As much as we all love Lush Cosmetics, spending $14 on a 2-ounce tub of face mask isn’t always justifiable. Still, we all want that air-brushed, healthy skin that Lush’s skin products offer. Luckily, high-quality, natural, and easy face masks can be created with ingredients found in your kitchen. Here are some nourishing and refreshing masks that simultaneously indulge your spa craving and your wallet.
Winter Warrior
1/2 of an Avocado
1 Tablespoon Greek yogurt
1 Tablespoon Honey
Looking like Shrek is worth it when you have baby soft skin. This face mask, created by mashing half of an avocado and mixing in 1 tablespoon of Greek yogurt and 1 tablespoon of honey, can help you combat your pesky dry patches in just 20 minutes. Avocados are very rich in fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins, resulting in a great natural moisturizer. Yogurt and honey soothe the skin, leaving it soft and smooth. (Pro tip: while the mask sits on your face, use the other half of the avocado to make this amazing guacamole)
Oil No More
1 Teaspoon Grapefruit Juice
1 Teaspoon Sour Cream
1 Egg White
Even though this concoction won’t taste very good, it works wonders. First, beat the egg white until it becomes fluffy. Next, add the sour cream and the grapefruit juice and mix until it becomes a homogeneous paste. After 15 minutes, your skin will be rejuvenated. Grapefruit’s acidity helps exfoliate your skin while also absorbing excess oil while the sour cream naturally returns moisture to the skin.
The Bee’s Knees
1/2 Teaspoon Honey
1 Teaspoon Lemon Juice
1 Egg White
Bee-lieve me this really works. Try whisking together an egg white, lemon juice, and honey to defend your skin against any acne or unexpected spots. In 10-15 minutes, the honey will work its antiseptic and antibacterial powers to help clear and soothe your skin. The lemon juice‘s acidity stifles bacteria and exfoliates while lightening your skin. (Also try mixing these ingredients with sugar to create simple meringue.)
Golden Girl
2 Tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar
1 Tablespoon Mashed Cucumber
1 Tablespoon Honey
1 Teaspoon Cinnamon
1 Teaspoon Baking Soda
Who needs Becca’s “Opal”? Your skin will be ~glowing~ to the gods after using this mask. Combine the ingredients into a paste and massage into the skin for 5 minutes. Apple cider vinegar’s health benefits are not a secret; in fact, the trend of taking apple cider vinegar shots has become very widespread. Apple cider vinegar includes potassium, pectin, malic acid, acetic acid and Vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, C, and E. This results in its ability to clear acne and discoloration, smooth wrinkles, and soothe the skin. The cucumber fades any discoloration and pigmentation, leaving the skin smooth. Cinnamon, like honey, is an antiseptic, so it clears skin while improving the complexion.
Pore? I hardly know her.
1 Egg White
1/2 Teaspoon Honey
This face mask requires only two ingredients, which means there’s no reason not to try it. Mix the egg white and the honey in a bowl and apply to the face for 15-20 minutes. I know its tempting to move your skin, but try to avoid it–the mask will shift! Once the mask is completely tight, rinse your face. Apply 2-3 times a week. The egg white tightens the skin, while the honey cleanses and returns moisture to it. This mask will basically act like a nose pore strip for your entire face.
Tea-riffic
1 Teabag of Green Tea
1 Tablespoon Black Coffee Grounds
1.5 Tablespoon Olive Oil
Green tea not only soothes your soul, but also your skin; green tea is known to reduce redness. Remove the tea leaves from the tea bag and use a blender to mix it with the coffee grounds. As you blend, add the olive oil to create a thicker consistency. Apply the paste to your skin for 15 minutes. The green tea and coffee are infused with antioxidants that not only cleanse your skin and prevent acne, but also reduce wrinkles and fight inflammation. In addition, they simultaneously tighten and brighten the skin. Olive oil returns moisture to the skin.
No matter what skin type you have, an appropriate, affordable, and easy face mask recipe can be found. So put aside your work and responsibilities and, in the words of Tom Haverford, “treat yo self” to some spa therapy you won’t feel guilty about.