Source: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf001216.tip.html

Homemade Facial Mask

Here are recipes for homemade facial masks posted by the ThriftyFun community. Post your own mask recipe or skincare tips below.

Editor's Note: ThriftyFun has not tested these masks and cannot guarantee their effectiveness or even safety. If you have severe skin issues, you should discuss this with a dermatologist.

Homemade Facial Scrubs and Masks

Here are some great easy to make facial scrubs and masks
  • Make a paste from a little oatmeal and water. Apply to face and allow to dry. Gently wipe off with a damp wash cloth.

  • Mash 1/2 banana and add 1 Tbsp. honey and 2 Tbsp. sour cream. Apply to face and let set for about 10 minutes. Gently wipe off with a damp wash cloth.

  • Two Tbsp. of cornmeal mixed with enough water to make a thick paste makes a great inexpensive facial mask. Gently apply to face and wash off.

  • In a food processor or blender, combine 1/2 cucumber, 1 Tbsp. yogurt, a few strawberries, and 1 tsp. honey. Apply to face and allow to dry. Gently wipe off with a damp wash cloth.

  • Grind 1 Tbsp. almonds into a fine meal in a blender or food processor. Mix almond meal together with 1 Tbsp. honey and 1 egg white. Apply to face and let set for about 15 minutes. Gently wipe off with a damp wash cloth.

  • To loosen blackheads, combine equal parts baking soda and water in your hand and rub gently on your skin for 2 to 3 minutes. Rinse with warm water.

  • Mash half of an avocado and apply to entire face. Let set for about 20 minutes and then gently wipe off with a damp wash cloth.

  • Soak 1 cup dried apricots in water until softened. Puree in blender or food processor with 2 Tbsp.s skim milk powder. Apply to face and let set about 15 minutes. Gently wipe off with a damp wash cloth.

  • Puree 1/2 peeled, sliced cucumber in a blender or food processor and add 1 Tbsp. yogurt. Apply to face and let set about 20 minutes. Gently wipe off with a damp wash cloth.

  • Crush a handful of strawberries and mix well with 1 tsp. honey. Apply to face and let set for about 15 minutes. Gently wipe off with a damp wash cloth.

  • Mix 1 1/2 tsp. honey, the juice from 1/2 of a lemon, and 1 small carton plain yogurt. Stir in 1 whipped egg white. Apply to face and let set about 15 minutes. Gently wipe off with a damp wash cloth.

By E

Easy Facial Mask

This is a great "mask", I use all the time (no complications w/ grounding almonds and etc):

Get a small bowl. Put in a dime size amount of your body wash, it should be moisturizing, not see-through (should be lotiony). Put in another dime size amount of your conditioner (not see-through, should be lotiony too). Add some acne soap and a squirt of face lotion. Mix with your hands and apply

By mary

Overnight Mask

This is a great overnight mask that works in three days or less!
  • 1 Tbsp. of toothpaste
  • 1 egg yolk (optional)
  • 2 drops of green food colouring (optional)
  • 3 Tbsp. of lemon juice (freshly squeezed or bottled)
  • 1 tsp. of body wash
  • 2 Tbsp. of water
  • 2 tsp. of honey
  • 1/2 tsp. of baking soda (optional)
Mx all in o a bowl, makes enough for about 3-5 people.

By Felicia

A New Cure For Pimples

I hope this works, but probably not on all skin types. It's just mostly to cure acne.
  • 1/2 a cup of baking soda (or flour)
  • 1/2 a cup of water (add more if it isn't creamy enough)
  • 1/2 a cucumber, grated
  • 2 slices of cucumber or apple
  • 1 Tbsp. of honey

By Michelle

Yeast Mask

This facial works!
  • 1 packet yeast
  • 3 drops lemon juice
  • 2 tsp. water
It's not complicated but it really makes pores smaller and way less zits. Apply every 2 days.

By rebecca

Masks From Kitchen Ingredients

I have a few great masks that will be easy to do and most ingredients are in the fridge or the cupboard.

Cabbage: It's great for inflamed and pimpled skin, dip a few cabbage leaves in some boiling water to soften. Once cooled, place on skin for 10 minutes

Avacado: It's nourishing and smoothing for any skin, type especially sensitive, dry and mature

Olive and Lime (mature skin): 2 tsp. olive oil, half tsp. lime juice. Wisk until it turns cloudy. Leave on all night or great for a 30 minute mask. you'll be amazed at how much dirt it lifts.

Pre-party: 1 egg white, 1 tsp. chamomile infusion, cooled. Wisk egg white until a little foamy then add infusion. Apply lightly with a soft brush, leave on for 15 minutes. Rinse gently with lots of tepid water and a cotton cloth or muslin! Hope this is what you're looking for! Good luck!

By shan21-2706

Blackhead Mask

Hi I use this mask every second day, it's great! I no longer have blackheads and only get a few pimples when my woman friend gives me a visit. ;)
  • 1/2 cup of lemon juice
  • 4 drops of lavendar oil
  • 1 tsp. of butter
  • 1/2 cup of crushed oats
  • 1 Tbsp. salt
  • 4 Tbsp. of grated apple
Mix it all together and apply evenly over your skin, leave to dry then wash off throughly. Amazing stuff, give it a try. You'll LOVE the result! (It also works wonders all over your body)

By Talia

Acne Mask

This really works for all types of skin mostly for acne. It worked for me maybe it will work for you too.. Plus, it is easy to make.
  • 1/2 tooth paste
  • 1/2 water, add more if not creamy
  • egg yolk (optional)
  • regular lotion
  • food coloring (optional)
  • grated apples
  • baking soda
  • sierra mist (optional)
Hope this works for you, good luck!

By pua

An Easy But Effective Facial Mask, Good For Desperate Teens

I am 13, and I heard of this facial mask that is good for everyday face cleaning, and your skin will turn out softer. I myself have used it, and my best friend actually came up with it, and she used to have the ugliest skin, but then she came up with this, and it is so awesome!
  • 1 1/2 cup (instant) oatmeal oats
  • 1 egg white
  • 2-4 Tbsp. honey
  • 1/2 Tbsp. baking soda (optional)
  • 1-2 Tbsp. corn starch (optional)
  • A couple drops of milk
  • 2 Tbsp. butter (natural works best)
Mix all ingredients and let sit in bowl for about 10-15 minutes or until it is up to your desired thickness. The thicker, the better so it will stick to your face. Then apply, and let it sit on your face for 15 minutes to an hour. It doesn't matter how long you keep it on, as long as you keep it on for at least 15 minutes. My friend says that she loves this and will never stop using it. It really works.

I gave up a long time ago, my face was just too unmanageable. A couple of weeks ago, my friend introduced me to this recipe, and she finally got me into trying this, and I loved it so much. I don't think that I will ever stop using this either. I swear, this is a recipe worth trying. You won't regret ever trying this. a lot of my friends tried it, and they all love it. I mean, what do you have to lose?

It is easy, and kind of fun to use everyday. It makes me feel much more confident in myself everyday. I swear, it works.

By Chelsea

Oatmeal And Olive Oil Mask

  • 1 cup oatmeal
  • 1 Tbsp. olive oil
  • sea salt
  • 1/2 cup skim milk
Before you try this mask, put a towel in really hot water, and then take that towel and put it on your face for 2 minutes. It will open up your pores, which allows the dirt that is deep inside them get cleaned out

By Janja

Facial Tips For Specific Skin

Cornmeal is a mild abrasive to help unclog skin pores and absorb oils. French or kaolin clay is great for oily skin and is very drying. Chamomile is slightly astringent. Oatmeal can provide scrubbing action AND gently soften sensitive skin. Milk is a natural cleanser. Witch Hazel and Floral waters are great alternatives to toners and rinsing. Tea Tree and Oregano are healing and antiseptic. Rosemary is a mild astringent, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory that stimulates the skin (and stimulation promotes growth of new skin!) Cucumber is a mild cleanser and astringent, Sage is antibacterial and astringent, Mint is stimulating, Lavender is antiseptic, cloves are antiseptic but can irritate the skin, Cinnamon is astringent, Almond cleanses and unclogs pores in the face (also slightly drying). Lemon is an antibacterial cleanser and of course contains high levels of vitamin C. Some other additions to your scrubs: wheatgerm, honey, essential oils with the appropriate beneficial properties, whole milk powder, oat and corn flours, fine sea salt, jojoba oil, so many choices! Now for masks; blend clay and/or your various ingredients (which you have researched as being beneficial to your skin type) with water or floral water (to moisten), let it dry for about 15 minutes and then rinse it off. Oh and NEVER towel it off! Air drying is best but if you must use a towel, dab it don't rub! For really oily skin try witch hazel, cypress or cistus hydrosol to moisten. Facial Mask ideas taken from "The Aromatherapy Book" by Jeanne Rose:

Normal Skin:

2 Tbsp. green or rose clay, 1 tsp. honey, 2 drops geranium oil and use aloe vera or water to make a paste.

Dry Skin:

1 Tbsp. rose clay, 1 Tbsp. oatmeal, finely ground, 1 tsp. honey, 1 tsp. almond oil, 1 drop rose oil, 1 drop lavender oil and use water to make a paste.

Sensitive Skin:

1 Tbsp. Rose Clay, 1-2 tsp. avocado oil, 1 drop rose oil, 1 drop roman chamomile oil and water to make a paste.

Oily Skin:

2 Tbsp. green clay, 1 tsp. aloe vera juice, 1/2 tsp. vegetable oil or jojoba oil, 1 drop bergamot oil, 1 drop lavender oil and enough water to make a paste.

Mature or Aging Skin:

1 Tbsp. rose clay, 1 Tbsp. finely ground oatmeal, 1 tsp. honey, 1 tsp. avocado or almond oil, 1 drop frankincense oil, 1 drop neroli or lavender oil, 1 drop rose oil and water to make a paste.

By kgurrl

Breakfast Mask

  • 1/2 cup rice krispies
  • 1/4 cup of strawberries or strawberry juice (like Welches)
  • 1/4 milk
  • 2 Tbsp. cornstarch
Mix and let sit out for 10 minutes to get soggy (it'll stick better!). Put on face for 20 minutes. Rinse with warm water to open the pores and splash with cool water to close them!

Aspirin Face Mask and Other Tips

An aspirin face mask - I think it's been mentioned before - is one of the easiest and most effective solutions I've ever found.

Crush three or four uncoated aspirin (you can use the coated ones if that's all you have, but the sugar brings the effectiveness down a little) in a little water to form a paste. Mix the paste with a dab of your normal cleanser, then smooth over your face. Throw out any extra - the mixture's only good for an hour or so. Leave on for up to half an hour. The first few times your pores will tingle and get a little uncomfortable, you can wash the mask off as soon as it's dry if the feeling's too much.

I use this and an aspirin/honey mask (same thing, but with honey instead of cleanser) once per week each. Really makes your skin glow! Use a medicated cleanser morning and night. I use PHisohex, it's excellent.

Try not to sleep in your makeup. Wash your face twice and slather on moisturizer (use honey if you don't have any around) half an hour before you shower if you do - it'll fix you right up! Drink as much water as you can handle. I know everyone says it, but it really does work. Add a few glasses if your skin's really bad that day.

I've had terrible skin problems since I was fourteen. My skin's great now (people comment), but if I skip a day or two, and especially if I don't drink enough water, it breaks out terribly.

For breakouts on your back and shoulders, try using using a salt scrub/mask. Grab a handful or two of salt, mix with a little water, and just enough of your normal cleanser to make it wet. Scrub it all over the problem areas, just use your hands, no loofahs or gloves, and wash off. Slather the rest over the same areas and leave on. It hurts the first few times, wash it off when you're ready. I leave it on for half an hour or so, but that's generally because I get caught up in something and forget it's on. The same things (asprin or salt) would probably work on legs, arms or any other problem areas. Leave on less time for delicate skin, and make sure they're not ingrown hairs first!

Hope some of that helps!

By Kate

Preparing Your Face Before A Facial

Some people don't know how to prepare their faces for a facial. I'm 53 and since I was 13 I've been doing this and I have beautiful skin.
  1. Bring pan of water to boil and remove from stove. Carefully tent with a towel and place face over steam, at least one foot from the pan to avoid burning yourself. Be very careful not to burn your skin with the steam. Five minutes or less is enough to open up your pores.

  2. Apply mask of your choice.

  3. Rinse off mask with tepid water (not hot water), ending with a cold water rinse to close your pores.
Here are my favorite facials:

Egg white facial

Place good amount of egg white (not beaten) on your face and let dry. Smather it on. This is the closest to a facial peel with a homemade facial. Rinse.

Oatmeal

Mix a little water with oatmeal to make a paste. It may not completely dry after applied, but oatmeal is great for skin. You can mix fresh strawberries and yogurt with this facial, but it might make you hungry :-)

Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque

This is so cheap, it's a very old product, and you can literally feel it pulling blackheads out of your skin! I highly recommend it for anyone one a limited budget. CVS, Brooks, Walmart, etc. carry it. I even place a dab of this on pimples when I'm at home and it dries them up quickly. I've used this all my life.

Daily face care tips:

  1. Wash face thoroughly in the morning and before bed. Never wear make-up overnight.

  2. Wet face with hot water to open pores, use your favorite facial cleanser. Be gentle with your skin, let the cleanser work. Don't rough up your facial skin and don't forget your neck. Rinse with hot water, gradually to tepid, and then a final rinse with cold water to close pores.

  3. Use a toner, astringent, if you want, but always moisturize.

Your skin will thank you throughout your life if you treat it well every day. You don't need to spend hundreds of dollars to have great skin. Have fun!

By sylviecyn

Buttermilk Yogurt Face Mask

People are giving all these recipes, but mine really does work. This what you need:
  • 1/2 cup of melted butter
  • 1/3 cup of skim or normal milk
  • 2 tsp. of oatmeal
  • 1 inch slice of a mashed cucumber
  • 1/4 cup of yogurt
  • 1 tsp. of honey
  • 2 tsp. of naturally squeezed lemon
Mix and blend all these ingredients together until it has become a liquid. Then apply it to your face in a circular motion. Wash it off then in 15 minutes.

It helps with getting rid of blackheads and cleaning your pores. After your face will be very soft, fresh and shiny. You'll see a new you!

By Beautyangel36-Maurae

Apple Zinger Face Mask

I got this one from a really good website:

Grate 1 medium apple and mix it with 5, yes, 5 Tbsp. of honey. Smooth it on your face and leave it on for 5-10 minutes. Rinse off with warm water.

This is a good mask to do when you don't have a lot of time. After rinsing with the warm water, it makes your pores open up and feel refreshed and exfoliated. I hope this helps :)

By Chelsea

Oatmeal Mask

I found this face mask! You can make it yourself, it is homemade and it works!

Fill a whole bowl with uncooked oatmeal. Stir honey until the mixture is super gooey. Lastly, leave on while you chat with your friends or watch TV for 20 minutes then rinse!

By G.C.C

Kathy's Mask Recipes and Skin Tips

Here are quite a few tips that I have picked up over years. Try what sounds good for you. These are all for either the blackheads or oily skin, all are natural and inexpensive. I do have one suggestion: go get your skin typed (most beauty places, like Merle Norman and even JCPenney's, do skin typing). You may think that you have oily skin but it may in fact be dry skin that is masking itself as oily due to it being overstripped of oils. For years, I had believed that my skin was oily until I had it properly typed as dry. This has made my beauty treatments change and from then my skin became remarkably clearer. Also, if your skin is truly oily, that does not mean you should skip moisturizing, it is a must. I hope you find these treatments helpful.

Lemon-Aid For Your Face

- Got oily skin on your face? Never fear, lemon-aid is here. Simply take a fresh lemon and cut it in half. Grab a new or just-cleaned makeup brush and wipe it over the lemon until wet. Brush it over your face, concentrating on oily areas. Leave on for five minutes and rinse off. Do this just before bed, because the natural acid in the lemon may leave your skin a little red, but it helps control the oil.

Quick Mask

- If you want to freshen your face and unclog your pores, a simple, quick mask ought to do the trick. Just mix oatmeal (not the flavored kind!) with water until the mixture forms a paste. Apply to your skin and leave on for ten minutes, then rinse.

Herbal Facial Mask

This cleans and tightens pores.
  • 1 Tbsp. honey
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp. crumbled dried chamomile flowers
  • 1 tsp. finely chopped fresh mint
Mix all ingredients in a small bowl. Apply the mixture to your face and neck. Let dry (10-15 minutes) and rinse off with warm water.

Oatmeal Face Mask

  • 1/2 cup of oatmeal
  • 1 smashed avocado
  • 1/3 cup of honey
In a bowl, mix smashed avocado with the honey, then continuously add oatmeal. When all ingredients are mixed well, apply to face and relax. After 10-15 minutes, wash off with warm water. Do this once a week or when you desire relaxation. You won't believe the difference!

Oily Skin Refining Lotion

  • 3 Oranges
  • 3 Lemons
  • 6 Cloves
  • 5 drops tincture of benzoin (ask your pharmacy or health food store)
Peel oranges and lemons very thinly, being careful to get as little white pith on the peel as possible. Pack the peel and cloves into a glass jar and cover with hot water. Leave the peel to steep overnight. The next day, strain and filter the liquid, add a few drops tincture of benzoin (as a preservative) and keep in the fridge (label carefully!). The benzoin tincture will turn the lotion milky. Apply 2 or 3 times per day and leave on. This improves the texture of oily skin and clears dingy, dull skin, and the essential oils from the peels help heal and prevent pimples.

Orange Yogurt Mask

  • 1 tsp. plain yogurt
  • the juice of 1/4 of an orange
Stir to mix and then dip fingers into mixture and smooth onto face. The sensation is both cool and relaxing. Leave on for a five minutes and then rinse. If you are feeling sluggish, this is the perfect mask for you. Yogurt will cleanse and nourish, the orange is full of Vitamin C and AHA's

Peel-Off Mask Recipe

This mask will peel off your blackheads and tighten your skin. It is very strong, so those with sensitive skin may want to rinse this off instead of peeling it off. Do not use if you have acne.
  • 1 Tbsp. of unflavored gelatin
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp. of cold milk
  • 1 egg white Vitamin E Oil (break open a capsule, or buy in a bottle)

In a small pan mix the unflavored gelatin and the cold milk. Stir until melted over a very low flame. Once melted, remove from heat and let the gelatin mixture cool slightly. Then add one egg white. Mix until smooth, and when cool enough to touch, apply evenly over face. Do not apply on, or directly under, your eyes or on your upper lip. Apply quickly before mixture hardens in pan. Step 2: Apply enough to cover your skin but not too thickly. Lie on the couch and let it dry completely -- about 30 minutes. Once dry, lift up a corner under your chin and peel off lightly in an upward motion. This will really tingle. Rinse face with lukewarm water and apply vitamin E. Tip: The vitamin E is for moisture, if you prefer, you can use your favorite moisturizer on your face instead.

Prune Porridge

This mask sounds and looks disgusting but is very soothing and good for a face tormented by sore underground pimples.

Pour 1/2 cup boiling water over 2 dried prunes in a bowl and leave until soft. Mash prunes. Use any leftover prune water in cooking about 1/2 cup oatmeal. Mix oatmeal with mashed prunes and enough honey to make a sticky mash that will adhere to the face. Apply while still warm (but not hot), leave 20 minutes and rinse off with warm water.

Skin Cleanser

  • 1/2 cup plain yogurt
  • 1 Tbsp. sunflower oil
  • 1 1/2 tsp. fresh lemon juice
Great for all skin types. Mix all ingredients together and place in a sealed container. Store in the refrigerator. Use 1 tsp. morning and night to cleanse face.

Strawberry Honey

This is a mask which will clear the skin of impurities, refresh with natural Vitamin C and tone down redness, leaving a healthy glow! Also smells sooo yummy, so relax and enjoy!
  • 4 medium ripe strawberries
  • 2 tsp. heavy cream (get this in the milk isle)
  • 1 tsp. honey
Clean and blot dry strawberries. Put in small bowl and mash. Add cream and honey, mix well. Apply to face and throat, avoiding eyes. Leave on 20 minutes and rinse.

Aspirin Mask

If you have discoloration in your skins, or want to help clean up blackheads and acne, try this do-it-yourself recipe:

Take six regular aspirin (not coated, and not Tylenol or Ibuprofen), and grind or crumble them as fine as you can. Add just enough water until you have a thin paste. Apply to clean, dry skin, but avoid getting too close to your eyes or nostrils. Leave the mask on for 20-30 minutes, and rinse off with warm water.

Astringent I

  • 3 tsp. lemon extract
  • Juice of one lime
  • 1/2 cup rubbing alcohol
Combine ingredients in a small bowl. Transfer to a jar and shake well. Store in the refrigerator. Tightens your pores, refreshes your skin, and helps remove oils from skin.

Astringent II

  • 1/2 thinly sliced lemon
  • 1/2 thinly sliced orange
  • 3/4 cup ethanol alcohol
Combine lemon, orange, and alcohol in a blender and mix until fruits are pulverized. Strain liquid into a jar using a small strainer or cheesecloth. Tightens your pores, refreshes your skin, and helps remove oils from skin. Will keep 6 months refrigerated. Yield, 3/4 cup.

Astringent III

  • 3 tsp. lemon extract
  • Juice of one lime
  • 1/2 cup rubbing alcohol
Combine ingredients in a small bowl. Transfer to a jar and shake well. Store in the refrigerator. Tightens your pores, refreshes your skin, and helps remove oils from skin.

Banana - Strawberry Facial Mask

  • 1/2 banana
  • 1 Tbsp. honey
  • 2 Tbsp. sour cream
  • 2 to 3 strawberries
Mash banana and strawberries, add honey and sour cream. Apply to face and let set for about 10 minutes. Gently wipe off with a damp wash cloth.

Banish That Evil Blemish!

Mix a packet of yeast with enough tea tree oil to make a paste. Spread over emerging pimple and cover with a bandage overnight.

Basic Toner

  • 3 cups distilled water
  • 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
Mix water and vinegar. Pour into a clean decanter and store in bathroom. Use daily after washing face by putting on a clean cotton ball or gauze and wiping face. BE CAREFUL NOT TO GET INTO EYES!

Beer Mask

  • 1 Tbsp. beer
  • 1 heaped tsp. plain yogurt
  • 1 tsp. olive oil
  • 1 egg white
  • 1 tsp. lemon extract
  • 1 tsp. almond extract
In a blender, mix all ingredients on low for 30 seconds. Wet face with warm water and evenly apply mixture. Let sit for 15 minutes and rinse with warm water, then splash with cold water. Life Makes 1/4 cup. Refrigerate. Discard after 2 days.

Chamomile Astringent

  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh mint (or 2 tbsp dried)
  • 2 tbsp dried chamomile flowers, crushed
  • 4 cups water
Combine ingredients in a small saucepan. Boil for 10 minutes, then remove from heat and allow to steep for 5 minutes. Strain liquid into a jar, cover and refrigerate. Will keep 2 weeks refrigerated. Apply with cotton balls to skin. Especially good for very oily skin.

Facial Cleansing Gel (for all skin types)

Add 2 tsp. flax seeds to a saucepan containing 1 1/2 cups of distilled water or herbal infusion. Bring to the boil and simmer gently for 15 minutes, stirring to prevent sticking. Remove from heat and cool. The mixture should thicken into a gel. Strain. To use, add enough finely ground oatmeal to the gel to make a smooth paste. Rub over the face and neck, leave a few minutes, then rinse with warm water (not hot!)

By Kathy

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