GOOD GROOMING

Wairarapa Times-Age, 20 July 1938, Page 8

GOOD GROOMING

A FLAWLESS COMPLEXION. POPULARITY OF FACE PACKS. During the winter days the skin always requires special attention. Not only does it need toning up after the summer months, but it must also be prepared to face the equally trying conditions of the cold weather. Face packs have long been popular for this purpose, and the two deserving of most mention are the cucumber and the honey treatments. Cucumber and honey packs, naturally, are prepared for different purposes. The cucumber pack is refreshing and toning on the skin. After a hot day you will discover that it is particularly beneficial for toning up your skin, so that it will be fresh for a round of evening festivities. The honey pack is most suitable for use on weatherbeaten skins. Although it has no effect on the muscles, it will give the feeling of a deep muscle treatment.

Each of these packs is simple and well worth a trial. To carry out the cucumber treatment you will require the juice of a fresh cucumber. Before extracting the juice, cut two fairly thick slices from the cucumber and lay them on one side. Then squeeze the juice from the cucumber into an earthenware basin, add a few drops of witchhazel and enough powdered magnesia to make a thin paste. Stand the paste on one side (it will slightly thicken itself). Thoroughly cleanse the skin by using plenty of cleansing cream on the face, neck, chin, and upper part of the chest. Then remove the cream with clean face tissues. Make sure that all the cream is removed, otherwise the oiliness will prevent the action of the cucumber pack.

Then take the two slices of cucumber and, holding one in each hand, work them over the face with a circular movement until the whole area of skin which was cleansed with the cream has been covered. To carry out this movement systematically it is advisable to start applying the cucumber at the upper chest and then work upwards. This will not only refresh you, but at the same time the upwards rotary movement of the cucumber application will dp much to reinvigorate the skin. Now for the Cucumber Pack. You are now ready to apply your cucumber pack. Have a long-bristled pastry brush handy and paint the pack over the skin which is to be treated. Do not attempt to apply the pack with your hands, as it will then become rather messy. If you_have no pastry brush, use a flat, smooth piece of wood for the purpose. Allow the pack to remain in contact with the skin for 10 minutes, during which time it will gradually dry, then with wet, warm towels remove the pack from the face. Small pieces which will persist in adhering to the skin can be quite easily sponged away with warm water. After every vestige has been removed from the skin, massage lightly with a little skin food or nourishing cream. All massage movements should start at the lower part of the face and gradually work upwards towards the temples. If you place both hands near the corners of the mouth, you can then gently manipulate the skin with the second and third fingers. After you have treated the face, you can then massage beneath the chin, using an upwards and outwards movement. Then with clean tissues remove the cream and apply your make-up as usual. The Honey Mask Treatment. To carry out the honey mask treatment, first cleanse the skin with soap and water, then smear a little almond oil over the area to be treated and massage lightly. A hot towel can be laid over the face to assist the skin to absorb the oils. This will help you to receive the utmost penetration. Place some pure honey in an earthenware bowl, and stand this in another bowl of very hot water. This will allow the honey to liquify apd thus aid the ease of application. Then procure a piece of gauze with small holes cut for the eyes and nostrils, spread the honey on the gauze, and then lay the gauze over the face. Face a towel around the neck, so that the honey will not run down, and then lie down for 10 minutes. The Finishing Touches.

If you care to follow up either of the above treatments with an ice massage, you will then experience the benefits of a professional facial.

Do not apply the ice direct to the skin, as, owing to the great difference in the temperature, the skin will receive too great a shock. Wrap the ice up in several thicknesses of flannel,

and rub it gently and quickly over the face, never allowing it tb remain in the one position for more than a few seconds. If you wrap a towel around your neck, this will prevent the drips from becoming uncomfortable. Of course, it is not necessary to have a face-pack before applying the ice treatment, and as a brisk freshener after a tiring day it is unequalled. The ice is not suitable for sensitive or red skins, and therefore must be used intelligently.