Three DIY Facial Masks
Whether you’re trying to de-stress, looking to have a spa-day with your girls, or hoping to clear up some pesky acne, these three Do-It-Yourself facial masks are an easy way to keep your skin fresh this semester. Not to mention, these recipes are quick, easy, effective and even affordable on a college budget -- I tried them myself. So if you’re looking to spice-up the night or you could really use a facial treatment, look no further than your refrigerator.
***Note: Please remember to wash your face with your favorite skin cleanser in warm water, prior to all skin treatments. Failure to do so may trap dirt or other toxins in your pores and cause redness, breakouts (anything but that), or irritation to the skin. After removal, cleanse one last time.
Mayonnaise
I don’t know about you, but when I think of mayonnaise, one of the first things that comes to mind is that horrible mayo-smell. (The second thing that I think of is Jimmy John’s, but that’s beside the point.) So the thought of putting mayo on my face frightened me on many different levels, but after thorough research on the benefits of mayonnaise to healthy skin, I decided that I had to try it out.
Essentials:
1 jar of mayonnaise
A strong stomach
It works best if you gently apply the mayo directly to the skin with your fingertips; this way your skin is receiving maximum exfoliation (I know, cringe worthy). Apparently, mayo contains a boatload of ingredients that are great for treating dry skin, like soybean oil and eggs. Another key ingredient is vinegar which, when used on the skin, is a catalyst for the turnover of new skin cells. Basically, this means that the vinegary-substance allows dryness to become better exfoliated.
Don’t be afraid if there is a slight burn upon application or throughout duration of the mayonnaise mask. This is normal, as the oils are absorbing into your pores, attacking dry patches. If there is increased redness, irritation or uncomfortable pain upon use, wash off immediately and apply a facial cleanser. If the mayonnaise looks like it is disappearing into your skin, don’t be alarmed (naturally, I was terrified); this means that the mask is doing its job. Your skin is absorbing the nutrients that it needs, and you’ll be left with an unwanted mayo-residue.
Beer
Yes, you read that right; beer can actually do more for your body then raise your BAC and make you have to pee a lot. Believe it or not, beer is what the hipster beauty gurus would call a “soothing cleanser”. Besides 4-6% alcohol, it contains Vitamin B, saccharides and yeast which work together to remove any dead skin cells and rejuvenate your skin’s luminosity.
The recipe calls for only:
1 egg white
1/2 cup beer (any type)
After trying it myself, I found that doubling the egg whites helps to better thicken the mixture. This made it a little easier to apply to the skin, but do what works best for you (and the type of beer that you have chosen). Warning: The mask seems rather liquidy, but once it hits the skin it immediately dries, creating a seal on your face. If you’re feeling fancy, add 2 tablespoons of lime juice for a Vitamin C boost to clear your pores.
So if you’re feeling sluggish after that fraternity party last night, why not grab a leftover can of skin-reviver and throw it on your face? You’ll free refreshed in no time; I swear! But do yourself a favor and be sure to thoroughly cleanse your face after the mask. You may have spent all night at the bar, but you certainly don’t want to smell like it!
Mustard
You’re not an American if you don’t put mustard on your… How’s it go again? Right, hotdog; we should all put mustard on our hotdogs. But it looks like there should be an addition to that old U.S. proverb: You’re not an American if you don’t put mustard on your face! Sounds insane, but mustard is actually a miracle substance for that moneymaker of yours (no, I am not talking about your butt).
What you need:
1 bottle of original, yellow mustard
While there are countless types of mustard (dijon, seeds, etc.), and most beauty aficionados recommend different types of mustard to treat different types of skin, yellow mustard is looked at as the safest, most reliable treatment for all different faces.
Optional: A dash of lemon juice or coconut oil (For added brightness)
Mustard stands out against other home-remedies for your skin because it is one of the only stand-alone kitchen essentials that helps with skin brightness and acne. Mustard oil removes tan or dark spots, leaving you with a glowing face. The mustard, as it is applied, also stimulates blood circulation, further lightening the skin and fighting against pimples. An added bonus? Mustard is rich in Vitamin E, which protects the face from skin cancer due to harsh UV rays.
From my experience, it takes a few minutes for the mustard to harden; so do not remove the mask until your face is covered by a thin mustard shell. But, it is recommended to only wear this mask for 5-10 minutes, rather than the 10-20 minute regimen that most masks follow. Also, mustard can be a harsher mixture for your skin, so test out a dab on your hand before applying, to ensure that it won’t cause redness or irritation.
