These Are the Ultimate DIY Face Masks You Can Try at Home
From anti-aging to brightening effects.
Whether you’re a beauty guru or skincare beginner, when it comes to taking care of dry, fatigued skin there’s nothing like treating yourself to an easy facial routine at home with DIY masks. A popular regime approved by celebrities like Kendall Jenner, Katy Perry and Miranda Kerr, here are some of the easiest and effective face masks you can try at home.
Most of these ingredients can be found in your kitchen, such as cucumber which can be used in slices or mashed, mixed with oatmeal or yogurt. For minimizing pores, frothy egg whites are the way to go, while raw honey can be used alone for nourishing, hydrating effects. Lemon juice is well-known for its antioxidant properties which fight against darkening and acne, while rice water can be used both as a toner or face mask for brightening.
Read on to try out simple DIY mask recipes that will save your skin this season. While you’re here, make sure to check out model Devon Lee Carson’s skincare secrets.
Anti-aging: Cucumber
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Cucumbers are great for anti-aging, as it contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatories, as well as nutrients like vitamins A, B1 and C. This soothes, hydrates and heals dry skin. Celebrities like Miranda Kerr are known to love cucumber facial masks for tightening and getting rid of dark circles. The easiest way is to simply place cucumber slices or smear puréed cucumber on the face. If you’re willing to go the extra mile, you can also add a tablespoon of lemon juice, aloe vera gel or oatmeal for added refreshing effects.
- Cleanse and wash your face with warm water.
- Grate one cold cucumber straight from the refrigerator.
- Mix with other ingredients like lemon juice, aloe vera gel, oatmeal or yogurt (optional).
- Apply evenly all over the face for anti-inflammatory effects.
- Leave on for 20 to 30 minutes before rinsing.
Minimizing pores: Egg white
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Enlarged pores open up more room for excess dirt to enter your skin, leading to blackheads and breakouts. Exfoliating and cleansing are key to maintaining a clear complexion, especially if you are based in an area with high levels of air pollution. Stars including Kendall Jenner and Katy Perry have revealed their recipes for DIY egg white masks, which include adding ingredients like almond oil or lemon juice. The egg white has a temporary tightening effect to the skin.
- After separating one egg white from the yolk, beat until it gets frothy.
- Add almond oil, honey or juice from half a lemon and mix (optional).
- Apply the mask and leave on for around 30 minutes before rinsing.
Moisturizing: Honey
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When it comes to skincare, honey can be used for almost any purpose, from cleansing and exfoliating to moisturization. Raw honey and Manuka honey are filled with antioxidants, which help fight acne, unclog pores and prevent wrinkles. While you can apply plain honey for an easy, simple at-home mask routine, you can also add essential oils, avocado, honey or yogurt.
- Cleanse and wash your face with warm water.
- Mix one tablespoon of raw or Manuka honey with a few drops of essential oils, two tablespoons of plain yogurt or half a ripe avocado (optional).
- Spread evenly over the face and neck and leave for 20 to 30 minutes.
- Wipe off with a warm, wet washcloth.
Acne and dark spots: Lemon
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The antibacterial and antifungal properties of lemon from hydroxy acids help remove dead skin cells and clear up acne and blackheads, as well as discoloration. The fruit additionally contains potassium which helps soothe and hydrate dry skin, along with lutein which strengthens the natural antioxidant system of the skin. Apart from the egg white DIY mask mentioned above, you can also mix with honey, tomato or turmeric for the ultimate facial mask. Another special recipe, introduced by Chriselle Lim on her website, involves soju for a Korean mom-approved skincare regime for flawless skin.
- Mix soju with lemon juice in a plastic bag.
- Add cotton pads or dry sheet masks.
- Leave at room temperature for three days, and store in the refrigerator.
- Apply to skin as part of your nighttime skincare routine, and also use on the elbows, knees or feet.
Brightening: Rice water
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Already well-known for its brightening effects in the K-beauty world, rice water – the water from rinsing rice – works well as an ingredient for both facial masks and toners. It contains ferulic acid, which is an antioxidant, as well as allantoin which provides a soothing effect to the skin. Some skincare gurus also believe in fermenting the rice water for more benefits, by leaving it out for 24 to 48 hours at room temperature.
- Rinse uncooked rice under running water to remove any dirt or impurities.
- Soak the rice in water for 15 to 30 minutes.
- Strain the rice away and pour the water into a container.
- Add cotton pads or sheet masks and store in the refrigerator for up to one week.
