I love to pamper myself from time to time. One thing I have learned, over the years, is to slow down and take time to do something good for your body; a workout, a facial, a pedicure, manicure, hair mask, or anything else that is soothing to the soul and good for you. 

If you have the time and budget, you can go to a salon and do a fancy facial, mani-pedi, and hair care all in one day.  If you are on a tight budget, or just don’t like to spend money or time on those types of things, not to worry; you can still pamper yourself at home.

Please note: I am not a dermatologist and make no claim that any of these ideas will cure skin disease or issues.  It is always best to consult with a skin care specialist.

Face masks and moisturizers:: 

Honey is a great moisturizer and antibacterial agent for your face. It will not clog pores due to its unique humectant ability and natural antiseptic qualities.  To use, find a small glass container and add 1-2 tablespoons of honey. You can either set the glass bowl in a larger bowl of hot water for a few minutes or put it in the microwave. NOTE: If you choose the microwave, use extreme caution. It will heat up in as little as 2-3 seconds and you do not want to overheat.  When removing it from the microwave, be certain it is not too hot. It will become very thin as it heats and you need to be sure it is cool enough so as to not burn your skin!

Once the honey is heated, pull hair away from face, take your fingertips and dab the honey all over your face, neck, and decolletage area.  Let sit for 10-15 minutes and rinse with warm water and continue on with your normal daily, or nightly, moisturizer.  Do this 1-2 times per week and your skin will begin to glow.

Avocado is naturally full of biotin, vitamin C and A, and has anti-inflammatory qualities.  Due to its high moisture content, an avocado face mask, used routinely, is said to reduce wrinkle production.  Simply mash the avocado very fine, apply it to your face and let sit for 20 minutes.  Rinse and apply your normal moisturizer.

Olive Oil, in pure form, is a great moisturizer.  I like a high quality oil to apply directly to my face. I choose to do this at night and gently wash my face in the morning.  Olive oil can also be mixed with the honey face mask for added moisture.

Frankincense oil is an ancient oil and popular amongst aromatherapy guru’s.  It has a very unique, calming scent and is great in a diffuser, but is also said to have anti-inflammatory qualities for the skin.  I found helpful information in a publication by the National Library of Medicine.  I mix frankincense, along with Rosehip oil, Copaiba, and a touch of tea tree oil into witch hazel for an amazing facial toner.. Be sure to get the kind without alcohol.
Cucumber feels amazing on the eyes!  Simply place a thinly sliced cucumber on each eye, lay back, and relax for 5-10 minutes while your eyes puffiness diminishes!

Those are a few of my tips for economical facials, next we can visit unique hair masks and bath salts. Have any ideas you have tried?