While there’s little I can do about those bags under my eyes, I suppose I could sort out some form of babysitting and make my way to a spa or a really great facialist and get myself a proper skin treatment. Obviously that’s not gonna happen. So in the meantime I’m improvising. I’ve been researching ways I can treat my skin from home. Apart from proper cleansing, face masks should be a top priority for everyone because they can make the world of difference. I should know, I’ve been trying a few over the past month and have nailed down my favourite three DIY face masks you can make with stuff you already have in your kitchen. And actually get results.
1. Baking soda and lemon: Mix one teaspoon of baking soda with a few drops of lemon, enough to form a paste. Apply and leave on until the mask has dried, so about 10-20 minutes. This is an excellent whitening mask but there’s more to it than just that. Baking soda can get rid of blackheads too. And it is the number one agent against enlarged pores! I was in awe of the instant and lasting results of this one.
2. Honey, cinammon and nutmeg: Mix two teaspoons of honey with one teaspoon of cinammon and one teaspoon of nutmeg. Leave on for about 20-30 minutes. Expect it to drip a bit so make sure you wear an old tatty t-shirt. When I discovered this face mask recipe it promised to reduce swelling and redness and ease acne scars. And it really did because honey is perfect for cleansing pores and nourishing skin and I noticed a glow in my skin immediately after washing off.
3. Banana, honey and lemon: Mash up one banana, add a teaspoon of honey and a few drops of freshly squeezed lemon juice and now you have a great mask to apply to those forehead wrinkles. I was actually amazed the first time I tried it. My lines were definitely less visible than before. I use this mask twice a week and apply it to my whole face too seeing as the honey and lemon are working on other things in the meantime.
So there are my three favourite, tried and tested and loved DIY Face Masks. But I’m curious and I want to know what others are making in their kitchen and slapping it on their skin. So I asked two of my girlfriends -with amazing skin- to dish out their favourite ones.
Turmeric and Coconut Oil: Mix a teaspoon of each to create a paste and apply, leaving on for 20 minutes to achieve a whitening effect and full-on moisturisation.
Goat’s Yoghurt and Grapefruit: Mix a teaspoon of each and apply leaving on for 5-10 minutes. Yoghurt contains lactic acid which can help to remove dead skin cells and reduce the signs of aging. The citric acid in the grapefruit helps to boost collagen and brighten and tone your skin. You could definitely substitute with lemon.
