Growing up, my sister and I always looked forward to visiting our grandmother at her beautiful home in Sacramento, California. Her closets were full of treasures and her vanity was adorned with sparkling bottles of perfume and tubes of lipstick. To us, she was the epitome of a classy lady. Aside from her vintage furs and jewelry, the one thing I loved most was the pink jar of rose cream that she kept in her bathroom. It was sweet-smelling, classic and ladylike, just like her. While I’m pretty sure the cream my grandmother used is no longer made, this DIY rosewater toner brings back those wonderful memories of playing dress-up in her bedroom. I hope you love it, too!  –Hannah

ROSEWATER TONER

2 cups of fresh-picked rose petals
2 1/4 cups distilled water
1/4 cup witch hazel (optional)

1. Place petals in a pot and pour distilled water over to cover.
2. Bring to a boil then immediately turn off the heat.
3. Remove pot from burner and cover. Let sit to cool, for about an hour.
4. Strain rosewater into a sterile container or spray bottle.
5. If your skin is combination or oily, add the witch hazel.

Rosewater is naturally clarifying, tightens pores and reduces redness. To use, moisten a cotton ball with the rosewater and swipe over clean skin before moisturizing. For a little more luxury, add the rosewater to a hot bath. This toner will keep for five days at room temperature, or two weeks in the fridge.

Filed Under: natural skincare recipes, rosewater toner, witch hazel