For as far back as I can remember, I have been in an epic battle with my skin. Keeping a healthy complexion is hard, especially if your genes conspire against you, and professional care can be expensive. For brides (and bridesmaids) looking to save a few dimes, at home facials are a great way to go. Here are a few I found:
For All Skin Types
Organic Banana Face Mask from Marie Claire (healthy glow)
1. Mash one half of a banana.
2. Mix in a tablespoon of orange juice and a tablespoon of honey.
3. Apply to the face and keep mixture on for fifteen minutes.
4. Rinse with lukewarm water and then moisturize.
Cucumber Mask from The Makeup Divas Beauty Blog (simple toning mask)
1. Blend 1/2 cup chopped cucumber, 2 teaspoons powdered milk, 1 egg white to a smooth paste.
2. Apply in an upwards motion to face and neck.
3. Rinse with warm water and moisturize.
Banana Oatmeal Facial Mask from Suite.101(tighten and moisturize)
1. Combine 1/2 ripe, mashed banana, 1/2 cup unflavored yogurt, 2 tablespoons unflavored, uncooked rolled oats, and 2 tablespoons honey.
2. Apply to face for 15 minutes.
3. Rinse with warm water.
ACV Mask from The Makeup Divas Beauty Blog (for glowing skin)
1. Mix 4 tablespoons molasses, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon yeast.
2. Leave on for 20 minutes.
3. Use twice a day.
Claim from the blog: "You'll wake up with someone else's most perfect skin. You won't believe it."
Honey & Papaya Lightening Mask from Marie Claire (for uneven pigment and sun spots)
1. Blend together two table spoons of honey and half a cup of mashed ripe papaya.
2. Apply on the face evenly for 15-20 minutes
3. Rinse with lukewarm water and the moisturize
For Oily, Acne-Prone Skin
Rose Face Mask from About.Com: Beauty (for balancing you skin tone)
1. Soak 6 fresh rose petals and then crush them in a bowl.
Use 2 tablespoons of the rose water, 1 tables
poon natural yogurt, room-temperature (not lowfat or non-fat), and 1 tablespoon slightly warmed honey.
3. Mix well and apply to the skin.
4. Leave on for 10 minutes and rinse with warm water.
Citrus Blackhead Treatment from About.Com: Beauty (for exfoliation and toning)
1. Simply cut a lemon in half and rub directly on your face before going to bed.
Simple Milk of Magnesia Mask from About.Com: Beauty (for absorbing oil)
1. Apply (flavorless) Milk of Magnesia to the face.
2. Leave on for 10-15 minutes.
3. Wash with cool washcloth.
For Dry Skin
Avocado Face Mask from About.Com: Beauty (moisturizing and toning)
1. Mash 1/2 a ripe, fresh, organic avocado in a bowl.
2. Stir in 1/4 cup honey.
3. Apply to skin and leave on for 10 minutes.
4. Rinse face with a cool washcloth.
In my professional opinion, all these masks should be given a test run (or two) in the weeks before the wedding. If they yield results, they just may save you and your pretty little pocketbook a trip to the spa!
Merry masking!