body and face pack

DIY TURMERIC & LEMON BRIGHTENING FACE MASK

With the colder months fast approaching, I thought it would be fun to kick off a beauty series to keep our skin glowing and hydrated all winter long. Over the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing my favorite DIY face masks, scrubs, winter skincare tips, and more! For a glimpse into my daily routine, check out my Natural Vegan Skincare Routine.

Wouldn’t it be nice to keep that summer glow all year round? This DIY mask is not only brightening but also perfect for acne-prone skin (or any skin type!) while giving you a healthy, radiant complexion.

Now, a quick disclaimer: the vegan police might be after me for this one… While I don’t consume honey, I’ve always appreciated its medicinal properties for the skin, especially Manuka honey, which has endless healing benefits. I actually picked up a bottle of Manuka honey from Trader Joe’s over the summer without thinking much of it. But then I started feeling guilty, since vegans typically avoid honey. There’s a lot of debate within the vegan community about this, which I dive deeper into in my post about Plant-Based vs. Vegan. If you’re concerned, you can always swap out the honey for agave nectar to get that same sticky consistency!

Normally, I wouldn’t purchase products with honey, but I had this small bottle lying around, and instead of letting it go to waste, I’ve decided to use it for beauty purposes, like in this Brightening Turmeric DIY Face Mask.

A fun fact: Manuka honey comes from New Zealand, where bees feed on the nectar of the Tea Tree Plant. It’s the perfect addition to this mask for an extra glow boost!

THIS POTENT MANUKA HONEY IS ESPECIALLY GREAT FOR:

  • Healing acne and scarring
  • Fighting skin infections
  • Cleaning pores while naturally exfoliating
  • Helping skin retain moisture
  • Rejuvenating radiance and softness

NOT TO MENTION ITS:

  • Anti-bacterial properties
  • Anti-inflammatory effects
  • Anti-fungal qualities
  • High in antioxidants to protect the skin

What makes it even more special is its thicker consistency compared to regular honey, with a cloudy appearance. After soaking up some of this healing Manuka honey, my skin feels totally moisturized, balanced, and soft—it’s magical!

I’m no honey expert (I picked mine up from Trader Joe’s), but I know that higher-quality Manuka honey products are out there, like this one from Manuka Doctor, which has a higher UMF (Unique Manuka Factor) score, indicating more potency. You can really feel the difference with a higher UMF—it’s like a supercharged version of regular honey!

The next essential ingredient for this DIY face mask is turmeric – a true wonder spice, and not just for your curry recipes! This vibrant, golden powder is incredibly beautifying. I was inspired to include it in this mask from my Golden Glow Elixir Juice, which you all seemed to love as much as I did (plus, it’s great for boosting immunity during the winter months!).

Turmeric has been used for centuries in beauty rituals, especially by Indian brides who use turmeric body scrubs and masks before their weddings to achieve that head-to-toe glow. The spice is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help to brighten and even out skin tone, while also giving you a luminous, radiant complexion. It’s like liquid gold for your skin!

BENEFITS OF TURMERIC:

Turmeric is a powerhouse when it comes to skincare, offering a range of benefits:

  • Reduces redness
  • Treats breakouts
  • Helps with age spots
  • Reduces scarring and hyperpigmentation
  • Helps to heal psoriasis and eczema
  • Brightens and tones
  • Anti-inflammatory properties

While fresh turmeric would be even better for this mask, I only had ground turmeric on hand, which still works wonders. Just a heads-up—turmeric is known to stain, so be sure to wear a shirt you don’t mind getting a little messy and dry your face with a dark towel. The turmeric will leave a slight yellow tint on your skin, but don’t worry! I usually wash my face with my regular sulfur soap once or twice after the mask, and the yellow tint disappears with no problem. Just a little heads-up to ensure you’re prepared!

Next up is fresh lemon juice! Lemon is packed with vitamin C, which is essential for brightening and evening out your skin tone. It’s also anti-bacterial, making it especially helpful for breakouts, while acting as a natural exfoliant to give your skin that healthy radiance. Lemon is also known to help fade acne scars over time, making it a great addition to this mask. Don’t worry though—this mask won’t sting like lemon juice sometimes does on its own! It actually feels soothing and balancing on the skin.

The final ingredient is oats, which are incredibly moisturizing, exfoliating, and softening. I blended my oats a bit in the food processor to make them finer, but you can also use oat flour if that’s easier. Just a heads-up, the mask can get a little messy depending on how finely ground your oats are, so be sure to apply it over the sink to make cleanup easier. The oats will help lock in moisture while gently sloughing off dead skin, leaving you with smooth, soft skin.

CONCLUSION

And there you have it—this Brightening Turmeric DIY Face Mask is the perfect way to keep your skin glowing and healthy throughout the colder months! With the power of Manuka honey, turmeric, fresh lemon juice, and oats, this mask works wonders to brighten, exfoliate, and heal your skin, all while leaving it soft, smooth, and balanced.

Whether you’re dealing with breakouts, acne scars, or just want to keep your skin glowing, this mask has got you covered. Plus, it’s natural, vegan (with the option to substitute for agave), and perfect for anyone looking for a simple yet effective skincare routine.

So, put on your favorite old shirt, get ready for a little mess, and treat your skin to some much-needed love and nourishment. Your skin will thank you, and you’ll be glowing all season long!

Let me know how you like it!

13 CREATIVE CANDLE PHOTOGRAPHY IDEAS FOR STUNNING CANDLEIGHT SHOTS

If you’re seeking inspiration for capturing stunning candle photos for your blog or online store, these candle photography ideas are perfect for you. With these creative tips, you’ll be able to snap eye-catching images that stand out in a sea of similar product shots.

Take a Photo of a Candle in Hands

Human hands can bring life to a photo, adding history, character, and mood to the shot. The way a candle is held can convey different emotions or states. For example, placing a candle gently on a palm creates a cozy, intimate feel, while gripping it firmly with both hands can evoke a sense of confidence and determination. This subtle detail allows you to tell a deeper story through your candle photography.

Tell about the Components of a Candle

This candle photoshoot idea focuses on highlighting the often-overlooked details that make each candle unique. A close-up shot of the wick is a great choice, as different wicks burn and look distinct, and many people find the burning process fascinating. You can also capture an interesting shot by placing the candle’s cover slightly off to the side, allowing you to feature both the candle and its cover in a single, original image. This approach draws attention to the craftsmanship and subtle details that make each product special, offering viewers a deeper look into the candle’s design and burn.

Capture the Process of Candle Lighting

To bring this idea to life, you’ll need an assistant or a shutter remote control. Capture the moment right when the candle is lit to create a strong visual association that encourages viewers to imagine themselves doing the same.

For an even more impactful result, focus the shot on the candle itself, rather than on any body parts. Minimize other light sources to emphasize the warmth and natural glow created by the candle’s flame, enhancing the overall mood of the image.

Show the Process of Opening a Package with Candles

Including the packaging in your composition not only showcases the product but also reflects the overall service experience. A beautifully designed package, along with thoughtful extras like cards, notes, or small souvenirs, can communicate the seller’s care and attention to detail for the customer.

A craft box with filling is a timeless prop that works well for a variety of candle photography ideas. You can photograph the candles inside the box, highlighting their premium packaging, or place them next to a burning candle to create a warm, inviting scene that emphasizes the product’s quality and the thoughtful presentation.

Show the Size of the Flame

One effective candle photography idea involves using zoom, but it’s important to note that as the aperture changes with zoom, it’s often better to rely on a wide-angle lens for better results. The Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 Art DC HSM is an excellent choice for this purpose. This ultra-wide-angle lens allows you to capture the maximum amount of light, making it ideal for shooting in low-light environments. Its ability to gather more light ensures that your candle shots will be well-lit, even in dimly lit settings, while maintaining sharp focus and depth.

Include More Candles for a Well-lit Scene

Including multiple candles in the frame can help achieve the ideal level of illumination for your shot. This not only provides a stunning visual effect but also gives you more flexibility with your aperture settings. To maintain sharp, crisp images, try to keep your ISO under 400, as higher ISO settings can introduce noise. In a still environment, a shutter speed of 1/15th should be sufficient to capture the shot without any motion blur. This setup allows you to create a beautifully lit scene while preserving the detail and clarity of your candle photography.

Use Fabric to Match the Packaging for a Beautiful Background

To achieve a perfectly balanced color scheme in your candle photos, choose a light and airy fabric that either matches the candle packaging or is just a shade darker. This approach helps fill in gaps in the shot without overwhelming the viewer’s eyes or distracting from the product.

Additionally, the fabric you select should complement the candle’s aroma. For instance, a rich, heavy scent paired with dark packaging may benefit from a background featuring a textured or rough fabric to evoke the right mood and enhance the overall sensory experience.

Add Volume by Including Books

Books evoke a sense of coziness and a homey atmosphere, often associated with warmth and positive emotions. To create this inviting mood, place a book next to the candle and complement the scene with matching details, like a soft blanket or a warm beverage. This combination can evoke the feeling of relaxation and comfort, making your candle photography feel even more intimate and comforting.

Photograph a Candle on a White Background

Capturing a candle against a white background is a foolproof photography idea. White surfaces and backdrops can really enhance the appearance of candles, making them pop and giving the shot a clean, elegant feel. If your photo includes models, ensure their attire is also in light shades to maintain a harmonious look. Even if the candle itself or its packaging is light-colored, you can experiment with different tones or even apply shadow photography techniques to add depth and create more dramatic effects.

Proper illumination is crucial in every photograph, which is why professional photographers work hard to ensure light evenly spreads across the scene, covering every corner. Harsh shadows can disrupt the composition unless they’re intentionally included for effect. Diffused lighting, on the other hand, helps create a soft, balanced look and is ideal for achieving perfect white balance—something a spotlight can often fail to do. This type of lighting adds warmth and depth to candle shots, enhancing their natural glow without overpowering the image.

Take a Photo in a Simulated Interior

To capture eye-catching photos, your candle should seamlessly blend with the surrounding interior. Consider setting it within a scene, like a romantic dinner table or a serene bathroom, where the candle enhances the overall ambiance. When viewers see how the candle complements the composition, they’ll be inspired to recreate that aesthetic in their own home.

You don’t need to spend hours searching for the perfect location—sometimes creating a small corner of the desired setting is enough. For example, a makeup table with a mirror, some cosmetics, and a candle can be all you need to evoke a chic, inviting atmosphere. This simple approach lets the candle shine while also making the space feel lived-in and relatable.

Feel Free to Show the Entire Process

Showcasing the behind-the-scenes workflow is one of the most impactful candle photoshoot ideas. If you’re shooting in a factory or home lab where candles are made, try to capture images in natural daylight to minimize the need for additional lighting equipment, keeping the process organic and simple.

When documenting the candle-making process, embracing a bit of “welcomed chaos” can add authenticity and charm. Rather than focusing on perfection, allow scattered fabric pieces, beads, and tools to remain visible—these little details convey the hands-on, artisanal nature of the craft. You can also capture moments like the interim period before the label is applied to the jar, highlighting the stage of production when the candle is almost complete but still a work-in-progress. These types of shots provide a deeper, more meaningful narrative and connect the viewer to the creation process.

Convey the Smell through Associations

Associations and symbols are powerful tools for conveying the essence of a photo. When photographing aroma candles, incorporating elements that match the fragrance or color of the product can effectively evoke the scent. For example, if you’re shooting a raspberry-scented candle, adding fresh raspberries to the scene can help visually communicate the fragrance, creating an immersive experience for the viewer. This approach adds layers of meaning to your photo, making it not only visually appealing but also sensory-rich.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, candle photography offers endless creative possibilities to capture the essence, warmth, and beauty of candles in unique and engaging ways. Whether you’re focusing on the intricate details like wicks or incorporating symbolic elements that reflect the candle’s scent, each shot can tell a compelling story. From behind-the-scenes looks at the production process to showcasing candles in their natural environments, thoughtful composition, lighting, and props can elevate your photos to stand out. By experimenting with techniques like using multiple candles for better illumination, embracing imperfections, and carefully curating your setting, you can create images that not only showcase the product but also evoke a feeling or mood that resonates with your audience.