9/14/2015

DIY :: BOOST Your Foundation For The Best Night Ever!

If you are like me, then you know how important it is to make sure your foundation (no not the one you buy at a counter, but your beautiful SKIN!) is clean, refreshed and ready for the day ahead, or at least for the makeup beat that ensues! Everyone needs to deep clean their skin at least four times a year, especially when the seasons change. Who really wants to bring Winter’s dry skin cells into Spring anyway? Facial masks get rid of all that clogged up gunk, oil, blackheads, and dead skin cells so you can start the day, week, or year off fresh! Depending on the ingredients, facial masks are designed to cleanse, tighten, exfoliate, or moisturize the skin.

I like to start my week off with a homemade facial mask every Sunday evening using ingredients from my own kitchen. They cost next to nothing, and I get two for the price of one by using items I already have stocked in my cabinets. You would think I am a Grade-A chemist by the time I lay out my products and start mixing up my concoctions. Some of you may be thinking: why not just go buy a mask or book an appointment for a facial instead of creating your own? Well, I can certainly go spend anywhere between $20-$90 on a mask, or I can create a natural mask made just for me using simple ingredients. I mean do you really know what they put into those store masks anyway, and who doesn’t like to be pampered in the comfort of their own home?
Now let’s jump right into these “Do-It-Yourself” homemade masks! Remember, before you apply a mask, always wash your face with warm water and a cleanser.

Exfoliating Mask:
  •  ½ cup dry Oatmeal
  •  2 teaspoons Honey
  • Sliced fresh Lemon
  • 2 teaspoons water
  1. Mix the ingredients together while squeezing the lemon juice into the bowl.
  2. Apply to the face with hands or a clean foundation brush in outward strokes.
  3. Massage mask into your skin in circular motions.
  4. Leave on for 5-15 mins.
  5. Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry your face. Apply moisturizer.
Tightening Mask:
  • 2 tablespoons Honey
  • 1 packet Hot Cocoa (or 2 tablespoons Cocoa Powder)
  • 3 tablespoons Water
  • Optional: 3 drops Peppermint essential oil

  1. Mix the ingredients together.
  2. Apply to face with hands or a clean foundation brush in outward strokes.
  3. Massage mask into your skin in circular motions.
  4. Leave on for 5-15 mins.
  5. Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry your face. Apply moisturizer.
Moisturizing Mask:
  • ½ ripped Avocado
  • 2 teaspoons Water
  • 4 drops Rose essential oil
  1. Mix the ingredients together in a bowl. (You may need a blender for avocado.)
  2. Pat the mask onto your skin and then massage in circular motions.
  3. Leave on for 15 minutes.
  4. Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry your face. Apply moisturizer.

Acne / Blackhead Extraction Mask
  • 2 activated Charcoal capsules
  • 2 tablespoons Aloe Vera Gel (bottled or plant)
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon Apple Cider Vinegar
  1. Open capsules and pour into aloe vera gel.
  2. Mix ingredients together.
  3. Apply to face with hands or a clean foundation brush in outward strokes.
  4. Leave on for 5 mins.
  5. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and pat dry your face. Apply moisturizer.
Don’t forget your neck and chest areas. Most people tend to stop at their jawline, however the neck and chest areas need love too! They are the first parts of the body to show signs of aging, and we certainly wouldn’t want that! Also, massaging the masks into the skin stimulates circulation, brings oxygen to the skin cells, and relaxes facial muscles for a deeper cleaning.
Additional boosters:
STEAM – (Before applying a mask.) Place boiled water in a bowl, hang a thick towel over your head to trap the steam, and hold your head about 6-10 inches over the bowl for five minutes. The steam softens the skin and pushes dirt to the surface for easier cleaning.
FOOD – Fruits and vegetables have antioxidants in them, as well as, trigger neurotransmitters in the brain (that’s why some people smile or dance while they are eating); so there’s no guessing why adding these ingredients to your masks can boost your skin and mood. Try mixing strawberries, papaya, carrots, and other greens to get these added benefits.
There is nothing better than taking care of your mind, body, and soul, all while giving your foundation a much needed pick-me-up! You can try these masks out solo, or host a “beauty night” for you and your friends. Who doesn’t like special treatment that helps you put your best face forward? Enjoy!

Stay  Beautiful!