Looking for something to do with those beautiful fresh basil leaves you've been growing? In this tutorial, I'll show you how to make a quick and easy facial toner with fresh basil leaves and witch hazel. The resulting toner has astringent, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. Use it after cleansing and before moisturizing to naturally balance your skin!

Supplies

• 1 cup of boiling distilled water
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
• 1 tablespoon of witch hazel (find it at your natural market)
• Large Pyrex cup
• Funnel
• Fork
• 2 4oz spray bottles

1. Steep

Step 1

Loosely place about a quarter of a cup of basil leaves in a Pyrex cup.

Step 2

Using the fork, bruise the leaves to expose the juices.

Step 3

Pour boiling hot water over the basil leaves and steep for at least one hour or until the water cools.

2. Strain and Finish

Step 1

Using a fork or slotted spoon, remove the leaves. You can also use a strainer, if needed.

Step 2

Add the witch hazel to the toner and stir. Witch hazel has astringent and anti-inflammatory properties.

Step 3

Use the funnel to transfer the toner to the bottles, then cap with a sprayer top.

Get Spritzing!

In this tutorial, you learned how to make a facial toner using fresh basil leaves.

To use, moisten a cotton ball with the toner and sweep upwards on your face after cleansing or simply spritz your face for a refreshing mist. Follow with a moisturizer.

Keep this concoction in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, or add 10ml of a water soluble preservative like Liquid Germall Plus or Otiphen Plus to extend the shelf life at room temperature.

Do you love making your own natural beauty products? What other products would you like to make?