Do-It-Yourself Facials

You’ve got no fewer than five holiday parties to attend this weekend, and the winter weather has your face drier than your mother-in-law’s sense of humor.

Problem is, you basically drained your bank account shopping for loved ones last weekend, and a self-indulgent spa gift certificate isn't really in the cards. Falalala, toots.

Consider it a blessing. Not only are they atrociously expensive, but traditional spas use products and solutions packed with toxic chemicals that accumulate in your body. Get your winter skin back in shape with pantry ingredients that won't soak your skin in harsh ingredients.

Exfoliate 



What you need: Fuji Apples or Papaya and Pineapples 



Why: Fuji apples have a rougher texture and contain malic acid - an alpha hydroxy acid that is great for exfoliation and hydration. Papaya and pineapple juice contain enzymes that give good face.

How: Take the Fuji apples and slice them. Remove all the seeds and gently rub in a circular motion. When you are finished, squeeze the juice out and apply like a toner or splash. You can also dip a cloth in the Fuji juice and dab on your face for a more intense treatment. If you’re using papaya and pineapple, just mix a little papaya with  some pineapple juice and apply to your face.



Defoliate and Brighten



What you need: Rice Flour 



Why: Rice flour is a wonderful defoliator and brightener all-in-one. It is great for reviving the skin after pulling an all-nighter. 



How: Mix rice flour with some water and use as a morning cleanse.

Breakouts and Blackheads

What you need: Baking Soda

Why: Baking soda is great for disincrusting (great term, eh?) breakouts and softening blackheads. 



How: Mix baking soda with water to create a runny consistency. Dip a piece of cloth in the solution and apply it to your face like a mummy. A hot mummy.



Bonus Fruity Tip: Use a cotton ball to apply lemon or grapefruit juice for added cleansing, exfoliating and brightening.



Acne / Oily Skin Treatment 



What you need: Tomatoes



Why: Tomatoes have antioxidant qualities that can prevent skin damage and help tighten pores, which helps reduce the likelihood of an acne breakout. 



How:  Slice tomatoes and lay them on your skin. If you tend to be a little inflamed, cold compresses are great to relieve the swelling of unsightly blemishes. 


Make a Mask

Light a soy candle, grab Mariah Carey’s new Christmas album and rub-a-dub-dub your woes away. Here’s a quick at-home recipe using chamomile - a very calming and powerful anti-inflammatory agent.



Cucumber and Aloe Vera Face and Eye Mask



Ingredients

• Aloe Vera from the plant

• Cold cucumbers 

• Chamomile tea bags

• Rose petals or lavender
   


Preparation: Steep the chamomile tea. Gently wet your face with a steaming washcloth soaked in rose petals, lavender or chamomile water. Slice the cucumber. Place cucumbers or chamomile tea bags in  the freezer for five minutes. Apply this mask to face while lying down. Place aloe vera around the face, neck and  eye area. Place sliced cold cucumbers around the face and over eyes. Let sit for 15 minutes. Wash face off  with same steaming washcloth soaked in rose petals and lavender. Then add juice from steeped chamomile with a cotton ball for a great refreshing splash.

Tip: You don't have to wash your face so often in the colder months - a good splash and you're good to go.    



Now get your beauty sleep—you're going to need it.