At our weekly Canvas meeting, we were talking about some of our favorite skincare hacks for when the summer heat hits. Kimberly likes to keep her face masks in the fridge so that they are cool when she puts them on (love this idea!).

For me it's all about my Nana's homemade aloe recipe. Aloe is known for its healing, anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties, which keeps pores clean, moisturizers and precent oiliness and can slow down the signs of aging. I remember being a little girl and her putting the aloe soaked pads over our eyes for a little bit of pampering. This recipe is simple, quick and incredibly soothing. Plus, it leaves your skin glowing!

Ingredients:
- Aloe plant (Aloe Barbadensis in the most popular and widely used variety of aloe vera)
- Distilled water
- Cotton makeup pads
- Resealable glass jar or plastic container

Directions:
Break off a 2-3 aloe vera leaves and slit down the middle (don't cut all the way through). Place in a small pot and fill with enough distilled water so that the leaves are covered - usually about 1-2 cups is plenty. Very slowly bring the water to a gentle boil and then turn down the heat and allow to simmer for several minutes. The water may change color slightly - that's ok. Remove from heat and let the liquid cool. Remove the leaves and strain the liquid into a glass jar or plastic container filled with cotton makeup pads (baby food jars work great for this!).

Place in the fridge and use the pads for puffy eyes, sunburns, irritated skin or as a daily toner all over your face. The liquid will stay good in your fridge for up to 10 days. You can also pour the extra into ice cube trays and freeze for later.

We want to hear your favorite DIY skincare recipes!