As I went exploring the backstreets of Soho in Hong Kong and fell into a wellness event, I had the pleasure to meet Audrey, a cool Hong Konger with her own yoga and nutrition business. We hit it off right away and when I found out that she’s into DIY skincare, I scrutinized her skin (yep! it’s perfect) and she got some mega bonus points from me. I checked out her website The Olive Yogi and loved what I saw. Audrey is our guest blogger today sharing some of her secrets to her flawless skin…and it’s not only the yoga and the right food. Check this out!

CHINESE DIY SKINCARE BY THE OLIVE YOGI

Hi everyone, I am Audrey (from The Olive Yogi) and am so happy to share with you a few of my favorite beauty DIY projects. Zora and I connected over our passion for health and beauty – and more specifically our shared love for creating affordable, quick beauty fixes that are effective and also all-natural.

By now, most of you have heard about the many wonderful uses of green tea, thanks to the rise of Matcha – and while Matcha is certainly wonderful, the tea bags that are hiding in your cupboards are equally as useful in healing your insides as well as your skin. From reducing inflammation and combating aging to delivering a punch of antioxidants, here are three ways to nourish your body naturally.

Green Tea Face Mist

I can’t praise this product enough, this light mist is gentle and hydrating on the skin. (also, green tea is naturally high in antioxidants and can ward off environmental stressors on the skin!)

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2-3 Green tea bags
• 2 cups of water
• 1 teaspoon jojoba oil
• 5-10 drops of your favorite essential oils (I prefer sandalwood and lavender)

Method:

1. Brew a cup of tea using any green tea packets at home.
2. While you are letting your tea cool, pour 1 teaspoon of jojoba oil to a small, clean spray bottle.
3. Add 5-10 drops of your favorite essential oils to the jojoba oil.
4. Fill up the bottle with your cooled tea, leaving just enough room to screw on the spray topper.
5. Shake to combine.
6. Give your face a light mist as often as you’d like!
7. Store in the refrigerator for longevity, use within a few weeks.

Chamomile Lavender Face Steam

Steaming improves circulation, softens rough skin, helps to clear pores, plumps your skin, and gives a wonderful glow. It’s a therapeutic practice that’s commonly done in facials, and one that can be easily done at home either before a deep cleanse or to prepare your skin for a mask or facial.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2-3 Chamomile tea bags
• Lavender Essential Oil (2-3 drops)
• 2-3 cups of water
• Optional: dried herbs such as lavender or rosemary or chamomile

Method:

1. Bring the water to a boil.
2. Once water is boiling, add to a wide bowl, add in the tea or dried flowers and stir gently.
3. Move the pot to a table or other space where you can sit comfortably for 5–10 minutes.
4. Close your eyes and place your face above the steam.
5. Optional: drape a towel over your head to enclose your face in the steam.
6. Inhale deeply the scent of chamomile and allow yourself to relax.
7. Steam your skin for up to 8-10 minutes.

Black Tea Eucalyptus Foot Soak for Sore Muscles

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1-2 black tea bags
• Epsom salts
• 5-8 drops of your favorite essential oil (my favorite combo is peppermint and lavender)
• To create the dry soak mixture, combine epsom salts and black tea into a small jar. Add essential oils, if desired.
• To draw the foot bath: Using a large basin large enough to fit your foot, add soak mixture to four cups of very hot water.
• Cover with a towel and allow to sit for five minutes in order to steep tea leaves a bit.
• Add remaining four cups of warm water and soak feet for 10-15 minutes (or longer if your water is still comfortable!).

Have a try for yourself and remember to tag me on Instagram (@theoliveyogi) when you made your final products!  You may find me in the links below for more tips on yoga, lifestyle and natural beauty.

Audrey is a certified yoga teacher, proud parent to a silly dachshund, and a nutrition coach living in Hong Kong. I am obsessed with all things health and wellness, pickles (and pickling food), going to the beach, anything written by Jhumpa Lahiri, Scandinavian designs and DIY face masks. 

Website: www.theoliveyogi.co
Instagram: @theoliveyogi
Facebook: The Olive Yogi