Elevate the simple moments with these daily essential oil rituals

Carving out that time for self-care can be tricky, but it can work wonders for improving your day. Sara Panton, co-founder of the premium essential oil company Vitruvi and author of Essential Well Being, visited us at The Social to share her wealth of knowledge of botanicals and wellness practices to help you live more naturally and elevate your day through the use of essential oils.Check out her suggestions below, and don't forget to click on the video above for our whole chat with Sara.

MORNING RITUAL

Start your morning with this coconut coffee orange honey mask. The coconut helps to soothe and moisturize the skin, while the coffee is stimulating and increases blood flow and circulation. The honey helps balance complexion, retain moisture, and eliminate blemishes due to its natural antibacterial and antimicrobial properties.

COCONUT COFFEE ORANGE HONEY FACE MASK

5 minutes | 3.38 ounces (100 milliliters) of face maskCOMPONENTS:

• A small bowl or glass jar
• 2 tablespoons organic solid virgin coconut oil
• 2 teaspoons organic liquid honey
• 6 drops sweet orange essential oil
• 4 tablespoons organic coffee grounds

METHOD:

1. Add the coconut oil, honey and sweet orange essential oil to a small bowl or glass jar.
2. Mix the coffee grounds into the oil and honey mixture until combined.

APPLICATION

1. Moisten the face with warm shower water to help open the pores and soften the skin.
2. Put two to three teaspoons of the face mask mixture on your fingertips and massage it onto your face in small circular upward motions, avoiding the eyes.
3. Leave the mask on your face while you finish your morning shower routine—shampooing, conditioning, washing your body. Allow the mask to sit for at least five minutes before rinsing it off with warm shower water.

STORAGE

1. Keep the face mask in a covered bowl or jar with a lid in the shower for up to one week. Try to prevent water from getting into the bowl or jar to ensure that it lasts the full week. You can also keep it in the fridge for up to two weeks.

AFTERNOON RITUAL

An energizing face mist is a great solution when you’ve made it to midday and need a pick-me-up. This naturally toning face mist uses essential oils to rejuvenate you.

ENERGIZING FACE MIST

2 minutes | 1 ounce (30 milliliters) of face mistCOMPONENTS:

• A 1-ounce (30 milliliter) mist bottle
• 4 teaspoons filtered water
• 2 teaspoons non-alcoholic witch hazel
• 6 drops spruce essential oil
• 5 drops grapefruit essential oil
• 4 drops lemon essential oil

METHOD:

1. Combine all components in the mist bottle.
2. Shake well before each use.

STORAGE:

1. Keep in a cool, dark place for two to three months. Because there is water in the mist (and no preservatives), make sure to keep it away from direct sunlight.

EVENING RITUAL

It’s easy to forget to moisturize in the winter, but it’s important for maintaining a healthy glow. This warming evening body scrub is designed for a shower or bath and helps you stay hydrated. The cinnamon and essential oils promote circulation and warmth using ingredients from your kitchen.

WARMING EVENING BODY SCRUB

10 minutes | 8 ounces (240 milliliters) scrubCOMPONENTS:

• A small bowl
• An 8-ounce (240 milliliters) container with a lid
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 cup apricot kernel oil
• 10 drops frankincense essential oil
• 10 drops cedarwood essential oil
• 5 drops bergamot essential oil

METHOD:

1. In a small bowl, mix together the sugar and cinnamon.
2. Add the apricot kernel oil and essential oils and mix together with a spoon or your hands until fully incorporated.

FOR THE BATHROOM

This recipe for scented towels can make every day feel luxurious and make guests feel even more special in your home. You can even use it on your bed sheets.

TOWEL SPRAY

2 minutes | 16 ounces (480 milliliters)COMPONENTS:

• A 16-ounce (480 milliliters) spray bottle
• 2 cups filtered water
• 20 drops cedarwood essential oil
• 20 drops bergamot essential oil
• 7 drops eucalyptus essential oil

METHOD:

1. Combine all components in a spray bottle with a fine mist setting.

APPLICATION:

1. Shake gently before each use.
2. Mist towels liberally before getting in the shower.

STORAGE:

1. Keep in a cool, dry place (like your linen closet) for up to two months.

LAUNDRY THE NATURAL WAY

Regular dryer sheets are filled with synthetics. These homemade dryer sheets use reusable cloths and the natural aromas of essential oils to make custom scents.

DRYER SHEETS

10 minutes | 5 dryer sheetsCOMPONENTS:

• A 16-ounce (480 milliliter) mason jar or jar with a lid
• A spoon
• Five small cloths or fabric scraps
• 1 cup vinegar
• 15 drops lavender essential oil
• 15 drops lemon essential oil

METHOD:

1. Add the vinegar and essential oils to the mason jar and mix with a spoon.

APPLICATION:

1. Dip one cloth into the mixture in the mason jar. Wring out the cloth to remove excess liquid, then toss it into the dryer with wet clothes. The heat from the dryer will make the vinegar scent go away, and your clothes will be scented with the essential oils.

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