Rose water is great for the skin, and one spritz can help you feel instantly refreshed. Rose water can actually help control oil production and pH balance on the face. It also works as a lightweight moisturizer and has anti-inflammatory benefits that reduce redness. While you can definitely purchase rose water in stores, it's best to make it from scratch: This way, you know it's pure and it's super fresh. Here's how to make rose water (and how to use it).
Ingredients:
1 cup of fresh rose petals (about 2 roses)
2 cups distilled water
Empty bottle with a lid
Sauce pan
Note: You can use home-grown roses, or ask your local florist if they have any organic, pesticide-free roses. If they don't you can also use store-bought roses, but make sure they don't have any artificial dyes on them. Also, if you want to use your rosewater in cooking, try using rosa damascena, rosa centifolia, and rosa gallica. These are the best kinds of edible varieties, but don't mix them: Stick to one kind of rose for the absolute best results.
Directions:
Select fresh, fragrant roses and rinse them off. The fresher the roses are, the better the results you will get. Rinsing them is essential for getting rid of any pesticides, insects, or dirt that might be lurking on them.
When you're done, pull the petals off the roses. You can compost or try propagating the stem (put it in a glass of water, then transfer it to soil), but you'll only need the petals for this. You need a full cup of rose petals for this, so two roses should be enough, depending on the size of the rose.
Place the petals in a saucepan and pour water over them. The water level should not come too far past the petals: If you use too much water, it will lessen your rosewater's fragrance.
Cover the saucepan with a lid and let it sit with the heat on low. Never let it comes to a boil or a simmer though (this will ruin it). After about 20 minutes, you should see the petals becoming paler, and the water changing color. It usually turns a pretty light pink color, or take on the color of the petals you're using.
Now turn the heat off and get a mason jar and a strainer. Pour the liquid through the strainer and into the mason jar: The strainer will catch all the petals. You can compost these. Transfer the rosewater into a smaller container (a spray bottle works well) so you can use it and transport it easier.
How to use rose water:
Spray your face 3 to 4 times a day to replenish your skin.
Spray it on your face after doing your makeup to help it set.
Use it as a light fragrance.
Add it to lemonade for a refreshing beverage.
Use it as a gentle facial toner.
Ariana Palmieri is a green beauty blogger who strives to live as eco-friendly as possible. In July 2015 she started her blog, Greenify-Me, to document her own journey with eco-friendly products, makeup, and the environment. The site features beauty product reviews, natural DIYs, healthy recipes, and more.