DIY: make your kitchen your own beauty spa

We all like our skincare products, be it going in store to buy them or having a mini second Christmas when they arrive in the mail from the websites. Sometimes, however, it’s just not possible to buy new products in, either we can’t afford them, can’t get to the shop or don’t want to splurge on something we will only use once. This is when we can turn to our kitchens for our products with the aid of a little DIY know-how.

Raspberry Face Mask – exfoliates and tightens the skin

2 tsp kaolin clay
2 tsp ground oats
Small handful of raspberries
Water, if needed

Mash the berries in a cup or bowl using a fork until they are all broken down and pretty much smooth. Mix in the clay and oats, and stir until it forms a good face mask. Use a little water if needed, or some more oats if the mix is too wet.

Spread the mask across your face and leave for 15-20 minutes. Wash off and dry your face. 

Dry Skin Egg Moisturiser – for dry skin

1 egg

Simply separate the yolk from the white, discard the white and beat the yolk. Spread it on your face and leave for about half an hour before rinsing clean. Easy.

Glowing Banana Face Mask

1 banana
2 tbsp honey
60ml plain yoghurt

Mash up the banana into a paste and blend in the honey and yoghurt. When you have a well-mixed paste simply apply it to your skin, leave for ten minutes and rinse off. Bananas are amazing for the skin thanks to the potassium packed inside, so this mask is great for all skin types and for those who want to give themselves a bit of a boost.

You can also use the banana skins on your shoes to give them a great shine!

Cucumber Toner 

1 cucumber
2 tbsp distilled or purified water

Peel, de-seed and cube the cucumber and put in a blender with the water. Pulse until the mix forms a thick pulp. Strain the pulp, catching the liquid that falls from it in a bowl. You can use your toner for up to three days if you keep it in the fridge. Simply wipe around the face on a piece of cotton wool as you would any other toner.

Indra Wignall

Do not attempt these recipes if you are allergic to any of the ingredients.