DIY Face Masks Using Store Cupboard Basics
Having a relaxing facial needn't cost the world. In fact, you don't even have to leave your house!
I love whipping together a quick and easy DIY face mask for a pampering session on a budget, using store cupboard basics found in my kitchen cupboards. What could be easier?
Here I share some of my favourite DIY face mask recipes to help you relax, indulge and fight some common skin problems.
1. Honey and cinnamon mask for acne
2. Baking soda and coconut oil scrub for blocked pores
3. Yogurt mask for anti-aging
4. Lemon and banana mask for glowing skin
5. Egg and olive oil mask for dry skin
6. Green tea cleanser for irritated or inflamed skin
1. Honey and cinnamon mask for acne
Recipe:
1. Mix one heaped tablespoon of honey with one teaspoon of cinnamon powder.
2. Apply to face or affected area.
3. Leave for 15-30 minutes.
4. Rinse thoroughly with cool water and pat skin dry.
Why it works:
Research has found that honey has amazing antimicrobial powers. In fact, some honeys from Iran were found to be as powerful as antibiotics. The honey in this mask works by killing the bacteria which lives in clogged pores on the skin. This bacteria causes pores to be inflamed and irritated and can lead to spots forming.
Cinnamon has similar antimicrobial properties. Even better, it is an astringent. This means that cinnamon will help to tighten pores, giving you clearer, smoother and softer skin.
2. Baking soda and coconut oil scrub for clogged pores
Recipe:
1. Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda and 1 tablespoon of coconut oil to form a paste.
2. Cleanse skin as normal.
3. Apply scrub to skin, focusing on clogged area and massaging in gentle, circular motions.
4. Leave to sit for 5 minutes.
5. Rinse with warm water, then splash face with cold water to help close pores.
Why it works:
Coconut oil is a great moisturiser which helps soften your skin as you scrub (gently!) It also has antimicrobial properties so will help kill any bacteria in your clogged pores.
Baking soda is a fabulous exfoliator and one of my all-time MVPs in my beauty and cleaning routines. It really is a wonder product. The baking soda will also help to remove excess oils from your skin, while allowing the coconut oil to moisturise.
Bonus:
This is literally the same recipe that I use to make my homemade toothpaste, so whenever I pores are feeling a little clogged, I can just scoop up some toothpaste and get scrubbing. It also stores excellently, so you can make a big batch all at once.
3. Yogurt mask for anti-aging
Recipe:
1. This is the easiest recipe by far because yogurt works as a stand alone mask. You can add essential oils or mix with honey is you fancy.
2. Apply 1 tablespoon of yogurt to freshly cleansed skin.
3. Leave to work for 10 minutes.
4. Rinse with warm water and pat skin dry.
Why it works:
Lactic acid, found in yogurt, is a natural exfoliant and helps to dissolve dead skin. This will leave your skin looking fresher and younger. As a bonus, it also helps to calm irritated skin (perfect for sunburn!)
4. Lemon and banana mask for glowing skin
Recipe:
1. Mash 1 overripe banana and mix with the juice of half a lemon (or 10 drops of lemon juice).
2. Apply to face and leave for 10-15 minutes.
3. Rinse with warm water and pat skin dry.
Why it works:
Bananas are packed full of ingredients that help promote healthy, glowing skin. Potassium helps hydrate skin, vitamin E can prevent signs of ageing, amino acids promote skin elasticity and vitamin A fades acne scars or sunspots.
Lemon helps to brighten and lighten your skin over time (although I wouldn't recommend using too much). This helps to fade sunspots. Even better, lemon is antibacterial and will help clear out your blackheads.
5. Egg and olive oil mask for dry skin
Recipe:
1. Mix 1 egg with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
2. Apply to cleansed face and allow to work for 10 minutes.
3. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and pat skin dry.
Why it works:
Eggs are packed full of protein which helps build and repair skin cells. They also contain vitamin A which treats dry skin, vitamin B3 which works to hydrate and zinc which slows skin ageing.
Olive oil moisturises skin without clogging pores, unlike many commercial moisturisers. It also contains antioxidants that may help fight free radicals which can damage cells.
6. Green tea cleanser for irritated or inflamed skin
Recipe
1. Simply prepare a cup of green tea, following the instructions on the pack.
2. Allow to cool.
3. Apply to face using cotton wool and massaging in circles.
4. Repeat until the tea is finished.
5. Rinse with warm water and pat skin dry.
Why it works:
Green tea is packed full of antioxidants that can help fight against sun damage. It also contains chemicals called catechines which help to soothe irritation and reduce redness.
Bonus:
Keep the green tea bags and put them in the fridge to cool. You can apply them over your eyes for 3 minutes for instantly fresher looking eyes!
Happy pampering!
-Claire xoxo