We love all kinds of face masks: Clay, cream, light therapy, DIY form – you name it! Not everyone wants to invest in a whole tub that lasts for well…forever and that’s where our love for homemade masks comes in. Choosing a face mask out of the innumerable options in a store can seem daunting and by comparison, whipping up a quick version at home seems like an easy option.
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There are some pantry ingredients that work for most skin types–think turmeric powder, honey, aloe vera, and roses. But, like any skincare product, it is always advisable to do a patch test before slathering on these humble formulas.
Don’t discount your kitchen staples, they’re effective when it comes to solving some serious skin concerns. Skin feels rough? Use a yoghurt-based mask to gently exfoliate the skin. Need some brightening up? Try a turmeric and honey option.
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Whether you’re looking to experiment in the kitchen or feel like trying out a new face mask, here are five recipes that work for all skin types.
The Brightening Face Mask
What you need:
1 tsp turmeric powder
1 tbsp raw honey
The benefits: Turmeric and honey are both major redness and acne fighters, thanks to their anti-inflammatory properties. They work to brighten skin and reduce the appearance of scars and marks.
What to do: Mix the ingredients well and apply to a cleansed face. Leave on for 15 minutes and then rinse off using warm water.
The Pore Unclogging Face Mask
What you need:
1 tbsp of chamomile tea (powdered)
1 tbsp of multani mitti
1 tbsp of oats (powdered)
The benefits: Chamomile tea has a good rep for soothing irritated skin and multani mitti does a great job of absorbing excess oil and gunk from pores.
What to do: In a bowl, mix all three ingredients. Then, take as much as you need of the mixture and add some yoghurt and honey to it till you get the consistency you desire. Apply and wash off when it is semi-dry.
The Acne-Fighting Face Mask
What you need:
5-6 neem leaves or 1 tsp of neem powder
1 tbsp honey
The benefits: Neem is a natural antiseptic and works to reduce breakouts. When combined with honey, an anti-inflammatory ingredient, it prevents scarring and redness.
What to do: Mix the ingredients well and spot treat acne. If you like, you can apply it all over your face too. Wash off after 10 minutes.
The Moisturising Face Mask
What you need:
1 banana
1 tsp honey
1tbsp yoghurt
The benefits: Banana moisturises skin and yoghurt lightly exfoliates it. Honey is a serious all-rounder that does both so it’s a great combination of ingredients to try.
What to do: Mash the banana and add the rest of the ingredients to a bowl. Apply and wash off after 20 minutes.
The Soothing Face Mask
What you need:
1 tsp sandalwood powder
1 tbsp rosewater
1 tbsp aloe vera gel
The benefits: This mask not only smells like a dream but will leave your skin feeling softer than ever. Aloe vera is known for its hydrating powers and sandalwood powder is fragrant and fights blackheads and acne. Rosewater is a natural astringent and reduces the appearance of pores.
What to do: Mix the three ingredients well and apply. Wash off after 15 minutes.