Photo by massdistraction

There’s something so relaxing and indulging about facial masks. I love them. It’s great when you have a spare 30 minutes and can unwind with your pampered self. It’s especially enjoyable when you know you’ve made your own mask with ingredients from the kitchen, and haven’t spent a dime on chemically enhanced facials. Plus you don’t have to worry about allergic reactions and other problems you might run in to with unnatural masks.

Depending on your skin type, you can use a facial mask about 1-3 times a week. If your skin is in fairly good condition then once a week will be sufficient. If you have severe acne or blackheads, you might want to try a mask 2-3 times a week. Note: applying a facial mask more than 3 times a week isn’t good for any skin type.

There are all different recipes for all skin types and conditions. The ingredients are important to note if you want a particular result! Before applying any facial mask you must clean your face with a mild facial wash (never use soap as it dries out your skin like nothing else, and leads to an over-production of oil). Below are just a few yummy recipes for you to bask in:

Oily skin

Mix 1 teaspoon of brewer’s yeast with enough natural yogurt to make a thin mixture. Pat this thoroughly into all the oily areas and allow it to dry on the skin. After 15 - 20 minutes, rinse off with warm water, then cool water and pat dry.

Combine 1 egg yolk, 1 tablespoon of honey, 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1/2 a cup of oatmeal. Leave the mask on for 15-20 minutes and then wash off with warm water.

Dry skin

Avocado is a naturally rich moisturiser. Mash about 1/2 an avocado into a creamy texture and then massage into the face and neck. Leave on for 15 minutes and gently rinse off.

Mix 1 teaspoon of butter in 1 teaspoon of water. Massage it thoroughly into all the dry areas and leave for 15-20 minutes. Then rinse with cold water.

Combination skin

Mix 1 egg white, 1/2 cup of cooked instant oatmeal and 1 teaspoon of olive oil until smooth. Leave for about 15 minutes and rinse with warm water.

Peel 1 potato and cut into thin slices. Place them on your face for about 15 minutes and rinse off with chamomile tea (or warm water if you don’t have any tea).

For glowing skin

Mix together 1 tablespoon honey, 1 egg yolk, 1/2 teaspoon almond oil and 1 tablespoon plain yoghurt. Honey stimulates and smooths, egg and almond oil penetrates and moisturises, and yoghurt refines and tightens pores. Leave for 15 minutes and rinse with warm water.

Grape juice makes an excellent cleanser for any skin type. Split 1 or 2 large grapes, remove pips and rub the flesh over your face and neck. Rinse off with cool water.

Removing blotches/skin lightening

Squeeze 1/2 a lemon and mix with 1 beaten egg white. Leave on your face overnight or, for a quick pick-me-up, 15 minutes. Splash warm water on your face to rinse. It helps to removes blotches because the lemon acts as a bleaching agent.

To lighten dark circles under your eyes, wrap a grated raw potato in cheesecloth and apply to eyelids for 15-20 minutes. Wipe off residue and apply an eye cream.

For chapped/sunburned skin

Mix 1 cup of plain yoghurt and 1/2 a cup of oatmeal. Leave for 15 minutes and rinse off with cool water. Pat dry.

Wrinkles/anti-ageing

Banana acts as a great anti-wrinkle treatment. Mash 1/4 of a banana until very creamy. Spread all over your face and leave for 15-20 minutes before rinsing off with warm water, followed by a dash of cold. And (as always) gently pat dry.

This mixture is especially good for mature skin as it can prevent fine lines appearing as we age. Orange juice contains Vitamin C which enhances the production of collagen, and honey is a great antiseptic and cleanser for the skin.
Mix 1 teaspoon of honey and a few drops of orange juice. Spread the mixture over your entire face, even around the eyes and mouth. Leave on for 20 minutes and then remove with warm water and a pad of cotton wool.

I’m off to try the potato mask for combination skin. Then I’ll make fries out of the left over mask! (No, I wouldn’t do that, that would be gross.) I’ll report back to you how it went.

Feed your face and enjoy these masks ladies and gents, your skin will be singing, “thank you!”

Big love & cucumber eyes,