The alcohol solution can vary in strength between 25% and 60%.

Because of the ease taking tinctures, they are particular popular amongst business travellers or those of us on the go. Just a few drops in a drink in the morning if all you need to do to receive the full benefits of the particular herb you taking. The small bottle is easily portable and very convenient too.

Here at Baldwin’s, not only do we offer discounts on large sizes of all our herbal tinctures, but at the moment we also have a 20% discount on our Baldwins Echinacea (angustifolia) Herbal Tincture. This is a good way to experience a herbal tincture without spending much money. You can receive all the benefits of a herbal tincture at Baldwin’s, but without any of the cost.

The benefits of herbal tinctures are numerous. Only a very small amount of the herb is needed and the solution stays potent and strong for many years. There are some herbal compounds that can only be extracted using alcohol, and the small but potent dosage goes to work right away.

Have any of you taken herbal tinctures in the past? Do you think they are something that is worthwhile, or did you not feel many of the benefits. Send in all of your comments below about herbal tinctures.