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Thank you for purchasing Earth Alkemie products! Below, we have listed directions for product usage. For storage and shelf life information please check our FAQ section. If you have any questions or comments about our products please feel free to ask on the forumor email us.
All information on this website is copyrighted, and may not be used without permission.
Cleansers: Aromatherapy Bar Soap
Cleansers: Aromatherapy Liquid Cleansers
Seasonal Skin Care:
Earth Alkemie cleansers:
African black soaps are a little bit different than other soaps you may have tried! They are made the traditional way (using wood ash as the alkali) so they are softer than regular bars of soaps, and are also crumbly. Break off a small chunk from the bar, or use a few pieces (if using the Karite soap which is already in small chunks). Wet the soap, and rub your hands together to create a lather. Use the lather to wash your skin or hair! The small pieces will stick together once wet. Place on a well draining soap dish to dry. Store the rest or the bar or pieces that you are not using in a cool, non-humid room (preferably not the bathroom, since the high glycerine content of the soaps may attract moisture and cause sweating).
PLEASE NOTE: If you are allergic or sensitive to latex, please do not use the African black soaps, since most of them (except for Northern Ghana) contain shea. Shea is rich in a natural chemical component that is similar to latex. Some people who are sensitive or allergic to latex are also sensitive or allergic to shea. (Please note: the now discontinued 'Ghana' soap contained shea but the new version called 'Northern Ghana' does not).
New Day Aromatherapy Bar Soap is made with one of our African black soaps. We recommend cutting or breaking the soap into smaller pieces. Dampen a piece of soap with water, and rub your hands together to create lather. Cleanse your skin and hair with the lather. Use a soap dish with slots to keep the soap dry between uses. Store the unused soap in its cello bag in a cool, non-humid room. We do not recommend storing products in the bathroom.
PLEASE NOTE: New Day is made with shea butter. Please do not use it if you are allergic to shea butter, since shea contains a natural version of latex.
Aromatherapy Liquid Cleansers:
Warrior Aromatherapy Liquid Cleanser is a mild, soap based cleanser. It cleanses without over drying. We suggest dampening the skin and hands with water. Add a small dime sized amount of Warrior in the palm of your damp hands, and create a light lather by rubbing the hands together. Gently massage the lather into the skin. Rinse well. Follow with one of our toners.
Apply to wet skin with a cotton ball, pad, or cloth. If your skin is on the oily side or if your pores are easily clogged, you may want to use a soap based cleanser (like our African black soaps) after you cleanse with the cleaning oil. Some people may be able to use a cleansing oil daily but for most people we recommend that you only use them a few times a week, or if you use it daily, follow it with a soap based cleanser.
The herbal cleansers come in a dry/powdered form. Add a small amount of water to 1/4 teaspoon to 1/2 teaspoon of the herbal cleanser, and mix well. Apply a thin layer to the face (gently massaging in). Rinse well with plenty of water. They can be used daily.
For best results, we recommend making the cleanser fresh before each use, since the Herbal Cleansers contain many food based ingredients (which are perishable once water or water based ingredients are added). An alternative is to make enough for a few uses, add a broad spectrum preservative, store in the fridge, and use within a few days to a week.
Masks and Scrubs:
Earth Alkemie's masks and scrubs are rich in fruits, vegetables, plant milks, herbs, or plant actives. :) Our masks and scrubs are powdered/dry masks and scrubs; they are super concentrated since they do not contain any water (and preservatives, texturizers, or emulsifiers).
To use: with a clean measuring spoon or cosmetic spatula, remove a small amount (1/2 to 1 teaspoon) of mask or scrub from the jar (or just estimate and pour out a small amount). Add to a small mixing bowl. Add anywhere from 1/4 to 1 teaspoon of liquids/additives (depends on the mask/scrub and also which liquid you are using). If you want a thinner mask or scrub, add more liquid. If you would like a thicker mask or scrub, add more of the mask or scrub. Mix well. Apply in a thick or thin layer on damp skin. If you are using one of the scrubs, massage gently into the skin. Leave on for five to fifteen minutes, or until dry (if it gets uncomfortably tight, then either mist the skin with water, or wash it off). Rinse well. Follow with an Earth Alkemie toner, and an Earth Alkemie elixir or your favorite moisturizer.
We suggest adding distilled or spring or filtered water to our masks. Other liquids you can add (instead of the water) include: Earth Alkemie's toners (which make a wonderful combination), individual hydrosols, herbal teas, aloe, juices, milks, etc. Earth Alkemie masks and scrubs are emollient, but if your skin is VERY dry, try adding a few drops of an oil or your favorite Earth Alkemie elixir to the mask, in addition to the water/water rich ingredients.
Cinderella mask requires more liquid than Morning mask and scrub (since Cinderella has clay in it and Morning does not). The amount of liquid to mask/scrubs depends on the mask/scrub, how thin or thick you like it, and which additive/liquid you are adding. For Cinderella mask I suggest starting with a 1:1/2 ratio (i.e. 1/2 teaspoon mask to 1/4 teaspoon liquid OR 1 teaspoon mask to 1/2 teaspoon liquid). Then adjust accordingly (if it is too thick and needs more liquid, try a 1:1 ratio. If it is too thin, then add more of the mask, about 1/4 teaspoon more at a time).
For Morning mask and scrub, I would start with a 1:3 or 1:4 ratio (i.e. about 1 teaspoon mask/scrub to 1/3 teaspoon liquid OR 1 teaspoon mask/scrub to 1/4 teaspoon liquid). If you add too much liquid, it may seem too thin at first, but some of the ingredients will thicken upon standing within a few minutes. If you want it thicker, let it sit for a few minutes before use, or add more of the mask/scrub (1/4 teaspoon more at a time). However if you want it more scrubby, use immediately (since when liquid is added, certain ingredients will soften or melt as time passes).
We recommend only making enough for one use, but if you make more than one use, store the excess in the fridge and use within a few days. (Or to make it last a few weeks, add a broad spectrum preservative. If you make it with an Earth Alkemie toner, the masks will remain fresh for several days or up to a few weeks, since our toners contain a broad spectrum preservative. Store it in the fridge for best results, even if you add a preservative).
The dry/powdered mask may be stored at room temperature in a non-humid room (do not store in the bathroom).
Earth Alkemie toners:
Balance toner:
There are several ways to apply our Balance toner. To use as a toner:
after cleansing, spray the skin, and sweep a cotton ball, pad, or cloth
gently across the skin. Using a cotton ball, pad, or cloth will help remove
any excess cleanser or impurities from your skin. Our Balance toner is mildly astringent so balances your
skin’s pH level after cleansing. To hydrate the skin: spray the skin liberally before
applying our elixirs, after applying our elixirs, or throughout the day
to refresh and hydrate the skin. Our Balance toner can also be used to
help mineral makeup last throughout the day. Lightly spray the skin after
applying makeup.
Purity toner:
Use in a similar manner as Balance toner. Though we recommend refrigerating most of our skin care products when not in use to extend shelf life, we do not suggest refrigerating Purity toner. Store Purity toner at room temperature (in a room that is not very cold or too warm or hot). Do not store Purity toner in the bathroom.
Note from Li (Earth Alkemie’s
owner) about
hydrosols and toners:
I personally prefer to use hydrosols both as a toner and as
a hydrator (so I will apply it with a cotton ball first and then spray
my skin again before and after applying an elixir since that helps the oils
absorb better and provides the skin with moisture). But you can apply
it either way or use both methods like I do, whatever works best for you!
Elixirs:
Gently massage a small amount (about 2 to 5 drops) to very damp skin
(hydrate the skin with one of our toners, hydrosols, or distilled/spring water
before applying). To use the xiao sizes (the 5 ml size), hold the bottle at a 45 degree angle to allow the drops to easily flow out.
Optional: if your skin is very dry or it absorbs elixirs or oils slowly, we recommend that after application you spray your skin again with a toner or hydrosol and gently massage the skin again. You can also mix a couple drops of our elixirs with a little toner or hydrosol in your hand or a small bowl, and then apply the mixture to your face. The combination of Earth Alkemie's toners (waters) and elixirs (oils) creates a moisturizer on your skin. For more information on the importance of waters and oils in skin care, and the difference between moisture and a true moisturizer, please check out Li's Eco Living article on all natural moisturizers.
Many of our elixirs can also be used around the eye area. Li recommends using Everlast Elixir (all of Everlast's ingredients are highly suggested for the eye area, for a number of skin issues). Eden and Butterfly are also recommended for their high antioxidant content. Apply a drop to damp skin, gently apply to the eye area (use your ring finger).
Note from Li, about applying eye products: Many people prefer to apply eye products only on the orbital bones. But others prefer applying eye products on the lids, up to the lash line. If products tend to travel on your skin around the eye area, apply products only on the orbital bones (this is done so that the product doesn't accidentally get into your eyes). Over time, the product will move across the skin, onto the lids, where it is needed. However, if your skin is like mine (and oils and creams do not travel at all) then apply up the lash line. Try both methods and see which work best for you :)
PLEASE NOTE: If you are allergic or sensitive to latex, please do not use Bliss, Pangaea or Eden Elixirs, since they contain shea oil. Shea is rich in a natural chemical component that is similar to latex. Some people who are sensitive or allergic to latex are also sensitive or allergic to shea.
Facial Cremes:
Apply a very small amount (1/16 to 1/8 of a teaspoon or less) to the facial area. Since this is a waterless product, it is very concentrated so you only need to use a little! Make sure you apply to damp skin, since the combination of oils/butters with water or a water rich ingredients will moisturize the skin (dampen skin with an Earth Alkemie toner, hydrosols, or distilled water).
When you touch the surface of the facial creme, it should melt and form a liquid (this happens easily in warm weather, in cooler weather it is more solid and may take a little longer to melt across the skin).
Nirvana facial creme was designed for the facial area, but it is also great for using around the eye area, and on the body (neck, hands, elbows, knees, feet, or all over!).
Buttercremes:
Our Buttercremes have multiple uses (uses depends on the Buttercreme). All of them can be applied on the body (apply to damp skin).
Uganda Buttercreme, Chocolate Truffle Buttercreme, and Vanille Lavande Buttercreme can also be applied to the face. They are recommended for dry, combination dry, normal, dehydrated (dehydrated skin can be oily), and blemished skin. People with oily and combination oily skin may or may not like it (depends on absorption, vitamin content, whether their skin likes the buttercreme's weight, etc). Apply a very small amount (1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon) to very damp skin (dampen skin with a toner, hydrosols, distilled/spring water, etc). Massage gently into the skin. Hydrate the skin again if needed.
We also recommend Uganda Buttercreme and Vanille Lavande Buttercreme for the eye area (east shea is one of Li's favorite ingredients to use around the eye area). Chocolate Truffle Buttercreme can also be applied to the eye area, but the combination of essential oils in the other two buttercremes are a little better suited for the eye area. Apply a small amount to damp skin. Please read the elixir section for more information on applying eye products.
Uganda Buttercreme is recommended for sensitive skin. If your skin is super sensitive, please do a patch test with Vanille Lavande Buttercreme and Chocolate Truffle Buttercreme before use.
PLEASE NOTE: If you are allergic or sensitive to latex, please do not use Uganda Buttercreme, Chocolate Truffle Buttercreme, and Vanille Lavande Buttercreme, since they contain east shea. Shea (east and west) is rich in a natural chemical component that is similar to latex. Some people who are sensitive or allergic to latex are also sensitive or allergic to shea.
Dreams:
Li's notes on Dreams: All of the Dreams can be used on the body.
All of them can also be used on the hair, but I recommend Tropical Dreams for the hair, since the essential oils in Tropical Dreams have many benefits for the hair.
For blemishes I suggest using Tropical Dreams or Coconut Dreams as a spot treatment. Chocolate Dreams can also be used as a spot treatment (but the essential oils in Tropical Dreams help with blemishes a little more than some of the ones used in Chocolate Dreams. Chocolate Dreams does contain some essential oils good for blemished skin though, such as lavender).
People with very dry, normal, and some people with combination skin may like using Tropical Dreams or Coconut Dreams all over the face (the essential oils in Tropical Dreams are also beneficial for the skin). Please do a patch test to check for sensitivity before using Tropical Dreams on the facial skin. Many people can use Chocolate Dreams on the face, however, people with very sensitive skin may prefer using the other Dreams; I always suggest doing a patch test on the jaw line (because facial skin is more sensitive than the body, and ginger essential oil, which is used in Chocolate Dreams, may be too strong for the facial area for some (not all) people with very sensitive skin).
All of the Dreams are liquid when warm, so store in a cool, non-humid place for best results (do not store in the bathroom).
Chocolate Dreams:
For the body: apply to damp skin to help seal in moisture and provide the skin with nutrients. Helps keep the skin soft.
For the hair: Take a small amount of Chocolate Dreams and rub it between the fingers to warm it up a bit. (An alternative for Chocolate Dreams is to place the jar in a warm water bath for a few minutes until liquid. If you use this method, be sure to shake well after melting, since some of the absolutes and oleoresins aren't overly oil soluble so if it becomes liquid, they may separate from the coconut oil. I recommend just rubbing it between the fingers instead of using a warm water bath for Chocolate Dreams). NOTE: if you use a warm water bath, do not place very cold glass (some people refrigerate their oils and butters) into really hot water; it will crack. Let the product in the glass container come to room temperature first.
Apply a small amount to wet hair (1/2 to 1 teaspoon, or 2 teaspoons if your hair is very long. If you use too much, it will be hard to wash out). Cover the hair if desired. Leave it on for 20 minutes to an hour or more, and then shampoo out (it may take a couple shampoos). Suggested for all hair types when used as a warm oil treatment. Follow with either an herbal infusion or a vinegar rinse.
Can be used on the facial area for some people. See notes above.
Coconut Dreams:
For the body: apply to damp skin (the combination of Coconut Dreams plus water rich ingredients creates a moisturizer).
For the hair: Warm the jar in a hot water bath for a few minutes until liquid. Apply a small amount to wet hair (1/2 to 1 teaspoon, or 2 teaspoons if your hair is very long. If you use too much, it will be hard to wash out). Cover the hair if desired. Leave it on for 20 minutes to an hour or more, and then shampoo out (it may take a couple shampoos). Suggested for all hair types when used as a warm oil treatment. Follow with either an herbal infusion or a vinegar rinse.
For the face: use as a spot treatment on blemishes, for all skin types. Some skin types may also like using Coconut Dreams all over their face (usually people with drier skin, though some people with normal and slightly oily skin may like virgin coconut oil too).
Tropical Dreams:
Earth Alkemie’s Tropical Dreams is made with pure, organic, unrefined cold pressed coconut oil scented with heavenly essential oils! Most of the time, it’s solid at room temperature but when it gets warm it is liquid. If it becomes liquid just put it in a cool, dark place until it’s solid again.
As a spot treatment, it is suitable for all skin types; just use it directly on top of your blemishes.
For use on the whole face, it is more suited for normal to dry facial skin because of the weight of the oil, but some people with oily skin may like it as well. If your skin is sensitive please do a patch test before use. Apply a small amount (less than 1/8 teaspoon) to very damp facial skin (dampen skin with one of our toners, a hydrosol, or distilled or spring water)
Perfect for nearly all skin types for body use though! It’s fantastic after a shower or bath to help seal in moisture and to keep your skin soft and sweet smelling! Apply generously all over your body, to damp skin.
Traditionally macassar oil (Tropical Dreams is Li's version of this classic cosmetic) was used as a leave in hair treatment. Dab a very small amount (1-3 drops or more) to hair after washing to create a sleek look. This method is suggested for people with dry and/or thick hair.
Personally I recommend using a warm oil treatment instead. Warm the jar in a hot water bath for a few minutes until liquid. Apply a small amount to wet hair (1/2 to 1 teaspoon, or 2 teaspoons if your hair is very long. If you use too much, it will be hard to wash out). Cover the hair if desired. Leave it on for 20 minutes to an hour or more, and then shampoo out (it may take a couple shampoos). Suggested for all hair types when used as a warm oil treatment. Follow with either an herbal infusion or a vinegar rinse. NOTE: if you use a warm water bath, do not place very cold glass (some people refrigerate their oils and butters) into really hot water; it will crack. Let the product in the glass container come to room temperature first.
Please note: Tropical Dreams contains Bergaptene Free bergamot essential oil (which is not phototoxic).
Perfumes:
Apply to pulse points. Earth Alkemie perfumes contain very concentrated amounts of essential oils, absolutes, Co2 extracts, and herbal extracts so only apply a little a couple times a day. People with dry to very dry hair, may want to rub a drop in the palms of their hands, and then run their hands through their hair (damp hair). Hair holds scent very well.
Mineral makeup multi-purpose powdersand makeup brushes:
We highly recommend applying the multi-purpose powders with synthetic
bristle brushes. Not only are they cruelty free but mineral makeup also
adheres well to synthetic bristles, so it’s easier to apply! Earth Alkemie mineral makeup multi-purpose
powders are designed to be both blendable for a soft wash of color and
also buildable for intense, rich color. Our makeup brushes are 100% vegan and crueltry free.
Color intensity depends upon on how you load the brush and application techniques. If you like using just a hint of color, dip the bristles into the color only once or twice, and then apply to the lid, blending carefully. If you like intense color, load the brush with a lot of powder (by dipping it into the jar and rubbing the bristles onto the sifter until the desired amount is on the bristles or by sprinkling a little into the lid or a swirly bowl and loading the brush that way. Highly recommend either using clean brushes every time if dipping it into the jar or jar lid, or using a swirly bowl). Apply to your lids in short strokes.
For super intense color, try wetlining or foiling: sprinkle a tiny amount of powder into a swirly bowl, then wet the bristles with one of our toners or hydrosols, aloe, glycerin, or water. Dip the bristles into the small bowl until the bristles are well coated with the powder, and then apply to lid. Wetlining is when mineral makeup is applied wet as eyeliner, and foiling is when mineral makeup is applied to the lid as eye shadow.
Note from Li (Earth Alekmie's owner):
I personally like to mix and match techniques: for the whole brow and
crease area I generally blend, but for the lid and eyeliner I apply the
color more intensely. Sometimes I wet-line my eyeliner for a more intense look.
Outdoor Oils:
Earth Alkemie's Outdoor Oils were formulated for outdoor use. We suggest applying them to damp skin (dampen skin with water or one of our toners) at least 5-10 minutes before going outside. Reply every 1 to 2 hours. Safe for both facial and body use. (We suggest applying sparingly on the face and liberally on the body since they are made with strong, potent essential oils).
They will also provide basic emollience and seal in moisture, however they do not contain as much nutrients/antioxidants/vitamins as our other body oils (coming soon), Dreams, and Buttercremes.
Not for use on extremely sensitive skin (please do a patch test on the inner elbow before use).
Please note: Picnic is recommended for children over the age of two and also adults.
Lemongrass Forest is only suggested for adults; we do not recommend it for children since Li (who has studied biology for over 15 years, and aromatherapy and herbalism for over 9 years) does not recommend using certain essential oils on children, since they can be potentially irritating or toxic for children.
Woodlands is recommended only for adults too (the essential oils in Woodlands are extremely potent). We do not recommend using Woodlands in areas with big cats (it contains catnip essential oil, which may attract them).
We do not recommend any of our outdoor oils for use on pregnant women. We personally feel that Picnic outdoor oil is okay to use during nursing, but others might disagree. Please research all ingredients and consult with a doctor (who specializes in plant contraindications) before use. None of the statements on this website have been evaluated by the FDA.
Copyright 2011 Earth Alkemie/D.L. Wong. All rights reserved.
