Even if you aren’t so much for making homemade beauty concoctions in your kitchen, these seven recipes are so easy—and effective—you’ll wonder why you haven’t already started a second career as a skin-care chef.
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One-Step Acne Spot-Treatment
Botanicals expert Alexandra Whitcombe, founder of Vendome Paris, says that for a quick and easy (and nicely scented) acne spot-treatment, dab a few drops of lavender oil on a pimple. “It helps reduce redness and inflammation.”
Hydrating Mask With Coconut Oil
Celebrity aesthetician Renée Rouleau and founder of the eponymous skin care line says all you need is one tablespoon of coconut oil, one tablespoon of honey, half a teaspoon of jojoba oil and four drops of German chamomile to make a super hydrating mask. Her step-by-step and the science behind it:
“Mix these ingredients together in a bowl and apply all over your face to clean skin. Let it absorb for 20 minutes and rinse off well. Follow with a moisturizer for your skin type,” she says. “Coconut oil is very hydrating and anti-inflammatory; it is gentle on skin and helps it retain its moisture content. Honey is antibacterial and rich in antioxidants. It’s also extremely soothing and moisturizing to skin. Jojoba oil is lipid-rich so it keeps skin moisturized—it also helps repair the skin’s protective barrier to help keep skin strong and less resistant to injury. German chamomile nourishes and restores a healthy skin-oil balance.”
The Puffy-Eye Fix
Another chamomile-charged recipe, Whitcombe suggests wetting two chamomile tea bags in cold water and letting them sit in the refrigerator for five to 10 minutes. “Take them out and place over your eyes for 20–30 minutes to reduce puffiness.”
Floral Face Mask
For a quick anti-aging fix, Whitcombe suggests combining cleaned marigold petals with honey and milk for a soothing DIY facemask. “This mixture helps plump up thinning and aging skin.”
Nutmeg + Milk Evening Exfoliating Mask
Rouleau says to combine a ½ tablespoon of ground nutmeg and 1 tablespoon of milk in a small bowl, stirring well. Apply mask to a freshly washed, makeup-free face and massage the mixture into your skin in small circles. (You can also use it on your décolleté as well.) Leave mask on for five to 10 minutes. Rinse well with warm water and pat dry using facial sponges or a baby washcloth. Apply evening moisturizer. “Nutmeg has natural antibacterial and calming properties so it’s good for healing sensitivity,” Rouleau says. “Whole milk offers natural exfoliating, hydrating and soothing properties.”
Skin-Toning Facial Spray
To help with hydration, Whitcombe suggests infusing water with rose petals and lemon juice to use as a facial mist or skin toner.
Mint Chocolate Coffee Lip Scrub
Get your lips spring-ready with this invigorating DIY lip scrub from celebrity aesthetician Mandy Epley.
Mix:
1/2 t coffee grounds
2 T sugar
1 T castor oil
1/2 t cocoa
2 drops of peppermint oil extract
Can apply with fingers, or for extra lip care, use a toothbrush.