BODY SPLASHES & TONICS

Naturally aromatic body splashes are simple to make and milder for your skin than their commercial counterparts, with much less likelihood of sensitivity or irritation. You can make great early morning wake-up refreshers, cooling spritzers for a hot day or reviving splashes for use after the bath or before a big night out. The advantage of natural homemade splashes over commercial products lies in the ingredients.

When making your own body splashes and tonics, you can decide how astringent or mild you would like the formula to be. Mild formulas contain high percentages of spring water or mineral water with the addition of pure aloe vera gel and vegetable glycerin. Bracing toners contain witch hazel extract, an herbal distillate containing 14% alcohol, or a pure drinking alcohol like unflavoured vodka.

Vitamins and herbal extracts can be added for their specific effects. Fragrances and therapeutic values are provided through the addition of pure essential oils. Very little essential oil is needed to make an aromatic water, and you can choose between citrus, herbaceous, floral, woodsy or balsamic aromas, or a blend of several.

Men in particular will appreciate the subtle aromas and refreshing feel of natural body splashes and tonics. Traditional herbs and spices such as bay, clove, nutmeg, lime, vanilla, pimento, cinnamon and sandalwood all lend their unique qualities to water and alcohol based splashes. You can choose to infuse only the herbs and spices, or to add essential oils for an extra dash of fragrance.

Splashes also make great gifts for all occasion, and can be displayed in cut-glass brandy decanters and other decorative containers. They will keep their freshness and distinctive aroma for many years.

GENTLEMAN'S FAVOURITE MORNING SPLASH
A brisk, refreshing morning splash. For all skin types.

• 4 oz (120ml) witch hazel extract
• 2 oz (60ml) mineral water
• 1/2 oz (15ml) unflavoured vodka
• 1/2 oz (15ml) vegetable glycerine
• 10 drops bergamot Pure Essential Oil
• 10 drops pimento berry Pure Essential Oil
• 10 drops cinnamon Pure Essential Oil
• 10 drops sandalwood Pure Essential Oil
• dried mixed spices (include your favourites: cinnamon stick, vanilla beans, clove buds, all spice berries, nutmeg, star anise)

Combine all ingredients in a measuring cup or beaker and stir well. Drop the dried spices into decorative glass bottle and pour the liquid over them. Use as needed.

BITTER ORANGE AND CLOVE AROMATIC TONIC
A fruity, aromatic tonic which can be used as a body splash, scalp tonic, skin refresher or eau-de-cologne. For all skin types. Use as desired.

• 6 oz (180ml) witch hazel extract
• 1 oz (30ml) vegetable glycerin
• 1 oz (30ml) aloe vera gel
• 20 drops clove bud Pure Essential Oil
• 20 drops bitter orange Pure Essential Oil
• 10 drops ylang-ylang Pure Essential Oil

Mix all ingredients in a measuring cup and stir well. Pour into a glass bottle using a funnel and cap. Shake the bottle before each use. Apply as needed.

LAVENDER BODY SPLASH
A fresh, clean all-over splash to use after a bath or shower.

• 4 oz (120ml) witch hazel extract
• 4 oz (120ml) mineral water
• 40 drops lavender Pure Essential Oil
• 10 drops sandalwood Pure Essential Oil

Combine all ingredients in a glass measuring cup or beaker, stirring well. Pour through a funnel into an 8 oz glass bottle. Use the splash whenever you need a refreshing lift.