DIY ‘THROW IT IN THE BLENDER’ FOODIE FACE MASKS

With summer in full swing, our skin is dealing with increased amounts of sun exposure, humidity, and perspiration. What to do? Why not practice some self love with one of these DIY face mask recipes that are cheap, easy, and doable with what you’ve got laying around the fridge and cupboard. Using natural ingredients helps you to maximize nutrient density and freshness, while also avoiding toxic chemicals found in various beauty products that are poisoning our oceans.

So throw on some Dido, run the bath, and try mixing up a few of these healthy face potions that your skin will love.

Instructions

1. Mix all ingredients together in a blender until smooth.
2. Apply to face avoiding eyes and mouth areas.
3. Put your feet up and relax for 15 minutes.
4. Cleanse face with water.
5. Pat face dry, and moisturize!

Avocado Squash – For skin that needs a boost

1/2 cup cooked butternut squash

1/4 fresh avocado

1 tablespoon honey

Dash of paprika

Butternut squash is filled with vitamins A and C, which help boost collagen production for a smoother, softer complexion. The avocado moisturizes, while the natural antibacterial properties in honey help fight off acne. The dash of paprika will add some spice to your mask, flushing out impurities from the tissue and leaving you with a rosy glow!

Cucumber – Relief for rough and uneven skin

1/2 cucumber, pureed in a food processor

1/4 cup milk

1 tablespoon honey

1 tablespoon ground coffee beans

Cucumber has a lovely cooling effect, and contains ascorbic acid which reduces puffiness around the eyes. Milk hydrates and soothes rough and irritated skin, while the ground coffee works as an exfoliator to remove dead skin cells, and tightens up a tired complexion.

Yogurt – A face mask hug for sensitive skin

1 tablespoon yogurt

1 teaspoon honey

1 teaspoon cocoa powder

Few drops of lavender essential oil

If you’ve got sensitive skin, using organic, probiotic plain yogurt is the perfect option for a gentle enough base that won’t irritate your skin. The lactic acid in yogurt acts as a gentle exfoliator, prevents acne, and diminishes wrinkles. The cocoa powder is rich in antioxidants that work to repair your skin, while the honey acts as a tightening agent. The lavender oil is optional, but if you have some laying around, it will most definitely enhance your at-home aromatherapy experience.

Oatmeal – TLC for oily skin

1/2 cup cooked oatmeal, cooled (duh)

1 egg white

I teaspoon honey

1 teaspoon cinnamon

You might have some reservations about putting egg whites on your face, but egg whites can be especially helpful to oily skin, as they tighten large pores and hair follicles that secrete too much sebum. The oatmeal will absorb and remove excess oil from your skin, while gently exfoliating to leave your skin feeling soft. The honey and cinnamon will add some sweetness to your mask, while unclogging pores and and brightening up your complexion.

Let us know how these recipes work out for you, and feel free to share any of your own!