The Classic European Facial
Step 1: Cleanse
Use a non-alkaline, pH balanced, or soap-free facial cleanser to remove dirt and other impurities from the skin. Try using Uncle Harry’s Face Wash, a soap-free cleanser made with clay and borax. Alternatively, try oil cleansing with pure vegetable oils, such as apricot kernel, castor, or jojoba. Wet face with cold water prior to cleansing. Massage 1 tablespoon of undiluted, unscented carrier oil all over the face.
Leave oil on face for 1 minute after massaging. Wipe off with a clean, soft washcloth that has been soaked with warm water. After wiping the face with damp washcloth, all of the oil should be removed from the face.
Step 2: Steam
Use steam or a hot, wet rag to warm the skin of the face, causing pores to open.
Step 3: Mask
Apply a clay mask to easily eliminate toxins and build up. Mix 1 part clay with 2 parts water. Stir or whisk until no lumps remain and clay paste has a whipped consistency. Massage on the face with upward strokes. This is when you put cucumbers over your eyes and relax! Wash mask off once it dries completely and begins to crack, or mist with water or other botanical sprays to rehydrate clay. Do not leave on for more than 1 hour.
Step 4: Acid
Apply a small amount of natural acid, such as apple cider vinegar or fresh lemon juice, to a cotton round and gently rub across forehead, cheeks, and chin. Avoid eye area. These natural ingredients replace the conventional chemical acids used in traditional facial peels. Acidic substances remove the top layer of skin, exposing the fresh new cells below. They can also help tonify, tighten pores, provide vitamin C, lighten, and are antibacterial.
Caution: Phototoxic! Do not go in the sun with acid residue on
your face. You will burn!
Step 5: Hydrate
Acids can quickly dry out the skin. After using an acidic substance on your face, hydrate by spritzing with a facial mist. Try rose water or other hydrosols, colloidal silver, or fresh water and essential oils.
Step 6: Cold Water
Splash your face with ice cold water, or dab it with a clean, ice cold rag. This will help close your pores.
Step 7: Massage, Moisturize & Nourish
This is the classic “facial” ending: apply the final crème using targeted massage techniques. Massage face with index and middle fingers; always make sure hands are completely clean and free from bacteria. Use circular upward strokes from the chin up to the eyes. Rub with index finger in between the eyebrows, then firmly press on each eyebrow with middle fingers and drag fingers towards side of face, pulling skin between eyebrows taut. Lightly massage temples, then tap fingers underneath the eyes. Make sure to use pure vegetable oils, most of which are nutrient rich and do not block pores. Stay away from mineral oil, petroleum jelly, and other petrol by-products at all costs!
Subhadra Terhanian is Uncle Harry’s daughter and business partner.






