Face masks are amongst the easiest cosmetics to make at home. The ingredients are often on hand in your fridge or cupboard, and they work just as well as the expensive options at high end beauty counters. Here are a few of my tried and true favourites for a ‘home spa’ afternoon!
Hydrating & Moisturizing
Avocado Deep Moisture
Ingredients:
1 ripe avocado
1 tablespoon honey
2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt (the higher the fat content, the better the moisture)
Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, avocados are supremely moisturizing, while yogurt and honey kick it up a notch to provide truly dewy skin.
Mash the avocado up to a smooth consistency with a fork, then add the honey and yogurt and mix well. Apply to face for 20 minutes and put your feet up. After rinsing, splash your face with cool water. Instant facelift!
Strawberry Honey Glow
Ingredients:
5 large or 8-10 small strawberries
2 tablespoons raw honey
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
a few drops of lavender essential oil
Strawberries are rich in vitamin C but also exfoliate the skin. Honey has potent antibacterial qualities and has been used as a moisturizer for millennia. Olive oil moisturizes and is infused with antioxidants. The lavender? Pure aromatherapy.
Combine all the ingredients except the essential oil in a blender or food processor. Transfer into a bowl and blend in the lavender oil. Apply to the face, avoiding the eye and mouth area. Relax for 20 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
Toning & Tightening
Brightening Egg White and Lemon
Ingredients:
1 egg white
1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
This is one of the easiest face masks out there. While it feels slimy putting it on, the egg quickly dries and you can quite literally feel your face tightening. Egg whites are a quick fix for their ability to help in maintaining skin elasticity. Lemon, meanwhile, helps remove dead skin cells, resulting in brighter, smoother skin.
Whisk together the egg white and lemon and apply to face. Let sit for 10 minutes, or until it 'hardens', then rinse with warm water.
Wrinkle Busting
Red Wine and Clay Mask
Ingredients:
¼ cup red wine
¼ cup kaolin clay (sold at health-food stores)
2 tablespoons grapeseed oil
Resveratrol, a powerful antioxidant found primarily in red wine, helps to repair the damage caused by sun exposure that can lead to wrinkles. Kaolin clay draws out impurities, while the grapeseed oil moisturizes and hydrates.
Combine all the ingredients. Apply to the face and neck. Rinse with warm water after 10 to 15 minutes.
The possibilities for simple, fast, and fun do-it-yourself masks are endless. These common ingredients are all beauty promoters in their own right. Feel free to play with the ingredients in your kitchen to come up with the perfect recipe for you!
Oats (moisturizing)
Bananas (moisturizing and detoxifying)
Coconut Oil (ultimate moisturizer)
Cucumbers (toning and tightening, well known for removing bags from under puffy eyes)
Beer (brightening)
Coffee (decreases puffiness)
Pumpkin (antioxidant)
Fresh Mint (soothing and toning)
Turmeric (ultimate brightener)
