There's clean skincare, and then there's skincare so clean it only contains ingredients found in your kitchen cabinets. But when you're feeling the itch to make a DIY mask, there are some ingredients that are safer and more effective than others. So we turned to Cecilia Wong, a N.Y.C.-based celebrity facialist as well as the founder of non-invasive skincare salon and natural skincare line Cecilia Wong Skincare, to share easy mask recipes you can make using wholesome ingredients. Whether you’re picky about what goes on your skin or you simply need a mask on the fly, there’s a homemade option you can whip up faster than your breakfast.
Anti-aging mask
Berries are antioxidant powerhouses, so they help fight free-radical damage which can lead to signs of aging.
Ingredients
- 1 small handful blueberries
- 1 small handful raspberries
- 1 small handful blackberries
Directions
1. Mash all of the berries together until the mixture has a thick juice consistency.
2. Apply to skin, and leave on for 15 minutes.
3. Rinse well with tepid water.
Dry skin mask
Vitamin A (from the banana) and E (from the avocado) help revive parched skin, while the honey, olive oil, and yogurt serve as a soothing, nourishing base.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup mashed banana
- 1/4 cup mashed avocado
- 1 tsp. raw honey
- 1 tbsp. olive oil
- 2 tbsp. organic Greek yogurt
Directions
1. Mix ingredients together until well combined.
2. Apply to skin, and leave on for 15 minutes.
3. Rinse well with tepid water.
Oily skin mask
Mint contains pore-clearing salicylic acid, while the vitamin C and citric acid in the fruits help brighten and exfoliate skin. Just be careful: Don’t let this mixture linger on skin—if it starts to sting, wash it off. Fresh citrus can be allergenic, so patch test this mask before smearing it all over your face.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp. orange puree
- Tiny splash of lemon and lime juice
- 3 crushed fresh mint leaves
Directions
1. Mix ingredients together until well combined.
2. Let mixture rest for five minutes.
3. Apply to skin, and leave on for up to 10 minutes, depending on your tolerance.
4. Rinse well with tepid water.
Brightening mask
Ginger helps give skin an even tone, while cinnamon clarifies and turmeric brings out a natural glow.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup organic Greek yogurt
- Dash of ground ginger
- Dash of ground turmeric
- Dash of ground cinnamon
Directions
1. Mix ingredients together until well combined.
2. Apply to skin, and leave on for 15 minutes.
3. Rinse well with tepid water.
Pore-detoxing mask
The natural alpha hydroxy acids in papaya naturally exfoliate dead skin cells and help dissolve impurities deep down in pores. Once again, fresh citrus can be allergenic, so be sure to patch test this mask and don't keep it on if it starts to sting.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp. papaya puree
- Splash of lemon juice
Directions
1. Mix ingredients together until well combined.
2. Apply to skin, and leave on for 5-10 minutes, depending on your tolerance.
3. Rinse well with tepid water.
Tone and texture mask
Vitamin A in the tomato helps even out tone, while brown sugar physically exfoliates for baby-smooth skin.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp. tomato puree
- 3 tbsp. organic brown sugar
- Splash of lemon and lime juice
Directions:
1. Mix ingredients together until well combined.
2. Apply to skin, and leave on for five minutes.
3. Gently massage skin in a circular motion to exfoliate.
4. Rinse well with tepid water.
