Talk About Skincare - Prāz

Masks are sort of my thing. Some people are obsessed with facial oils while others might adore body lotions or even eye creams but masks are my favorite beauty product. I love them and I've been lucky enough to love a lot of different masks in my lifetime, many of which I have shared with you here on Beautiful Basics in the past 9 years and today let's add another one to that list.

The Vitamin C Vitality Mask from Prāz is my latest addiction. I'm going to throw the word favorite out there because this Bentonite Clay and Vitamin C mask does incredible things to my skin. I've actually never had great luck with Vitamin C containing products before. I don't know why but my skin just usually hates it but for some reason I can use this mask and my skin doesn't react poorly. In fact, when I mix up this powdered mask, apply it to my face, let it sit until it's almost dry, and remove it I end up with an unbelievable glow. I'm left seriously glowy, plumped, smooth, clean and clear. When I use it before bed I also wake up and notice how amazing my skin looks. I love this stuff!

Besides the Bentonite Clay and Vitamin C Powder, this mask is also made of Organic Echinacea Powder, Organic Rosehip Fruit Powder, and Organic Avocado Oil. All organic and perfectly safe and natural.

The husband and wife duo behind Prāz "promise to treat animals and the planet with the same kindness and care we show your skin." This Leaping Bunny certified company uses only healthy, safe, and organic ingredients to create their line of naturally luxurious skincare products. From the formulas to the gorgeous packaging they have really thought of everything to give the users a special product and an experience well worth your time and money. They also give a percentage of every purchase to humanitarian efforts and organizations who work to help others and protect our planet.

They have several other products besides the Vitamin C Vitality Mask including another facial mask called Cranberry Detox. I didn't try it but it sounds awesome. The brand's roster also includes their Muscle Conditioner soak, serum, and 2 oils.

I got to try the Face Revive Oil as well as the All in One Oil and I enjoyed both of them a lot but I did prefer the Face Revive Oil. Made with (all organic) Sweet Almond Oil, Argan Oil, Rosehip Seed Oil, Jojoba Oil, Tamanu Oil, Rice Bran Oil and Sea Buckthorn Oil it is beyond nourishing for dry skin like mine. My skin drank this golden oil right up and never broke up or became irritated which can sometimes happen to me with oils. I like to use it as the last step in my skincare routine and lock in my serum and moisturizer with it. The only thing that I've noticed that I don't really care for is that it can tint white towels and robes because of the orange tint of the Sea Buckthorn Oil but that's an easy thing to work around if you're aware of it. Besides that, this oil leaves my thirty-something skin looking younger, healthier, and much more hydrated. It's meant to be anti-aging and I fully believe those claims. You need a tiny bit of product so I imagine this bottle will last quite some time.

The other oil, the All in One oil is also really nice but not my preferred oil. It's made with (again, all organic) Pure Rice Bran Oil, Sunflower Oil, Avocado Oil, Black Cumin Oil, Jojoba Oil, Rosehip Oil, Vitamin E Oil, Lemon Extract, Eucalyptus Extract, and Purple Coneflower Extract. This one feels a lot lighter so if you have skin that leans towards the oily side this one would be perfect for you! This product is meant to help with scarring, restore dry and thinning hair, and control oil production. Between the 2 oils Prāz has you're bound to find one that works for you and your needs.

As you can tell, I have really been loving this brand, their mission, their beliefs, and what they have to offer. If you're interested in learning more about Prāz you can check out their website by clicking here. You can also visit them on Instagram and Twitter.

(FTC: I was sent these products for free for review consideration. I am not being compensated for this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.) 

Talk About Skin Care - Herbivore Botanicals Brighten Pineapple + Gemstone Mask

I won a gift card to Nordstrom (yay!) and one of the things I decided that I absolutely needed was the Brighten Pineapple + Gemstone Mask from Herbivore Botanicals. I don't really know what made me need it so desperately but I am so glad that I picked up a jar because this stuff is incredible. It is so good that I think this mask must have come from a different planet or something because it can't be real.

I had never tried anything from Herbivore Botanicals but I had heard a lot of very good things. I had never heard of this particular mask, though. Adding this to my basket was one of the best (skin) decisions I have ever made and I made it on a total whim. Lucky for me!

This mask is made with plant based, food-grade ingredients including Organic Pineapple and Papaya fruit acids and Brazilian Micronized Tourmaline Gemstone Powder. It's so exquisitely formulated to be gentle but powerful. It's kind of supernatural because it exfoliates, brightens, softens, smoothes, hydrates and leaves the skin looking and feeling fresh, healthy, and rejuvenated.

The glass jar is eco-friendly, weighty, and really nicely made while the mask itself is lush and dreamy. You only need a small amount so a jar should last you a very long time. It also smells fantastic! It's so good! The product as a whole, including the experience of using it, is incredibly luxurious, from start to finish.

My skin loves this beautiful and sumptuous mask. I honestly can't get enough and I'm not sure I would want to go without it. I notice immediate results after use and I've seen a big change in my skin since I started using this. I absolutely love it. It's the perfect way to pamper my skin and I couldn't adore it more than I already do.

And of course, Herbivore Botanics products are cruelty-free and free of animal ingredients. You can learn more about the company by visiting their website. You can also find them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Talk About Skin Care - NAYELLE

Today I would like to introduce you to a company whose core values are “honesty, integrity, and quality”. Canadian based NAYELLE offers a complete Rejuvenating Skincare Regime made with bioactive ingredients. Their line is completely cruelty-free and formulated without gluten, parabens, propylene glycol or other yucky stuff. Instead, you’ll find ingredients like Probiotic Goat Milk Kefir, Sea Kelp, Glacial Organic Clay and Snow Mushroom.

Image from nayelle.com/

NAYELLE is a four-step process scientifically designed by Peter Jurkemilk, CEO and Chief Biochemist, to help rejuvenate and repair the cells at the cellular level and make skin healthier and more radiant. Peter said, ” It’s the difference between eating processed canned, shelf food — versus — organic, live fresh food!” I adore that philosophy.

You can learn more about the company, their philosophy, and their ingredients by clicking here.

First up is their facial cleanser, aptly called CLEANSE. I need to get this out of the way and tell you that this is my least favorite part of the regime. This cleanser is a cream formulated with exfoliating bamboo and glacial oceanic clay. It’s designed to be gentle enough for all skin types but my dry, sensitive skin just didn’t love this particular cleanser. It’s a bit too much for me to use regularly but I do like it for days when I need a deep clean. I think anyone with oily, congested skin would be a huge fan.

My favorite product, hands down, is the PURIFY Clay Face Mask. This mask has become my ultimate go to when my skin needs a little something special. I’ve been using it once, sometimes even twice, a week since it arrived and I think it does something really wonderful and magical to my skin. It somehow purifies and hydrates, which is an uncommon combination. It’s like the Unicorn of my skincare routine! This magic mask is made with mineral rich clay composed of 60 rare minerals and ions that detoxifies impurities, restore the skin’s pH balance, helps restore damaged skin cells and hydrates, tightens and tones. Every time I use this mask I’m left with vibrant, clearer, healthier, softer skin that seems to glow from within. I’m always impressed after I rinse it off, as it makes an immediate and noticeable difference.

NAYELLE has two moisturizing products, HYDRATE, a moisturizing cream, and REJUVENATE, an anti-aging night cream.

HYDRATE is formulated with a very high concentration of Snow Mushroom which is said to be 3x more hydrating than hyaluronic acid and has the highest source of Vitamin D found in nature. It’s instantly hydrating and makes the skin feel really velvety and smooth. It’s not too heavy to wear under makeup so it’s perfect for daily use.

REJUVENATE is my favorite of the two creams, however, because it is so delightfully thick and rich. My dry skin adores it! It was created with all for of their core ingredients I mentioned above and is rich in protein, essential fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It leaves my skin with such a gorgeous glow and makes my skin feel so plump and fresh. I love applying this before bed and when I wake up I’ve got a super healthy, happy, hydrated complexion. Love the stuff!

All of the products come in fairly simple but lovely packages. The two creams are in airless jars and the other two products are in squeeze tubes. Each of the four products has a slight citrus scent, which is light and fresh.

I think many people with different skin types can easily fall in love with this line and their products. You can learn more about NAYELLE by visiting their website by clicking here. You can also find the brand on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

(FTC: These products were sent to me for free for review consideration. I am not being compensated for this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.) 

Talk About Skin Care - Sel Terre Spa Collection Review

I'm a big fan of all things natural and all things created in my beautiful home state of Oregon so Sel Terre and their line of pure, handcrafted products are a big homerun for my beauty routine. Their products, made in Eugene – a city I frequent often thanks to family who live there, are simple and affordable while still being luxurious. You won't find any toxic or unhealthy ingredients in their cruelty free and earth friendly products so they're perfect for anyone looking for safe products.




The Spa Collection retails for $50 and is comprised of the Deep Cleansing Emulsion, Balm Riche, Bar of Soap of Choice, and a Facial Masque of Choice. I received the Dead Sea Clay & Irish Moss Seaweed Facial Masque and Red Alaea Salt & Rose Kaolin Clay Soap.




Oil cleansing is not something new to me but I know that a lot of you are unfamiliar or uncomfortable with it but the Pecan & Peach Kernel Deep Cleansing Emulsion is so smooth and absolutely dreamy to use. I use 2-3 pumps, rub my hands together, and massage the oil onto my dry face. It quickly, and seemingly magically, removes every last trace of makeup and rinses off completely. It doesn't sting my eyes or leave a film behind. It makes my complexion glow and leaves my skin smooth and hydrated. When it first arrived the plastic packaging was hot and smelled terrible but the oil itself doesn't have much of a scent. My only complaint would be that I wish it came in a glass bottle, but then again, I always wish things were packaged in glass.




The Red Alaea Salt & Rose Kaolin Clay Soap is gorgeous, gentle, and rich. My sensitive sniffer can't pick up a discernable scent from this bar of soap, which is always a plus for me. It's great for cleansing the body but also works well on the face. It leaves my skin feeling so soft, and not at all stripped or dry. I also really like to use it for shaving!




The Balm Riche, made of Mangosteen Butter and Peach Kernel Oil, as well as other natural and hydrating oils, is an intensely powerful moisturizer that can be used on any part of the body. I really love it as a lip balm, eye cream, cuticle and hand moisturizer, and on my chest at night. I don't love the smell but it gets the job done.




The Dead Sea Clay & Irish Moss Seaweed Facial Masque is not a product that has made my Love List, but only due to its odor. My family and I went to the beach once where a lot of seaweed had washed up on the shore and began to decompose. The smell of this mask takes me right back to that beach every single time I unscrew the lid. But before I go on please remember that my nose is akin to that of a bloodhound and I am easily offended; also, the smell of this mask makes total sense since it is made with Seaweed. I have used this mask several times, trying my best to ignore the smell, and the results are fantastic. It's a gentle mask that is easy to apply and rinse off. It makes my skin look supple, glowing from the inside out, and ridiculously soft. My Mom compliments my skin each time I use this mask so I'll continue using it, hating the smell, and loving what it does to my skin.

To learn more about Sel Terre or their products you can visit their website by clicking here.

Talk About Skin Care - Josh Rosebrook Active Enzyme Exfoliator

It's not always love upon first application with products but I like to give some products second, and even third chances to change my mind. The first time I tried the Josh Rosebrook Active Enzyme Exfoliator I was really offended by the scent, the texture, and the way the product itself looked but I continued to massage it onto my skin, left it on my face for the recommended time, and rinsed it off.

I wasn't very impressed until the next day when my Mom asked me why my skin looked so amazing. I, personally, couldn't really see any difference in my skin but she was adamant about how fantastic my face looked. I tried it a couple of more times with the same results so I put it in my facial drawer and sort of forgot about it.



I picked up the jar again last week and have suddenly discovered the appeal and value of this awesome stuff. Don't get me wrong about how I feel about the scent, I think it absolutely stinks - like a combination of curry and my favorite Tazo Zen Green Tea, it's just plain weird but I'm most decidedly not offended by it anymore for whatever reason.

I like to wash my face using my Spa Sonic and then gently massage the goopy green stuff all over my face, moving in small circular motions for around 4 or 5 minutes. I then leave it on for about 45 minutes before removing with a warm, damp washcloth. My skin is left feeling ridiculously smooth and even. It doesn't look particularly good immediately afterwards but the next day I wake up with clear, glowing skin. Even though I prefer instant gratification I can certainly sit tight to wait for these awesome results to show up.



It also somehow makes my pores look smaller and my skin looks more refined in general. I don't know why I didn't instantly adore this stuff but my dull winter skin is thoroughly enjoying it! Even though it's pretty pricey at $60 for 1.5 oz I would definitely recommend it if you have the available funds and the desire for ridiculously radiant skin.

You can learn more about the ingredients in this exfoliator by clicking here. You can also learn more about Josh Rosebrook and his other product offerings by visiting his website here.

FTC: This product was provided to me by the company, free of charge, for review consideration. I am not being compensated for this review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Papaya Glow

One of my favorite foods in the entire world is a fresh, ripe papaya. I could eat a million papayas and not get sick of them! I find them so delicious I just can't get enough! I don't only enjoy eating them though. Whenever I finish eating a papaya, I take the peel into the shower with me and rub it directly onto my face, chest, and neck.



Papaya is rich in antioxidants and has a special enzyme called papain that acts as a natural exfoliator. The natural alpha hydroxy acids in the fruit help break down dead skin cells leaving skin looking smoother, brighter, more even in tone and texture, and overall healthier looking and feeling.

Lately I have been leaving a little extra papaya meat behind to mix with honey to use as a facial mask. I take a fork and just mash the papaya until its mostly broken down and then add a spoonful of raw honey. After washing my face with a gentle cleanser I apply the mixture to my face and neck and let it sit for 20-30 minutes.

Since there are natural acids in the fruit it can burn a little but it is nothing to worry about. Rinse off with lukewarm water and a wash cloth and apply your favorite serum and/or moisturizer. With continued use, this mask should help with uneven skin tone, hyperpigmentation, and blemishes. It will also leave your skin looking more radiant and glowing!

Remember, it is important try a small amount on your arm to check if you're allergic. If it feels more intense than very minor stinging you may be allergic or too sensitive to use this mask so rinse off right away.

Talk About It - JustNeem Clay Mask

One of my favorite things to do is treat myself to a facial mask so of course I said yes when JustNeem contacted me asking if I would be interested in trying their Neem Clay Mask. It has become one of my all time favorite facial masks so keep reading to find out more!



I like to use this mask once or twice a week for 15 minutes and it makes a humungous difference it the texture, brightness, cleanliness, and quality of my skin. It leaves my skin looking great and feeling even better. If I feel a pimple coming on I just pop a little of this on the area and it seems to stop it dead in its tracks.

Upon first opening the jar the mask itself has a very strong scent of eucalyptus and once applied to the skin it is very cooling, slightly tingly, and has a refreshing feel to it. It is a little thick but spreads across the skin very easily. The mask rinses off without difficulty and leaves my face feeling so silky soft, smooth, and clean. It also makes my skin look much more radiant! It's one of those masks where I just can't stop touching my skin after using it.



All JustNeem products are sustainable, Fair Trade, and cruelty free. The ingredients in this mask are: Aqua, French Clay, Sunflower Oil, Neem Leaves, Cetearyl Alcohol & Ceteareth 20, Glycerin, Stearic Acid, Essential Oils, Phenoxyethanol and Caprylyl Glycol.

The jar is filled with 7 ounces of this wonderful purifying facial treatment and costs less than $30 so it's a really great deal. I would buy this mask again and again! This mask is so popular that even Dr. Oz featured it on his show in February! If you're interested in learning more about this mask or purchasing your own jar you can click here. You can also visit the JustNeem website to learn more about the company.

Oats to the Rescue

I have been absolutely and completely obsessed with oatmeal lately but not in the way you might think. While I do enjoy a warm, hearty bowl of oatmeal for breakfast on occasion I'm not talking about mealtime today. Oatmeal works wonders on the skin and I cannot get enough!

My skin has been looking a little sad lately, thanks to my whacko hormones. I've had dry patches, oil slicks, blemishes, and even some flakes. My skin has also been really dehydrated, which makes no sense to me since I drink a gallon of water every single day, so I needed a little something extra to pamper my skin.

Oatmeal is really calming, soothing, moisturizing, and it acts as an anti-inflammatory, which makes it a powerful skin care ally. I've been using oatmeal in several forms for the past couple of weeks and I wanted to share my 3 favorite ways with you. All 3 oatmeal recipes require ground up oats. I use my coffee bean grinder to turn my uncooked oatmeal into a fine powder.



As a gentle, daily cleanser – This one is super simple. Mix your oatmeal powder with water until your mixture turns into a paste. Start with a little water and slowly add more until you get a consistency you like. I personally like mine a little thick. Massage your paste gently onto your face like you would a normal cleanser and rinse off. I use it daily and my skin really loves it!

As a scrub – If you need a deeper clean try adding a little baking soda into your cleansing paste.

As a mask – Mix dry oatmeal powder with raw, organic honey until you have a thick paste like consistency. This needs to be a pretty thick consistency so it sticks to your skin and doesn't make a huge mess. I use more oat powder than honey in my mixture. I wash my face first and then massage the oat and honey mask into my face and neck. I like to leave this on for 20-30 minutes before rinsing off with warm water. Be careful with this since it's messy and can still drip a little regardless of how thick you make it. This mask makes my skin look fantastic, healthy, and luminous. It also helps get rid of blemishes!



Do you know of any other ways to use oatmeal powder?

Talk About Skin Care - Acure Organics

When I asked you Beauties what you wanted to see on the blog a large number of you asked me for my thoughts on Acure Organics and their line of products. I contacted the company and I received a box of goodies that I have been testing out for about a month now. Acure Organics is an amazing family owned and operated company who believes in providing high quality fair trade, natural and certified organic personal care products. They never test on animals or include parabens, sulfates, phthalates, synthetic fragrances or colors, or any other harmful ingredients. Their products are also really affordable!

Without further ado, here is part one of my Acure review and my thoughts on the skin care products they sent me.



As you may know, I have normal to dry skin that is fairly sensitive. I also have a very sensitive nose when it comes to fragrance so I have really been enjoying the fragrance free Sensitive Facial Cleanser Argan Oil + Probiotic. It is a fairly thick and creamy cleanser that hydrates and plumps up the skin to leave it looking healthy. This cleanser is perfect for my skin! It is extremely gentle so I can use it daily, or even twice a day. I really love how it leaves my face feeling soft and clean without irritating or stripping my skin. This has officially earned a spot on my top 5 facial cleansers list. I really like it because it's so simple, yet effective! If you're curious about the ingredients you can click here, where you can also learn more about the product.



I have also been testing out the Balancing Rose + Red Tea Facial Toner. Although this particular toner is marketed towards those with combo to oily skin I really like it and would say that it would be suitable for all skin types. It does a fantastic job of keeping my skin balanced and smooth, as well as helping my moisturizer absorb better. I use this in the morning and it seems to soothe any redness I may have and help perfect and balance my skin. I also really love the glass bottle and the fact that it comes with a spray top. This is a very refreshing toner with a gorgeous slightly rosy scent to it.



Next up is the Argan Stem Cell + CFG Cell Stimulating Facial Mask, which both my Mom and I have tried several times. As a beauty blogger I have tried dozens upon dozens of facial masks but have yet to come across a mask like this one. It seems fairly average upon first application, but once the mask is dry and the time has come to rinse off it becomes foamy. I've never used a foamy mask and I like it a lot! It's extremely gentle so even my Mom (who has highly reactive skin) can use it! There is no tight, uncomfortable sensation that goes along with this mask and is instead very refreshing and even a bit cooling. We have both noticed cleaner, brighter, softer, more hydrated skin after using this mask. Like the toner, it also seems to help with any redness.



The final facial product I've been playing around with from Acure Organics is their Marula Oil, which can also be included in the hair and body categories as well. I'm a big fan of oils so I was really excited to try this one out. Acure's Marula Oil is 100% pure, wildcrafted without pesticides, cold pressed and unrefined. It has a slight scent but it is not offensive at all. I've been using it a lot since it arrived and I really like it overall. I do have to say that it is not moisturizing enough on its own as facial oil, but I have found that it works extremely well over a moisturizing lotion or cream. I love the results that layering this oil with other products gives me. I love the dropper applicator as well!

That sums up my Acure Organics facial care review. You can check out my thoughts on the body and hair products I've been experimenting with by clicking here.

Dehydrated Skin Saver

If your skin is feeling the harsh effects of the cold winter months, like mine has been, then todays DIY beauty recipe will be perfect for you. The ingredients in the following mask are nourishing, soothing, and super rich so your skin will drink it all in and be left feeling hydrated and healthy.




Chop up the cucumber and avocado, then place all four ingredients into the blender or food processor to create a paste. Once your mixture is thouroughly blended you can massage the mask onto your freshly cleansed face, neck, and chest. Let the mask sit for 20 to 30 minutes before rinsing off with lukewarm water. Follow up with your favorite facial oil or moisturizer.

Talk About It - Black Rock Mud Co. MudPot

My skin has been in serious need of a little extra TLC lately since it's been freaking out. My skin has been especially congested, dehydrated and broken out! Well let me introduce you to my favorite new mask, the MudPot, a 100% organic and mineral-rich illite clay from the Black Rock Desert of Nevada.



Illite clay is the only thing you'll find in each 4-ounce jar of Black Rock Mud Co.'s MudPot, so you never have to worry about harsh chemicals, preservatives, or other unnatural ingredients. The clay is known to condition, revitalize and sooth the skin as well as draw toxins and impurities from the skin. It helps to regenerate cells and purify the skin thanks to the over 50 naturally occurring trace elements (including Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium, Iron, and Zinc) found within its structure.

I received my jar from Black Rock Mud in mid-December and have been enjoying a weekly facial since then. It's a gentle enough mask that you can use it on spots more often than once a week if you desire but I've found that once a week works well for my skin. Upon washing the mud off my skin, my face always looks fresh, healthy, and has a lovely glow to it. It also really helps any blemishes that I may have.



It is a bit on the pricey side at $59 but I do think it's worth it! It has a nice, rich consistency that spreads and no detectable odor whatsoever (and you know I have the nose of a bloodhound!). It comes in a simple yet attractive recyclable jar which is packaged in an awesome box that is embedded with wildflower seeds that you can plant in your garden!



My skin always looks and feels amazing after I apply and rinse off my MudPot facial and if you're in the market for a new treat for you face I highly suggest this one. You can visit their website to learn more or purchase your very own MudPot.

(FTC : This product was provided to me by the company free of charge for review consideration. I am not being compensated to write this review. All thoughts and opinions, as always, are my own and honest.)

Simple Blemish Busting Mask

I don't know about you but acne really bums me out. I've been lucky for the majority of my life and had clear skin but now that I'm in my mid-twenties my skin has been having some serious hormonal acne problems. I have always known about the benefits of using tea tree oil to combat blemishes but I'm just now beginning to experiment.

Even though the recipe I am sharing with you today is super simple, it's an awesome treat for your skin. If you're seeing spots this mask will become your new best friend! The following two ingredients combine to create an antibacterial and antiseptic yet hydrating facial mask.



What you need:
1 tablespoon of honey
3-5 drops of tea tree oil (start with the minimal amount and then you can adjust according to your personal preferences)
Once you mix the tea tree oil into the honey just apply evenly on clean skin and let sit for 15 to 20 minutes before rinsing off with lukewarm water. If you want to cover your neck and chest you can double the recipe.

You can use this mask several times a week as desired and it should keep pesky pimples at bay. However, this isn't a miracle mask and it won't completely heal your skin. In fact, any product promising miracles probably will let you down. This mask will help brighten, refresh, and minimize red and angry blemishes. Remember to spot test before using in case your sensitive to the oil.

Hydrating Carrot Mask

For a lot of people, myself included, fall and winter tends to lead to dry (or dryer than normal) skin. I always amp up my facial routine during the colder months and use creamier cleanser, thicker moisturizers, and moisture infusing masks and treatments. If you have oily skin, today's recipe is not for you. If you need a hydrating and nourishing facial mask then look no further!


Combine the yolk with the carrot and apply the mixture to your face. Massage it into your skin and let it sit for 20-30 minutes before rinsing off with warm water. Make sure to use your favorite moisturizer afterwards to lock in the benefits of the mask.

Skin Clearing Facial

It's been a while since I've talked about the skin benefits of apple cider vinegar, but if you've been with me since the beginning you remember how much I love the magical, amber colored liquid for toning and taming breakouts as well as using to clean nails before a manicure or using it as a rinse for hair. Since I've had several readers asking for DIY recipes that are perfect for oily and acne prone skin, I figured now was the perfect time to bust out ACV again.

The three, simple ingredients in this recipe combine to create a nourishing, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial mask so it's perfect for using on blemished skin. It's also good for those of us who want to clarify our skin. Be sure to patch test this mask (like all masks, treatments, and scrubs) before applying to your face.


This mask is supposed to be a bit runny so you may need to adjust the ingredients until you have a consistency you're happy with. Once you have the consistency you desire, apply to a clean face. Let the mask sit for 20-30 minutes before rinsing off with water. Be sure to follow up with your favorite moisturizer!

Cocoa Facial

Chocolate is becoming a hot commodity in the spa and beauty industry, especially in the form of facials and body treatments, however these sweet treats for your skin can get a little pricey. Instead of forking over your hard-earned cash each time you want to pamper your skin with cocoa, try making your own mask at home for a fraction of the cost.

What you need:
1 tablespoon of pure organic cocoa powder
1 tablespoon of kaolin clay
1 tablespoon of honey
½ tablespoon of cream
Mix your dry ingredients in a bowl together before adding the honey and cream. Stir the mixture until it is fully combined and smooth, then apply the mask to clean skin. You want to apply the mask evenly so your entire face is covered. Leave the mask on for 10 to 15 minutes before rinsing off with warm water. Make sure to apply your favorite moisturizer after any mask, scrub or treatment.

The ingredients in the mask act to brighten, exfoliate, purify, and soften the skin. When your finished your skin should feel fresh, clean, and rejuvenated. Enjoy!

Carrot Juice Facial

I absolutely love carrot juice. It is delicious and rich in nutrients, vitamin c, and antioxidants. Everything that makes carrot juice a healthful drink also makes it a wonderful natural beauty recipe ingredient. The skin craves the vitamins found in carrots and the vitamin c helps skin produce collagen and makes skin appear younger and more supple. Adding honey and baking soda to carrot juice will form a thin paste perfect for applying as a facial mask to plump up the skin, hydrate and brighten.



What you need: 1 tablespoon of honey
½ teaspoon carrot juice (you can make your own or buy an organic version)
¼ teaspoon of baking soda (you can use more of less depending on the consistency you would like your mask to be)

Mix the ingredients together making sure to blend them well. Once the mixture is ready to be applied gently massage over the face and neck. You should always apply masks and treatments on clean, dry skin. Leave it on for 20 to 30 minutes before rinsing off with warm water. Follow up with your favorite moisturizer.

Creamy Berry Facial

Strawberries are superheroes when it comes to nourishing skin and fighting acne. They also happen to be one of my favorite fruits (actually, one of my favorite foods in general!). I took my first steps for a ripe, red strawberry and now in addition to eating them regularly, I use them to supplement my skin care routine. Strawberries are in season and perfect for the picking right now so it's a terrific time to share a berry great facial mask.

Since strawberries have a natural type of salicylic acid in them they are perfect for those of you with oily or acne prone skin, but they're also beneficial for normal skin. They help soften, exfoliate, and brighten the skin. You can use them on their own or you can mix up a batch of the following facial mask:

What you need:½ cup of fresh strawberries (this is around 3-5 berries)
1 tablespoon of plain yogurt (I like Greek yogurt for my skin)
2 teaspoons of honey

You can either use a blender to mix the ingredients with a fork to mash them. You should end up with a consistency similar to a smoothie. Apply on your clean face and let your skin soak up the nutrients for 20 minutes before rinsing off with warm water.

Sweet Cream Facial

Does your skin need a little brightening, revitalizing, or exfoliating? Well, you have come to the right place if it does, because I have the perfect healthy, do-it-yourself facial recipe today! I love all three of the ingredients used in this recipe on their own and in a million other combinations but this one is at the top of my favorites list.


What you need:
2 tablespoons of finely ground oatmeal (you can either buy oat powder or use a coffee grinder to mill your own regular oatmeal)
1 tablespoon of honey
2 tablespoons of cream or milk (you can use what you have but the higher the fat content the better)

Mix your ingredients together until smooth and apply to your freshly cleansed skin. Once it's applied, you can massage your skin in small, gentle circles to let the oatmeal act as a scrub and then let your mixture sit on your skin for 15 minutes before rinsing off. The oatmeal and cream will act as exfoliants while the honey imparts moisture and antibacterial properties. Once the mask if off you skin should be softer, brighter, and cleaner.

Going Bananas

Bananas are staples in most homes, and my family members could be considered connoisseurs of the healthful, yellow fruit since we go through bunches of bananas. I love to eat bananas and never feel guilty about doing so because they are packed full of potassium, phosphorous, magnesium, calcium, and tons of vitamins. Since they are so good for your insides, I decided to do a little research and discovered that they are really good for your outsides as well.

If you want to keep it simple, just mash up half of a banana until smooth and apply the mush directly to your cleansed face. Leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes before rinsing off. When it's time to rinse your skin will feel a bit tight. Bananas are really soothing and good for irritated or inflamed skin. Using a banana on your face will help soften, smooth, and refresh.

If you have some left over from your facial, apply a generous amount to your under eye area and let sit for 20 minutes. The high potassium content in the super fruit will help get rid of dark circle, puffiness, and fine lines.

Wait - Don't toss the peel just yet! Despite the fact that it sounds a bit gross and the peel feels really slimy and weird rubbing the inside of banana peel directly on your skin will also make the skin feel really soft and hydrated. Doing this often has also been known to reduce acne. I think this would be perfect for sunburned skin as well since it's so cooling and soothing.

Let me know how you feel about using bananas for beauty and if you have any other banana beauty tips!

Talk About It - Scientific Organics Phytocell Detox Mask

Hi Beauties, I have an announcement to make. Get ready for it... I have a new absolute favorite facial mask from a company whose cleanser I also love. Scientific Organics from cosmeceutical skincare line emerginC offers eight organic and naturally based products for a healthy complexion. The most interesting feature of Scientific Organics products is the addition of Kombucha, a fermented tea known for it's healing properties, as well as healthy plant and marine extracts.

I absolutely loved their Kombucha Cleanser which I reviewed a couple of months ago so I jumped at the chance to try their Phytocell Detox Mask. I'm completely in love with this detoxifying mask and am ecstatic to get to share my thoughts with you! Before you let the $50 price tag alarm you, trust me when I tell you that it is worth every penny.

The Phytocell Detox Mask is a French green clay mask with ingredients like aloe, grapefruit peel oil, red algae, sweet almond oil, sea starwort oil, vitamins e, c, and a, white and green tea, grape stem cells, kombucha, spirulina, and many other beneficial elements. Scientific Organics uses only natural ingredients with at least 70% being organic. They never add synthetic fragrances or colors and they never test on animals or use animal ingredients.

Let's talk about vanity first. The mask comes in a gorgeously simple green glass jar that is recyclable and chic enough to keep on display. The company fills the jar with a very generous 1.76 fluid ounces.



The mask itself is a very pale green color that feels more like a thick cream or moisturizer than a detoxifying facial mask. It coats the skin very easily and feels amazingly soft and smooth upon application. It smells a bit like citrus but it's very light and clean. It does have a hint of an odd underlying smell but it's not at all offensive or unbearable. A little of this mask goes a very long way. It is not drying at all, and even imparts a level of hydration into my skin that I just don't get with other masks.

This mask promises to "draw out impurities, nourish, brighten, soothe and improve tone and texture" and I agree with what it says. This mask leaves me in awe every single time I use it. I apply it to just cleansed skin and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes before removing it and I can't believe how my skin looks and feels after rinsing. The first time I used it, I had a couple of blemishes that were instantly reduced in size and severity. My skin tone is more even, the texture of my skin is silky and my skin looks better overall after using.

The only bad thing I can say about this product is that I can't stop touching my skin after I use it, and I try my hardest to keep my hands off of my face. But is that really a negative? I think not!

Something I love about the company is that with every Scientific Organics purchase, emerginC plants a tree using Plant-It 2020. Plant-It 2020 is such an awesome non-profit foundation that you should check out at www.plantit2020.org. You can find my new Holy Grail facial online where you can learn more or purchase Scientific Organics products to try for yourself.

(FTC: This product was so generously provided to me for review consideration by the company. I am not being compensated to write this review. All thoughts and opinions, as always, are my own and honest.)