How to find Natural Beauty Boards on Pinterest.

To tell you the truth, I don't wear make up, except on the rare occasion. The rare date night out, social events and family dinners we participate in are the only times I put on makeup. I used to use CoverGirl years ago. Now remember, I've been living the homesteading country lifestyle for almost 7 years now. I have since stopped wearing much make up, as mentioned a moment ago, but I have also started to make my own from natural herbs and plants I find on the land and in our organic gardens. In my quest for recipes, ideas, "will this herb work for ____ (blank)" and the research I do almost on a daily basis I have certainly found myself on Pinterest. Not only do I base my business on natural skin care, it also what, I believe, has become an obsession...if you've read any of my other posts, you'll know that organic gardening and herbology are my therapy of sorts. I feel at one with myself and nature when I am creating something I can use to better my own and my family's health, skin and well being. My only "make up" needs are foundation and powder. I hate the look of blush, eye liner, eye shadow, lipstick, and I feel like I'm painted when I have that stuff on. I'm not myself. I much prefer looking like me. I won’t get into it all here but I will say that makeup is one of the biggest offenders for chemical nasties. As Ms. Scratch Mommy Said,

I have been using a foundation that I thought was good quality (Lord knows it sure is CRAZY expensive $45 for just over 1 oz / 30 ml.) Honestly, though I bought it a while ago because it was mineral based and because it did not have colophoony in it (a random contact allergy I have). (Beige Ivory): Cyclopentasiloxane, Water (Aqua), Phenyl Trimethicone, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, PEG-12 Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Butylene Glycol, Silica Dimethicone Silylate, Isononyl Isononanoate Polysilicone-11, Dimethicone Glycerin, Sodium Chloride, Glyceryl Polymethacrylate, Phenoxyethanol, Trihydroxystearin, Diisopropyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Ethylhexyl Hydroxstearate, C30-45 Alkyl Cetearyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Propylparaben, Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Butylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Retinyl Palmitate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Silk Powder (Serica), Saccharomyces/Xylinum Black Tea Ferment, Propylene Glycol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Potassium Sorbate, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499), Mica (CI 77019). I am almost embarrassed to show you this list, but it does feel good to finally know the horrific product I’ve been using for a year. I can now move on and make better choices. Today, I am sharing that better choice with all of you, because I know that you want to make better choices, too.

Chemicals In Your Beauty/ Skincare Products to Avoid:

Imidazolidinyl Urea The concern: According to the EU, imidazolidinyl urea is one of several "formaldehyde releasers", which have been shown to induce dermatitis from short-term use. Found in: body wash, eye liner, eye shadow, eye cream, lotion, cleanser, face powder and moisturizer	Diazolidinyl Urea The concern: Diazolidinyl urea is also a formaldehyde releaser and thus has been shown to potentially induce skin irritations. Found in: acne treatment, shampoo, conditioner, lubricant, moisturizer, hand cream, eye cream, makeup remover, body wash, cleanser, toner, face masks, eye liner, sunscreen, hair gel, exfoliants, scrubs, deodorant, powder, bronzer, foot cream, bath oils/salts/soaks, toner, blush, sunless tanning, foundation, body powder, eye makeup, hair dye, concealer, lipstick, shaving cream, hairspray, tanning oil, hand sanitizer, after shave, detangler, hair relaxers and mousse
Talc The concern: The main issue with talc is asbestos -- there is talc that contains asbestiform fibers and talc that does not. Case studies have shown an association between asbestiform fibers and the development of mesothelioma. However, the talc in makeup generally does not contain asbestiform fibers. Found in: soap, concealer, deodorant, blush, bronzer, eye shadow, lip liner, foundation, face powder and nail polish	BHA The concern: BHA can increase sensitivity to the sun's damaging rays. According to the National Toxicology Program from the Department of Health and Human Services, BHA is "reasonably anticipated to be a carcinogen" but only when in high concentrations -- most makeup does not include enough to be dangerous.Found in: eye liner, nail polish, blush, mascara, eye shadow, lip gloss, concealer, moisturizer, diaper cream, moisturizer, acne treatment, conditioner, shave gel, lipstick, body oil, shaving cream, wax, hand cream, eye cream, body wash, cleanser, fragrances, scrubs, shampoo and hair dye
Stearalkonium chloride The concern: Studies have shown this chemical to be "moderately toxic by ingestion", but it has not been proven dangerous at low concentrations in cosmetics. Found in: conditioner, hair dye, hand cream and hair gel	Isopropyl alcohol The concern: Isopropyl alcohol is used in antifreeze, and it can be twice as toxic as ethanol. But the real dangers are in ingesting it directly, whereas its minimal presence in cosmetic products is less dangerous. It can also give products that alcoholic smell. Found in: nail polish, acne treatment, pore strips, hair dye, blush, conditioner
DMDM Hydantoin The concern: DMDM hydantoin is also a formaldehyde releaser, which can cause dermatitis. According to one study, "An increase in the use of DMDM hydantoin in cosmetic products will also increase the risk of cosmetic dermatitis in consumers allergic to formaldehyde." Found in: shaving cream, eye cream, bath salts/oils/soaks, eye makeup, body wash, cleanser, moisturizer and shampoo	Mineral oil The concern: Mineral oil is produced from petroleum, so if it's not purified, one study explains, "Chronic exposure to poorly refined base oils has the potential to cause skin cancer." Ingesting too much mineral oil can also lead to diarrhea and nausea, according to the NIH. But the amounts found in makeup haven't been conclusively proven as dangerous. Found in: bubble bath, eye makeup remover, baby oil, concealer, lotion, diaper cream, lip gloss
PEG The concern: PEG, or polyethylene glycol, is often used as a laxative ingredient, as it increases the amount of water in the intestinal tract to stimulate bowel movement. But when used as a cosmetic ingredient at low concentrations, PEGs have not been conclusively deemed harmful. Found in: cleanser, concealer, eye cream, tooth whitening, face masks, foot cream and lip balm	Phthalates The concern: Phthalates are found in lots of plastics and are also used as solvents. According to the CDC, "some types of phthalates have affected the reproductive system of laboratory animals," where they have endocrine-disrupting effects. However, according to the 2002 Cosmetic Ingredient Review panel, cosmetics expose humans to phthalates in much lower levels than would cause the adverse effects in animals. One study found phthalates to increase risk of diabetes. Found in: deodorant, fragrance, hair gel, mousse, hair spray, nail polish, hand and body lotion
Triclosan The concern: The FDA states that "animal studies have shown that triclosan alters hormone regulation" and therefore it requested a test of triclosan's dermal toxicity, dermal carcinogenicity and phototoxicity. It is currently doing research and is still reviewing the ingredient. Found in: after shave, shaving cream, moisturizer, acne treatment, deodorant and toothpaste	Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate The concern: Sodium lauryl sulfate has been shown to cause irritation and inflammation on the skin. Found in: makeup remover, shampoo, conditioner, cleanser, detangler and soap

The recipe she (Ms. Scratch Mommy) uses which is how I learned how to make my own foundation can be found here: Smooth Finish DIY Organic Foundation Makeup...With Sunscreen | Scratch Mommy - Life, From Scratch

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Why am I obsessed with the secrets of hollyhocks for skin care? Part 2

"She blooms where the sun kisses the earth and her petals whisper healing secrets."

Exploring the ancient wisdom and botanical magic behind Alcea rosea

In Part 1 of this series, we uncovered the deeply moisturizing, softening, and hydrating powers of hollyhock (Alcea rosea) — a plant long revered for its gentle skin-loving nature. Today, we’re going deeper into my own garden-grown journey with these towering beauties and how I craft an infusion so potent it practically glows with botanical alchemy.

Cultivated with Intention

My hollyhocks are grown organically here on the homestead using mushroom compost, which I swear by for growing lush, healthy plants. These giants towered over me at over 8 feet tall — no small feat considering I’m 4'10"! Sturdy stalks, velvety leaves, and a range of bloom colors from snow white to pale blush to rich fuchsia pink made it feel like my garden was humming with ancient feminine energy.

🌧️ After a deep Tennessee rain, I carefully pinched the blossoms to begin the infusion process. The timing was intuitive — the plants told me they were ready. I gently rinsed the petals, added bits of root, and simmered them low and slow. As they cooked, something magical happened:
The petals faded from vibrant hues to soft whites... while the water turned a rich, deep pink. The scent? Heavenly. Earthy. Floral. Pure.

This, my friends, is how botanical skin medicine begins. 💧🌺

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Why Hollyhock Infusion is a Skin-Lover’s Dream

Let’s go beyond the basics. Here's what hollyhock infusion brings to your skin ritual:

🌿 Hydration & Moisture Retention – Think of it like a drink of water for your skin. Hollyhocks help trap moisture, leaving skin soft, supple, and bounce-back fresh.

🌿 Non-Greasy Emollient – Hollyhock infusion acts as a light barrier, softening and smoothing rough patches without clogging pores or leaving a film.

🌿 Elasticity & Pliability – Its natural plant mucilage helps support the skin’s collagen matrix, promoting a youthful glow.

🌿 Astringent Action – Tightens pores gently, ideal for toners or acne-prone skin.

🌿 Anti-Inflammatory & Calming – Especially helpful for red, irritated, or sun-exposed skin.

🌿 Deep Botanical Energy – Traditionally used by Greeks, Chinese, and Tudors alike for everything from digestive relief to beauty rituals. It carries a legacy of healing and feminine wisdom.

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My Botanical Hollyhock Creations 🌸✨

All hollyhock petals, leaves, and roots are grown right here on my Northern Tennessee homestead with sustainable, organic practices. They’re infused and bottled in small batches — nothing mass-produced, nothing rushed.

🧴 Hollyhock Hydrosol Facial Toner
Available in 2 oz, 4 oz, and 8 oz sizes. Use daily for hydration, pore refinement, and refreshment.

🌿 Hollyhock • Aloe • Lavender Mask
Made with pure Hollyhock infusion + my aloe vera + lavender — a dreamy, calming treatment for stressed, sensitive, or dry skin.

👉 Shop the Hollyhock Collection here

Hollyhock Water | Hollyhock Face Toner – Anti Aging Natural Skincare 2 oz	Hollyhock Water | Hollyhock Face Toner – Anti Aging Natural Skincare 4 oz
Hollyhock Water | Hollyhock Face Toner – Anti Aging Natural Skincare 8 oz	Lavender Hollyhock & Aloe Facial Mask | Natural Clay Facial Mask for Radiant Skin | Handcrafted with Garden-Fresh Ingredients | Hydrating 2 oz

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A Final Thought 🌕

This is more than skincare — it’s plant communion. It’s using what the earth offers in its simplest, truest form to honor your skin as sacred.

💖 Have questions about hollyhock skincare or how I create infusions? Drop them in the comments or message me directly.

🌿 Love this? Pin this post! 📌 Save it for later, share it with a friend, and follow me on Pinterest for more herbal beauty wisdom.

Why am I obsessed with the secrets of hollyhocks for skin care? Part 1

"She blooms where the sun kisses the earth and her petals whisper healing secrets."

Nestled along the garden gate and standing like watchful sentinels of summer, hollyhocks (Alcea rosea) have long enchanted me with their towering beauty. But it’s not just their charm that captures my heart — it's their ancient legacy in herbal medicine, their gentle potency for skincare, and their sacred, feminine essence that aligns so deeply with what I practice as an herbalist.

Hollyhocks are so much more than a cottage garden darling. They’re a secret weapon for glowing, supple, naturally hydrated skin — and I’m here to share why.

Ancient Roots, Timeless Beauty

Did you know hollyhocks have been used in wellness rituals for over 5,000 years?

• Their name traces back to "alkaia," the Greek word for mallow — a nod to their botanical lineage.

• Ancient Greeks and Romans used various parts of the Althaea species in culinary recipes and as natural remedies for digestive and dental complaints.

• In China, hollyhock roots and petals were infused into balms and poultices.

• Tudor women even added dried hollyhock root to wine to prevent clots and miscarriage.

• A Neanderthal grave dated to 50,000 BCE was found to contain hollyhock remains, suggesting their ceremonial or medicinal use even then.

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Skin-Loving Benefits of Hollyhock Infusion

When carefully harvested and infused, hollyhock blossoms offer a bouquet of skin-nourishing magic:

• ✨ Deep Hydration & Moisture Lock Hollyhock infusion is a humectant, which means it draws moisture into the skin and helps retain it, making your skin feel plump and alive.

• ✨ Soothing & Calming A gentle astringent, hollyhock can help reduce redness and calm inflamed or sensitive skin. I especially love it for post-sun care and during seasonal shifts.

• ✨ Supple & Smooth Texture Its emollient properties soften dry or rough patches and add elasticity, giving your skin that bouncy, youthful glow.

• ✨ Perfect for DIY Facial Toners and Masks Hollyhock infusion pairs beautifully with other botanicals like lavender and aloe, making it a dream base for toners, spritzes, and cooling facial masks.

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Grown with Intention on the Homestead

I grow my hollyhocks organically on our Tennessee homestead, fed by nutrient-rich mushroom compost and kissed by Appalachian sunshine. They tower over me by midsummer (I’m 4'10" and they easily reach 6-8 feet!) and bloom in shades of cream, butter yellow, soft blush, and vibrant fuchsia.

Each blossom is hand-harvested, rinsed, and slow-simmered to extract their plant magic. As the petals fade, their healing energy infuses the water — a transformation that smells as heavenly as it looks. The resulting hydrosol is rich, pink-hued, and full of botanical goodness.

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Want to Try Hollyhock for Your Skin?

🌸 My Hollyhock Botanical Toner is available in 2 oz, 4 oz, and 8 oz sizes — a refreshing mist that soothes, hydrates, and tones naturally.

🧐 I also created a Hollyhock, Lavender & Aloe Facial Mask that blends this sacred infusion with pure aloe vera and calming lavender — a trio of botanical bliss.

Stay tuned for Part 2, where I take you behind-the-scenes of the infusion process, from garden to jar.

In bloom & in gratitude, ~ Jen, Your Garden Witch

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Hollyhock Water | Hollyhock Face Toner – Anti Aging Natural Skincare 2 oz	Hollyhock Water | Hollyhock Face Toner – Anti Aging Natural Skincare 4 oz
Hollyhock Water | Hollyhock Face Toner – Anti Aging Natural Skincare 8 oz	Lavender Hollyhock & Aloe Facial Mask | Natural Clay Facial Mask for Radiant Skin | Handcrafted with Garden-Fresh Ingredients | Hydrating 2 oz

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