Sue Marshall

Guest Blogger

DIY Facials

In an age where lasers rule and skincare is impossibly expensive, there are still DYI Facial remedies that have gold star results and that are proven to help you put your best face forward and dazzle the crowds. Beauty is paramount when it comes to your big day. Radiant, fresh and alluring complexions can cost under $10 and can be as effective as some expensive treatments.

I am a super fan of all things natural or using products with the least amount of toxic chemicals. On average, personal care products contain around 126 ingredients. They DO NOT require any pre market safety testing. Think about that.

So it’s the healthy and affordable DIY beauty hacks that will have you glowing and your bank account growing, helping you soothe the empty promises of so many overrated beauty products and treatments.

Look after your skin because you will wear it longer than any makeup or piece of clothing you ever buy. Skin is ALWAYS in!

So let’s get to it!

PIMPLES– ARRRRGH! Not on your wedding day! If you don’t have the time or the money to see a dermatologist for a quick zap to kill it in its tracks try these options.

  1. Ice it-this brings down inflammation.
  2. Make a sea salt paste. 1tsp of sea salt and a few drops of water to make a paste. Let it dry for up to one hour. Sea salt has powerful antibacterial properties and removes oil from the pores.
  3. Aspirin- make a paste from 5-7 uncoated aspirin pills and distilled water, add a small amount of honey to stop skin from drying out and apply it to anywhere that has a breakout. The salicylic acid will clean the pores, exfoliates the skin and has incredible anti-inflammatory properties.
  4. People with aspirin allergies do not try this mask.

FACE PEEL- there are plenty of awesome homemade DIY masks but not so many peels. This peel is so simple but truly effective.

  1. 2 tsp Baking soda mixed with 1tsp water and a squeeze of lemon juice. Apply this to your face and allow 5 minutes to dry. Rinse with warm water. Let your skin settle for another 5 minutes for a truly radiant luminous complexion. What is also great about this is it doubles as a teeth whitener!

BLACKHEAD REMOVAL- As we know blackhead removal strips are fairly expensive. A better option is combining

1tbsp clear Gelatin with a tbsp. of goat’s milk and stir until dissolved. Once the paste has thickened, gently heat in a microwave for approximately 10 seconds. Apply it to the affected area and allow setting for approx. 1hour. Then peel it away and the dirt and oil will come with it.

MASKS- There are hundreds of DIY masks that come straight from your fridge and cupboard that are miracle remedies. I have chosen some from celebrity facialist’s and these have a proven track record and multiple benefits.

  1. Egg whites-this mask tightens pores, firms and reduces blackheads, making it and the best all round deep cleanser. It is less likely to dry the skin out and it is packed full of nutrients. Just layer them onto your face then place a facial tissue on top and press down and allow to dry. Repeat this 3 times layering the egg whites and the tissues.
  2. Goat’s kefir mask- mix ½ cup of goats kefir with 2 tbsp honey and blend well. Apply all over your face. Allow to sit for 20 minutes and remove with a warm washcloth. This mask dissolves dead skin cells and the honey provides moisture and eliminates bacteria. Leaving you soft and dewy.
  3. Bentonite Clay mask- is under $10. Mix this with a few drops of essential oils, honey and small amount of warm water. Leave for 10 minutes. Brilliant at detoxifying.

MOISTURIZER-There is a difference between dry skin and dehydrated skin. Dehydrated skin needs water, dry needs oil. Coconut oil is boss in this department. Studies show the fatty acids in coconut oil are 15 times more effective than benzoyl peroxide for acne. It’s gentle and doesn’t disrupt the skins PH levels. Coconut oil is packed full antioxidants, vitamin E and ferulic acid so say bye bye to wrinkles and age spots.

  1. So try mixing some Virgin coconut oil with some lemon juice to brighten and moisturize your complexion.
  2. Whip a small amount of coconut oil into your current moisturizer for added benefits instead of purchasing a night cream. This works like a dream for long haul flights also.
  3. A few drops of essential oils into your whip has a multitude of benefits including mood altering and heal some skin issues.
  • Normal skin-try lavender, peppermint, rose, ylang ylang or neroli
  • Combination-Lavender, geranium or bergamot
  • Dry and aging-Rose hip oil-helps acne, dermatitis, eczema and scarring. Sandalwood or rose are great options also
  • Oily– Ylang Ylang, frankincense and lemon help balance out sebum.
  • Sensitive-Rose has soothing and calming benefits or chamomile.