Self-care and pampering are some things that many women need, but don’t make the time for. We make excuses and apologize for needing time to treat ourselves and get away from our chores and responsibilities.
If you’re running short on time, here are five nourishing beauty masks for all skin types that you can whip up using both decadent ingredients and others that you may already have in your kitchen. Because you can make these masks with easy to source ingredients, you can treat yourself anytime – not only when you are able to book that coveted opening at the spa.
The masks below are generally suitable for all skin types. Just mix up the best masks for your skin’s needs and current condition. Unless otherwise noted, be sure to gently cleanse and exfoliate before using any of these masks for best results.
1. Wine and Clay Hydrating Facial
This Napa-valley inspired facial mask will smooth out wrinkles without making skin feel tight. The Resveratrol, a powerful antioxidant, in the wine helps repair damage caused by sun exposure, while the clay helps draw out impurities in the skin. The oil moisturizes and the oat flower gently exfoliates. This mask also has an appealing scent after a long hard day at the office.
Ingredients:
- ¼ cup wine
- ¼ cup kaolin clay (sold at health-food stores)
- 2 tablespoons grapeseed oil
- 1 tablespoon organic oat flour (health-food stores)
Preparation and application:
- Combine all the ingredients.
- Apply to the face, neck, and décolletage.
- Rinse with warm water after 10 minutes.
2. Pore-Tightening Açai Berry Facial
This spa-worthy berry facial is full of polyphenols, a type of antioxidant that fights wrinkles and also works as an astringent: tightening skin and shrinking pores. The olive oil and sugar in this mask create a gentle scrub that helps removes dirt and debris from pores and provides stellar exfoliation. According to a 2010 study published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, the fatty acids in the açai berries also help combat hyperpigmentation.
Ingredients:
- ⅔ cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons açai powder or ¼ cup açai slush (a pulverized form of the berry) both sold at health-food stores
- 10 fresh, ripe, whole berries (blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, or a mix)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Preparation and application:
- With a potato masher or fork, smash the sugar and açai powder/slush with the fresh berries.
- Slowly add the olive oil and whisk to create a coarse paste.
- Massage into the face.
- Rinse with warm water after about five minutes.
3. Spirulina Skin-Balancing Facial
This re-mineralizing (and bright green hulk-looking) skin balancing facial has antibacterial properties. It’s also loaded with more antioxidants than blueberries. It can lessen the effects of sun damage, reduce wrinkles, clear pores, keep your skin looking tight, and make it feel springy to the touch. The banana adds moisture, and aids in the application, while the lemon juice brightens.
Ingredients:
- ½ teaspoon spirulina powder (sold at health-food stores)
- 1 mashed ripe banana
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
Preparation and application:
- Mix the spirulina powder and mashed banana with a whisk or fork.
- Add the lemon juice to the banana powder
- Spread evenly on the face and let sit for 10 to 20 minutes.
- Rinse with warm water.
While we don’t always have the time to visit our favorite spa or salon for the full pampered experience, there are various beauty products, lotions, and toners that can help us feel and look our best. Keep ready made products and these at-home treatment recipes on hand for making quick work of your weekly self-love beauty routines.