As the seasons change, so should your skin-care routine. What works in the summer months might not be as effective during the colder fall and winter ones. Hydration becomes a focus during this time, along with exfoliation and treatments needed to soothe any sun damage. Here are a few recipes from Willow and Sage to help you update your routine and keep your skin glowing.

Calendula Oat Facial Scrub

by Angela Palmer from Willow and Sage Autumn 2024

You Will Need

• • Bowl: small
• • 2 TB. oats, finely ground
• • 1 TB. white kaolin clay
• • 1 TB. buttermilk powder
• • 1 tsp. dried calendula petals, finely ground
• • 1⁄4 tsp. rice bran powder
• • Spoon/Silicone spatula
• • Container

To Make

In a small bowl, mix together all the ingredients until fully incorporated. Use the back of a spoon or silicone spatula to break up any clumps. Store in an airtight container.

To use, blend 1 teaspoon of the scrub base with about ¾ teaspoon of water. Gently massage over your face and neck, avoiding the eye area. The scrub should feel creamy and glide well over your skin. If it feels too dry or doesn’t spread well, add a touch more water. Rinse well with warm water and pat dry. Finish with a spray of a floral hydrosol, if desired, and your favorite moisturizer. Use this scrub one to three times weekly. Shelf life is about 12 months when dry; use immediately once hydrated.

Quick & Cozy Mulled Spice Soap

by Christen Hammons from Willow and Sage Autumn 2024

You Will Need

• • 1 lb. goat’s milk soap base
• • Soap cutter
• • Glass measuring cup
• • Spoon
• • 15 drops cinnamon leaf essential oil
• • 15 drops sweet orange essential oil
• • 10 drops clove essential oil
• • Soap mold
• • Spray bottle w/ rubbing alcohol
• • Ground cinnamon (optional)
• • Dried orange peel (optional)

To Make

Cut the soap base into small cubes using a soap cutter. Place the soap cubes in a glass measuring cup and microwave in 30-second bursts until the base is completely melted. Add the cinnamon leaf, sweet orange, and clove essential oils, and stir to combine. Spray a soap mold with rubbing alcohol, and pour the soap into the mold. If desired, sprinkle ground cinnamon and dried orange peel onto the soap before it begins to set. Let the soap set overnight, and remove from the mold.

Hydrating Overnight Lip Mask

by Kami McBride from Willow and Sage Winter 2025

You Will Need

• • Double boiler
• • 1 TB. plantain leaf oil
• • 2 TB. calendula flower oil
• • 1 TB. marshmallow leaf oil
• • 1 TB. elderflower oil
• • 1 TB. beeswax
• • 1 TB. cocoa butter
• • 2 TB. lanolin
• • Spoon/Spatula
• • Containers of choice

To Make

In a double boiler, combine all of the ingredients. Gently heat the mixture over low heat until all the ingredients are melted and well combined, stirring occasionally with a spoon or spatula. Once melted, remove the container from the heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly. Carefully pour the melted mixture into clean lip balm containers or small jars. Let the lip mask cool and solidify at room temperature or in the refrigerator for faster results.

Once solidified, it is ready! To use, apply a generous layer to your lips before bedtime, allowing the nourishing ingredients to work their magic overnight. Store any remaining lip mask in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight for future use.

Discover more recipes for the changing seasons in Willow and Sage Autumn 2025.

Danielle Williams is the managing editor for Willow and Sage, The Natural Home Issue, Mingle, and Art Quilting Studio. She lives with her growing family in Orange County, California.