How to Make Homemade Facials

Why a Homemade Facial?

That's not the winter wind you hear howling. It's your skin. And who can blame it? Harsh weather outside and dry heat indoors are enough to get even the most low-maintenance complexion worked up. Quiet it with these three simple DIY facial treatments. Each is made with easy-to-find ingredients, and costs a lot less than the potions your local spa and high-end department store want to sell you. So carve out an hour, wrap yourself in some Jack Johnson jams and a soft terrycloth robe, and let the pampering begin.

Oil of Olé

This guac-inspired moisturizer is suitable for even sensitive skin.

Gather:

• 2 tablespoons of fresh avocado, mashed
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 teaspoon plain full-fat yogurt
• Green tea
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice

1. Combine ingredients in a bowl. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.

2. While you're waiting for the mixture to chill, clean your face with a soap-free cleansing wash. Make two mugs of green tea and put an ice cube or two in one of them.

3. Smear a thin layer of the chilled mask on your face, avoiding your eyes. Sit back, relax for 10 or 15 minutes, and sip the warm tea.

4. Rinse with lukewarm water. Slowly splash your face with the cooled tea, then rinse with water again. Powerful antioxidants in tea help skin stay healthy.

Note: Don't use black tea; it will stain your skin.

Lori Foy[+]

Fruit Face

The fruit acids in this mask gently exfoliate, stripping away dry, dead skin cells to reveal a fresher complexion.

Gather:

• 1 ripe peach, peeled and pitted
• 1 teaspoon brandy
• Sprinkle of cornstarch

1. Mash together the peach and brandy in a bowl. Add just enough cornstarch to make a paste.

2. Smooth over your face, steering clear of lips and eyes. Sit back and relax. Feel free to sip on any extra brandy.

3. Rinse with lukewarm water after 20 minutes. (Don't leave the mask on any longer; it will irritate skin.)

Lori Foy[+]

Bran Scruffin'

The bran and sugar in this scrub scour away dry skin, immediately improving your face's appearance.

Gather:

• 1 tablespoon plain yogurt
• 1 teaspoon brewer's yeast
• 1 teaspoon finely ground bran
• 1 teaspoon sugar

1. Thoroughly mix all ingredients.

2. Immediately massage the scrub into your skin with your fingertips before the sugar has a chance to dissolve.

3. Rinse with lukewarm water.

Lori Foy[+]