Facials are relaxing and luxurious and they make your skin glow. So whether you are looking for a way to destress this Friday, or you would simply like to present your skin with a pick-me-up before winter starts, this article was written just for you. 

So don your cosy bathrobe and put on some soothing music – here are some tips to re-create your favourite skincare routine at home, along with some DIY face mask recipes.

1. Cleanser

Begin your at-home facial by cleansing your skin. 

Make sure that all makeup is removed thoroughly and your skin is squeaky clean. For this step, you can use a butter or oil-based makeup remover. Take your time and massage the cleanser gently into your skin – do not forget your hairline, neck, and the corners of your nose. 

By massaging your face gently, you will be increasing blood flow, along with removing any traces of makeup or product buildup. Remove any residue with a damp, warm face cloth or muslin. 

You can take this a step further by double cleansing your skin. Use a milky cleansing balm after you are done with your butter or oil-based cleanser. Massage into your face and again, remove any residue with a damp, warm cloth or muslin. 

2. Exfoliator

After you are done cleaning the surface of your skin, you need to gently exfoliate it to remove any dead skin cells from its surface.

A buildup of these cells will cause congestion – leading to pimples, comedones or blackheads. Exfoliation is super important, as it allows the products that will follow to penetrate your skin more effectively. If you are going to use a textured exfoliator, make sure that you do not apply too much pressure – exfoliate your skin in a delicate manner to avoid causing any damage.  

Remove any residue again using a warm face cloth or muslin. 

If you do not have an exfoliator at hand, you can go the DIY way with the recipe below. 

2.1. Exfoliator Recipe 

• 1 tsp cane sugar 
• 2 drops of water 
• 1-2 drops essential oil (optional)

Combine all ingredients in a bowl and gently scrub your face using your fingertips. 

3. Toner

After you are done exfoliating, give your skin a sweep-over with a toner using cotton wool. A quick application of this magical liquid will give a noticeable difference. Even though toners are generally used as the last step in most beauty regimens, they can be used to remove excess oils and reduce pore size. 

This means that a swift application will help prep your skin for the next step. 

If you do not have toner at home, you can use rose water, witch hazel or green tea. 

4. Serum

Serums are like super strong secret weapons that can transform your skin from drab to fab in seconds. 

These magical water or oil-based liquids can present your skin with much-needed nutrients. Moreover, they are designed to address a number of skin problems. You can find a list of stores that can present you with specialised facial serums here. If you would like to go the natural way, you can make your own serum by mixing aloe vera gel with a drop of essential oil. Popular choices include lavender, geranium or tea tree.

5. Mask 

Whether you are yearning for a dewy complexion, clear skin or a quick moisture boost, applying a face mask is the way to go. If you do not like getting your hands dirty, you can opt for a simple yet nourishing plain honey mask. All you would need for this is 2-3 teaspoons of honey applied to your face using clean fingertips. Leave it on for 10 to 20 minutes and wash off with warm water, remove any residue using a warm face cloth or muslin. 

5.1 Hydrating Lemon & Honey Mask

• 1 tbsp honey
• ½  tsp cinnamon
• Few drops of fresh lemon juice

Warm the honey for just a few seconds in your microwave. Mix in the cinnamon and lemon. Apply the mixture to your face and leave on for 15-20 minutes.

Remove any residue using a warm face cloth or muslin.

5.2 Moisturising Avocado Mask 

• ½ avocado
• 1 tbsp Greek yogurt 
• ½ tsp olive oil

Mash the avocado and mix in the rest of your ingredients. Apply to face and leave on for 10-20 minutes. Remove any residue using a warm face cloth or muslin.

5.3 Banana & Oatmeal Mask

• ½  cup hot (not boiling) water 
• ⅓  cup oats
• ½ banana

Combine water and oats. Leave to rest for 2-3 minutes. 

Mash banana and combine it with the rest of the mixture. Apply a thin layer to your face and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. 

Rinse with warm water and remove any residue using a warm face cloth or muslin. 

6. Moisturiser

After you're done with your mask, apply a creamy layer of moisturiser to lock in hydration. Apply the cream gently to your face and finish off with a relaxing face massage, applying light pressure to encourage lymphatic drainage. 

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