Alie's Clay Mask Recipe!

I can't say that I consciously learned this recipe. It was a particularly exhausting Monday, and I often felt like I missed the best hours of the day due to my busy work schedule during the weekdays. I still believe I was right, but I must also mention that I never avoid creating moments of self-care and love, just for myself.

Alie always said, "You must be kind to yourself first. Otherwise, your creativity, happiness, and patience won't find the nourishment they need. Think of yourself as a bowl of water. If you don't replace the water you pour out, there will be no water left in your cup."

That day, I had started working at full throttle in the morning. I usually have high motivation for work, enjoy achieving, and creating, but by mid-morning on that Monday, I was already feeling overwhelmed. The satisfaction I got from my work couldn't fill the void inside me. So, during my lunch break, I called Alie. When she answered the phone with her usual sweet tone, I couldn't hold back and poured out all my feelings to her. She advised me to go for a 20-minute walk and then take a warm shower before coming by.

Since walking increases blood flow in our bodies, it's a good exercise, besides Alie always used physical activity as a catalyst for happiness. So, despite feeling lazy, I got up and started walking. They say that after taking 20 steps, you start chasing the next one. But at the same time, I was juggling with work. I scolded myself for not even allowing myself for a short break, and I couldn't tear my eyes away from my phone due to a sense of responsibility.

Anyway, when I returned home with rosy cheeks and a slightly sweaty back, I was already starting to feel better. I quickly took a warm shower and changed into comfortable clothes.

Now, we've come to the juicy part!

When I passed through Alie's magical garden, filled with plants and trees, and reached the terrace of her house, the first thing that caught my attention was the striking scent of wood and resin surrounding everywhere. This scent was so relaxing and beautiful that it transported me to a snowy day by the fireplace in the middle of winter. Its name was Palo Santo, and it has become my favorite scent!

Alie had prepared a serene and meditative atmosphere for us with her candles, music, and fragrance. I can recall the feeling of the music playing at the background, so I created my own list for those kind of moments. I can offer you my suggestion list . Just click here, it’s called Palo Santo Baby!

Now, let's get to the clay mask! I'll try to describe this part like Alie would.

There are times when a person needs to show self-compassion. Your soul actually sends you small signals for such needs. I'm talking about the times when you feel a void inside, times when you feel suffocated, and you ask yourself, "What should I do?" The key is to learn the timing of our body's needs before the water in the bowl runs out!

That day, Alie provided me with a 2-hour break to pamper myself. Nothing went wrong, and I didn't get bored. Together, we prepared a wonderful clay mask that would rejuvenate our skin, moisturize it, and allow our souls to breathe. She got the recipe from a Moroccan friend she met every spring. Morocco always nourished me with its spices' scent, vibrant textures, and authentic spirit, she used to say.

First, we took a clean bowl. Then, we added 2 teaspoons of Ghassoul (Rhassoul) Clay, a rich mineral volcanic clay from Morocco. Since my skin is dry, we added 1 teaspoon of aloe vera gel, 2 teaspoons of distilled rose water, which refreshes the heart, and 2 drops of the indispensable scent of rose geranium essential oil. I love the scent of rose geranium; it's one of my favorite oils, and it also has a calming effect on the nerves. Alie sourced these ingredients from her garden and transformed them into oil and water in her friend's atelier, who was deeply into plants just like her. Properly transforming these ingredients can take days and requires fine craftsmanship. So, it would be easier to buy ready-made products from specialized shops. However, I must warn you, choose organic, not cosmetic products, as both the oil and other ingredients need to be beneficial. Alie used to say that every plant and substance has its own energy; if we want to benefit from them, we must choose the right time and the right source.

Now, onto the next step, we stirred everything with a wooden spoon or stick until it became homogeneous and then applied it to our faces. Be careful not to apply it to your eyes or mouth; this is just for our skin and soul.

As soon as I applied it, I started feeling better. Walking was one step, taking a shower was another step, and completing this ritual with the mask was a step higher, as Alie put it. According to Alie, I had started replenishing the water in my bowl.

Next, Alie brewed us some tea from dried roses. We chatted for about 20 minutes on her terrace, filled with the plants and books I admired. She told me a bit about her amazing days in Morocco. Her friend was both a healer and a successful chef. She had learned many mixtures and recipes from her. Her friend believed in the power of sound, scent, touch, and taste. Our senses often remind us of something, inspire us...

Right after that, we washed our faces with lukewarm water. Then, as the final touch, we applied a moisturizer that Alie had prepared from her own mixture, ensuring that our skin didn't tighten. I felt as peaceful as a swaddled baby ready for a deep sleep.

This personal, special, and relaxing break I gave myself for just 2 hours gave me the motivation to survive the whole week. I occasionally experience this ritual with my friends too. I recommend it to you too!