If you know me well enough, you’ll know that I love using face masks, especially on weekends – they’re like a quick indulgence for the skin. Sometimes I even like to make my own homemade face masks full of all-natural beauty goodness. So here are 5 of my favorite homemade face mask recipes for you to try!

Oatmeal Face Mask Recipe (Acne prone, oily skin)

Some of you may think of oatmeal as that super-healthy but bland and slimy thing you eat for breakfast (unless you add lots of condensed milk and sugar). However, oatmeal is known to be a soothing natural remedy for acne, eczema, and other skin irritations. What’s more, oatmeal’s natural texture lends it to being a gentle facial scrub as well. However, to create an oatmeal face mask, please use natural unsweetened oatmeal – not instant oatmeal!

1. Cook half a cup of oatmeal in water, just as you would for eating, and then let cool (shortcut: microwave the oatmeal in water for 30 seconds).
2. If you have oily skin, mix the oatmeal with half a cup of natural plain yogurt.
3. If you have dry skin, mix the oatmeal with a quarter cup of honey, preferably cloudy unprocessed honey.
4. Spread it over your face and enjoy for 20 minutes! Then, when washing off the mask, use it as an exfoliating oatmeal scrub.

Collagen Face Mask Recipe (dull skin)

First off, let me state very clearly that collagen cannot be in any way absorbed directly through the skin or through ingestion. However, certain substances can stimulate the production of collagen or help you get firmer, supple skin. So for this firming “collagen face mask”, we’ll be using foods high in Vitamin A and C. Vitamin A is the source of retinol, which is essential for skin cells, and Vitamin C is a key ingredient in the synthesis of collagen (in addition to being a powerful antioxidant).

1. Blend half a guava (rich in Vitamin C) together with half a cup of raw carrot (rich in Vitamin A). Add water to thicken.
2. Add 1 teaspoon of lemon juice and honey for a nice thick consistency.
3. Mask your face with the mixture for 15-20 minutes, then wash. Do not leave it on too long or your face will turn orange!

Avocado Face Mask Recipe (dry skin)

Avocados are amazing fruits. Not only do they lower blood cholesterol levels and potentially prevent some cancers, avocado oil is rich in vitamins A, D, and E, and hydrocarbons. This buttery moisturizing avocado face mask recipe is perfect for those with dry skin.

1. Scoop out the flesh from an avocado, making sure to also include the green pulp attached to the avocado peel.
2. Mash the avocado. Add 1 teaspoon of honey and some milk.
3. Apply the mask mixture to your face and leave on for 10 minutes. Wash off thoroughly.

Egg White & Honey Face Mask Recipe (pore tightening, whitening)

Egg whites can provide a temporary tightening and lifting effect to the skin, and also help to whiten the skin naturally. However, egg white can be rather drying so I usually add some honey to soften my skin. This is probably the easiest and cheapest mask to do!

1. Crack open an egg and separate the egg white from the egg yolk.
2. Add 1 tablespoon of honey and beat the mixture well with a fork.
3. Apply onto the face and leave on for 15 minutes or until dry. Then wash off and (this is a must) apply moisturizer.

Tea Tree and Neem Acne Face Mask Recipe (acne prone skin)

Tea tree oil is famous for being a natural remedy for acne, in addition to having antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiseptic qualities. Neem oil, on the other hand, contains Vitamin E and fatty acids and has anti-inflammatory properties that make it suitable for treating skin irritations. This mask is a little tedious to make but if you have troubled skin, it will feel so good.

1. Add 1 drop each of tea tree essential oil and neem oil to 2 teaspoons of any cosmetic clay powder (French Green Clay recommended).
2. Add water or green tea to create a smooth, spreadable paste.
3. Apply to face evenly and leave on to dry for 15-20 minutes.
4. Wash off thoroughly with warm water, tone, and moisturize!

For all the homemade face masks above, you can vary the quantity of the ingredients to create the amount or consistency of your preference.