So as you may be aware I have an exciting trip to Europe coming up in a few months for the summer! Planning this trip has meant that in order for me to be able to have an amazing time whilst over there, I have had to be a little bit more frugal in my day to day life leading up to it (and also being the end of financial year, I have so much work to do, with little time to do it!) Now that doesn't mean I have stopped going to the salon, cause thanks to a girlfriend, an amazing stylist and the fact that my mane is currently an auburn colour, my hair care is a priority! But it has meant I have had to cut back on a few luxuries such as getting just a manicure, not a mani/pedi or all day visits to the day spa for facials and body wraps! Right now both my bank balance and work schedule won't allow it!
What I have realised is that besides giving my skin a boost, and providing a great excuse to indulge in some “me-time”, home facials and masks can also save me time and money!
There is no reason why because of time or money I should have to forfeit feeding my skin! This is where an at-home mask can benefit, and continue, the results of a good skin care regime. Masks are an at-home booster to treat concerns, and a great excuse for downtime and pampering. Lately in this Sydney winter chill I find that a ‘mask and movie night’, a ‘mask and bath’, or even a ‘girls night in home facial’ with friends is a great opportunity to treat myself and my skin, whilst keeping warm and snug in my own home!
Here's what to do:
1. Cleanse: start out by thoroughly cleansing your face and neck to remove any dirt, makeup or excess oil from your skin, and pat dry.
Try: Natural Facial Cleanser
You will need 3 Tbsp. lime juice, 4 Tbsp. plain yogurt, 2 Tbsp. honey and corn starch, as needed, to thicken. Mix all ingredients together. Gently massage onto face for about two minutes, avoiding the eyes. Rinse thoroughly with warm water.
2. Exfoliate: this step removes dead skin cells, and enables the face mask you use to be more effective.
Try: Brown Sugar Scrub
You will need 1/2 cup sugar, 1 tablespoon ground oatmeal, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 2 teaspoons of honey and enough water to wet the mixture. Mix all together. When mixing the scrub you will have to judge the water content. You should try to make it wet enough so that it does not dry up and fall off when you apply it, but dry enough so that it does not melt the sugar before you have a chance to use it. Just add a little water at a time until you find the right mixture. Use promptly after mixing. Apply mixture to face and gently scrub in circles. Since everyone's sensitivity to scrubs is different you will be the judge of how much to use and how long to use it. You should only use enough to make your skin soft and smooth, don't over do it or scrub to hard.
3. Steam: this is an optional step, but worth adding as it softens the skin as well as opens pores so you can remove any blackheads or blockages more easily. Pour boiling water into a large bowl, hold your face a comfortable distance above it, then cover your head with a large towel to capture the steam for about five minutes. (For an added relaxation bonus, you can add a few drops of your favourite essential oils)
4. Remove blackheads: check your skin using a magnifying mirror, and with clean hands gently press out any blackheads using your fingertips and tissue paper.
5. Mask: this is the fun part. Below are some of the facial/masks I have tried and fallen in love with (and usually want to eat instead of putting on my face!)
Try: Egg White Facial
Skin Type: Oily or Acne-Prone
Egg whites tighten the pores and contain proteins that both repair skin and absorb excess oil, making them a powerful tool for dealing with acne. Separate the egg white from the yolk (save the yolk for cooking!). Whisk together the egg white with 1 teaspoon of lemon juice for one minute. The mixture will be messy, so apply it to your clean, dry face over a sink. Keep the mask on for 10 to 15 minutes — start whipping up your favorite dessert with that egg yolk while you wait! Once the mask starts cracking, wash away with warm water.
Try: Aspirin Facial
Skin Type: Oily or Acne-Prone
If you’re not allergic to aspirin and you have oily or acne-prone skin, the salicylic acid in aspirin is a great acne-fighter. Crush four uncoated aspirin pills into a powder using the back of a spoon. Add water to create a paste. If you prefer a thicker mask, add a bit of honey. Stir the ingredients then apply the paste to your clean, dry face, making sure to avoid your eyes and your nostrils. Leave on for 10 minutes, then wash off and enjoy the clean feeling!
Try: Strawberry Facial
Skin Type: Oily or Acne-Prone
Take four or five large strawberries and mash them up until they become a thick pulp. Then cover the face thickly with the pulp. Lie down quietly for about 20 minutes before washing with warm water.
Try: Avocado Facial
Skin Type: Dry Skin
The fatty oils in avocado are great for moisturizing dry skin. Mash up half an avocado until creamy. Add 1 tablespoon of honey, a cleaning agent, to the mix. If your skin is irritated, add a bit of plain yogurt for a soothing effect. If your skin is cryin’ for extra moisture, add 1/4 cup of pure virgin olive oil. Once all ingredients are well combined, apply the mixture onto your clean face and neck. Leave on for 15 to 20 minutes. For added relaxation, add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to the mixture before applying.
Try: Banana Facial
Skin Type: Dry Skin
Grab a banana for this moisturizing facial. Mash a peeled banana until it turns into a paste, then mix in 2 tablespoons of honey for an extra skin cleanser. If the mixture is too thick, add a bit of water. Apply the paste to clean and dry skin, letting it sit for 10 to 20 minutes, then wash the mask off with warm water. Your skin will feel soft and refreshed!
Try: Lemon Juice and Sea Salt Facial
Skin Type: Dull Skin
(I always try this one at the end of a 'long' week! Seems to perk my skin up for the weekend plans!)
A lemon juice and sea salt facial not only smells delicious, but it’s simple to make and great for rejuvenating skin! Combining 1/4 cup of sea salt with lemon juice is recommended. It’s up to you whether you want the mixture to be thick or runny, so add lemon juice accordingly. Apply the paste to your clean, dry face, avoiding sensitive areas. Close your eyes and relax for a few minutes while you let the lemon juice slough off dead skin cells, then wash with warm water.
Try: Papaya Facial
Skin Type: Dull Skin
The enzymes in papaya make it a natural exfoliant that fights free radicals, so say goodbye to dullness with this facial. Peel and remove the seeds of one papaya, then chop it into small pieces. Add 1/4 cup of honey for a natural cleanser. Using a blender or food processer, mix the ingredients until a paste is formed. Apply the paste to clean, dry skin, avoiding the eye area. Leave on for 10 to 15 minutes then splash off with warm water. Wash thoroughly, or the papaya juice could make your face look orange!
Try: Oatmeal Facial
Skin Type: Dull Skin
The uneven edges of oatmeal make it a gentle exfoliant, ideal for sloughing off dead cells to reveal the bright skin underneath. Combine 2 tablespoons of uncooked and unflavored oatmeal with 1 cup of whole milk in a small pot, heating them until a thick mixture forms. The lactic acid in milk will also remove dead skin cells. Remove from heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil for moisture. Wait until the mixture is warm but not hot then apply to your clean, dry face. Wash off the mask with warm water after 20 to 30 minutes.
Try: Yogurt Facial
Skin Type: Irritated or Sunburned Skin
(I tried this a after a holiday to Fiji, left my face and shoulders tomato red! So soothing!)
This facial is sure to soothe your irritated skin, and it’s so simple to make. Apply 1 cup of plain yogurt (make sure it’s not flavored — save that for the kids!) to clean, dry skin. Leave on for 15 to 20 minutes, and then wash away with warm water. The lactic acid found in yogurt will help soothe your skin, and the probiotics work to naturally heal skin irritation. If you’ve been out in the sun for too long, consider mixing 2 teaspoons of aloe into the yogurt for an extra cooling effect.
Try: Pumpkin Facial
Skin Type: Irritated or Sunburned Skin
Thinking about baking a pumpkin pie? Save a bit of that pureed pumpkin to pamper yourself with a facial. Combine 2 teaspoons of pureed pumpkin with 1/2 teaspoon of honey and 1/4 teaspoon of heavy whipping cream. Mix all of the ingredients until they make a thick paste, then apply to clean, dry skin. Leave on 10 minutes before rinsing off with warm water. The vitamin A in the pumpkin has healing properties and promotes tissue repair, which irritated skin will love.
6. Close pores: remove the mask according to the instructions, then splash your face with cool water to close any open pores. Pat dry.
7. Tone: this step is also optional, but sweeping a cotton ball soaked in your
favourite natural toner will help to balance and rehydrate your skin, and remove any final traces of mask residue.
Try: Citrus Toner
Skin Type: Oily or Acne-Prone
This toner blends lemon and/or lime juice, squeezed from one fruit (or two if making a blend of both), with a couple tablespoons of witch hazel. This mixture can be used more than once if the remnants are stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to seven days.
Try: Apple Toner
Skin Type: Sensitive Skin
Just mix a couple tablespoons of witch hazel with about a quarter cup of unsweetened apple juice. Other fruit juice blends of toner could be used. For a fresh, wake-up toner blend the witch hazel with fresh squeezed juice from one orange. Not only the scent of the fresh orange juice will invigorate the mind, but the vitamin C in its juice will give the skin some youth enhancing qualities, like a lighter tone and tighter pores.
8. Serum: for an added boost, apply a few drops of Rosehip Oil or Avocado Oil as a serum and allow to soak in well.
9. Moisturise: complete your facial with an application of eye cream and moisturiser.
Try: Green tea and Cucumber Eye Treatment
Use 1 Cup fresh brewed green tea, chilled and 1/2 cucumber, sliced. Place cucumber slice into chilled green tea. Soak in refrigerator until cold. Place cucumber slices on each eye, and leave them for 10 minutes. Store additional slices in the fridge and they will stay good for a few days
and
Try: Natural Moisturiser
This homemade facial moisturiser makes your face glow. Use 1 fresh Lime (juice), 1/4 cup boiled Full Cream Milk and 2 tablespoons extra virgin Olive oil. Mix the ingredients well and apply to face and let sink in! No need to rinse; you can keep this for a few days in the fridge!
10. Enjoy: your skin will look refreshed and glowing, ready for that weekend away, or a big night out!
When you use any of these products, it is a good idea to test some on a small patch of skin, on your arm or leg. Even if you aren’t allergic to these ingredients, when ingested, they may still cause irritation in some people.
Most of these mixtures can be kept in the refrigerator for at least a few days, and used again, if there is enough left after the initial use.
Relax!
What I have realised is that besides giving my skin a boost, and providing a great excuse to indulge in some “me-time”, home facials and masks can also save me time and money!
There is no reason why because of time or money I should have to forfeit feeding my skin! This is where an at-home mask can benefit, and continue, the results of a good skin care regime. Masks are an at-home booster to treat concerns, and a great excuse for downtime and pampering. Lately in this Sydney winter chill I find that a ‘mask and movie night’, a ‘mask and bath’, or even a ‘girls night in home facial’ with friends is a great opportunity to treat myself and my skin, whilst keeping warm and snug in my own home!
Here's what to do:
1. Cleanse: start out by thoroughly cleansing your face and neck to remove any dirt, makeup or excess oil from your skin, and pat dry.
Try: Natural Facial Cleanser
You will need 3 Tbsp. lime juice, 4 Tbsp. plain yogurt, 2 Tbsp. honey and corn starch, as needed, to thicken. Mix all ingredients together. Gently massage onto face for about two minutes, avoiding the eyes. Rinse thoroughly with warm water.
2. Exfoliate: this step removes dead skin cells, and enables the face mask you use to be more effective.
Try: Brown Sugar Scrub
You will need 1/2 cup sugar, 1 tablespoon ground oatmeal, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 2 teaspoons of honey and enough water to wet the mixture. Mix all together. When mixing the scrub you will have to judge the water content. You should try to make it wet enough so that it does not dry up and fall off when you apply it, but dry enough so that it does not melt the sugar before you have a chance to use it. Just add a little water at a time until you find the right mixture. Use promptly after mixing. Apply mixture to face and gently scrub in circles. Since everyone's sensitivity to scrubs is different you will be the judge of how much to use and how long to use it. You should only use enough to make your skin soft and smooth, don't over do it or scrub to hard.
3. Steam: this is an optional step, but worth adding as it softens the skin as well as opens pores so you can remove any blackheads or blockages more easily. Pour boiling water into a large bowl, hold your face a comfortable distance above it, then cover your head with a large towel to capture the steam for about five minutes. (For an added relaxation bonus, you can add a few drops of your favourite essential oils)
4. Remove blackheads: check your skin using a magnifying mirror, and with clean hands gently press out any blackheads using your fingertips and tissue paper.
5. Mask: this is the fun part. Below are some of the facial/masks I have tried and fallen in love with (and usually want to eat instead of putting on my face!)
Try: Egg White Facial
Skin Type: Oily or Acne-Prone
Egg whites tighten the pores and contain proteins that both repair skin and absorb excess oil, making them a powerful tool for dealing with acne. Separate the egg white from the yolk (save the yolk for cooking!). Whisk together the egg white with 1 teaspoon of lemon juice for one minute. The mixture will be messy, so apply it to your clean, dry face over a sink. Keep the mask on for 10 to 15 minutes — start whipping up your favorite dessert with that egg yolk while you wait! Once the mask starts cracking, wash away with warm water.
Try: Aspirin Facial
Skin Type: Oily or Acne-Prone
If you’re not allergic to aspirin and you have oily or acne-prone skin, the salicylic acid in aspirin is a great acne-fighter. Crush four uncoated aspirin pills into a powder using the back of a spoon. Add water to create a paste. If you prefer a thicker mask, add a bit of honey. Stir the ingredients then apply the paste to your clean, dry face, making sure to avoid your eyes and your nostrils. Leave on for 10 minutes, then wash off and enjoy the clean feeling!
Try: Strawberry Facial
Skin Type: Oily or Acne-Prone
Take four or five large strawberries and mash them up until they become a thick pulp. Then cover the face thickly with the pulp. Lie down quietly for about 20 minutes before washing with warm water.
Try: Avocado Facial
Skin Type: Dry Skin
The fatty oils in avocado are great for moisturizing dry skin. Mash up half an avocado until creamy. Add 1 tablespoon of honey, a cleaning agent, to the mix. If your skin is irritated, add a bit of plain yogurt for a soothing effect. If your skin is cryin’ for extra moisture, add 1/4 cup of pure virgin olive oil. Once all ingredients are well combined, apply the mixture onto your clean face and neck. Leave on for 15 to 20 minutes. For added relaxation, add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to the mixture before applying.
Try: Banana Facial
Skin Type: Dry Skin
Grab a banana for this moisturizing facial. Mash a peeled banana until it turns into a paste, then mix in 2 tablespoons of honey for an extra skin cleanser. If the mixture is too thick, add a bit of water. Apply the paste to clean and dry skin, letting it sit for 10 to 20 minutes, then wash the mask off with warm water. Your skin will feel soft and refreshed!
Try: Lemon Juice and Sea Salt Facial
Skin Type: Dull Skin
(I always try this one at the end of a 'long' week! Seems to perk my skin up for the weekend plans!)
A lemon juice and sea salt facial not only smells delicious, but it’s simple to make and great for rejuvenating skin! Combining 1/4 cup of sea salt with lemon juice is recommended. It’s up to you whether you want the mixture to be thick or runny, so add lemon juice accordingly. Apply the paste to your clean, dry face, avoiding sensitive areas. Close your eyes and relax for a few minutes while you let the lemon juice slough off dead skin cells, then wash with warm water.
Try: Papaya Facial
Skin Type: Dull Skin
The enzymes in papaya make it a natural exfoliant that fights free radicals, so say goodbye to dullness with this facial. Peel and remove the seeds of one papaya, then chop it into small pieces. Add 1/4 cup of honey for a natural cleanser. Using a blender or food processer, mix the ingredients until a paste is formed. Apply the paste to clean, dry skin, avoiding the eye area. Leave on for 10 to 15 minutes then splash off with warm water. Wash thoroughly, or the papaya juice could make your face look orange!
Try: Oatmeal Facial
Skin Type: Dull Skin
The uneven edges of oatmeal make it a gentle exfoliant, ideal for sloughing off dead cells to reveal the bright skin underneath. Combine 2 tablespoons of uncooked and unflavored oatmeal with 1 cup of whole milk in a small pot, heating them until a thick mixture forms. The lactic acid in milk will also remove dead skin cells. Remove from heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil for moisture. Wait until the mixture is warm but not hot then apply to your clean, dry face. Wash off the mask with warm water after 20 to 30 minutes.
Try: Yogurt Facial
Skin Type: Irritated or Sunburned Skin
(I tried this a after a holiday to Fiji, left my face and shoulders tomato red! So soothing!)
This facial is sure to soothe your irritated skin, and it’s so simple to make. Apply 1 cup of plain yogurt (make sure it’s not flavored — save that for the kids!) to clean, dry skin. Leave on for 15 to 20 minutes, and then wash away with warm water. The lactic acid found in yogurt will help soothe your skin, and the probiotics work to naturally heal skin irritation. If you’ve been out in the sun for too long, consider mixing 2 teaspoons of aloe into the yogurt for an extra cooling effect.
Try: Pumpkin Facial
Skin Type: Irritated or Sunburned Skin
Thinking about baking a pumpkin pie? Save a bit of that pureed pumpkin to pamper yourself with a facial. Combine 2 teaspoons of pureed pumpkin with 1/2 teaspoon of honey and 1/4 teaspoon of heavy whipping cream. Mix all of the ingredients until they make a thick paste, then apply to clean, dry skin. Leave on 10 minutes before rinsing off with warm water. The vitamin A in the pumpkin has healing properties and promotes tissue repair, which irritated skin will love.
6. Close pores: remove the mask according to the instructions, then splash your face with cool water to close any open pores. Pat dry.
7. Tone: this step is also optional, but sweeping a cotton ball soaked in your
favourite natural toner will help to balance and rehydrate your skin, and remove any final traces of mask residue.
Try: Citrus Toner
Skin Type: Oily or Acne-Prone
This toner blends lemon and/or lime juice, squeezed from one fruit (or two if making a blend of both), with a couple tablespoons of witch hazel. This mixture can be used more than once if the remnants are stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to seven days.
Try: Apple Toner
Skin Type: Sensitive Skin
Just mix a couple tablespoons of witch hazel with about a quarter cup of unsweetened apple juice. Other fruit juice blends of toner could be used. For a fresh, wake-up toner blend the witch hazel with fresh squeezed juice from one orange. Not only the scent of the fresh orange juice will invigorate the mind, but the vitamin C in its juice will give the skin some youth enhancing qualities, like a lighter tone and tighter pores.
8. Serum: for an added boost, apply a few drops of Rosehip Oil or Avocado Oil as a serum and allow to soak in well.
9. Moisturise: complete your facial with an application of eye cream and moisturiser.
Try: Green tea and Cucumber Eye Treatment
Use 1 Cup fresh brewed green tea, chilled and 1/2 cucumber, sliced. Place cucumber slice into chilled green tea. Soak in refrigerator until cold. Place cucumber slices on each eye, and leave them for 10 minutes. Store additional slices in the fridge and they will stay good for a few days
and
Try: Natural Moisturiser
This homemade facial moisturiser makes your face glow. Use 1 fresh Lime (juice), 1/4 cup boiled Full Cream Milk and 2 tablespoons extra virgin Olive oil. Mix the ingredients well and apply to face and let sink in! No need to rinse; you can keep this for a few days in the fridge!
10. Enjoy: your skin will look refreshed and glowing, ready for that weekend away, or a big night out!
When you use any of these products, it is a good idea to test some on a small patch of skin, on your arm or leg. Even if you aren’t allergic to these ingredients, when ingested, they may still cause irritation in some people.
Most of these mixtures can be kept in the refrigerator for at least a few days, and used again, if there is enough left after the initial use.
Relax!
