Masks are an easy way to replenish the moisture in your face or get rid of dullness. Apply a homemade mask and forget about it while doing other chores around the house or watching TV in the evening. After a while, wash it off and you’ll have a glow and a great feeling that will make you want to do it again and again.

Nourish and rejuvenate your skin with these 12 DIY moisturizing face masks.

Activated Charcoal Face Mask

Charcoal may look messy, but it does an amazing job of purifying pores.

This mask recipe can help remove impurities like dirt, dead skin, and oil that cause blackheads. It uses bentonite clay, which is believed to be good for absorbing toxins, heavy metals, impurities, and unwanted chemicals from the skin.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt2 capsules food-grade activated charcoal1/4 teaspoon bentonite clayRose water

Steps

  • Break open the charcoal capsules and place them in a non-metallic bowl. Add the yogurt and bentonite clay and mix with a wooden or ceramic spoon. Because activated charcoal and bentonite clay draw out impurities and toxins, it’s important to use non-metallic mixing materials to avoid contamination. Apply to a clean face using your fingers, avoiding delicate eye and lip areas. Leave on for 5 to 7 minutes before rinsing with warm water. Pat dry with a clean towel.

Honey and Rose Yogurt Face Mask

The mild lactic acid and probiotics in yogurt cleanse and stimulate the skin, leaving it clean, firm, and bright. The addition of antibacterial honey keeps your skin healthy and glowing.  

  • 6-7 fresh rose petals2 tablespoons rose water1 tablespoon plain yogurt1 teaspoon honey

  • Crush rose petals in a bowl and add rose water, yogurt, and honey and mix well. Apply to the skin and leave it for 10 minutes, then rinse with cool water.

Olive Oil, Milk, and Besan Mask

Besan, also known as gram flour, is known for its oil absorption properties. Olive oil replenishes the oil in the skin, and the lactic acid in milk tightens and smooths the skin. 

  • 1 teaspoon besan4-5 drops extra virgin olive oil1 tablespoon full fat milk

  • Mix besan and oil. Add a small amount of milk, a few drops at a time, until a paste is formed. Apply to a clean, dry face. Leave for 10 to 15 minutes, and wash off with cool water or milk.

Turmeric Lemon Mask

Combining the bright orange spice turmeric with lemon juice makes for a potent mixture of ingredients that can help fight hyperpigmentation while bringing out the brightness in your skin.

Toss in a little bit of honey for its antibacterial properties, and you’ve got a beautiful face mask ready to help bring out the best in your skin.

  • 1 tablespoon fresh turmeric or turmeric powder1 tablespoon lemon juice1 tablespoon of honey Water

  • Mix the first three ingredients and check for a paste-like consistency. Add water, a few drops at a time, until a paste forms. Using a wooden applicator like a popsicle stick or tongue depressor to protect your fingers from staining, spot apply the paste to areas of your face with hyperpigmentation. Let the paste sit for 3-5 minutes before rinsing with cool water.

Moisturizing Avocado Mask

We know that avocados aren’t just for toast. But did you know that the fatty acids and vitamins in avocado are actually amazing for your skin?

Try out this super easy recipe that combines a ripe avocado with exfoliating oats and the protective properties of honey, and you’ll be glad you didn’t eat your avocado for breakfast. 

  • 1/4 ripe avocado1 tablespoon rolled oats1 tablespoon honey

  • In a small bowl, mash the avocado until smooth. Add the oats and honey, then mix ingredients until they are blended together. Apply the mask for 10 minutes, then rinse with cool water.

Buttermilk Yogurt Glow Mask

The lactic acid found in both yogurt and buttermilk is an awesome exfoliant that can help reveal brighter, smoother skin. Add in their hydrating properties and this mask will lead to firmer-looking skin with a natural glow.

  • 1/4 cup full-fat buttermilk1 tablespoon plain yogurt

  • Combine the ingredients and mix until creamy. Apply the mask evenly to your entire face and allow it to sit for up to 2 hours. Rinse thoroughly with cool water.

Papaya Aloe Mask for Sensitive Skin

The exfoliating enzymes in papaya will help slough away the dead skin cells that are leaving your complexion looking dull. By adding aloe vera, which is filled with soothing vitamins and hydrating power, this mask will do the trick without irritating sensitive skin. Finishing it off with a little bit of cacao powder will help get your skin’s circulation going and boost the glow.  

  • 1 cup mashed papaya1 tablespoon cacao powder1 teaspoon aloe vera gel

How to Apply

  • Whip up the ingredients in a small bowl until smooth.Apply generously to your face. After 10 minutes, rinse off the mask using cool water and pat dry for glowing results.

Honey Lemon Pore-Minimizing Mask

The astringent properties of lemon juice and egg white can help make the skin firmer and shrink the appearance of enlarged pores. A touch of honey helps to keep your skin from feeling too tight while supplying just the right amount of moisture. 

  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice1/2 teaspoon honey1 egg white

  • Whisk together the ingredients until you get a smooth mixture. Carefully apply to face, as the mask may be a little runny. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes, or until it is completely dry. Rinse off with cool water.

Coconut Calming Face Mask

Soothing ingredients like coconut oil and avocado will moisturize the skin, while the antioxidants in honey will help add an essential layer of protection.

The calming scent of lavender will make you feel like you’re having a spa day from the comfort of home. 

  • 1 teaspoon coconut oil1 teaspoon honey1 ripe avocado2-3 drops of lavender essential oil

  • Mix all ingredients together in a small bowl until evenly blended. Apply the mask to your face and leave it on for 15-20 minutes. Rinse well with cool water.

Cinnamon Honey Redness-Reducing Face Mask

Honey is a known irritation-fighter, while lemon juice and cinnamon team up to add astringent benefits to this deliciously simple face mask.

Resist the urge to taste-test this sweet recipe, and instead, use it on skin that struggles with redness and irritation.

  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice2 tablespoons honey1 teaspoon cinnamon

  • Blend these yummy ingredients completelyApply to your face. The mixture might be a little runny at first, but give it a few minutes to set completely. Let it sit for 15 minutes. Rinse off the mask using cool water. Gently pat to dry.

Brown Sugar Exfoliating Face Mask

The natural glycolic acid in brown sugar helps rid your skin of old cells that leave it looking and feeling dull and rough.

Applying the mask using light circular motions helps add some extra power to its exfoliating effects. The coconut oil keeps your skin supple and hydrated, so you’re left with incredibly smooth, bright-looking skin.

  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil2 tablespoons brown sugar

  • Stir the brown sugar into slightly melted coconut oil.Apply directly to your face, using a gentle, circular motion. Leave the mask on for 10-15 minutes.Rinse with lukewarm water. Pat your face gently to dry.

Matcha Green Tea Face Mask

If you’ve got oily skin, this face mask is the one to try. Bentonite clay and matcha help absorb excess oil while milk, honey, and aloe vera gel help to calm, moisturize, and nourish your skin.

  • 1 tablespoon bentonite clay1 teaspoon matcha powder1 teaspoon honey1 tablespoon full-fat milk

  • In a small mixing bowl, stir the ingredients together until they are thoroughly combined. Apply to your face in an even layer and let the mask sit for 15 minutes. Rinse with cool water and pat to dry.

Trying out new combinations of ingredients for DIY face masks can be a fun way to improve your skin care routine without breaking your budget or putting unwanted chemicals on your face. Be sure to always mix ingredients together as instructed, since some ingredients like cinnamon and lemon juice may be irritating or make skin more sensitive to sunlight when applied by themselves. 

Always use fresh, organic ingredients if possible, and avoid adding anything that’s past its expiration date. Use your fresh face mask immediately and toss out whatever is leftover.