DIY Lavender Facial Mist: Natural Toner for Calm, Balanced Skin

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Looking for a simple, natural way to soothe irritated skin and restore balance? This lavender facial mist combines the calming properties of lavender essential oil with the astringent benefits of witch hazel to create a refreshing, multi-purpose skincare spray that takes just minutes to make.

The Power of Lavender for Your Skin

Lavender essential oil is more than just a beautiful fragrance—it's a powerhouse ingredient packed with skin-loving benefits. With its anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, antimicrobial, and detoxifying properties, lavender can help reduce redness, soothe irritation, and promote rapid healing of minor cuts, scrapes, and rashes. It's particularly effective at balancing your skin's natural bacterial environment while calming sensitive or reactive skin.

Why I Love (and Respect) Lavender in Skincare

Lavender has earned its place as one of my favourite skincare ingredients. The scent is naturally calming and relaxing, making it perfect for a mindful skincare routine. However, I'm always mindful that lavender's potent aroma can be overwhelming for some people, and the essential oil can occasionally irritate sensitive skin types.

Important Safety Note: Always perform a patch test before using lavender products on your face, and advise anyone you're gifting this mist to do the same. While lavender is generally well-tolerated, everyone's skin is unique, and it's better to test first than deal with irritation later.

What You'll Need

Ingredients:

• 120ml distilled water

• 4 drops lavender essential oil

• 5ml (1 tsp) witch hazel

Equipment:

• 150ml glass spray bottle (amber or cobalt blue is ideal for preserving the essential oils)

How to Make Your Lavender Facial Mist

Step 1: Add the distilled water to your glass spray bottle.

Step 2: Add the witch hazel, which acts as a natural preservative and helps distribute the essential oil throughout the water.

Step 3: Add 4 drops of lavender essential oil to the bottle.

Step 4: Secure the spray top and shake vigorously for 20-30 seconds to ensure all ingredients are well combined.

Step 5: Shake before each use and spray! Your lavender mist is ready to refresh and soothe your skin.

Yes, it really is that simple!

How to Use Your Lavender Facial Mist

This versatile mist can be incorporated into your skincare routine in several ways:

As a Toner: After cleansing, spray 2-3 pumps onto your face and allow it to air dry before applying serum and moisturizer.

Mid-Day Refresher: Keep it in your bag for a quick pick-me-up when your skin feels tired or stressed. Perfect for hot days or stuffy offices.

Setting Spray: Lightly mist over makeup to set it and add a dewy, fresh finish.

Before Bed: Spray onto your pillow and sheets for a calming aromatherapy experience that promotes restful sleep.

After Sun Care: Keep refrigerated and spray on sun-exposed skin for cooling relief (not a substitute for proper sun protection).

Understanding the Ingredients

Distilled Water provides a pure, mineral-free base that won't introduce impurities or interfere with the other ingredients.

Lavender Essential Oil delivers the therapeutic benefits—calming inflammation, balancing bacteria, and promoting healing while providing that signature soothing scent.

Witch Hazel acts as a natural astringent that tightens pores, reduces inflammation, and helps preserve your mist. It also acts as an emulsifier, helping the oil mix with water.

Storage and Shelf Life

Store your lavender facial mist in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight. The amber or cobalt blue glass bottle helps protect the essential oils from UV degradation. When stored properly, this mist will last approximately 2-3 months.

Pro Tip: Make a fresh batch every few months to ensure maximum potency and effectiveness. Always shake before each use, as the essential oil may separate from the water over time.

Customizing Your Mist

Feel free to adjust this recipe to suit your preferences:

• For sensitive skin: Reduce lavender oil to 2-3 drops

• For oily skin: Increase witch hazel to 10ml (2 tsp)

• For dry skin: Add 5ml (1 tsp) of vegetable glycerin for extra hydration

• Scent variation: Substitute or blend with chamomile, rose, or geranium essential oils

Where to Source Your Ingredients

I source many of my ingredients from Amazon using Prime, which provides free and speedy delivery on numerous items plus access to Prime Video—a household favourite. Try Prime free for 30 days by signing up here and enjoy free delivery on your skincare ingredients.

Disclaimer: This information does not replace advice from a dermatologist or medical professional. Always patch test new ingredients before applying to your face. If you experience irritation, discontinue use immediately. Lavender essential oil may cause sensitivity in some individuals, particularly those with eczema or very sensitive skin.

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