Face masks to suit your skin type

When it comes to having a night in I am a total cliché. I put on my pjs, pull out my blanket and watch the latest chick flick. Yeah I know, I’m pretty wild. But while I rot my insides with popcorn and chocolate, at least I can say that I do something for my outside at the same time. Yep, the cliché continues as I tie my hair back and pop on a face mask.

Bought or homemade, I just love the way my skin feels after a good, hydrating mask. Considering my usual skin care routine involves removing my make-up and maybe moisturising, I also like the fact that I can treat my skin every now and then to a little extra care. So if you feel you and your skin need a treat this weekend, read on to find your favourite face mask.

Dry Skin

Avocado & Honey Mask

Avocado and honey are great for dry skin as both ingredients are moisturising and hydrating. This recipe is particularly good for winter and repairing any wind damage.

Ingredients

½ avocado (make sure it’s quite ripe & soft)

¼ cup of honey

Method

Using a fork, mash up the avocado in a bowl and then stir in the honey. Apply evenly over your face and leave for at least 10 minutes (hydrating masks can generally be left as long as you like). Rinse off with water.  

Oily Skin

QV Purifying Mask

This mask has a clay base, which is great for oily skin. The ingredients work so it only removes excess oil and your skin is still left smooth and hydrated. If you’ve had trouble with clay masks in the past, this one is a game-changer.

Combination Skin

Combination skin is a tricky one as different parts of your skin have different needs. So instead of wasting money on a face mask that’s only going to be used on parts of your skin, why not make your own.

Yeast Mask

Ingredients:

1 teaspoon of Brewer’s Yeast
2 tablespoons plain yoghurt

Method:

Combine the yeast and yoghurt in a bowl. Place the mixture on the oily parts of your face. Leave for 15 minutes and then rinse with warm water.

Sensitive Skin

Dermalogica Skin Hydrating Mask

If you have sensitive skin then I’d advice you to steer clear of homemade recipes and stick with the experts. This mask will restore moisture and repair any damage using calming botanical extracts.

Dull skin

Coffee & cocoa mask

You use coffee to wake up in the mornings so why not use it to wake up your skin? This coffee and cocoa mask is a great way to brighten skin and can also reduce puffiness. WARNING: It smells really good, but trust me you really shouldn’t eat it.

Ingredients:

4 Tbsp. ground coffee beans or instant coffee
4 Tbsp. Cocoa powder
8 Tbsp. Full fat greek yoghurt

Method:

Mix coffee and cocoa in a bowl. Add yoghurt and mix until a paste forms. Apply evenly to your clean face. Leave until dry. To remove, loosen the mask with a wet washcloth and then rinse with warm water.

Top tip: Make sure you do a patch test with all masks before applying to your face. If you’re going to have a reaction you don’t want it all over your face!

Do you like to use face masks? What’s your favourite ingredient in homemade recipes?