DIY: Short and Sweet Facial

So we all know that a weekly, monthly or even yearly trip to a spa for what ever reason can be extremely expensive.  As I get older I am realizing that caring for my skin is JUST AS IMPORTANT as a hair or nail salon!  With that said, I gotta do what I can! I LOVE being pampered!
Not only does it feel good but taking the proper steps and time to deep cleanse your face limits aging, blemishes and helps your makeup look flawless.  Don't get me wrong, a clean face does not solve all problems!  Your diet as well as environment etc. play a huge role!  I just want to give everyone a couple of steps to follow on a weekly bases (besides daily cleaning) to help the appearance of your skin and make you feel groomed and beautiful. 

There are various types of facials as well as products that people swear by.  I will tell you that most of the products that are pictured can be purchased at your local drugstores.  This is something you should be confident about performing IN YOUR OWN BATHROOM BY YOURSELF!  While attending cosmetology school we worked with a product called Dermalogica which was great!  It's a professional product so you can imagine how much each would cost for a consumer.  With that said, I do like to purchase plant based, natural and organic products while at home.  Of course I buy other things, it's all about MODERATION (one of my favorite words!!)  There are also more complicated steps you can add but remember, this is a short and sweet facial that I like to perform on myself weekly. 

What you need: (Short and Sweet steps In Red)                           
                         1.)Towel       
                         2.)Water
                         3.)Cleanser
                         4.)Exfoliate
                         5.)Mask
                         6.)Moisturizer

First get in a relaxing mood, turn your music on, run a warm bath with essential oils, light a candle and take a sip of your cocktail. :-)  Or if you don't have time, at least try to get the door closed, :-) but if your kids are home running around, just skip this whole part and at least try to get the 4 steps done! haha :-)
                 
                         
STEP 1
Cleanse your skin like normal with your choice of soap.  I would also go a little further and cleanse the neck area as well.  If you wear heavy makeup try a make up remover or whatever you use to take it off first, then use soap to clean your face.  I just started using Gentle off eye and lip makeup remover from MAC (oil and water based)  For years people have been using baby oil! :-) 

RINSE

STEP 2
Exfoliate your skin gently with your choice of facial scrub.  Remember that the movement you apply

imitates a massage so try using upward circular motions starting at your neck and moving in towards your nose.  This lifts your skin up and helps limit sagging that NO ONE wants.  Don't have a "scrub"?, you could always use sugar, sea salt, or baking soda mixed with water. It will dissolve quickly so don't use too much water! Why exfoliate? To remove dead skin cells :-)

RINSE.... BONUS: STEAM:  Steaming will open pores more to extract more impurities. This is easily done in a hot shower or dipping a towel in hot water, ringing it out then placing over your face until it cools)

STEP 3
Apply the mask on your face using those same upward motions. Or apply it with a fan brush like you may see in the spa.  Clay based mask work well with oily skin and Gel or Cream based for dry skin. 

Homemade Recipes:

Oily Skin:  1/2 tsp lemon juice, 1 egg white, 1tsp honey
Sensitive Skin:  1 cup natural yogurt, 1/2 oatmeal
Dry Skin:  1/2 cup avocado, 1/4 cup honey (I have used this recipe before)
Combination:  1 rose, 1 tbsp rose water, 1 tbsp natural yogurt, 1 tbsp honey
         
*You can find many recipes online!!
While the mask is setting, add 2 cucumbers and you will really feel luxurious.  Why cucumbers? For years it has been known to reduce puffiness and dark circles :-) This is also a perfect time to get in the bath and relax!!  Leave the mask on for as long as directions call for, until dry, or really just your preference.  Why use a mask?  It pulls out the impurities, removes dead skin cells and brightens appearance of skin :-)  One time I let the mask sit on a blemish over night and the next day it was gone. (It was small but it worked)

RINSE WITH COOL WATER TO CLOSE PORES

BLOT YOUR SKIN DRY WITH A SOFT WOVEN TOWEL

STEP 4

Moisturize your face applying it in the exact same way (upward motion).  Don't have a "face moisturizer"? Lotion will do! I would try fragrance free since lotions with fragrance tend to have alcohol agents that tend to dry out the skin leaving it with none of your skins natural oil.

And this is how I take care of my skin on a weekly bases besides my daily cleanse.  You should try it to!! It might give you more confidence leaving the house with no make up and even make your makeup look better when you put it on.  Pamper yourself even in your own home.  Everyone needs to look and feel fabulous at all times!!  YOU DESERVE IT!!

- Facials and Cucumbers, Love Candy Girl :-*