Sweet

Use raw honey for a glow-giving facial mask.

My friend D. called me last week and said of friend of hers -- whom I've never met -- was back in the dating game and going on her first one in some time. The associated anxiety had left said woman feeling that her skin just wasn't looking its glowy best. 

"Any quick fix she can do for her skin before she goes out tonight?" asked D. "You know -- a mask or something to perk things up?" 

"Well...what kind of skin does she have? Different masks work for different types," I replied. 

"I don't know, it just looks normal to me. Don't you have an easy, one-mask-fits-all suggestion?"

Actually, I do -- a honey mask. It's one of my favourites, and it's simple, easy and works for basically every skin type -- oily, dry, combo, sensitive, damaged, mature, sunburned -- you name it. (The only people who need to avoid it are those with a bee-allergy). Honey -- rich in vitamins, amino acids, glucose, and other excellent skin-nourishers -- is super hydrating, moisturizing and softening. It's safe and gentle enough to use on your skin everyday if you wanted to. It can be used to treat a variety of skin conditions -- everything from acne to eczema. And it has fantastic health benefits when taken internally (but that's another post).

Here's what you do. First, use raw honey rather than just any standard honey from the supermarket, which typically has undergone a heat and filtration process that kills off many of the skin and health-benefiting properties. I like manuka honey, which is produced only in New Zealand, and is recognized in the medical community for its exceptional antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

All you need is about one tablespoon of honey. Start with a clean, make-up-free face. Pull your hair back, as honey will run, especially as it warms up on your skin. Gently smooth on a thin layer of honey over your entire face (even around the eyes) and on your neck and decollete. Leave it on for at least 15 minutes. If you can, lie down and enjoy the warm feeling as it starts penetrating the skin. (For D.'s friend, I recommended the relaxing-lie-down as a vital component to her honey-mask -- anxiety is never good for the skin and never helps in making that first-date-impression).

Then, use your fingers to lightly tap your skin for a few minutes to increase circulation. Rinse off using warm water and a soft cloth. Voila -- glowy, soft skin.

And -- here's the update on D.'s friend. She did try the honey mask before her date and loved the results. Maybe her date did too, as they have a second one lined up. Sweet.

Comments

[B.]

I am so trying this! I like these easy facial recipes. Just open the lid, put it on, wash it off, that's totally my style! Thanks!

[BeautyCosmopolite]

Thanks, B. -- I get a lot of requests for super-fast and easy at-home beauty recipes... You can't get much simpler than this one -- and the great thing is that the honey mask really is effective, it's one of my favourite fast-fixes!

[TS]

So I tried it this morning, but have to admit I didn't use raw honey, I used the honey I already had lying around in the bear-shaped squeeze bottle, haha! But I liked it, my skin felt soft and clean, so I will buy some raw natural honey on my next shop.

[BeautyCosmopolite]

Thanks for the feedback, TS -- glad you tried the mask and liked it! Yes, raw, organic honey is definitely the way to go -- much higher in nutrients that feed the skin and help it glow!

[Megan]

I checked out that manuka honey at the store, wow, it's really pricey! I've heard that honey is really really good for the skin, so if you think the manuka makes the difference, I'll buy it, is it really worth it?

[BeautyCosmopolite]

Hi Megan,
Yes, unfortunately the manuka honey really is $$$! I like it for its active antibacterial properties. A little goes a long way and it doesn't go "bad", so you can keep it for a long time, and it has so many great uses, internal and external. But you definitely don't have to use manuka honey for this mask or any future skincare recipe I suggest that includes honey -- any good quality, raw honey will work!

[Su]

Tried it, liked it! Anything else you can do with honey?

[BeautyCosmopolite]

Hi Su -- a few people have asked me that, check out the next post -- it'll be up shortly!

[Jennifer]

I love it! This is great! I've tried a number of your beauty suggestions and they really work! My husband has even commented on how good my skin is looking...even though he laughs sometimes when I'm putting food on my face, as he calls it.

[BeautyCosmopolite]

Thanks for the feedback, Jennifer! Great to hear your husband's noticing a difference, even if he does find some of the skin-foods funny... :-)

[SMG]

I found raw, organic 'Active 15' Manuka honey and I love it!! I'm using it both on the skin and eating it, a tablespoon mixed with 1/4 tsp cinnamon in the evening. It is so delicious(this is from someone who has stayed away from the sticky stuff most of their life). Coconut oil, papaya, raw Manuka honey, what's next? Loving this natural skin care!

[BeautyCosmopolite]

Hi SMG - I also regularly eat Manuka honey, about a teaspoon a day...it's medicinal and is said to bolster the immune system amongst other benefits...and I find it can (sometimes) satiate my sweet tooth as well! So glad you're loving the natural skin care -- lots more to come! :-)

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