In this Instuctable I will show you how to make rose water. It's a quick, effortless and inexpensive way of arriving at something that has a number of uses and benefits. What is it made of? Rose and water, it's that simple.

It's been used throughout the centuries by women longing to benefit from its beautifying effects. It is said to be one of the beauty secrets of Cleopatra of Egypt. Among others, it has antioxidant, anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties. So why not try it yourself?

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

Roses - amount depends on how much rose water you plan to end up with, I used 6 big, organic roses that produced approximately 150 ml rose water. It is very important to use organic, pesticides -free roses, you don't want to apply chemicals on your face.

Distilled water - so as to provide a longer shelf life for your rose water. As for the quantity, add as much water as needed just to cover the roses in the pot.

Pot

Sieve

Clean bottle or jar for storage

Step 2: Prepping

Gather your supplies, remove the petals of the roses and wash them under running water.

Put them in a pot, pour as much distilled water that would be just enough to cover the petals. (Beware, they keep coming up to the surface!)

Step 3: Simmering

Use a small plate as a weight to keep the petals under the water.
Put it on medium heat, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes until the petals lose their color.

You can see in the photos the petals turning pale, by this time all the color has gone into the water. It has a magnificent scent, too!

Let it cool.

Step 4: Finishing Touches

Discard most of the petals with the help of a sieve, strain the mixture.

Step 5: Ready!

Put your rose water in a glass jar.

Since we have an abundance of roses in the garden from May till the end of October, I usually only make as much rose water as would last for about a week or 10 days. Summer is very hot here, so I usually keep it in the fridge, just in case. For the winter, I freeze the rose water in ice-cube molds and keep them in zip-lock bags in the freezer and use them one by one.

How to use it? With a quick search on the internet, you' ll find dozens of uses.

I use rose water regularly as:

1. Toner

You may spray or simply splash the rose water on your face, or you can use a cotton ball to apply.

2. Facial scrub

Mix 2 tablespoons of polenta with 2 tablespoons of rose water, rub it over your face.

3. Body spray

Put the rose water in a spritzer bottle, it is really refreshing after taking a shower.

4. Refreshing spray

Put the rose water in a small spritzer bottle, keep it in your bag, spray it on your face to freshen up. It"s great in the summer heat.

5. Body scrub

Mix 1 cup sugar, 3 tablespoons of rose water, 1/4 cup coconut oil, apply. Works like magic, leaves you with a soft, scented skin.