What You'll Need
I've been making these face masks for years, and they're the ones I keep coming back to. They target redness, acne, hydration, and dullness — and everything comes from your kitchen.
Before we start mixing, three things:
- Use fresh ingredients. Don't dig out week-old yogurt from the back of your fridge.
- Use the mask within an hour. Once you mix it, oxygen starts breaking things down.
- Patch test if you're trying something new. Put a dab on your hand, wait 10-15 minutes, check for reaction.
That's it. Let's make some masks.
- Honey
- Milk
- Nutmeg (ground)
- Ripe avocado
- Plain organic yogurt
- Fresh or frozen raspberries
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- Cocoa powder (unsweetened)
- Oats (rolled or quick)
- Egg
- Orange (for juice)
- Turmeric powder
Step-by-Step Guide
1. The Blemish-Fighting Milk Mask
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 teaspoons milk
- 2 tablespoons nutmeg
Mix everything together. Slather it on your washed face. Leave it for 10-15 minutes. Rinse.
Honey kills bacteria that cause breakouts. Nutmeg gently exfoliates without irritating sensitive skin. This one's my go-to when I feel a puddle coming.
2. The Hydrating Avocado Mask
Ingredients:
- ½ ripe avocado
- 1 teaspoon plain organic yogurt
- 1 teaspoon honey
Mash the avocado first, then stir in the yogurt and honey. Apply and leave for 10-15 minutes. Rinse.
This is what I use after a day in the sun or wind. Avocado is stupidly hydrating, honey keeps inflammation down, and yogurt adds a little gentle lactic acid.
3. The Brightening Raspberry Mask
Ingredients:
- Handful of raspberries
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
Mash the raspberries, mix with honey and olive oil. Apply to clean skin. Leave for 5 minutes. Rinse.
Raspberries are packed with antioxidants that brighten skin and improve elasticity. This one's great if you have hyperpigmentation or loose skin. Also works well for acne-prone skin because it doesn't clog pores.
4. The Anti-Aging Chocolate Mask
Ingredients:
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- 3 tablespoons oats
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons yogurt
Mix everything. You'll get this thick, creamy texture that glides on nicely. Apply a thin layer, leave for 10 minutes, rinse gently.
Dark chocolate is loaded with antioxidants that help collagen production. Plus it smells amazing. I make this one when I want to feel like I'm at a spa but I'm actually in my bathroom.
5. The Pore-Tightening Egg White Mask
Ingredients:
- 1 egg white
- 1 teaspoon orange juice
- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
Whisk the egg white until frothy, then stir in orange juice and turmeric. Apply to clean skin. Leave for 15 minutes or until it dries and tightens. Rinse with warm water.
Egg whites tighten pores and kill acne bacteria. Orange juice brings vitamin C. Turmeric evens out skin tone. This one dries tight — you'll feel it working.
Quick Tips
- Don't leave any mask on longer than 15 minutes. More isn't better.
- Rinse with lukewarm water, not hot. Hot water strips your skin.
- Store nothing. Make it fresh each time.
- If something stings or burns, wash it off immediately.
Try one this weekend. Your face will thank you.
