Picking the right floral water

Basil hydrosol: Distilled from the leaves of Ocimum basilicum. Try on blemish-prone skin as it has antibacterial properties.

Calendula hydrosol: Distilled from the flowers of Calendula officinalis. Try as a toner for blemish-prone or irritated skin.

Catnip hydrosol: Distilled from the flowers and leaves of Nepeta cataria. Try on camping or hiking trips as a mild insect repellant.

Chamomile hydrosol: Distilled from the flowers of Matricaria recutita. Great in all skincare recipes. Try misting over sunburned skin to soothe and reduce inflammation.

Clary sage hydrosol: Distilled from Salvia sclarea. Try using as an astringent toner on puffy or oily skin.

Cucumber hydrosol: Distilled from the fruit of Cucumis sativus. Try it chilled as an after-sun body mist to cool and hydrate sun-parched skin.

Lavender hydrosol: Distilled from the flowers of Lavandula angustifolia. Try as the water phase in your favorite cream or lotion recipe.

Lemon balm hydrosol: Distilled from the leaves of Melissa officinalis. Try as the water phase in massage creams to relax and uplift your spirits.

Lemon verbena hydrosol: Distilled from the leaves of Aloysia citriodora.

Try in recipes meant for acne-prone skin. 40Storing floral waters

Floral waters are very delicate due to their significant water content and the absence of any preservatives. They do not last as long as essential oils. For this reason, special consideration needs to be given to storing them correctly. Under appropriate storage, you can anticipate your floral water remaining at its best for up to one year.

• S tore floral waters in tightly capped, dark-amber-colored glass bottles to best protect them from harmful UVA and UVB rays.

• S tore your floral waters in a cool, dark place such as a closet or pantry.

• I f you notice a change in your floral water, i.e. cloudiness, mold, floating bits and pieces, bacterial blooms, or a change in aroma, dispose of the floral water, as it has lost its sanitary integrity.

• I f your hydrosols seem to have a short shelf life, try storing them in spray bottles to avoid opening the bottle and exposing them to oxygen and germs.

Lime hydrosol: Distilled from the fruit of Citrus latifolia.

Try as a refreshing chilled toner on parched skin. Neroli (orange blossom) hydrosol: Distilled from the flowers of Citrus aurantium. Try this as an all-over-body mist after a warm bath to soothe and revitalize.

Peppermint hydrosol: Distilled from the aerial parts of Mentha piperita. Try misting this all over your tired feet for instant relief. Rose geranium hydrosol: Distilled from the aerial portion of Pelargonium capitatum. Try using as the water phase in a clay mask for oily skin. Rose hydrosol: Distilled from the petals of Rosa damascena. Try as a hair-refreshing mist during the day. Rosemary hydrosol: Distilled from the leaves of Rosmarinus officinalis. Try in creams and lotions meant for rejuvenating the skin.

Tulsi (holy basil) hydrosol: Distilled from the aerial parts of Ocimum tenuiflorum. Try adding to lotions for blemish-prone skin. Witch hazel hydrosol: Distilled from the twigs and bark of Hamamelis virginiana. Try as an astringent toner for oily and blemishprone skin. Yarrow hydrosol: Distilled from Achillea millefolium. Try as an addition to rich creams meant to alleviate damaged-skin conditions such as eczema.

Picking

Picking the right floral water