A nourishing and hearty meal, this ancient grains bowl is made with quinoa and farro, roasted sweet potato, broccoli, and chickpeas, and topped with a delicious creamy tahini sauce.

Why I Love This Recipe

When it comes to a satisfying, savory meal, I love nothing more than a saucy, hearty grain bowl packed with protein and veggies.

This Ancient Grains Bowl is loaded with plant-based protein from the chickpeas, quinoa and farro and fiber rich ingredients like broccoli, avocado and sweet potato. 

It’s bursting with flavors and textures and topped with a delicious tahini sauce that is creamy, nutty, and tangy. It has a subtle sweetness from the sweet potato, crunch from the broccoli, and chewiness from the farro.

This dish is hearty, wholesome, and perfectly satisfying when you’re craving a warm bowl of nourishing ingredients. 

Ingredients You’ll Need

Notes on Ingredients

chickpeas: adds plant-based protein. Be sure to rinse, drain and remove skin

sweet potato: I don’t peel my sweet potatoes but you can choose to either fully or partially peel if you prefer

broccoli: provides a nice crunch to the dish and is packed with calcium, vitamin C and vitamin K

farro: this whole-grain is high in fiber, protein, and vitamins like B3, magnesium, and zinc. I usually buy quick-cooking farro that’s ready in about 10 minutes after water comes to a boil to save some time!

quinoa: adds more protein and serves as part of the base 

avocado: provides fat and fiber to the dish which help you feel satiated

garlic: gives a punch of flavor

tahini: a sesame seed paste traditionally used in Middle Eastern cuisine. It has an earthy, slightly nutty taste.

rice vinegar: has a mildly sweet flavor 

miso paste: provides a savory, umami flavor

lemon juice: adds a punch of acidity to the tahini sauce 

maple syrup: adds a subtle sweetness to the tahini sauce and roasted vegetables

Equipment You’ll Need (affiliate links – if you make a purchase I receive a small commission):

Baking Sheet

Mixing Bowl

How to Make Ancient Grains Bowl

Cook the farro and quinoa according to instructions on the packages. 
Make miso sauce. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together miso, rice vinegar, maple syrup, garlic and tahini until combined.
Coat the veggies. Add sweet potato, broccoli, and chickpeas to a large bowl then pour the miso sauce on top and toss to evenly coat. 
Bake vegetables. Transfer vegetables to a baking sheet and bake until they are tender and browned, about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through. 
Make tahini sauce. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, maple syrup, garlic, salt and water until combined and smooth. 
Build grain bowls. Using a mix of farro and quinoa as the base, add roasted vegetables, avocado, and a drizzle of tahini sauce on top. 

Expert Tips

Remove as many of the skins off the chickpeas as possible! Transfer rinsed and drained chickpeas to a clean, dry kitchen towel. Cover half of the towel over the chickpeas and rub the chickpeas back and forth with the towel to rub as many of the skins off as possible. This helps remove moisture from chickpeas to get them crispier when roasting.
Meal prep the components of the bowl over the weekend so that you have dinners or lunches that are quick to assemble for the week!
Customize the bowl to your liking! Use whatever ancient grains, veggies, and sauces strike your fancy!

Recipe FAQs

What is an ancient grains bowl?

An ancient grains bowl is a a nutrient-packed meal that’s filled with plant-based goodness like grains, vegetables, and legumes and is topped with a flavorful sauce. A bowl starts with a base of a grain (or multiple grains!) like quinoa, farro, bulgur, or barley and is topped with protein (think chickpeas, lentils, chicken, salmon, edamame, beans, tofu, or tempeh), any mix of vegetables (roasted, steamed, or raw) and a sauce (tahini sauce, peanut sauce, hummus, green-goddess dressing, a vinaigrette, etc.). Ancient grain bowls can be easily customized to vary the veggies, swap in a different protein, change up the grain, or switch the sauce depending on what you’re craving or what you have on hand. 

What are ancient grains?

Ancient grains are loosely defined as grains that have been largely unchanged over the past several hundred years. Some ancient grains include kamut, sorghum, amaranth, millet, farro, barley, quinoa, bulgur, rye, teff, and wild rice. They tend to be less processed than more modern grains like corn and wheat and contain higher amounts of vitamins and minerals.

Are ancient grains bowls good for you?

Diets rich in ancient grains have been linked to several health benefits including improved blood sugar and lower risks of heart disease, stroke, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. Whole-grains are also good sources of dietary fiber, which can help you feel full and satisfied. They also contain a wide variety of vitamins and minerals such as thiamin (Vitamin B1), riboflavin (Vitamin B2), niacin (Vitamin B3), folate (Vitamin B9), iron, magnesium and selenium, which are all important for a variety of body functions such as forming new cells, carrying oxygen in the blood, regulating the thyroid, and maintaining a healthy immune system.

Are ancient grains bowls gluten-free?

They can be! The version in this recipe is not gluten-free since it contains farro, but the farro can easily be substituted for a different grain like brown rice, wild-rice or more quinoa. 

Can ancient grains bowls be made in advance?

Ancient grains bowls can definitely be made in advance. I recommend prepping all of the ingredients ahead of time (cooking the grains, roasting the veggies, making the sauce) and storing them in separate containers in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, heat the grains and veggies, cut up some fresh avocado and drizzle that creamy tahini sauce on top! 

Storage and Preparation

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days and in the freezer for up to 3 months.

You can prep the elements of these bowls separately ahead of time, the grains, the vegetables, and the sauce. Then when you’re ready to eat simply build your bowl, heat in the microwave for 60-90 seconds, and add your avocado!

Recipes That Pair Well

Instant Pot Asparagus

Air Fryer Cauliflower

Air Fryer Eggs

Garlic Scape Pesto

For more bowl inspiration, check out my other recipes below! 

Chipotle Inspired Vegan Burrito Bowl

Spicy Salmon and Avocado Poke Bowl

Spicy Peanut Tofu Bowl with Bok Choy

Fall Harvest Grain Bowl with Creamy Cashew Apple Cider Dressing

Farro Breakfast Bowl

If you like this recipe, please be sure to comment and give it a 5 star rating below. If you make it, share it on Instagram and tag me @karalydonrd and I’ll re-share it with my followers! If you want to save this recipe for later, be sure to pin it on Pinterest!

Don’t miss a recipe! Sign up to receive my monthly newsletter with a round-up of recipes from the previous month and get my FREE guide when you sign up: Rediscover the Joy in Eating: 5 Simple Steps to Stop Stressing Over Food + Enjoy Every Bite.

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The Most Delicious (Healthy) Turkey Chili Ever

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There’s nothing quite like a face mask to amp up your skin care routine. The right mask is not just an indulgent treat — it can also tackle a number of key skin concerns and conditions. Whether you’re dealing with dryness, fine lines, large pores, acne or a combination, there is a mask that will work for you. Read on to learn about the different types of face masks, how to apply them and which ones are right for your age range and unique complexion.

Benefits Of Masking | Types Of Face Masks | Face Mask For Your Skin Type | Face Mask For Your Age | How Often Should You Use A Face Mask? 

Benefits Of Masking: What You Didn’t Know About Masks

Just like a serum or moisturizer, a face mask is a skin care vehicle. It delivers highly concentrated actives, vitamins and nutrients to the skin to improve its overall health. What makes face masks unique is that they are occlusive — meaning they create a physical barrier that locks in the beneficial ingredients, allowing the skin to absorb them more efficiently.  

Face masks are designed to be used intermittently to give your skin an instant boost. Depending on what your skin needs, there is a mask that can do one (or a combination) of the following:

Hydrate and moisturize dry skin
Refine large pores
Improve skin texture
Absorb excess oil and dirt
Decongest clogged pores
Minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
Enhance elasticity
Improve the look of breakouts
Brighten dark spots

Types Of Face Masks Available

With so many options out there, how do you choose the right face mask to cater to your unique needs? Let’s do a deeper dive to figure out which mask texture is right for you. 

Cream

Think of the texture of a rich moisturizer — that’s the best way to describe the feel of a cream-based mask. These face masks do wonders for adding moisture and nutrients back into the skin, helping maintain a plump and youthful-looking appearance.

Cream masks can target a range of conditions — from the visible signs of aging to problem skin. The Bamboo Age Corrective Masque and the Coconut Cream Masque both smooth the appearance of dry, dehydrated or aging skin overnight, while our Clear Skin Probiotic Masque suits acne-prone and oily skin types.

The Kombucha Microbiome Leave-On Masque is a no-rinse probiotic skin care formula that suits all skin types. It is designed to support the skin’s natural recovery process and maintain a healthy skin moisture barrier. This rich, slow-absorbing mask provides soothing hydration and comfort to dry, dull skin. And don’t stop there. Eminence Organics International Educator Brian Goodwin lets us in on a skin care secret: “An insider tip is that most of our cream-based masks can be used as a leave-on treatment.” In other words, keep it on for10 minutes or all night, and let that goodness sink in! 

Gel 

Gel masks have the consistency of a jam or jelly. With their lightweight texture, they are an excellent choice for oily to normal skin types. Many gel masks include astringent ingredients like raspberries and blackberries which minimize oil and tighten the appearance of pores. Others are formulated with hydrating ingredients like stone crop and honey which replenish the look of dry and dehydrated skin. 

Our Citrus & Kale Potent C+E Masque is a great option for those in search of a firmer-looking complexion. It contains a cocktail of rhubarb extract, avocado oil, leafy greens and citrus. Whichever mask you choose, you can amplify your results with this skin care tip from Brian: “Apply your favorite gel-based mask in the shower to make it an active in-shower treatment.” The heat from the shower can open the pores and allow the skin to better absorb the beneficial ingredients.  

Clay 

With its absorbent, exfoliating and astringent properties, clay treats ongoing skin conditions related to acne, such as excess oil and inflammation. A clay mask can also be applied just to the problem areas, meaning it can double as a spot treatment. Lead Skin Care Trainer Natalie Pergar recommends using the Acne Advanced Clarifying Masque to treat bumpy and congested skin: “It’s nice and creamy in texture, and you literally only need a bit … Just hit those little areas and let it dry.” 

Exfoliating 

Exfoliating masks are formulated to remove dead skin cells and enhance your skin’s natural turnover process. This type of face mask may take the form of a chemical peel which employs alpha or beta hydroxy acids to dissolve dead skin cells and clear them from the skin’s surface. The hypoallergenic Radish Seed Refining Peel reduces the appearance of problem skin and the look of fine lines and wrinkles. For pore-clearing exfoliating benefits, our Product Support Representatives recommend pairing it with either our Yellow Sweet Clover Anti-Redness Masque for drier skin types or our Seabuckthorn Balancing Masque for combination skin.

Warming 

Warming masks contain active spices like paprika and cinnamon that cause a tingling sensation and make the skin feel warm. This is the result of increased blood flow to the area, which also explains the rosy glow that some might experience. The immediate effects last from 20 – 60 minutes before revealing a fresh, healthy complexion. However, these masks aren’t for everyone: If you have sensitive skin, you’re better off choosing a cream or gel-based mask that won’t exacerbate your symptoms. 

One of our warming masks, the Eight Greens Phyto Masque – Hot has been recognized as a 2020 Allure Best Of Beauty Award winner within the “Clean Beauty” category. Blended from whole plants, seeds and spices, this formula invigorates and rejuvenates the appearance of the skin. 

Our Turmeric Energizing Treatment is also designed to awaken dull, tired skin. Formulated with turmeric as well as citrine gemstones and zeolite, this mask only needs water to activate a fluffy mousse bursting with energy. 

Watch our In The Mix video below to find out more about our warming face masks:

 

The Best Face Mask For Your Skin Type

If you prefer to use one mask at a time, it’s important to choose the right face mask for your skin type and skin concerns. To get your wheels turning, here are our suggestions for each skin type:

Dry Skin

Dry skin often means dealing with flaky patches, a scaly skin texture or cracked, itchy skin. Boasting shea butter and grape seed oil, the Strawberry Rhubarb Masque provides important fatty acids to help with the appearance of skin softness and dryness. 

Oily Skin

Oily skin is characterized by an overproduction of sebum in the skin. Often this excess oil may interact with bacteria and dead skin cells resulting in breakouts. Try the Citrus & Kale Potent C+E Masque for this skin type as it contains Vitamins C and E to improve the appearance of skin health. 

Customer Nina T. said in an online review: “Amazing smelling masque that really works magic on your skin!! … when you wash it off your skin looks hydrated and refreshed!!!”

Combination Skin

It can be frustrating to develop oily patches on your chin and forehead but dryness on your cheeks. The Snow Mushroom & Reishi Masque helps to balance the look of the skin by firming its appearance and revealing a smooth radiance. 

You can also treat combination skin with more than one mask. Spot masking (or multi-masking) is done by applying different masks to different parts of the face all at once. For example, if your T-zone is oily, but your cheeks are dry, applying masks that address the specific issue in each area of the face can provide a super customized treatment that targets the issue without aggravating the rest of your combination skin. 

Sensitive Skin

Those with sensitive skin should carefully read labels and conduct patch tests for any new product before applying it all over the face. If you do have a reaction, you can apply the Calm Skin Arnica Masque to improve the look of redness caused by dryness and other irritation. 

Normal Skin

If you have normal skin, then your goal is to maintain your skin’s health. The Stone Crop Masque contains hydrating stone crop, antioxidant-rich lemon and other ingredients that reduce the appearance of wrinkles and improve the overall look of the skin. 

If you’re looking to address particular skin concerns and conditions, here are some recommendations:

The Best Type Of Face Mask For Your Age

Now that you know what product suits you by skin concern, you can also filter based on ingredients suited to your age bracket.

Still not sure which mask is right for you? A great way to test out some of our best-selling masks is with our limited edition Mix & Masque Trio Gift Set. Enjoy three of our most popular masks, designed to be mixed, layered together or explored individually to bring out refreshed and visibly rejuvenated skin. These three potent masks can be paired however you like to target your skin’s unique needs. Use each mask individually to reap its benefits or match in multiple ways to create your perfect masking ritual. Perfect for gifting to a loved one or to yourself!

How Often Should You Use A Face Mask?

Now that you know which masks are right for your skin, the next question is: How often should you apply a face mask? We recommend adding a face mask to your skin care routine once or twice a week. Masking should follow cleansing and toning. These steps clear impurities and excess oil, provide a base layer of hydration and prep your skin to better absorb the benefits of your face mask.

Once you’re ready, follow these skin care tips to apply a face mask properly:

1. Apply Mask Evenly

It may be tempting to slather on an inch-thick layer of product, but more isn’t necessarily better. A cherry-sized amount is plenty to achieve the results you’re looking for. Natalie advises evenly applying this amount in a “pantyhose-thin” layer over the entire face. Pro tip: Use facial massage techniques to amp up the benefits of this part of your routine!

Remember, Eminence Organics face masks contain concentrated amounts of beneficial vitamins and nutrients. We recommend adding two to three drops of water to your product and warming it between your hands before massaging it into your face — especially if the product is gel-based. This will allow for more slip, easier application and (bonus!) less product waste.

2. Remember To Include Your Neck & Décolleté

That cherry-sized amount is just enough to also include your neck and chest. These areas take on the visible signs of age much earlier than the face due to their exposure to environmental stress — and they’re easily forgotten in a skin care routine. Pay these areas a bit of extra attention by including them in your mask application.

3. Leave On For 5 – 10 Minutes

Most masks can be kept on for 5 – 10 minutes, but the duration can vary from mask to mask. Some face masks act quickly and can be removed after a short period of time, while others can be left on as an overnight treatment to deeply hydrate your skin while you sleep. We always advise reviewing the label directions to apply your particular product so you get the most out of it without overdoing it!

4. Remove Gently With A Damp Cloth

Don’t undo the benefits of your face mask by aggressively scrubbing it off. Instead, be delicate with your complexion. Use lukewarm water to gently remove the mask from your face. If you choose to use a washcloth, ensure it’s clean and has soft fibers that won’t irritate your skin.

Watch this video for a step-by-step guide on how to apply a face mask:

 

Are you wondering which masks to add to your skin care routine? Visit an Eminence Organics Spa Partner for recommendations.

This article was originally written in September 2019.

Slow Cooker Vegan Italian Wedding Soup is a delicious and satisfying plant-based alternative to this classic comfort food. Plus, it’s super easy to make in the slow cooker.

Steve and I have gotten into a nice pattern these past few weeks – it’s called slow cooker Sundays. Every Sunday morning/afternoon, we throw ingredients in the slow cooker, move on with our day and then have dinner ready for us in the evening as well as plenty of leftovers for the week ahead. As much as I enjoy cooking, I certainly don’t enjoy cooking everyday. That’s why I love batch cooking – making large quantities of meals to have leftovers for lunch or dinner for the week or to freeze for another time when we’re in a dinner pinch.

I’m really looking forward to spring-like temperatures around the corner but I’m going to shed a tear when it comes time to bid adieu to the slow cooker until next winter (not saying you can’t use the slow cooker all year round but I tend to use it more during the winter months).

I’m noticing another pattern too with my recipes on the blog – making all the plant-based versions of recipes I used to enjoy way back in the day before I stopped eating meat. Like my Vegetarian Buffalo Cauliflower Wing Dip that was a HUGE hit (oh, god I sound like Trump – HELP) for the Super Bowl this year and now this vegan version of Italian Wedding Soup.

I have vague memories of eating Italian Wedding Soup as a kid but what I do remember is being psyched that there was pasta and meatballs in a bowl of soup! Speaking of pasta, this recipe calls for acini di pepe pasta and when I told my husband what kind of pasta we needed, he said “oh yeah, pee pee pasta.” Still learning things about my husband after oh, 14 years of knowing the guy.

I was reeeeeeeeallly satisfied with this recipe. It took two tests but I think we nailed it. Carnivore husband approved AND meat-eating friend who came over to watch the Oscars with us approved. So, there’s that. Did I mention that this soup is ultra satisfying? My mother recently called me the soup lady when I told her we were having this recipe for dinner (apparently she thinks we make a lot of soup…we do). But she doesn’t understand how we can just eat soup for dinner…which I always correct her that we’re having soup AND bread :). But when the soup you make is loaded with pasta, veggies and protein, it’s totally satiating. At least to my body it is. 

I made chickpea meatballs for this soup recipe – so easy to make in the food processor and then sautéed ’em to brown ’em and finished them off in the oven. Really delicious flavor with the dried basil and parsley and umami flavor from the vegan parm cheese. Coupled with the savory flavor of the soup, I could eat bowls on bowls on bowls of this.

So, before winter is over, bust out the slow cooker and make this soup! It’s comforting, satisfying and VEGAN!

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Also, I just wanted to thank you guys from the bottom of my heart for the prayers and good vibes and well wishes for my Dad. They helped! His surgery and recovery went well and his path reports are clear! Thank you for the support and love. xoxoAnd now for the super exciting news! I’m partnering with a group of amazing bloggers this month to give away a $700 gift card to Amazon! Think about ALL THE THINGS you can buy with $700! Here’s to hoping that Irish luck is on your side for this St. Pat’s Amazon giveaway! The giveaway runs through March 15th (11:30 PM) so you’ve got about two weeks to enter. Good luck!
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Hiya Vitamins: Dietitians’ Review Of These Kids’ Vitamins

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We are all guilty of giving our face most of the attention during our skin care routines. We carefully apply masks, serums and moisturizers to the space between our hairlines and our jawlines, neglecting the delicate skin around our necks. Not to be ignored, the neck has thinner, more fragile skin than the face, making it especially vulnerable to signs of aging. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to minimize and prevent the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and sagging around this delicate area.

How To Get Rid Of Neck Wrinkles

Like other body parts that can develop wrinkles and age faster than your face (knees, elbows and hands, we’re looking at you) the neck is often an afterthought when it comes to skin care. Whether the wrinkles or lines that crop up around our neck are the result of too much sun or too much screen time, aka “tech neck,” we’ve gathered some easy solutions for you to treat signs of aging on your neck. First up, gua sha techniques! 

Gua Sha For Neck and Face  

Eminence Organic Skin Care International Educator, Brian Goodwin, tells Skin Inc.: “Gua sha is designed to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, reduce inflammation and sculpt the face and neck, which is why it has become such a popular addition to daily skin care routines. In addition to helping reduce deep-set neck lines, gua sha can also be used to reduce tension in our necks, while relieving puffiness by moving fluids and improving lymphatic flow. This is a great technique for targeting the fine lines and wrinkles on the neck and chest, as it can easily be incorporated in the treatment room or in an at-home routine.”

Watch Lead Skin Care Trainer Natalie Pergar demonstrate how to use a gua sha tool to massage the face and neck here: 

You can also follow these steps:

Start by cleansing your face and neck
Apply 4–10 drops of your preferred facial oil
Scrape the tool up your neck on both sides
Next, sweep from the middle of your chin up your jawline
After this, sweep over your cheeks finishing at the hairline
Sweep over your eyebrow and up towards your hairline
Sweep from between the eyebrows up towards the hairline
Finally, sweep from the middle of your forehead to the hairline
Repeat on the other side of your face
Make sure to sweep each area between 3–10 times before moving on to the next part of the face

Our intensely hydrating and skin-protecting Rosehip Triple C+E Firming Oil boasts three of gua sha’s favorite oils: jojoba, rosehip and seabuckthorn. Rich in essential fatty acids that help problem skin and promote hydration and elasticity, Rosehip Triple C+E Firming Oil not only feels good, it’s good for your skin. And if you’re thinking about trying the oil, now is a great time. The limited edition Rosehip Oil & Gua Sha Gift Set includes a full-size Rosehip Triple C+E Firming Oil, plus a gua sha tool. Made from natural aventurine, each Eminence Organics gua sha tool has its own unique shade, markings and beauty. Makes a great gift for your beauty-obsessed friends or yourself this holiday season!

Moisturize For Hydration

Hydration is key to preventing and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. We suggest using our Monoi Age Corrective Night Cream for Face & Neck before heading to bed. After cleansing, apply this luxurious night cream to the skin, starting from the collarbone and working your way to the jawline in fluid, upward motions. Enriched with monoi, shea butter and our exclusive Argan Stem Cell Complex, this deeply hydrating moisturizer nourishes and replenishes the area overnight, leaving you with skin that appears smoother, softer and more youthful.

Happy customer Gwen called it a “Winner!” in her online review, saying: “I use it nightly and the results are clearly visible, particularly under my chin where my skin is a little loose and starting to look crepey. It smells lovely and feels great … this will be my go-to moisturizer from now on!”

Give Your Skin An Instant Lift

Some days, your skin needs an extra boost. For results you can see instantly, we suggest using our Hibiscus Ultra Lift Neck Cream. Apply it under your usual daytime moisturizer to tighten the look of the skin in the neck and décolletage area. A blend of hibiscus and botanical hyaluronic acid enriches and hydrates the skin, while all-natural active ingredients like paprika and edelweiss revitalize sagging skin, smoothing away the appearance of wrinkles.

Another ingredient that Brian recommends is bamboo, saying: “Products rich in bamboo can also benefit clients concerned about collagen loss and sagging skin, as the naturally occurring silica found in bamboo is packed with healing and regenerative ingredients like fiber, minerals and proteins that protect against common factors that contribute to aging skin.” Applying our Bamboo Firming Fluid down the neck and décolletage can help the skin to appear firmer and tighter, as can adding the Bamboo Age Corrective Masque to your routine 2–3 times a week. 

Stretch It Out

Stretch your neck daily to tighten weak muscles, stimulate blood circulation and allow greater oxygen flow and nourishment into your skin cells. Try these simple stretches to keep the skin around your neck looking smooth and wrinkle-free:

Tilt your head back. Press the tip of your tongue to the roof of your mouth and swallow. Repeat with your head tilted to the right, then with your head tilted to the left.
Place your fingertips at the base of the neck and lightly pull the skin downwards while slowly tilting your head back. Hold for a few seconds, tilt your head back towards your chest and repeat.

Are you looking to help improve the appearance of the skin on your neck? Visit your nearest Eminence Organics Spa Partner to find out how. 

This article was originally written in September 2016.

Introducing skincare’s coolest new trend: toner ice cubes. This two-ingredient, two-step process is a quick and simple way to hydrate and soothe your face in a matter of minutes!

What You Need

To create your very own toner ice cubes, you need just two things:

A small plastic cup (2 oz. Red Solo shot cups, a cough syrup cup, or an ice cube tray with larger-sized compartments)An alcohol-free toner or hydrating essence, like Moisture Infusion Toner.

How to Make Toner Ice Cubes

The process couldn’t be easier! In just a few short hours, you can have a dozen toner ice cubes of your own. Here’s how: 

Pour your chosen toner or hydrating essence into the small plastic cup or ice cube tray.Place the container in the freezer and allow it to freeze for approximately 2-4 hours.

It’s important to note that you should have at least 1 oz. (or two tablespoons) of toner or essence in the container. This ensures that the mixture freezes properly. Unlike regular water-based ice cubes that remain intact, toners often contain ingredients like glycerin and glycols, which can cause them to turn into slush if the quantity is too small.

The Benefits of Toner Ice Cubes

So, why the recent increase in popularity of these toner ice cubes? Not only are they super easy to make, but they also provide so many great benefits. Here are a few of my favorites:

Reduces Puffiness

Applying cold toner to your face can help reduce puffiness, especially around the eyes and cheeks. The cold temperature constricts blood vessels, reducing swelling and inflammation.

Improves Blood Circulation

The icy sensation stimulates blood circulation, giving your skin a healthy, rosy glow.

Enhances Serum Absorption

Toner ice cubes are recommended for use after applying a hydrating and nourishing serum (avoid using them with acids or retinol). When you apply the serum and then glide the toner ice cube over your face, the cold temperature causes capillaries to constrict. This creates a vacuum effect that may help pull the serum deeper into the skin’s layers, increasing its effectiveness.

How to Use Toner Ice Cubes

Now that you’ve made these neat soothing tools, let me walk you through the best way to incorporate them into your routine.

Step 1: Start by thoroughly cleansing your face to ensure it’s free of makeup, dirt, and impurities.

Step 2: Apply your favorite hydrating and nourishing serum. Avoid using serums containing acids or retinol for this step.

Step 3: Take one of your toner ice cubes from the freezer.

Step 4: Gently glide the ice cube over your skin for 10-20 seconds, using light, upward motions. Be sure to cover your entire face.

Step 5: There’s no need to rinse your face after using the toner ice cube. Allow the toner to absorb into your skin.

Step 6: Finish your skincare routine by applying moisturizer to lock in hydration and keep your skin soft and supple.

Toner ice cubes are a refreshing addition to your skincare routine, offering numerous benefits such as reducing puffiness, improving blood circulation, and enhancing serum absorption. With just a few simple steps, you can create your own frozen toner cubes and enjoy a spa-like experience in the comfort of your home. So, why not give this cool beauty trend a try and experience the revitalizing effects it can have on your skin? Your complexion will thank you for it!

Next, here are 6 tips for reducing under-eye puffiness and dark circles.

Easy Rigatoni Recipe (Creamy and Gluten Free Option) – The Real Food Dietitians

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‘Tis the season for looking and feeling our best — and skin care is a big part of that! Ahead of the next several weeks filled with holiday parties and gift exchanges, we are here to help you bring joy to your world with some gift options that will make shopping easy while encouraging self-care and delight for everyone on your nice list. 

Gifts For Every Skin Concern Dullness | Redness | Large Pores | Dryness | Breakouts | Uneven Skin Tone | Signs Of Aging   

Gifts For Every Budget Luxury | Mid-Range | Stocking Stuffers

Gifts For Every Skin Concern

Whether you or your loved ones are dealing with breakouts, dullness, uneven skin tones, signs of aging, dryness (especially in the cold winter months) or a combination, gifting products that target a specific skin concern shows how much you care about their self-care! 

Dullness

Nothing can dull the sparkle of this festive season quite like dull skin. Bring back the glow with limited edition gift sets and a vitamin-rich powder that will supercharge the glow factor for any cream moisturizer! 

Our limited edition Mix & Masque Trio Gift Set is perfectly packaged for gifting and works for any skin type. With three masks and countless benefits, there are endless possibilities to mix, pair and layer the masks to reveal brighter skin. 

If you’re looking for a luxurious way to diminish dullness, the Rosehip Oil & Gua Sha Gift Set is it. This deeply hydrating facial oil will bring a glow to dull skin, especially when massaged in with the aventurine gua sha tool that comes beautifully packaged in the set. 

For the one on your list who has everything, the Superfood Booster-Powder will amp up and supercharge their skin care. Packed with vitamins and superfoods, a dash of this ultra-fine, innovative powder in any cream moisturizer will give skin a healthy, natural glow.

Redness

Velvet bows, poinsettias and maybe a glass of wine should be the only red you’re seeing this time of year. If you or someone on your shopping list deals with redness from sensitivity, outdoor elements or rosacea, here are some gift ideas that could help improve the look of it.

Filled with ingredients that can help maintain the skin’s moisture barrier, including jasmine flower, which visibly relieves the look of redness, the Kombucha Microbiome Foaming Cleanser makes the perfect gift for anyone looking to remove impurities, refresh and balance the microbiome of the skin. 

Precious herbs and nourishing oils are the foundation of our Facial Recovery Oil. Known as “liquid gold,” this potent potion reduces the look of red, dry skin while rejuvenating, hydrating and balancing.  

The name says it all! The Calm Skin Chamomile Moisturizer hydrates sensitive skin with gentle chamomile and arnica ingredients. Combined with shea butter and calendula oil, this moisturizer is an effective way to relieve the appearance of redness.

Large Pores 

Give the gift of healthy, smooth-looking skin by minimizing the look of large pores. 

Three masks, multiple possibilities. The aforementioned Mix & Masque Trio Gift Set includes three of our most popular masks and ideas about how to combine them depending on your skin care goals. 

Since mild exfoliation can be a game-changer for large pores, we recommend the Pineapple Refining Tonique for anyone looking to minimize their appearance. And the fresh pineapple scent makes the gift even brighter and sweeter ー something especially welcome through the winter. 

Mangosteen Gel Moisturizer is a lightweight gel-cream moisturizer that minimizes the look of pores and promotes natural radiance and the appearance of smoother skin. What’s not to love? 

Product Picks

Dryness

There is less moisture around during winter months, which can make any existing dryness in skin even worse. Plus, many of us are also guilty of cranking up the thermostat, which further strips moisture from the air and skin. Bring it back with one of these hydrating gifts: 

One way to soothe and hydrate the look of dry skin is with the Rosehip Oil & Gua Sha Gift Set. The Rosehip Triple C+E Oil contains results-oriented actives and ingredients that provide intense hydration and protection to the skin. The gift set also includes a complimentary gua sha tool for a relaxing face and neck massage that can help the oil absorb more deeply into the face and neck.  

The Mix & Masque Trio Gift Set is also great for those needing to take on dryness. With three masks designed to be used separately or together, this trio can be used to target a lack of hydration. Truly the perfect present for almost anyone on your list.  

Made with coconut oil, shea butter and Natural Retinol Alternative, the Coconut Age Corrective Moisturizer hydrates dry skin, while providing other benefits like reducing the visible signs of aging and helping the skin appear firmer and tighter. Plus, it’s a best seller that skin care fanatics keep coming back to.

Breakouts 

Cameras are out and the party circuit may feel like your full-time job right now. And whether the stress of the season is causing breakouts, or hormones are to blame, now is the time to treat yourself or your loved ones to the gift of clear skin.

The Clear Skin Probiotic Cleanser and Clear Skin Probiotic Moisturizer are a dynamic duo for problem skin. Both contain cucumber and tea tree to help improve the appearance of blemishes and reduce the look of inflammation. Plus, the probiotics included in both formulas exfoliate and leave the complexion looking calm. 

A facial mask is a thoughtful way to introduce some relaxation into a loved one’s life. The Eight Greens Phyto Masque – Hot will allow them a spicy and zippy five to 10 minute break in their day or evening to sit and wait for this tingly, antioxidant-rich formula to improve the look of problem skin areas, particularly for hormonal acne.

Uneven Skin Tone 

It may be winter, but that doesn’t mean that sun exposure isn’t taking a toll on the skin. Hyperpigmentation and dark spots can show up year-round and now is a great time to treat uneven skin tone with some gifts that are packaged and ready to go. You may even feel the need to gift one to yourself!  

Our Mix & Masque Trio Gift Set is a one-stop-shop for almost anyone on your list, and that includes those dealing with uneven skin tones. The Natural Retinol Alternative in the Bamboo Age Corrective Masque can help fade the appearance of dark spots. Mix it with the Strawberry Rhubarb Masque to help tone down the visible signs of aging. 

Hydration, protection and reduction of visible signs of aging are all benefits you’ll see from the Rosehip Oil & Gua Sha Gift Set. The oil on its own is a skin care superstar — combine that with the powerful revitalizing benefits of gua sha and things will start to look more even!

Who doesn’t love a glow-up? Gift the Citrus & Kale Potent C+E Serum to brighten up the holidays. The potent Vitamin C in this serum is stabilized by botanically-derived ferulic acid, meaning that it delivers antioxidants to help brighten skin, improve the look of fine lines and wrinkles and reduce the appearance of free radical damage.

Product Picks

Signs of Aging

You’re never too old to believe in the magic of the holiday season! However, your skin might beg to differ. Bring back the youthful glow and treat the ghosts of Christmas past with some presents that will add sparkle well into the future!

Monoi Age Corrective Night Cream For Face & Neck unites fragrant Tahitian monoi and evening primrose oils with our Argan Stem Cell Complex to rejuvenate the look of aging skin and smooth the appearance of wrinkles.

Beautifully boxed and ready to give, the Rosehip Oil & Gua Sha Gift Set combines the deeply nourishing ingredients in our Rosehip Triple C+E Firming Oil with the benefits of gua sha massage to reveal a soft, hydrated and youthful-looking complexion. One of the reasons gua sha has been loved for centuries is the fact that it invigorates the skin. Experience it yourself or gift to someone who loves to indulge in their skin care. 

The Mix & Masque Trio Gift Set is the perfect present for anyone on your list because of the numerous ways it can be used. All three of the masks in the set offer amazing benefits, whether they’re mixed, layered or applied on their own. 

Gifts For Every Budget

When it comes to holiday shopping, we all know that it’s the thought that counts. And whether you’re looking for the showstopper or just a few stocking stuffers, we have some suggestions that will make spirits (and complexions) bright. 

Luxury

There is nothing more luxurious than giving (or receiving) a gift that will help the recipient look and feel their best. And it doesn’t get much more luxurious than the beautifully packaged limited edition Rosehip & Gua Sha Gift Set. One of our most-loved oils is paired with a complimentary and highly effective facial tool to create the perfect self-care kit. 

Another perfectly packaged present that will excite any skin care fanatic is the Arctic Berry Peel & Peptide Illuminating System. This three-step kit keeps skin looking radiant and revitalized in between spa treatments.

The Marine Flower Peptide Serum is an easily absorbed, potent gel serum that delivers concentrated plant peptides and botanicals to the skin. Its luxurious ingredients diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles for visibly smoother, plumper and more youthful-looking skin. Ideal for all skin types, especially aging skin, this serum rejuvenates the look of the complexion while unique algae extracts increase firmness and provide long-lasting hydration.

Mid-Range

Perfect for anyone who is interested in trying out a routine before committing to full-sized products, the Age Corrective Starter Set and the Must Have Minis Starter Set make great gifts. The Age Corrective Starter Set contains five products designed to improve the look and feel of skin through all of life’s stages. And the Must Have Minis Starter Set features five of our best-selling products packed into a convenient zippered travel pouch. 

Give three gifts in one with the Mix & Masque Trio Gift Set. The masks are designed to be used separately or together, making this the perfect present for almost anyone on your list.  

Stocking Stuffers 

If you have friends or family who suffer from dry skin, they’ll want to know about the antioxidant-rich Mangosteen Replenishing Hand Cream. This luxurious cream comes to the rescue to keep hands supple and moisturized through its gentle and continuous resurfacing action. Plus, the sleek tube is compact enough to stuff into any stocking.

Citrus Lip Balm is a vitamin-rich and petroleum-free lip balm that will make pouts mistletoe-ready. It offers lips maximum hydration for an irresistible pucker. Spoil your friends and family with this little surprise, and you’ll be the hero of the holiday season.

Cold winter weather calls for the major hydration that the Strawberry Rhubarb Hyaluronic Body Lotion provides. With a delicious scent and a creamy feel, this treat leaves skin with a soft, silky finish. 

With this list of skin care products and gift sets, you’ll be sure to find something for everyone. And if you’re still looking for ideas, why not gift a professional treatment at your nearest Eminence Organic Skin Care Spa Partner? Find out more using our Spa Locator.