Meet the Mask


It is most definitely not often enough I get around to doing a face mask. Every time I do, my skin feels so great I promise myself I'm going to make this a weekly thing. Truth be told, I get around to it every month or so.


At one point I was working on developing masks for sale, but the more I worked on the different ingredients and combinations, the more convinced I became that a freshly-made mask offers the best result by far.

I shall therefore pass on my experiences with masks, starting with how to make and apply a basic face mask.

Start with approx 2 tablespoons of the liquid (water, herbal infusion or hydrosol). Sprinkle the clay (or powdered seaweed as shown here) and allow it to sink in before stirring. Be patient and you shall be rewarded with no lumps!




As soon as all of the powder is absorbed, stir until you have a smooth paste. You may need to adjust the liquid/powder ratio slightly to get the desired texture. Then add any extra ingredients you may desire. With this particular seaweed mask, I add 4 drops of rosewood essential oil, then stir well.  Rosewood helps stimulate new cell growth and is sebum-balancing (great for very oily, very dry, or mature skin).
Before applying the mask, wash your face with a good cleanser, then lightly blot dry. Now your skin is ready for your mask.Use a smallish, natural bristle paint brush to apply to face and neck area. The texture of the paste should be thin enough to go on easily, yet thick enough to stick to the brush. 


Be sure to leave the area around your eyes and lips untouched. Ideally, you should lie down and relax for 15-20 minutes before rinsing off the mask. I usually end up running around doing other things (like scaring my family half to death with this green monster face!)


To remove: use plenty of water and gently massage the skin as you remove the mask. You may find it more comfortable to use a thoroughly moistened, natural sponge to help remove the mixture. Take your time and be gentle! After rinsing, blot your face dry, then apply a skin tonic or face mist. Finish with a good moisturizer and enjoy your replenished and revitalized skin!

Comments

kt679 said…
Lise - Is that you in the mask? There is something strangely attractive about that pic ;-D Maybe it's the green and red combo. Can I ask what a mask actually does? I have never done one. Also, where does one buy powdered seaweed or clay? Mail order ingredients or typical health food store (I realize you are working in different country here).
LisaLise said…
Yup, it's me (where else am I going to find a model for this kind of thing?). A mask can have several functions, depending on the ingredients. Basically, a mask helps to deep-cleanse, firm, revitalize, moisturize and feed your skin. If you have never tried one before, be sure and give yourself ample time (an hour from start to finish isn't too far off). I would suggest trying health food store for rhassoul clay (then you can try it on your hair instead of shampoo another day and see what you think). First time around there is no need to worry about adding extra ingredients-- just give it a try and see what you think of the whole thing. Promise to share your experience with us!
SkinnyB*tch said…
greetings Lisa:-) i love making mask fresh for each use, but i also like making a small batch to store in fridge for quicker applications... i normally use bentonite clay with aloe vera juice and a few plant extract powders... after storing in fridge or freezer sometimes i always notice beads of water on the lid that have dripped into the mask.... any idea where the water is coming from or how i can avoid this? its almost like condensation or something. appreciate any response you may have - thanks!
LisaLise said…
Hi SkinnyB*itch - you are absolutely right that it is condensation you are seeing as beads of water on the jar lid. There isn't a lot to be done about it I'm afraid- although you could try storing at a temp of around 12 degrees C where a normal fridge is about 5 degrees C.