Josephine's Secret

One little known fact about me is that I am a closet history buff.  I don't particularly care for the "accepted" history that they teach in school about who won what war and took over.   The thing I love is the colorful part of history.  I love a good plot or mystery.  I love strong women that lived in times when they were expected to be soft.  Even better if there is a secret to uncover.  It doesn't really matter if that is a secret lover, scheme or a magic beauty potion....  but I LOVE when I come across a beauty potion in an old journal.  I always have to try it out. 

Queen of Hungary potion.

I was happy when I stumbled on to Empress Josephine's beauty secret.  This one is ridiculously easy and effective.
Josephine de Beauharnais was Nepoleon Bonaparte's first wife.  They married in France in 1796.  She was known for beautiful clear complexion.  It was rumored that she had a magic potion that she used on her skin every night to keep her appearance youthful and glowing.   According to her handmaid it was nothing more than a simple cleanser/moisturizer.

As we all know, keeping skin clean stops blemishes and keeping it hydrated stops many wrinkles.  So maybe it was magic after all....

Ingredients:
2 T. heavy cream
1/4 C. Aloe vera  gel
1 T. raw honey (optional)

Cut an aloe lengthwise and scoop out the gel with a spoon.  Pulse a few times in the blender until smooth.  Add cream and honey and pulse til mixed.  This whips up in seconds!

Rub into skin in small circular motions for a few minutes.  For extra moisturizing, let it set for 5 to 10 minutes.  Rinse off with cool water and pat dry.  Note:  for all you No-poo girls  this is also a nice conditioning treatment for the hair.

If you have any extra leftover make sure to refrigerate between uses because of the cream.  This should last for about 2 weeks.