Facial Mask Recipes to Fix the Biggest Skin Dilemmas: Freshen Up that Dull/Dry/Clogged/Exhausted Skin

Summer is almost here, and we all know what that means! Cool beaches, a warm sun, nice tanning, and cute swimsuits -- right? Guess again! Yep, I'm talking about the hassles that go along with all the other fun stuff in Summer, like taking care of your skin for example. Well, you wear sun-screen, don't you! But that's enough (and I'm sure you noticed that). Actually in some cases, sun-screen may harm your skin by clogging your pores. Of course, I'm not preaching against sun-screen (no one can!), but I'm going to start by suggesting that you find yourself a good oil-free sunscreen. Check out Coppertone's Oil-Free Lotion Spray for quick and easy application that will not clog your pores.

Additionally, get in the habit of treating your skin to a weekly facial, at home. The most important part of any facial is exfoliation. To get to the bright new skin cells, you have to get rid of the dead ones first. Piling products on top of dead skin cells will not do you any good; it's a waste of time, energy, and money. So step one, exfoliate. For a gentle scrub, I suggest Queen Helene Mint Julep Natural Facial Scrub, which you can buy from Drugstore.com or Sally's Beauty Supply. If you want to make your own scrub, put some sugar in your palm and slowly add small amounts of lemon juice until a paste forms. After you exfoliate, it's good to open up your pores before you apply a mask to get maximum results. You can open up your pores by covering your face with a warm, damp cloth for a couple of minutes. This technique is also helpful before exfoliation, to help the scrub reach deeper into your pores. Last but not least, the facial mask! It's time for you to relax and read a magazine or watch some TV as you kick-up your feet while you revive your complexion. Below, you will find recipes to different masks that suit different skin types and their needs. Keep the mask on your face for 30 minutes (unless otherwise noted), no less and no more, then rinse it off with lukewarm to cool water. And again, don't forget your oil-free sun-screen!

For cleansing all skin types: Use plain yogurt
Yogurt cleanses the skin, removing dirt and oil effectively and gently. It also helps in relieving pimples and dark marks. Yogurt can also be applied to the scalp before a shower to gently clarify hair and eliminate product build-up.

For brightening, moisturizing, and nourishing:
Mix equal parts of yogurt, whole wheat flour, and milk, then add two drops of lemon juice to make a paste.

Another one for brightening, moisturizing, and nourishing:
Add egg yolks to ground coffee until you make a paste.

And a third for brightening, moisturizing, and nourishing:
Mix:
- One egg yolk
- A quarter of a small lemon
- 1/2 Teaspoon of olive oil
Apply the mask and leave it on your face for 15 minutes then rinse off with lukewarm to cool water.

For mature skin types: To brighten, moisturize, and protection against (or relieving) wrinkles
Mix equal parts of yogurt and ground lupini beans.

For deep exfoliation (a natural skin peel) and nourishment:
Mix equal parts of honey and ground lupini beans.

For dark circles under eyes:
Try mixing:
- 1 teaspoon white flour
- 1 teaspoon milk
- 1/2 teaspoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon almond oil
- 1/2 teaspoon rosewater

Remember, practice and repetition make perfect skin! Enjoy your new, red-carpet-worthy complexion.