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through pleasure never let it be an excuse to lie late in the morning, rather make up the lost hours by a nap in the daytime, or by going to rest earlier next night. The morning dew is one of the greatest beautifiers in the world, and few know it. Before going to bed if it is possible take a warm bath, or a cold if it is preferred, and rub every limb well with a rough towel. Where there are sisters they can more effectually rub or massage each other, and without doubt this last is the greatest secret of the toilet. Where one has to do for oneself it is not so easy, though quite possible. To begin with, after using the rough towel effectually, with the bare hands rub and knead every part—legs, arms, the body, shoulders, neck, every muscle in the body. Some people use a perfumed oil on their hands when rubbing, and it impregnates the body with a sweet smell. Any scent can be used, but it needs oil with it to make it rub easily. The "pomade to whiten the hands," given a few pages back is excellent for the purpose, and imparts a sweet scent to the body. Also, rub the face as well, gently, but firmly, kneading the more fleshy parts between the fingers and thumb, and pressing or smoothing out the wrinkles and creases all over the face, using the pomade upon the hands all the time. The first time one performs this office of massage for oneself it is extremely tiring, but like everything else one gets used to it. even if done by another it makes one very tired and inclined to sleep. There are now a days ladies who are professional masseuse, and who go from one to another for the sole purpose of rubbing or massage treatment, but the fee comes expensive, and when one is in health and strength it is as well to help oneself. Concluded the rubbing and pretty well exhausted oneself, the hair should receive a good hard brushing as directed in the article on "The Hair," and then to bed, where, unless one is really ill, sleep will overtake the senses in less than no time. This process reads very |
long and wearying and for the first time or two it may be so, but directly you get into the way and begin to know the muscles, sinews, &c., &c., of the body it will be simple. Every second night will be often enough at first, unless one has someone to do it for one. Two sisters or two intimate friends can be masseuse for each other and thus perform the office of beautifying each other. Fresh strawberry juice is an excellent beautifier. Crush the berry and rub on the face and let it dry. Wash off next morning.
Another mode is to collect the blossom, bruise them slightly and having made a cup of blotting paper (like a dunce's cap), put in a layer of orange blossom and on it a pinch of salt, a few drops of good olive oil, and the same of spirits of wine, then another layer of blossom, salt, oil and spirits, and right on layer upon layer, till it is quite full. Place it in the hot sun and by degrees the scent or oil will be tried out. I have done the same with rose leaves very successfully and also with gardenia. I have also used pure lard instead of the oil, but I do not know which is best. The idea was entirely my own and doubtless could be improved upon.
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