So, I am going to do a few posts on things you can make yourself and save few bucks. This one is on facials. Even though you may not have as much money as you did before or you are trying to save some money we still must treat ourselves. So, I give myself a facial here and there. I aim for at least once a week (child and chores permitting ). And, make sure your face is clean and without make-up before you apply one. I usually give my face a quick wash before I apply it. I do 3 really basic facials: an Exfoliator, a Honey Mask, and an Avocado Mask.

Sugar Exfoliator:

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons olive oil

It makes a nice paste when you mix them together. Then you apply to the face and neck. It gives a nice deep scrub. After I exfoliate I rinse it off. If my skin is not too dry at the time, I sometimes use a little face wash to wash off the excess olive oil. It is very moisturizing. I like doing this exfoliator in the shower.

Honey Yogurt Mask:

• 1 tablespoon yogurt
• 1 teaspoon honey (honey & lemon…for your specific use)

So, I put the honey in the microwave for a few seconds to make it warm. I think warm it gives a very soothing mask. Now, if you have acne issues you may want to add a squeeze or two of lemon. Lemon is said to help keep acne at bay and even lighten acne scars. If you have dry skin you may want to add a bit more honey. Honey is said to be a good moisturizer. I do that especially in the winter…my skin is SO dry during the winter. A note about yogurt: I would not use flavored yogurts. I use plain yogurt. So, I mix all this together then liberally apply to my face. Depending upon the time frame I have I leave it on for between 5 and 15 minutes.

Avocado Mask:

• ¼ to ½ of an avocado mashed

This is a great moisturizing mask too! It is super simple and easy. All you do is mash the avocado and apply to your face. I would let it sit for 5 to 15 minutes. Then rinse it off.

Face Steaming:
My mother would always do steam facials. And, I have to say she has GREAT skin! This type of facial is a nice and easy way to clean your skin and clear away blackheads and other pimples. There are two ways I have done it. But, I will give you the safest way.

Things you would need…

• Boiling water
• Mixing bowl
• Towel
• Note: Put hair up to keep out of face

So, you bring a pot of water to a boil. Then get a mixing bowl. Pour the boiling water into the mixing bowl. Lean over the mixing bowl so the steam is hitting your face. Then place a towel over your head to create a tent. This keeps the steam going only to your face. I would make sure your face is about 10 inches to a foot away from the bowl. I would stay in the position for about 10 minutes with my eyes closed. So you should probably find a comfy place to do this facial because you will be in that position for a bit. After you steam your face you can easily pop pimples or extract (as the fancy folks like to say). But, I do wash my face after steaming to get the last but of dirt from my skin and the cooler water helps close your pores back up.

This post is by Talia at http://backtobasics-talia.com. Talia can be contacted by e-mailing her at talia@backtobasics-talia.com.