Malaysian Hair Oil
Apply before shampooing, for sun-damaged hair and to prevent split ends. Use before swimming to protect hair from chlorine or sea water. The coconut oil melts in contact with the skin.
4 drops pure ylang ylang essential oil
3 tsp coconut oil
Stir in ingredients together. Massage into scalp and hair, particularly the ends. Leave for 30 minutes, then shampoo out. For best results, allow hair to dry naturally rather than blow-drying.
Flower of Flowers Body Powder
Use after your perfumed bath. Pure, unscented talc is an ideal base, or use rice flour (sifted until fluffy and sediment-free) or cornflour.
30g base powder
12 drops pure ylang ylang essential oil
4 drops pure rose otto essential oil
6 drops pure orange essential oil
6 drops pure sandalwood essential oil
Add the powder to a glass jar with a screw-top lid, then add the essential oils. Tighten, shake well and stand for 24 hours. Dust your body with a cotton wool ball or powder puff.
Flower of Flowers Luxury Bath Oil
The heady fragrance of this exotic blend will help you leave the cares of the day behind for a tropical island paradise.
15ml base or unperfumed bath oil
4 drops pure ylang ylang oil
1 drop pure rose otto oil
2 drops pure orange oil
2 drops pure sandalwood oil
Mix the essential oils with the bath oil, then add to running water when the bath is almost full.
Luxurious Body Cream
This delicately scented, rich cream, containing beeswax, helps nourish dry skin. Massage it in immediately after a bath or shower.
10g beeswax, grated
50g cocoa butter
120ml sweet almond oil
350ml distilled water, warmed
3 drops pure ylang ylang oil
2 drops pure rose otto oil
4 drops pure neroli oil
1 vitamin E capsule, pierced.
Melt the beeswax and cocoa butter with the almond oil in a heatproof basin over a pan of simmering water. Slowly add 2 tsp of the warm distilled water, drop by drop, beating with a rotary whisk or food mixer on lowest speed. Remove the basin from the heat and beat in the essential oils and vitamin E oil, stirring continuously with a metal spoon until the mixture begins to thicken. Spoon into a large, screw-top jar. To avoid mould, refrigerate (for up to 6 months). Keep a small amount in a jar in the bathroom for everyday use.
Cleansing Milk for Oily Skin
Powdered goat's milk removes grime and helps balance the skin's oil production. Replenish the mix every few days.
2 rounded tbsp powdered goat's milk
3 drops pure ylang ylang oil
3 drops pure lavender oil
Put the power in a clean jar, then add the essential oils. Screw tight and shake well. Leave for 24 hours. To use, mix 1tsp with a little warm water into a milky consistency. Apply with cotton wool, remove with tissues. Rinse with plenty of cool water to freshen skin.
Heart-shaped Scented Candles
A candle scented with the sensual fragrance of ylang ylang will create a romantic atmosphere in the bedroom or bathroom. Wax and wicks are available in craft shops and by mail order from specialist suppliers, the mould from cookware shops.
You will need:
75g pafaffin wax beads
metal core wick
6 drops pure ylang ylang oil
Heart shaped metal mould, 10cm in diameter.
- Melt the wax over hot water in a double boiler. Prime the wick by dipping it into the melted wax and letting it cool.
- Remove the melted wax from the heat and stir in the essential oil.
- Pour the wax into the mould to the rim. Leave to cool to a soft set.
- Cut three lengths of wick 1cm longer than the mould height and push them into the soft wax.
- Use the candle as it is, or remove it from the mould by chilling it in the fridge before carefully lifting out.
Ylang ylang Lingerie Perfumer
The orris root will 'fix' the fragrance in these sachets so it lasts.
You will need:
40cm length of 4cm wide, patterned satin ribbon
Needle and matching thread
2 tbsp cornflour
6 drops pure ylang ylang oil
1 tsp orris powder root
20cm length of contrasting ribbon for bow
Plastic funnel
- Fold the ribbon in half lengthways, right sides together. Sew close to edges of both sides to form a tube, leaving one end open.
- Turn the tube right side out, tucking the raw edges well down inside the tube. Press with a cool iron.
- Mix the essential oil, cornflour and orris root together. Place the funnel into the tube and spoon the scented powder into the funnel. Tap the funnel until the sachet is well filled.
- Tie a decorative bow around the top of the sachet.