DIY Face Masks: The Natural Way To Beautiful Skin

The key to smooth, hydrated skin could be sitting in your kitchen cupboard! Many common household foods are perfect for a highly effective DIY face mask.

Sit back and relax with a homemade face mask

A homemade face mask is the perfect accompaniment to a cosy pamper evening in the comfort of your own home.

How to make the most of a homemade face mask

Sometimes, the nutrients your skin craves are sitting in you fridge, fruit bowl or cupboards, each providing simple yet powerful ingredients for an effective DIY face mask. Spoiling yourself with a professional face mask is great as a treat, but sometimes your face just needs a quick boost with a DIY face mask using completely natural ingredients.

Homemade face masks can be applied in the shower before heading to work, or in the evening as you put your feet up to some soothing music. Studies have shown that certain natural ingredients can be very beneficial for specific skin types, and DIY face masks are one of the easiest ways to achieve a bright, glowing complexion. Find out more about the benefits of face masks for different skin types here.

Tips & tricks for applying homemade face masks

Thoroughly cleanse your skin with warm water across the area your DIY face mask will cover before getting started.
Using a warm flannel on your face can help open the pores.
Try using a soft-bristle brush to apply your homemade face mask to the skin.
Don't forget to apply your face mask to the next too!
Cucumber slices placed over the eyes can help you to relax.
If you fancy a more cooling mask, place your DIY face mask in the fridge for about an hour before application.

DIY face mask recipes

Glowing skin doesn't get any easier - here are some homemade facial recipes for you to try.

Go back to basics with a yoghurt mask

Yoghurt is great for smooth and nourished skin. It’s also known for evening out areas of blotchiness and its soothing effect on reddened and sensitive skin. Simply apply plain yoghurt to the face and leave for 15 minutes before rinsing with warm water.

How to make a homemade sweet-scented honey face mask

Honey may taste fantastic when its spread on your toast, but it feels even better spread on your face in this simple DIY face mask! Alongside offering powerful hydration, this sweet nectar is also a great blemish prone skin treatment thanks to its antibacterial properties.

To make a honey-flavoured homemade face mask that is perfect for skin prone to breakouts, simply mix one tablespoon of honey with one teaspoon of cinnamon and one teaspoon of nutmeg. If your skin is red and inflamed, a honey and charcoal mask might be just what you need. Activated charcoal is known for its ability to absorb dirt and harmful substances. Simply mix one tablespoon of raw honey with one tablespoon of activated charcoal powder and apply to your face. Powerful homemade face masks don't get much simpler than that. You can learn more about the power of charcoal for skin here.

How to make an oatmeal face mask

What is so special about oatmeal?
Sensitive skin can often really benefit from the anti-inflammatory properties of oats, and they can even be a natural soother after tanning. Try this versatile DIY face mask with oatmeal for a rejuvenated complexion:

1. Grind your oatmeal: Blend four tablespoons of rolled oats in your food processor until they are in powder form.
2. Add honey: Add one tablespoon of honey to the oats and mix it through.
3. Add one egg yolk: Egg yolks are a fantastic source of Vitamin D, which helps to achieve fresh, younger looking complexion. First discard the egg white, before adding the yolk into the face mask mixture. Break the yolk and mix it in with the other ingredients to form a paste.
4. Apply to the face: Now simply apply the homemade face mask to your face, avoiding the delicate eye area, and leave it for up to 15 minutes, before washing off.
This simple DIY face mask is very versatile for a range of skin types, and is sure to help leave skin feeling clean, soft and smooth.

A nourishing avocado face mask

Avocado is one of the most moisturising and revitalising natural face mask ingredients. Packed with skin-friendly nutrients including potassium iron and a whole host of other vitamins, it's no wonder it made our list for the best DIY face masks.

For an ultra-hydrating mask take the flesh of half an avocado and mash it until you have a creamy consistency. Add one teaspoon of olive oil and make sure the mixture is well blended before applying to the face. Both avocado and olive oil contain healthy fats, which will seal in moisture and slow down signs of aging. When applied on a regular basis, this homemade face mask will help you say goodbye to rough, dehydrated skin.

My DIY face mask is ready to remove…now what?

After your homemade face mask has worked its magic, simply remove it gently using warm water. DIY face masks should come off easy, however it might be worth using a strainer to prevent the mask from blocking your drains. Always follow up with toner and moisturiser for a complexion that looks healthy and glowing. You can find some of our NIVEA toners here, and our moisturisers here.