Facial Care Tips from Your Pro

Here is a simple step-by-step tutorial for doing an at-home facial. All you need are a handful of products, which you already own, or can make yourself!

Before you begin: dampen a couple of wash cloths or hand towels, fold in half or into thirds depending on the size you’re using, and roll them up. Place the rolled towels onto a microwave-safe plate and heat them in the microwave for 30 second integrals, turning them over periodically, until they are hot to the touch. Remove the plate from the microwave and place a dry towel over top to help keep in the heat. Have these rolled towels handy wherever you plan to carry out your facial.

You may also choose to steep two chamomile tea bags as you prepare the towels, which you can then drain and use during the mask step of your facial. See below.

If you own a fan brush or a foundation brush, be sure to wash this thoroughly before beginning so you can use it to apply product to your face. It does not need to be fully dry to use during your facial. No brush? No problem! Fingertips work just fine!

One more thing: Remove makeup before washing your face so that your skin has no barrier between it and all of the wonderful ingredients in your cleanser. You can choose to use micellar water, a makeup melting balm, a microfiber cloth, or even a plant-based oil and a wash cloth to break down your makeup and remove it from the skin.

Now with everything prepped, it’s time to begin!

Start with a cleanser. Pick your favorite, or if you have multiple products from the same brand, try and stick with those as they will work together more effectively than using products from several different lines. Dampen your face at the sink, and if your product lathers, dispense about a nickel-size of it into the palm of your hand and lather it lightly. Massage the cleanser into your skin for 90 seconds, taking it down your neck about a third of the way to reduce dripping. Rinse with water at the sink, and pat dry with a hand towel.
Optional: use a cotton ball or cotton pad lightly soaked in toner or witch hazel to balance the pH of your skin and prepare it for optimal absorption of products. Sweep the cotton ball all over the face and neck, and then pat the product into the skin with your fingertips.
Next, make your own gentle facial scrub or use your favorite facial exfoliating product. (For a bonus recipe on DIY facial scrub, see below!) Dispense another nickel-size amount of product onto your fingertips, rub your fingers lightly together to distribute onto both hands, and then massage the exfoliant into the skin for two minutes, taking it down the neck about a third of the way to make clean up easier. Use gentle, circular motions, starting at the forehead and working your way down the face and neck. This is a great time to sing along to your favorite song as you scrub, and those two minutes will fly by! Rinse at the sink using hands or a wash cloth to assist in removal of product.
Optional: use a cotton ball or cotton pad lightly soaked in toner or witch hazel to balance the pH of your skin and prepare it for optimal absorption of products. Sweep the cotton ball all over the face and neck, and then pat the product into the skin with your fingertips.
Next, select the facial mask of your choice or check out our suggested recipes below for using your own DIY mask! If using a sheet mask, follow the instructions on the back of the packet. If using a loose mask, use your fingertips or a fan brush or foundation brush to apply. Pro Tip: apply your mask to one half of your face at a time, beginning at the forehead and working your way down to the neck. This application technique will ensure more even coverage of your mask.
Once you are satisfied with your mask coverage, you will then take one of your steamed towels, unfold it and test its temperature on your wrist, making sure it’s not too hot. Drape the warm towel over your face while you sit back and relax for 10 minutes. The warm towel will not only help open pores so they receive all the benefits of the mask, but it will also help to keep the mask soft so it’s easier to remove. Pro Tip: Use your two tea bags and place them over your eyes (and underneath the warm towel) as you let the mask sit. This makes for a wonderfully soothing eye treatment!
After 10 minutes, remove the mask using the warm damp towels you prepared. If necessary, remove any stubborn bits of mask at the sink with water. Pat your skin dry using a dry hand towel.
Optional: use a cotton ball or cotton pad lightly soaked in toner or witch hazel to balance the pH of your skin and prepare it for optimal absorption of products. Sweep the cotton ball all over the face and neck, and then pat the product into the skin with your fingertips.
Optional: use a serum of your choice and apply a dime-sized amount all over the face and neck with light, sweeping motions. Pat the product into the skin with your fingertips until it is absorbed.
Finally, use a moisturizer of your choice and apply a nickel-sized amount all over the face and neck with gentle, circular motions. Pat the product into the skin with your fingertips until you feel it is well-absorbed.

Now that your skin is cleansed, exfoliated, purified, and moisturized – you’re ready to face the day with confidence! Enjoy a facial like this as often as once or twice a week, depending on your individual needs.

Pro Tip: with your skin in such great condition, skip the makeup for a day or two and savor the results for even longer. It’s the perfect time to let your skin breathe!

DIY Scrubs

Enzymatic Scrub (not for sensitive skin)

1/4 cup diced papaya (blended)
1 tsp pineapple juice (not sweetened)
1 tsp honey (raw, unfiltered is best)
2-3 tbsp of brown sugar

Brightening Scrub (not for sensitive skin)

2 tsp cocoa (not sweetened)
1 tbsp coffee grounds
2 tbsp plain yogurt

Hydrating Scrub

1 tbsp oatmeal (blended to a course powder)
1 tbsp plain yogurt
1 tbsp milk (acidophilus if on hand)
2 tsp almond oil (or coconut or jojoba)
1-2 tbsp brown or white sugar

DIY Face Masks

For All Skin Types to Achieve a Healthy Glow:

Mash one-half of a banana in a bowl.
Mix in a tablespoon of orange juice and a tablespoon of honey (raw or Manuka).
Apply the mask to your face (lumps are totally fine!)

Soothing and Skin-Tightening:

Combine one egg yolk, one tablespoon of honey, and one tablespoon of olive oil with half a cup of oatmeal.
Stir well, then apply it to your face.
Be sure your drain is protected from oatmeal drips!