4 Quick DIY Face Masks That Will Save You Time

There are only so many times we can go to the salon to pamper ourselves. It is not only time consuming, but it also leaves a dent in our wallets. There is also the issue of hygiene. No matter how much cleaner and eco-friendly the salon promises to be, there’s still a chance that someone may be careless. After all, nobody can be as conscious about your skin as you, yourself. Not to mention, repeated exposure to chemicals and bleaching agents can be extremely harmful to your delicate skin.

For working moms or students, such as me, time is the biggest restraint. After working 5 days a week, there’s nothing anyone would like more than to go sit in a salon and let the magic happen. However, the reality of the situation is that there is so much other work piled up for the weekend that one hardly ever finds the time. In such conditions, our skin undoubtedly gets the worst of it. Premature aging, dullness, fine lines and breakouts are just a few things that come from working or travelling in the heat and pollution. For this reason I have come up with four easy DIY masks that can be easily made at home. These can be applied while replying to emails or taking an afternoon nap. With their help, you can bring back the glow and silkiness to your skin.

1. Aloe-Rose water-Lemon Mask

This mask is great for pigmentation caused by excessive sun exposure. The lemon in it contains bleaching properties while the aloe and rose water soothes the skin and makes it fresh. All you’ll need is:

• 3 cups of aloe gel, preferably fresh from the plant
• 4 Tbsp of rose water
• Juice from one entire lemon

Blend these ingredients together, store in a container and refrigerate. Dip a cotton ball in the mixture and apply it over night all over your face and neck. It can also be used anywhere on the body.

2. Orange peel and Milk Mask

This is something my mother used to put on her face come winter, also known as the season of oranges. Orange peels contain an abundance of vitamin C, which helps tighten the skin and eliminate toxins. The milk in it counteracts the drying properties of the orange and make for a suitable anti-aging mask. All you need is:

• Orange peels as per requirement
• 2 to 3 Tbsp of milk

Grind the orange peels just enough to create a lumpy paste like mixture. Add milk to it and let it sit for about an hour. Apply the mask on your face using a cotton ball for about an hour.

3. Turmeric-Honey-Lemon Mask

This mask is great for a bride-to-be or anyone looking for an instant glowing skin. Turmeric has been a cultural go-to when it comes to skin care. It helps get rid of acne, makes the skin fairer and has anti aging properties. Honey was used by Cleopatra for silky smooth skin. Together, this mask beats anything a salon could offer at such short notice. You’ll need:

• 2 Tbsp of honey
• 1 teaspoon of turmeric
• 3-4 drops of lemon

Mix all the ingredients together and apply on the face with a brush. Leave this on for 15-20 minutes and let the magic happen.

4. Green tea-Cucumber-Lemon Scrub

Our skin needs to be exfoliated regularly to prevent the accumulation of dead cells and other pollutants in the environment. A non exfoliated skin looks dull, dry and aged. This homemade scrub is all natural without any chemicals and gentle enough for regular use. For this you’ll need:

• 2 green tea bags
• Half of a small cucumber
• 1 lemon

Add the tea bags in one cup on warm water. Wait till it diffuses and then refrigerate for a couple of hours. Blend the cucumber and add juice from an entire lemon to it. Now take out the green tea from the fridge and drain half of the water. Add this water to the cucumber mixture. Now rip open the two used tea bags and add the tea to the prepared mix. Refrigerate for a couple more hours. This can be applied over the face and neck. Massage onto the skin using circular motions and feel young and fresh.