Perfect For End Of Summer: 5 DIY Face Masks To Try

by Kim Wong Shing

There’s something inherently satisfying about spending some time at home, relaxing while you wait for your face mask to dry. Face masks rejuvenate your skin and restore your glow, but store-bought face masks can be steep in price. Luckily, there are many common kitchen ingredients that can be whipped into a quick mask.

Masks for the summer should focus on cleansing, hydrating and brightening the skin. Heavy moisture isn’t needed. Instead, aim for some light hydration and exfoliation.

These 5 DIY face mask recipes use easy-to-find ingredients, many of which you probably have around your kitchen. They’re a cinch to make, and they’re a great summer treat for your skin.

Hydrating Oatmeal & Honey Face Mask

Honey gently nourishes and hydrates the skin, while oatmeal soothes the skin and provides some gentle exfoliation.

1/2 cup raw ground oatmeal
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup milk or yogurt
1 tbsp honey

You can substitute the milk for a non-dairy milk if you prefer. Combine the ingredients in a pan, heat for 5 minutes, and let cool. Apply to a clean face for 15 minutes for best results.

Brightening Strawberry & Lemon Face Mask

Strawberries are rich in salicylic acid, which is commonly found in acne-targeting skin products. Lemon juice cleanses and tightens pores.

1/4 cup mashed strawberries
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp yogurt
1 tbsp honey

Mash ingredients together until the consistency is creamy. Apply for 8-10 minutes.

Antioxidant-rich Papaya & Honey Face Mask

If you’ve got sun spots, an uneven skin tone, or signs of aging, papaya is a lovely antioxidant-rich fruit to add to your masks.

2 tbsp honey
1/2 cup mashed ripe papaya
1/4 cup lemon/lime juice (optional)

Blend the ingredients together by hand until smooth. Apply for 15-20 minutes.

Soothing Green Tea & Coconut Oil

Green tea is just as powerful on your skin as it is inside of your body. Rich in antioxidants, it reduces redness and adds a subtle glow to the skin. Coconut oil adds moisture and is an antiseptic.

1 tsp matcha green tea powder
1/2 tsp coconut oil
1/2 tsp water

Combine ingredients and mix until smooth. Apply for 15 minutes.

Exfoliating Banana, Egg & Avocado Face Mask

Both banana and avocado are super gentle exfoliants, while egg tightens the skin. Avocado also adds a burst of hydration.

1 egg
1/2 avocado
1 banana

Mash the avocado and banana together, then add the egg. Mix until smooth. Apply for 15 minutes.

About Kim Wong-Shing

Writer - Self Care, Lifestyle. Kim Wong-Shing is a writer in New Orleans, LA. She grew up in Philadelphia and attended Brown University. Her favorite things to grow are herbs, and she’s currently getting to know two sassy chickens named Patsy and Irma. She writes about beauty, identity, wellness, and lifestyle. (http://www.instagram.com/taurantula)

Beautiful Hair All Winter Long

Each time winter winds blow through your hair, some of its natural moisture is removed. As a result, your strands become more brittle and less resilient, making them prone to breakage. From split ends to limp hair, the problems that winter months create for your hair are unpleasant and avoidable. Here are a few handy tips to keep your hair looking so beautiful that you won’t feel like hiding it under a hat or scarf.

Conditioning Products

Would you like to avoid flyaway and frizzy hair this winter? If so, a wide variety of conditioning products are available that can help you with that task. From leave-in products to rinse-out conditioners, you have lots of choices. While it might take a bit of experimentation to find the perfect formula, you are sure to find one that can eliminate static electricity while retaining the naturally occurring moisture in your tresses. Be sure to identify your main issues with your hair and read the labels thoroughly to help you find the best product for your needs.

Styling Devices

Ideally, you should limit the number of times you use a styling device on your hair each week to avoid creating unnecessary damage. For example, if you are just going to hang out at home on the weekend, why not allow your hair to dry naturally? Alternatively, you can allow your hair to partially dry before using your styling devices.

Dying and Perming Your Hair

It is important not to have your hair dyed or permed too frequently if you want to keep your its gorgeous looks. In particular, you should never complete both types of treatments at the same time if you want to avoid hair damage.

Hydrating Products

If your scalp becomes itchy and flaky, you probably have an issue with dryness. Choose a hydrating scalp treatment and infuse fresh moisture in your scalp to restore its natural capabilities. Just follow the directions on the product to ensure your scalp is rejuvenated with fresh moisture.

Caring for your hair is an ongoing task that should task place every day. During the winter, however, it is even more important to follow a few tips to help keep your tresses looking their best. If you do so, your hair should look soft and feel manageable all year long. Don’t let cold air and low humidity destroy your hair’s beauty this winter. Pay attention to how it looks and take steps to maintain its natural appearance every day.