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!
15 BEST KOREAN EYE CREAMS FOR HYDRATED, FIRMER UNDEREYES
Looking for a solution to dehydrated, tired-looking under eyes? Look no further than the innovative world of K-beauty! Korean eye creams are renowned for their potent ingredients and focus on gentle yet effective hydration. Whether you’re concerned with fine lines, puffiness, or dark circles, there’s a perfect K-beauty eye cream waiting to brighten and revitalize your precious under-eye area.
In this guide, we’ll unveil the 15 best Korean eye creams to quench your under-eye thirst and leave you looking refreshed and radiant. We’ll explore a variety of options, catering to different concerns and budgets, so you can find the perfect formula to transform your under-eye game. Get ready to discover the secret to achieving that coveted youthful, wide-awake gaze – Korean eye cream style!
BEAUTY OF JOSEON REVIVE EYE SERUM WITH GINSENG + RETINAL
The Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum with Ginseng + Retinal combines Korean ginseng, known for its anti-aging properties, with a gentle form of retinol to target wrinkles, dark circles, and puffiness. This innovative formula promises to brighten, firm, and hydrate the delicate under-eye area, making it a great choice for those looking to combat visible signs of aging around the eyes. Remember to consult a dermatologist before using a new retinol product in your routine.
GOODAL GREEN TANGERINE VITA C DARK CIRCLE EYE CREAM
Formulated with Green Tangerine extract, rich in Vitamin C, Goodal’s Green Tangerine Vita C Dark Circle Eye Cream aims to tackle stubborn dark circles and under-eye wrinkles. This gentle formula promises to brighten and improve elasticity in the delicate under-eye area, leaving you with a refreshed and more radiant look. Suitable for all skin types, this cream is a great option for those seeking a natural approach to combating signs of fatigue around the eyes.
HARU HARU WONDER BLACK RICE BAKUCHIOL EYE CREAM
Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Bakuchiol Eye Cream offers a plant-derived alternative to retinol. Formulated with fermented black rice and Bakuchiol, a gentle retinol alternative, this cream targets wrinkles and signs of aging around the eyes. It also boasts natural ingredients like bamboo shoot extract and ginseng to hydrate and nourish the delicate under-eye area. This fragrance-free and cruelty-free formula is suitable for all skin types, even sensitive ones.
MEDICUBE DEEP REVIVING PEPTIDE EYE CREAM
Medicube Deep Reviving Peptide Eye Cream promises to hydrate and revitalize your under-eyes. This fragrance-free formula is packed with a high concentration of peptide complex, aiming to improve the appearance of puffiness, dark circles, and fine lines. Suitable for all skin types and seasons, it can even be used on your entire face for a youthful boost. Apply it after cleansing and toning for a refreshed and well-rested appearance.
TORRIDEN – CELLMAZING FIRMING EYE CREAM
Torriden’s CELLMAZING Firming Eye Cream targets concerns of aging and fatigue around the eyes. This fragrance-free cream is formulated with a 5D Collagen Complex and botanical extracts to improve elasticity, reduce wrinkles, and diminish puffiness. It promises to leave your under-eyes feeling firmer, smoother, and more youthful.
YUNJAC WHOLE PLANT EFFECT EYE CONCENTRATE
Yunjac’s Whole Plant Effect Eye Concentrate boasts a unique philosophy, utilizing the power of whole plants rather than isolated extracts. This rich formula is packed with active substances and growth energy derived from various plant parts – roots, stems, flowers – for a holistic approach to under-eye care. Inspired by the skin’s natural mechanisms, the concentrate promises to revitalize circulation, improve elasticity, and address concerns like wrinkles and dark circles. This fragrance-free formula caters to those seeking gentle yet effective Korean skincare solutions.
FRAIJOUR – RETIN-COLLAGEN 3D CORE EYE CREAM
Fraijour’s Retin-Collagen 3D Core Eye Cream takes a multi-pronged approach to under-eye rejuvenation. It combines Retinal Liposome, a gentle form of retinol, with 7 layers of collagen to tackle wrinkles, loss of elasticity, and signs of fatigue. This innovative formula aims to plump and firm the delicate under-eye area, while also improving its overall tone and texture. Suitable for those looking for a targeted approach to combating visible signs of aging, the cream promises to leave you with a brighter, more youthful, and well-rested appearance.
AHC TEN REVOLUTION REAL EYE CREAM FOR FACE
AHC’s TEN REVOLUTION Real Eye Cream for Face is a multi-tasking wonder that transcends the boundaries of traditional eye creams. This innovative formula boasts a double duty approach – targeting concerns around the eyes while also being suitable for application on your entire face. Packed with 25 types of peptides and fermented ingredients, it promises to improve elasticity, diminish wrinkles, and brighten the overall complexion. This fragrance-free cream caters to those seeking a streamlined skincare routine and a product that delivers visible results for both the eyes and face.
SOME BY MI – RETINOL INTENSE ADVANCED TRIPLE ACTION EYE CREAM
Some By Mi’s Retinol Intense Advanced Triple Action Eye Cream tackles concerns like wrinkles, dark circles, and puffiness with a powerful yet gentle formula. This fragrance-free cream features 0.1% Retinol, a potent anti-aging ingredient, encapsulated in a slow-release system to minimize irritation. Combined with Collagen and Tripeptide Complex, it aims to improve elasticity, reduce the appearance of fine lines, and brighten the under-eye area. This K-beauty favorite caters to those seeking effective results while keeping sensitivity in mind. Remember, consulting a dermatologist before introducing retinol to your routine is always recommended.
BENTON FERMENTATION EYE CREAM
Benton Fermentation Eye Cream offers a gentle yet effective approach to under-eye care. This fragrance-free formula utilizes fermented ingredients, known for their anti-aging and nourishing properties, to improve hydration, elasticity, and overall skin texture. Benton’s cream focuses on strengthening the delicate under-eye area, aiming to diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Suitable for all skin types, this lightweight and fast-absorbing cream provides a touch of moisture without feeling greasy, making it a great choice for those seeking a comfortable and effective daily eye cream.
SKIN 1004’s Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Bakuchiol Eye Cream offers a soothing and restorative solution for fatigued under-eyes. This fragrance-free formula combines the calming properties of Centella Asiatica (commonly known as centella) with Bakuchiol, a plant-derived retinol alternative, to target wrinkles and signs of aging. Probiotics are included to help balance the skin’s microbiome, potentially reducing puffiness and irritation. This lightweight cream aims to leave your under-eyes feeling hydrated, soothed, and revitalized, making it ideal for those with sensitive skin or concerns about irritation.
DR. DIFFERENT VITALIFT-A EYE & NECK
Dr. Different Vitalift-A Eye & Neck Cream is a Korean skincare solution designed to combat signs of aging in two delicate areas – the eyes and neck. This night cream features a gentle form of retinol, called retinal, to target wrinkles, fine lines, and loss of elasticity. Combined with a complex of 11 peptides, it aims to stimulate collagen production and improve the overall firmness and texture of the skin. Suitable for those seeking a targeted approach to anti-aging around the eyes and neck, Dr. Different Vitalift-A Eye & Neck promises to leave you with a smoother, more youthful appearance.
Formulated with brightening powerhouses Tranexamic Acid and Glutathione, MARY&MAY’s Tranexamic Acid + Glutathione Eye Cream tackles concerns like dark circles and uneven skin tone around the eyes. This fragrance-free and lightweight cream promises to target hyperpigmentation and discoloration, leaving you with a brighter and more even under-eye area. Suitable for all skin types, it boasts a gentle yet effective formula that can be a great choice for those seeking to combat stubborn dark circles and achieve a radiant look.
SHAISHAISHAI BANANA CONCEAL EYE CREAM
Shaishaihai Banana Conceal Eye Cream utilizes banana extract, known for its potassium content, to potentially brighten and hydrate the under-eye area. This cream is claimed to offer good coverage for blemishes and imperfections while also aiming to improve the appearance of wrinkles with peptides and collagen. However, due to limited information on the product’s ingredients and scientific backing, further research might be necessary to determine its effectiveness.
HEIMISH – MARINE CARE EYE CREAM WITH RETINOL
Heimish Marine Care Eye Cream with Retinol offers a revitalizing approach to under-eye care, combining the power of marine extracts with retinol. This fragrance-free cream is designed to target concerns like wrinkles and loss of elasticity, while also providing deep hydration. However, the specific marine extracts and their benefits aren’t readily available, making it difficult to assess their targeted functionality. For those seeking a retinol cream for the under-eyes, Heimish Marine Care Eye Cream could be an option, but researching the complete ingredient list and consulting a dermatologist beforehand is always recommended.
HOW TO APPLY A KOREAN EYE CREAM
Unlocking the full potential of your Korean eye cream lies not just in the product itself, but also in the application technique. Unlike moisturizers for your face, the delicate under-eye area requires a gentle touch. Here’s how to apply your Korean eye cream for optimal results:
CLEANSE AND PREP
Just like any skincare step, start with a clean and prepped canvas. Wash your face with your usual cleanser and pat it dry with a soft towel. Apply any toners or essences you use in your routine, allowing them to absorb completely before moving on to the eye cream.
LESS IS MORE
A pea-sized amount of product is all you need! Korean eye creams are typically concentrated, so a little goes a long way. Dispense a small amount onto the back of your clean hand or your ring finger.
THE PATTING TECHNIQUE
Use your ring finger to gently pat the product onto the under-eye area. This delicate patting motion helps stimulate circulation and minimizes tugging on the thin skin. Start from the inner corner of your eye, where puffiness is more common, and pat outwards towards your temple. Don’t forget to cover the entire under-eye area, but avoid applying too close to your lash line to prevent irritation.
BE GENTLE
The under-eye area is extremely delicate, so resist the urge to rub or drag the product. This can cause irritation and even worsen wrinkles over time. Use a gentle tapping motion and allow the cream to absorb fully before applying any makeup.
MORNING AND NIGHT
Most Korean eye creams can be used twice a day, both in the morning and at night. In the morning, applying eye cream after your moisturizer and before sunscreen helps create a smooth base for makeup. At night, applying eye cream before bed allows the product to work its magic while you sleep.
BONUS TIP
For an extra cooling and depuffing effect, store your Korean eye cream in the refrigerator. Just remember to take it out a few minutes before application to avoid shocking the delicate under-eye area.
By following these simple steps, you can ensure you’re getting the most out of your Korean eye cream and keeping your under-eyes hydrated, youthful, and radiant.
CONCLUSION
Wondering how to get rid of puffy eyes or lines under your eyes? Eye cream is a temporary makeup solution for you. (Note that makeup is only temporary. To be able to solve that situation, you must take specific corrective measures.
There you have it – your ultimate guide to the 15 best Korean eye creams for a brighter, more youthful under-eye area! With a variety of formulas targeting concerns like wrinkles, dark circles, and puffiness, there’s a perfect K-beauty pick for every skin type and budget. Remember, consistency is key! Apply your chosen eye cream morning and night, following the gentle patting technique, and witness the transformative power of Korean skincare.
For even more dramatic results, consider incorporating other K-beauty staples into your routine, like facial essences or sheet masks. With dedication and the right products, you can achieve those coveted youthful, wide-awake eyes and radiate confidence from within.
So, what are you waiting for? Dive into the world of Korean eye creams and discover the secret to a more radiant and revitalized under-eye area!
