Facial Care Tips from Affordably Beautiful

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. 

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 will absorb into your skin.

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

• Start with a cleanser. Pick your favorite brand. 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. 

• Next, make your own gentle facial scrub or use Affordably Beautiful Natural Facial Scrub (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. Rinse at the sink using hands or a wash cloth to assist in removal of product.

• 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 to apply.

• 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.

• 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. 

• Next, use a cotton ball or cotton pad lightly soaked in Affordably Beautiful toner 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. 

• 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. 

DIY Scrubs 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 Mask

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!)