Why a Facial Mask Is Vital for Improving Your Complexion

This beauty knows the secret to luminous skin, but do you? 

If you read me regularly, then you know how much importance I place on facial masks for beautifying a complexion.  Perhaps, you just think a mask is an extra step and hardly worth the trouble or expense.  However, the reason I regard them so highly is because facial masks can bring immediate concentrated help to a complexion compared to your regular products to speed up change or correct skin problems due to their potency.

The real trick of success with a facial mask involves several things.  Of course, you need to select one or turning to a DIY beauty recipe that is appropriate for what your complexion is currently experiencing.  This is just the start.

The second is not just randomly using one whenever you remember.  Schedule some time to pamper your face with your facial mask once a week. What I do is to schedule the date on my computer’s calender as a reminder.  This way I remember not to neglect my skin.  

The third rule is making sure that you cleanse your face first and after the mask is applied that you leave it on long enough.  Rushing to take the mask off because it starts to get messy or because there is something that you may want to do will not benefit your face.  In fact, you are wasting money or ingredients while shortchanging your complexion.  Seriously, we’re all busy but allowing at least twenty or thirty minutes for pampering won’t be the end of your world.  This little break will help you relax and provide the time for that mask to finally do what your complexion needs to become its best.

I promise that if you just follow my advice that you will be happier with your complexion than you’re been in the past.  

For more information on facial masks, you might want to read how to make the right decision on the mask type and facial mask shopping secrets.

You Got to Try My Friend’s DIY Zucchini Pimple Busting Mask Because I Saw How It Helped Her!

Zucchini is not only good to eat, but also has benefits for your skin.

If you have been suffering with an oily complexion that is prone to breaking out, then you might want to try my friend’s DIY recipe for this Pimple Busting Facial Mask.  I have dry skin so I can’t tell you from personal experience how it worked, but you wouldn’t believe the striking change in my friend’s formerly shiny, pimple-prone face with how it is now glowing.

The ingredients she used made sense.  After all, the grated zucchini had plenty of helpful antioxidants like vitamin A and C as well as skin-healing minerals from potassium and manganese, an amino acid, which can play a part in spurring the skin’s collagen production.  

The oatmeal was great, being a rich source of vitamins, minerals and lipids, especially for soothing as it mildly moisturizes due to its anti-inflammatory and  anti-oxidant properties. At the same time, it would be a gentle cleanser for aggravated skin due to its saponins.

Honey was another ingredient that would benefit troubled skin since it can kill bacteria with antimicrobial properties, necessary to help those pimples heal while also being a natural humectant to lock moisture in.

The final ingredient she had written down was aloe vera gel.  This was a fine choice since it also had antimicrobial properties for fighting bacteria.


Jan’s DIY Pimple Busting Mask  

1 tiny baby zucchini (about four inches long)
6 tablespoons of finely ground oatmeal to make your own colloidal oatmeal
1/4 cup of water
2 teaspoons of honey
2 teaspoons of aloe vera gel

Blend the zucchini with the water until smooth.  Next, strain and add the honey and aloe vera gel before setting aside.  

Take out your food processor, a coffee grinder or clean your blender and dry first before adding the oatmeal and processing until you get a fine powder. 

Mix about two tablespoons of the powder with ample zucchini liquid (but not all of it) in a small bowl.  Keep stirring until it starts to thicken to a paste.

Apply this mask to your freshly washed face.  Keep this mask on for about 30 minutes until it thoroughly dries.

Store the remaining liquid covered in a jar in your refrigerator to use over the next few days.  This will not keep for too long so put it up front in the refrigerator where you will be sure to see it.

The oatmeal powder is fine stored on your pantry shelf.  

I do hope that you try this recipe because it possibly could be the answer to your skin woes as well!

Review: StriVectin’s Instant Revitalizing Mask for Help in Waking Up Your Complexion!

Disclaimer: This post is based on a free product provided by a company as a press sample so that I may offer my own opinion, which may be the same or differ from yours.

StriVectin's Instant Revitalizing Mask 

A facial mask can be a quick way to give your complexion a lift to brighten it for a more youthful glow.  One capable of boosting that radiance is StriVectin’s Instant Revitalizing Mask that I have been using lately. 

This paraben-free mask features the company’s patented NIA-114 technology powered with natural alpha-hydroxy acids to help spur this hard-working mask into action for cell renewal and the revitalization of skin for brighter, more refined texture, tone and softness.

You can use this product anywhere from two to three times a week. All you need is a thin layer over freshly washed skin and leave on for fifteen minutes before rinsing.

From the two times that I used this mask, I did witness a change in my complexion.  Testing all the skin care products that I do, especially anti-aging products, did alter my skin tone.  It left me with a slightly darker face than my neck.  However, after my first time of using this facial mask, my face did lighten enough that it better matched the color of my neck, which was fantastic to see.  The skin itself looked more luminous through that lightness with a wonderful velvet-like feel when I touched my face.  My pores also seemed to shrink.  

The second time that I gave myself a treatment, I saw those same results intensify. I really liked StriVectin’s Instant Revitalizing Mask ($62) and am planning on continued use. After all, how can you not like a facial mask that can help you look your best in your own skin? Check this product out and see for yourself what it can do!

How to Make the Right Decision When It Comes to the Type of Facial Mask to Fit Your Complexion Needs!

Facial masks can give your complexion a needed boost to make you glow.

I firmly believe in the value of adding a facial mask to your beauty routine.  Some people like to skip it because it is an extra skin care step, but I consider it an important one for the benefits that you will receive. Whether you prefer using a commercial product or just prefer whipping up one in your kitchen as I many times do, the few additional minutes it takes will pay off to deep clean your pores and beautifully refine your complexion.  

A facial mask also serves to help you relax after a stressful day  to free up those tense facial muscles, which can eventually lead into wrinkles if repeated often enough.  In fact, I urge you to stretch out once your mask is on instead of doing some chore because those few minutes of pampering will renew your mind and body more than you know before you are ready to rinse off.  

Trying to figure out what type of mask to buy or make all depends on what is going on with your skin.  If you are oily or breaking out, then you should look for a mud or clay mask that can draw out the most impurities. You can also try benzoyl peroxide or a sulfur mask for stubborn acne or browse through my section of homemade skin care recipes to your right in my sidebar.  You will find quite a few facial masks as well as recipes to exfoliate or fade acne marks among those, including an excellent homemade oil zapping mask and another that works wonders to normalize oil, especially if you combination skin.  Here is yet another that can double as a mask/scrub that works nicely.

My skin has been drier these days than in the past when I relied heavily on those above masks to solve that problem.  If you also a dry complexion, you should look for hydrating masks with glycerin or specific natural oils like sweet almond oil or jojoba or butters like shea butter. You also treat to your face to my recipe for an easy restorative mask, an ultra nourishing mask, a hydrating mask to another dairy and vitamin powered one to a banana-avocado mask that will pleasantly surprise you.

We all go through times when our complexion becomes duller than we like.  In that case, you need a mask that contains alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), enzymes or glycolic acid to perk the complexion back up.  If you're in the mood to make your own mask, you got to try the recipe for my homemade brightening mask and another firming mask recipe of mine that you will love once you try it.

To truly benefit out of any mask, you need to start on freshly washed skin.  Also, make sure that you follow the directions and leave it on as directed.  You want to give those ingredients every opportunity to work--so be patient, stretch out, and make it a point to schedule a weekly time for yourself.  Your face will thank you.

Your Tight, Dry Skin Will Love My Banana-Avocado Moisture Intense Mask!

Bananas are rich with moisture and nutrients for your skin.

Many of us have a problem with dry or extra dry skin.  If you’re like me and find that you’re constantly slathering on rich creams and lotions in addition to your anti-aging products to feel comfortable, then you really need to try this kitchen fix of mine.

My homemade skin recipe is a wonderful way to drench your complexion with intense moisture and nourish it with vitamins’ B, C, and E as well as minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants to help your skin regain its radiance.  

  
Banana-Avocado Moisture Intense Mask 

½ ripe avocado, mashed
1½ teaspoons honey
½ ripe banana, mashed
1 teaspoon of olive oil

Mix the ingredients together in a small bowl and mash with a fork until smooth.

Apply to your clean face with your fingers or a spatula.

Let it remain on your face for about 15-20 minutes for maximum benefits.

Rinse with lukewarm water.

Then look in the mirror and admire your beautiful glow!

Review: Memebox Mask Edition #4 + August 2014 Discount Code + NEW DEALS!

**Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**

Memebox Mask Edition #4

If you ask me, I think my favorite aspect of Korean brand, Memebox is the unique theme behind each of their beauty boxes. The products are also just as unusual and difficult to find comparable items to some of those innovative treasures here in the United States.  A prime example is what I discovered in the latest Memebox Mask Edition #4 box that recently graced my doorway.

Though I do have a very nice complexion, I do my part to make sure it stays that way. This means that I make it a point to remove every last trace of makeup before going to bed, never leaving the house without sunscreen, and properly moisturizing with great products.  I am also a firm believer in regular weekly exfoliation and pampering facial masks. Therefore, I was in my element with this Memebox Mask Edition #4 because I always see a beautiful difference after giving my skin a facial.

Unfortunately, this box sold out early–once again.  It was priced at $23 plus $6.99 shipping. However, I certainly understand once I unboxed the five products and started experimenting.  

Seriously, when you see a Memebox box that catches your eye, you need to jump in quickly because they do have that tendency to sell out early.  Now are you ready to hear what you missed?

Memebox Mask Edition #4

1.  Sua Young Berristure–Full Size (100g)–$40

2.  SLCOSMETIC Soo Effect Plus Essence Sheet Mask (Repair, Energizing, Waterdrop)–Full Size (23ml)–$2

3.  WHEN 10:00 pm & Travelmate–2 Full Size masks ($28)

4.  Skin Factory 7 Seconds Morning Sheet 7in1–Full Size (150g)–$39

5.  Purederm Vitamin C Facial Pads 24ea–Full Size ($12)

Total Value: $121

Memebox Mask Edition #4 unboxed

I didn’t get the chance to try everything yet, but I did treat myself to the WHEN Travelmate sheet mask first since it was formulated to remedy UV exposed skin.  This felt so soothing, especially after I spent some time outside gardening with how intensely it hydrated.  You might want to hide out for about twenty minutes while you’re wearing this sheet because it does look strange with this bio-cellulose sheet plastered to your face.  However, you will love the extra softness and refined tone once you finish.

The When 10:00 PM mask is intended for restoring the complexion at night. I can’t wait to see how my skin will respond.   

The Purederm Vitamin C Facial Pads are for a quick skin “save” after makeup comes off to help moisturize and perk up the face, even the eyes.  I stored these little pads in the refrigerator as recommended.  Let me tell you after staring at a computer screen all day, I loved chilling out with one cold pad over each eye after I had my bath.  This vitamin-rich stuff felt so good when I removed it about an hour later.  You only need to keep it on for fifteen minutes, but I was so relaxed that I drifted off.  

The Skin Factor 7 Seconds Morning Sheet sounds like an interesting product with a toner, an emulsion and an essence in one.  This one I didn’t test out yet, but it is advertised to make your skin feel like you had a facial massage being an anti-wrinkle treatment and an exfoliator as well.

Another product that I can’t wait to explore is the SLCOSMETIC Soo Effect Plus Essence Sheet Mask.  The ingredients sound amazing like baobab tree extracts, which are very rich in omega fatty acids and beneficial for its anti-aging effects along with ginseng extracts, another aid in the war to keep looking younger.  It also has plenty of moisturizers from olive and aloe extracts.

Finally, I found a jar of Sua Young Berristure.  This is a berry derived cream with Cos 5 Complex and collagen for day or nightly moisturizing or to use as a rinse off berry mask. This one has to wait since I am currently testing another moisturizer, but I am longing to see what this one can do.

No joke, readers, regular weekly exfoliation helps shuck off dead cells and pave the way for fresh skin. What facial masks do are help with the complexion’s circulation, tone, and deeper hydration than your daily skin care products.  I just love all forms of facial masks because they do pump up your complexion’s beauty so that you can be the best looking you can be.

Keep an eye out for the next Memebox Mask Edition.  Trust me, and you will be glad that you did once you reap those skin benefits.

I have something great to share with you below--COUPON CODES!

RGTWFD--Will get you $5 off any purchase (one time per customer) until August 30, 2014.
AFFILIATE-4481-PP8X7-CACO-- Get $5 off on orders above $100 now until Aug. 30, 2014
AFFILIATE-2397-PJDM0-EUDU--Get $10 off on orders above $150 now until Aug. 30, 2014

Do check out the current Memebox or shop for their other facial masks now, but definitely try what this company has to offer!     

*Disclaimer: Free products were provided to facilitate this review--not my opinion even though it contains affiliate links.*

Nourish Your Sensitive Complexion With My Wonderful Homemade Banana Revitalizing Mask!

My dry skin can become sensitive at times.  Therefore, I like to whip up this soothing mask because it is packed with vitamins and minerals that help in keeping the skin soft and moist as it calms.

Bananas, for one, have both potassium for plumping up skin cells and vitamin A to help encourage new cell growth.  

Cucumbers in this recipe also have an anti-inflammatory property to calm irritation in addition to a hydrating effect.  

Honey is a natural humectant that attracts and maintains water for lasting moisture.  

You also will need lemon.  Due to its citric acid, the lemon will help exfoliate and pave the way for a better complexion.  

To all those wonderful ingredients, you add just a bit of olive oil, preferably extra-virgin, to enrich the skin with plenty of vitamin E and A.

I have been having nice results with this recipe.  All the ingredients are probably in your kitchen right now so I do hope you decide to give this recipe a chance.  Once you do, I think you will be quite pleased with how much healthier your complexion might become.

Homemade Banana Revitalizing Mask for Sensitive Skin

1 small banana, mashed
1 tablespoon of honey
1/2 lemon
1/2 cucumber, finely chopped
1 teaspoon of olive oil, preferably extra-virgin

Mix thoroughly together the mashed banana and finely chopped cucumber in a mixing bowl.

To the mixture, add the honey, olive oil before squeezing the lemon into the same bowl and combining.

Wash your face and then apply the mask mixture.  You will need to keep this mask on for about 30-40 minutes before rinsing off with tepid water.  Be sure to close your pores with a final rise of cold water.

Léonie Blackhead Removing Peel-off Mask Review

Disclaimer:  This post is based on a free product provided by a company as a press sample so that I may offer my own  opinion, which may be the same or differ from yours.

Léonie Blackhead Removing Peel-off Mask

When I was asked if I would like to review the Léonie Blackhead Removing Peel-off Mask, I was perfectly honest with the PR rep that I had very nice skin and no blackheads.  However, my nose is quite oily in the summer and being a deep cleansing mask, I thought this newly launched product might be a wonderful normalizing fix so I decided to review it.

This is a black mask with activated charcoal, grapefruit, lemon peel, and rosemary extracts for pulling impurities and toning the skin.  Since my complexion is dry except for my current bout of oiliness on the nose, I only applied this mask to my freshly washed nose.  According to the directions, you need to leave this product on your problem area for fifteen minutes or until it completely dries before you peel it off.

Seeing how hideous my tar-like black nose looked, I hide out in my bedroom to wait out the time.   Almost immediately, I started feeling the intense tightening action of this product pulling, which was not exactly comfortable.  Nonetheless, I managed to leave it on for the entire time.

Finally, I noticed my clock read it was time to take this mask off and see what it did.  Removing my mask was not easy to find the edge with the light-medium coat I gave myself because lifting it was difficult.  I kept digging into my nose for a spot to begin, but it took a while until I budged some sections and freed my nose.   My mistake was probably not using a thick layer so I could have had more to grab onto.  

Everything eventually peeled off except for a few lighter pieces near the sides and under the nose.  I needed to wash the last of it with hot water and soap, but it did come off.

This did strip oil, but I do not think this mask was for me with the extreme tightening sensation or the feat of removing it.  Those with extremely oily complexions with blackheads and pimples probably would have a more favorable opinion.

The company has a video to explain the mask in detail.  If this sounds like a product that could help you, then do check out the video for a better understanding.

The LéonieBlackhead Removing Peel-Off Mask normally will retail on Amazon for $28 for a 3.4 oz. tube.  To celebrate it's August 1 launch, the price drops to $17.
 *Disclaimer:  A free product was provided to facilitate this review--not my opinion.*

Need a Fabulous Homemade Facial Mask to Treat Oily Skin?

Honey heals, moisturizes and is a natural antibacterial in this DIY Oily Skin Facial Mask.

I have combination skin and am plagued by dryness in parts and oiliness in other areas such as the nose and chin.  In an earlier post, I shared several wonderful masks that I use to help correct dryness and oiliness that you can make in your own kitchen.  This recipe is one that you can feel drawing the impurities out once it is on your face. 

Mix one tablespoon of honey, one egg white, one teaspoon of kaolin powder and two teaspoons of plain yogurt together until thick enough to spread on your clean face like a typical mask. 

Go hide away and relax on the bed while you have this mask on and allow the effective treatment to kick in.  Once you start feeling the mixture tightening,  you can wash it off with lukewarm water and follow with cold before patting dry.

This will help curb back that oiliness nicely!

Here's Another Homemade Hydrating Mask to Be Nuts About!

A few posts ago you might remember that  I shared a great skin care recipe for a homemade mask treatment to help those with dry to normal skin.  Here's another wonderful hydrating mask you can also whip up in your kitchen to perk up your complexion and regain moisture.

Take one ripe mashed avocado, one egg yolk, and one teaspoon of olive oil and place in a microwave dish.  Microwave this mixture for about 12-15 seconds. 

When your microwave bells rings, you take this away and retreat to your bathroom.  Apply the warmed mask to your freshly washed face and vanish discreetly away to the privacy of your bedroom or wherever you go to be alone from the world.  Stay in seclusion while this nourishing mask does it work for your face for about 15-20 minutes.

Only when you hear no voices about and know the coast is clear, you may poke your sticky green-masked face out and dart safely away from hiding to rinse away this ugly, but helpful moisturizing treatment.

Want An Effective Homemade Dry Skin Mask?

I don't know about your skin, but mine has its moods.  Sometimes, it can be oily at certain times of the year like in the summer months.  Colder weather and it will tend to be on the dry side.  However, I found a great moisturizing facial mask you should try at home if you also have the same dry to normal skin.

Mix an egg yolk with a tablespoon of cottage cheese (small curd works best) in a small container.  Take a vitamin E capsule (400 I. U.) that you prick with a pin and squeeze the contents out into the mixture.  Add  a few drops of fresh lemon juice, a half a teaspoon of honey and a half teaspoon of water. 

Mix all the ingredients together thoroughly and apply to your freshly washed face.  If you have too much mixture, I like to pin my hair up and treat my neck as well. 

However, I warn you again of the importance of hiding from others. Trust me, you will look disgusting and could possibly scare small children with this lumpy goo on your face.  But this well-deserved time alone can be relaxing and equally beneficial as this beauty mask, which you must leave on for at least 10 minutes.

Without needing to look at your clock, you'll know it's time to rinse when you feel your skin tightening.  Use lukewarm water to rinse this mixture off and follow with cold to close your pores.  Your skin will feel softer and more hydrated.