Get Your Mask On!
Wednesday, October 28th, 2009
It’s the time of year when all types of masks abound! Scary and spooky is definitely in the air. But when the festive mask and makeup comes off, so should the looks of fright. That means it’s also the perfect time of year to start incorporating a different kind of mask into your beauty routine. Taking a few minutes a week to give your face some special attention will be a treat for you and help keep your skin refreshed, rejuvenated, and in its best condition in any season!
There are several recipes for facial masks you can make at home utilizing the benefits of essential oils and green clay. Each mask listed below is designed for a specific skin type. Find the one that works best with your skin type and do a little pampering! A good mask usually isn’t needed more than once a week, but you can utilize certain formulations more as needed.
Green Clay Mask Base
Although clay masks are thought to be drying, they contain great benefits for the skin and can be used very successfully in your beauty regimen.
Green clay has become the talk of the beauty world. The absorbent properties of green clay work in beauty treatments by drawing out impurities and toxins from the skin, toning and firming while stimulating circulation. Estheticians use it to tighten pores, exfoliate dead skin, and reveal a smoother, fresher complexion. Green clay is readily available online and at natural beauty retailers. It makes an ideal base for any of the masks below.
Create your mask base by mixing green clay together with a little cornflower and a quarter teaspoon of powdered raw oats.
Mask for Normal Skin
For a normal skin, mix the clay, cornflower, and oats together with one beaten egg white and floral water. Add one drop geranium oil and one drop neroli oil. Mix well to form a paste and apply.
Mask for Dry Skin
For a dry skin, mix the clay, cornflower, and oats together with one beaten egg white and floral water. Add one teaspoon wheat germ oil or evening primrose oil, plus one drop chamomile (Roman or German) oil and two drops carrot seed oil. Mix well to form a paste and apply.
Mask for Oily Skin
For an oily skin, mix the clay, cornflower, and oats together with one beaten egg white and floral water. Add one drop lavender oil and one drop frankincense oil or juniper berry oil. Mix well to form a paste and apply.
Mask for Problem Skin
For a problem skin, mix the clay, cornflower, and oats together with one beaten egg white and floral water. Add one drop lavender oil, one drop tea tree oil, and one drop neroli oil. Mix well to form a paste and apply.
Rejuvenating Skin Mask
For a general skin boost, mix the clay, cornflower, and oats together with one beaten egg white and floral water. Add one teaspoon jojoba oil, one drop chamomile oil, one drop frankincense oil, and one drop myrrh oil. Mix well to form a paste and apply.
Before Application
Before applying the mask, make sure that the skin is cleansed properly and dried by patting it with a towel. A light exfoliating cleanser such as Satin Facial Scrub Mint will work well in prepping the skin for the best mask application.
After applying any of the masks, leave on for at least fifteen minutes and wash off with lukewarm water and pat the skin dry. Apply moisturizer. ART® Day or Night Activator is a good recommendation for effective and refining moisture with the benefits of frankincense.
Note: If you have never used essential oils or green clay and are prone to allergies, do a patch test on a small area to gage sensitivity before applying any of these masks.
Take a few minutes to work a mask in your beauty regimen this Halloween season and beyond. Your skin is sure to benefit and you will never be confused for a ghoul or goblin—unless of course you choose to wear it when opening the door for trick-or-treaters!
—Rebecca Jarvis
Product Manager, Essential Living
Have you been waiting for Brain Power™ and Highest Potential™? The wait is now over! Young Living has again made these products available, along with Australian Blue™ and Essential Beauty Serum (Dry).