My Herby Valentine (Part III): Mask of the Month - Divine Valentine!

The 'My Herby Valentine' series wraps up the week with this month's mask - Divine Valentine!

Having stocked up on goodies for V-Day, it seemed appropriate to whip them up into a tasty face treat! Full of quintessential Valentine's goodies - roses, berries, chocolate and wine - this mask smells heavenly - how Valentine's Day is supposed to smell! And it's just as good for your skin. :)

Why it's good for your skin:

• Strawberries are naturally exfoliating and can also help to slightly lighten areas of hyperpigmentation.
• Roses are demulcent and help to soothe and protect skin.
• Cocoa powder is loaded with skin-loving antioxidants to nourish skin.
• Raw honey is soothing, nourishing, moisturizing and antibacterial.
• Wine is naturally exfoliating, toning and firming.

What's not to love???

Divine Valentine

1 very ripe strawberry

1 teaspoon (or more) ground dried organic rose petals

1/2 teaspoon organic cocoa powder

a drizzle of raw honey

a splash of sparkling wine

1 drop rose or palmarosa essential oil (optional)

1. Mash the ripe strawberry in a bowl with a fork.

2. Grind dried rose petals in a clean coffee grinder until ground. It is OK if they are a little chunky. It will add to the sensory experience and texture of the mask. :)

3. Mix the ground rose petals into the smashed berry to make a thick mixture. Add extra ground petals to reach your desired consistency.

4. Mix in the cocoa powder.

5. Add a drizzle of honey.

6. And a splash of sparkling wine for a fun little fizzing action on your face. :)

7. Apply immediately to freshly cleansed and exfoliated skin and leave on for 15 minutes while savoring a nice piece of dark chocolate. YUM! Remove with a warm, damp cloth and finish with your favorite toner (rosewater would be nice!) and moisturizer.

LOVE YOURSELF THIS VALENTINE'S DAY. YOU DESERVE IT! :)

Do you have a favorite chocolate, berry, wine or rose recipe?