5 easy DIY face masks you can make at home

When it comes to self-care, there’s not much like a hot bath, glass of wine, book in hand and a face mask. Homemade face masks are popular and so easy to whip up, and most of the ingredients are already in your kitchen cupboard! While some of these DIY face masks may resemble mushy baby food, don’t be alarmed – they still get the job done. The next time you feel like a fabulous pamper session, head to your kitchen and give one of these homemade masks a try.

1. DIY honey, cinnamon and lemon juice face mask

This mask is fabulous for targeting dark spots, melasma and hyperpigmentation. These three ingredients work together to target inflammation and dark spots. Honey is a natural antibacterial anti-inflammatory, so it will reduce any redness, swelling, or dark spots naturally. How to make it:

• 2tbsp of honey
• 1tsp lemon juice (if you have extremely dry skin, substitute with olive or almond oil)
• 1tsp cinnamon

Mix ingredients until smooth. Apply to face, avoiding the eyes, and rinse with warm water after 30 minutes. YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: DIY hair masks you can make at home

2. DIY oatmeal face mask

Oatmeal has long been used to hydrate the skin without clogging pores. Don’t we all remember our very first oatmeal mask from Yardley as teens? Oatmeal is a wonderful multifunctional ingredient that not only calms the skin, but can help eczema and psoriasis too. Dry and irritated skin will be gone with this quick and easy DIY face mask. How to make it:

• ½ cup raw oatmeal
• ½ cup water
• 1 large helping of plain yoghurt
• 1tbsp honey

Combine the oatmeal and water in a small saucepan (for the stove) or bowl (for the microwave) and cook for five minutes. Add the yoghurt and honey. Mix it all up and let it cool, but apply to your face while still warm to reap the most benefits. Relax and let it work its magic. Rinse after 15 minutes.

3. DIY brown sugar and coconut oil face mask

The benefits of this DIY face mask will astound you – and it only contains two ingredients! Brown sugar works double time as both a physical exfoliant and a chemical exfoliant because it’s a natural source of glycolic acid. Simply put, it will give you smooth, soft, glowing skin. And the addition of coconut oil gives you a potent surge of hydration, so your skin won’t dry out after exfoliating. Coconut oil also has wonderful antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties, it’s literally vitamins for the skin. How to make it:

• 2tbsp of brown sugar
• 2tbsp of coconut oil

Mix sugar and oil and apply to skin for 10 to 15 minutes. Rinse off with warm water.

4. DIY Banana face mask

There’s no need for Botox or facial fillers when you have bananas lying around your kitchen. Bananas are rich in antioxidants that nourish and revitalise dry skin, while smoothing rough or ageing skin. If you have acne-prone or oily skin, you can use a banana face mask for oil control and to reduce further breakouts. How to make it:

• 1 ripe banana
• 1tsp lemon juice (if you have extremely dry skin, substitute with olive or almond oil)
• 1tsp honey

Mash the banana into a bowl and add the lemon juice and honey until it forms a smooth paste. Apply to face for 15 minutes and rinse off with warm water.

5. DIY coffee face mask

Who doesn’t love coffee? Personally, I’d be lost without it. But did you know that caffeine has been used in skincare for years already, and that the benefits are astounding? Coffee beans reduce inflammation and redness, while also lessening the appearance of under-eye circles. The grounds are a great exfoliator to remove dead skin cells for an instantly brighter complexion. How to make it:

• ½ cup ground coffee beans
• ½ cup cocoa powder
• 1 cup of milk (almond milk is a great substitute, too)
• 1tbsp lemon juice (if you have dry skin, substitute with olive or almond oil)
• 1tbsp of honey

Mix the coffee and cocoa powder in a bowl. Add the milk and stir until a paste is created. For a thicker paste, use less milk. Mix in the lemon juice and honey, and apply to your face. This mask sets and dries (this will take up to 20 minutes). Once the 20 minutes are up, rinse! Mandi Strimling is a South African-based journalist, blogger, social media influencer, and media personality. She owns the website, Rave Review, which has fast become South Africa’s favourite online accessory. Mandi is also a content creator, has an addiction to make-up, sports and has a soft spot for a good cheesecake.