Step 1:
Take a fresh healthy cucumber.
Step 2:
You will need about 2/3rds of the cucumber of the size I have. You may buy a smaller piece.
Step 3:
Peel the cucumber. You may avoid peeling it and just wash it thoroughly. The aim is to clean the cucumber completely.
Step 4:
Now, there can be two ways out. In case you want to use it solely as a toner and would probably use it once or twice a day, you can straight away churn it, sieve out the juice and store. My aim is to prepare a facial mist cum toner which requires it to be a bit more liquefied. I am going by the other way for this reason. I’ll start cutting the cucumber in horizontal strokes first.
Step 5:
I need very small pieces of cucumber, so I am giving vertical cuts as well. I will cut from the base to get fine and equal sized chopped cucumber pieces.
Step 6:
Transfer those fine pieces into a pan.
Step 7:
Add water to this pan, roughly of the amount in which these cucumber pieces will be well immersed.
Step 8:
Keep the pan on a low flame now for 5-7 minutes in total. We are doing this because we want the cucumber essence to mix with the water nicely. At the same time, do not boil the water or keep it for a long time because that will work against the aim, that is, it will kill the nutrients in the cucumber.
Step 9:
Now, put the flame off and let the cucumber water cool down a bit. It would take approximately 10 minutes to cool down to the level we want. Transfer the whole thing to a mixer jar.
Step 10:
Churn for around 20 seconds keeping the mixer speed at the 1st level.
Step 11:
We are nearly done with the procedure and guess what? I am already excited to spray it on my face! We have to now sieve the juice out and that will separate the bigger pieces.
Step 12:
Filter the juice and collect it directly into a storage bottle or a glass for the moment, like the way I have done.
That’s it, our cucumber facial mist / toner is ready! Refrigerate it in a clean bottle and spray as and when required.
Ways You Can Use It:
As a facial mist- this is my favorite usage type. I just love spraying it on, after my face wash ritual on returning home during the summer hot days. It’s pure bliss!
Cucumber has natural toning properties, so you can use it twice a day as a toner alone.
Take out the chilled liquid on a cotton pad and place it on your eyes to get relieved of puffy eyes and soreness.
Mix it with ubtans and face packs in summers.
Shelf Life:
One time preparation of this cucumber facial toner will serve for around 4 days when kept in the refrigerator. The same procedure can be done with rose petals too instead of cucumber.
