ALMOND MILK CREAM AND PASTE Almond Preparations.—The prime favorite among all ingredients of the various toilet preparations is proba may be utilized. Preparations of al monds for toilet purposes are va riously known as " milk of almonds," " almond cream," " almond paste," and the like. They are likewise vs` known as English, French, or other " milk of roses," and by similar fan ciful titles, arising from the various added ingredients and the wishes of the different manufacturers.
Among the ingredients most often added to almonds in these prepara tions are solid unguents, as white wax, spermaceti, white paste, and the like; also liquid unguents, as glyc erin, honey, the yolk of egg, and similar substances. Perfumed and distilled water, alcohol, and other spirits are often used as vehicles. And various specifics for the com plexion, as benzoin, salts of tartar, alum, lemon juice, and other cosmet ics, may be added. All recipes con taining mineral substances, as salts of lead, mercury, bismuth, and the like, are here omitted.
The oil of almonds is a gentle emollient. It not only softens but also feeds the skin. Hence it is a specific for the complexion, and is especially useful for chaps, sunburn, redness, and other local irritations. The following are standard recipes for milk, cream, or paste of almonds, in the order mentioned. Among these are proprietary articles which are sold under various fanciful titles at exorbitant prices, but which can be readily prepared at home by anyone who cares to take the necessary pains, with the advantage of knowing that the materials are fresh and pure and that the mixture contains nothing injurious.
Milk of Almonds.—The principal object to be attained in preparing milk of almonds or milk of roses is to form a perfect emulsion which will not separate, or which, if it separates after standing, may be emulsified by shaking. Such substances as soap, gum, wax, and the like, are added for this purpose, and all such prepa rations will be improved by beating thoroughly with an egg beater or otherwise after all the ingredients have been incorporated.
The milk of roses varies from the milk of almonds merely in being per fumed with rose water or the essence or attar of roses. Other perfumes are frequently added, but in such limited quantities that the scent of roses predominates.
Rub up in a mortar 1 ounce of sweet blanched almonds by adding, a little at a time, pint of distilled water or pure soft water, mixing and rubbing constantly until it smooth, homogeneous milky emulsion is formed. Finally strain the resulting mixture through a piece of net or gauze to remove the coarser particles. This is the common " milk of al monds" of perfumers, to which glyc erin, various cosmetics, perfumes, and coloring matter may be added as de sired.
Or mix in a mortar 5 drams of blanched almonds, 2 drams of white lump sugar or rock candy, and 1 dram of powdered gum arabic, and rub up the whole together in the same manner, adding distilled water, a little at a time, until S fluid ounces have been incorporated. This is an Irish formula, and is especially use ful when it is desired to add oils, gums, or balsams.
Or rhilk of bitter almonds or emul sion of bitter almonds may be pre pared in the same manner by substi tuting blanched bitter almonds for the sweet variety. The milk of bitter almonds is especially recommended to relieve itching and irritation (es pecially that caused by shaving), and as a remedy for freckles, but it de velops prussic acid, a very active poison, and hence must not be swal lowed or applied except in very mi nute quantities to 0. raw surface.
Or put in a mortar 5 ounces of blanched sweet almonds, and add slowly 1 pint of distilled water, rub bing up the almonds with the water until a complete emulsion is formed. Dissolve in a double boiler ounce of spermaceti, ounce of white wax, and ounce of castile soap. Pour into this mixture in a fine stream the milk of almonds, stirring constantly. Remove from the fire, and stir in a mixture of 6 ounces of alcohol, 5 drops of oil of bitter almonds, and 1 dram of oil of bergamot. Strain through a piece of net or gauze and bottle for use.