Being in college can be stressful, especially around finals. Pulling all-nighters, drinking too much coffee, and the sheer stress and anxiety of the impending exams ca
n leave you looking haggard. Luckily, there are some do-it-yourself facials you can squeeze in between study sessions to keep your skin clear and your eyes free of dark circles!
First, it is important to cleanse the skin. Your favorite face cleanser should work nicely. Gently massage the product upwards from the neck, then from the chin along the jawline. Next, work from the nose across the cheeks toward the temples. And finally, massage from the bridge of the nose around the eyebrows and back toward the temples. It is important to keep the massaging motions ‘up’ and ‘out’ to help keep the skin toned.
Next, wash off the cleanser with warm water and apply an astringent. Witch Hazel is perfect for this. It’s inexpensive, and it’s available at most local pharmacies. It works very well without leaving the skin feeling dried out. Just pour some on a cotton pad and apply it to your face in the same motion as the cleanser. Once you have finished, you are ready for the mask.
Now is when you must decide on what mask would be most beneficial for your skin type. These are some suggestions from Milady’s Standard Textbook of Cosmetology:
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1. For dry/sensitive skin: Bananas are packed with vitamins, potassium and calcium, all of which are great for your skin! You can either mash a banana into paste (making it easier for your skin to absorb the moisture and nutrients) or you may want to simply lay thin slices across your face and avoid the mushy mess! This mask will keep the driest of skin feeling soft and smooth.
2. For normal/oily skin: Take an egg or two and separate the white from the yoke. Grab your mixer and beat the egg whites until they become a fluffy foam. It feels weird at first, but once it starts to dry, you will feel the effects. This is excellent for tightening pores, not to mention clearing up and preventing black heads!
3. For normal skin: Like the egg whites, honey is especially good at toning and tightening the skin, but with the added benefit of hydrating it as well. Mix a little honey with some oatmeal and a splash of milk until it becomes a paste. Keep in mind that there is no set ratio for this mixture. Just play around with it until you get the consistency that works best for you. It may be a little sticky, but it will leave your face feeling as smooth as silk!
Once your mask is prepared and applied, take a few thin slices of cucumber and lay them over your eyes. We’ve all heard that cucumbers help diminish black circles under the eyes, but the real trick is how you cut them. You want them to be thin enough to curve with the shape of the eye, maximizing contact with the surface of the skin. And don’t be afraid to use a few on each eye!
Now you have 15 minutes to relax while your mask works its magic. I would suggest listening to some music and enjoying your short retreat from the frustrations of studying. After all, it’s back to the books when you wash it off. But at least you’ll look good while you’re at the library!
Photos courtesy of:
vitaljuice.com
beautytidbits.com