exfoliate before or after mask

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!

THE 15 BEST FACE MASKS FOR GLOWING SKIN

While face masks are not required as part of your skincare routine, they can provide more than just a relaxing self-care experience. Choose one with specific ingredients that address your skin conditions, and it could make a significant impact on the appearance and feel of your skin. However, like with all skincare categories, choosing the perfect face mask for you is dependent on some factors, including the face mask brush you use, as well as your skin type, skin issues, and lifestyle. So, we’ve compiled a list of the top face masks for glowing skin for you to choose from. 

The Inkey List Madecassoside Mask

We recommend this cheap mask for when your face needs some extra support, whether you’re having a flare-up of redness and irritation or you’re simply desiring a calming treatment for your skin. It is one of the best face masks for acne, recommended by many influencers. It contains madecassoside, a component of Centella Asiatica, a medicinal plant noted for its skin-soothing properties. The mask acts to reduce redness and inflammation while also hydrating the skin and creating a cooling sensation that is extremely pleasant. It can be used as a leave-on treatment or a rinse-off mask, making it extremely versatile. 

Osmotics Cosmeceuticals Blue Copper 5 Prime Sleep Tight Mask

Despite being on the more expensive side, this Osmotics offering was a popular choice. This face mask is suitable for every skin type and condition. The high content of sodium hyaluronate (called hyaluronic acid) to increase hydration and copper peptides to assist in stimulating collagen formation also impressed the Lab. It aids in the visible tightening, lifting, and restoration of lost volume. Intensive hydration fills fine lines and wrinkles while also relieving stress and promoting healthy-looking, radiant skin. Some people found the lotion a little sticky to apply, but no one observed any stains or residue on their pillow in the morning, which pleased the Lab.

Sisley Paris Black Rose Cream Mask

This pricey selection is a terrific idea if you’re prepared to splurge on a face mask and make this portion of your self-care routine more luxurious. It is a cream mask that has been specially created to make the complexion appear more youthful and revitalized in an instant. While it is rather pricey, it is believed that a little goes a long way and it is not a wash-off product, so it is thought to be a reasonable value. The ultra-creamy product is pillowy soft and simple to apply, and it dramatically boosts moisture.

Peter Thomas Roth Pumpkin Enzyme Mask

This potent, triple-action physical, chemical, and enzymatic exfoliation treatment targets a dull, aged, and congested face. This face mask exfoliates in two ways: it contains pumpkin enzymes and alpha hydroxy acids for chemical exfoliation, as well as aluminum oxide crystals to physically polish away dead skin cells. The tiny grit in the thick, gel-like texture makes application easy and ensures that the physical exfoliation isn’t too harsh. It also has a lovely pumpkin aroma that isn’t overbearing but rather enhances the masking experience nicely.

Burt’s Bees Hydrating Overnight Mask

Burt’s Bees Hydrating Overnight Mask replaces moisture as you sleep, allowing you to wake up with deeply hydrated skin. This 99% natural mix contains some of nature’s best components, such as avocado, a superfruit high in fatty acids, and prebiotics, which aid in the maintenance of a healthy microbiota. Burt’s Bees moisturizing mask has skin soothers including avocado oil and prebiotics and is reasonably priced. This mask, according to several customers, absorbs well and helps to smooth out crepey skin texture. However, one online reviewer claims that the mask caused them to break out, so keep this in mind if you have acne-prone skin.

Mary Kay Clear Proof Deep-Cleansing Charcoal Mask

Treat your skin to this rinse-off charcoal and clay Mary Kay mask, which has been shown to remove oil and clarify. It is suitable for all skin types, but i highly recommend for those with oily skin since this charcoal mask can help to remove impurities from your face. According to lab research, the product decreases skin oil by 89% and shines by 84% in 15 minutes. “I have dry skin and am wary of clay masks,” says the customer, “but unlike some that can dehydrate, I was amazed that this left my face clarified and baby soft.”

Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Hydrating Mask

This Origins mask, aptly titled, is like a gulp of moisture for even the driest skin. It’s also a fan favorite, described as an “amazingly hydrating product.” This nightly sleeping mask, infused with Hyaluronic Acid and Avocado Butter, hydrates dry skin for 72 hours. Skin regains its dewy radiance. It can also be used as a hydrating hand mask for dry hands. The mask’s aroma is invigorating, and customers find it extremely soothing for skin afflicted by dry winter air, as well as amazing at healing dry spots. One disadvantage is that it can feel tacky on the skin.

Aveeno Oat Face Mask with Pomegranate Seed Extract

This clarifying, creamy clay mask is like a smoothie for the skin, with relaxing oats and pomegranate and kiwi extracts, which work to boost glow while hydrating your skin. The rich and silky texture of the nourishing oat mask solution moisturizes dry skin. Apply the complete oat face mask to clean, wet skin and leave on for 5-10 minutes before rinsing. The nutritious mask is gentle enough to use twice a week. It’s a spa-like treatment at a drugstore price. It leaves the face “refreshed and radiant,” according to one tester.

Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask

If you’re looking for hydration, Summer Fridays’ Jet Lag Mask is your best bet. The well-known formula contains hyaluronic acid, glycerin, shea butter, and ceramides to deliver much-needed moisture, as well as niacinamide and vitamin C16 to boost brightness. This hydrating product can be used as a regular mask or as an under-eye treatment. Furthermore, thanks to the fragrance-free reformulation, those with sensitive skin can now enjoy the nourishing effects without being irritated.

Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask

The Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask is appropriate for all skin types and issues. It is a bouncy, breathable sleeping face mask formulated with watermelon, hyaluronic acid, and AHAs to hydrate, smooth, and polish beautiful skin. It can be used as a leave-on moisturizer and brightener or as an overnight sleeping mask. As a last step in your skin care routine, apply a generous amount to the skin before going to bed. In the morning, gently pat the mask into your skin and wash it away. This facial mask has anti-aging and pore-minimizing qualities. Spread a thick layer from the brow to the chin for a wash-off mask. After 10 minutes, rinse thoroughly. However, scent, which is one of the probable allergens, may cause sensitivities in certain people.

CETAPHIL Pro Dermacontrol Purifying Clay Mask

If you have clogged pores or simply want a deeper clean without irritating, this mild mask from CETAPHIL will work. A luxuriously creamy Amazonian clay mask that deep cleans pores while enhancing skin tone and texture, leaving skin feeling clear and invigorated. It moisturizes and brightens skin tone with the help of calming cucumber seed extract. The creamy clay mixture helps prevent dryness while also creating a fresh, clean feeling on the skin. According to many customers, it effectively unclogs pores and after a few times using, the skin does get better. However, some found no difference on their face.

NEUTROGENA Hydro Boost Hydrating Mask

If you’ve never used a hydrogel mask before, you’ll be hooked after using this one. Its cooling and invigorating properties make it great for soothing sensitive skin. Because it contains up to 50 times more water than a conventional sheet mask, this hydrogel mask is packed with hydrating components that quickly heal dry skin and help it retain hydration over time. Hyaluronic acid is included in the formula. The face mask conforms to your skin and locks in its moisturizing ingredient for optimal absorption and clinically proven outcomes. To use, use the face mask after cleansing and before applying serum, and leave on for 15 to 30 minutes to provide extra hydration to your skin.

Antipodes Aura Manuka Honey Mask

The Antipodes Aura Manuka Honey Mask is a popular face mask among beauty bloggers. Manuka honey, known for its antibacterial properties, helps to combat blemishes at their root and intensely moisturizes dry and flaky areas, making it ideal for combination skin. Manuka honey from the wild seals in moisture while keeping skin fresh and blemish-free. Pohutukawa bloom, endemic to New Zealand, conditions and soothes irritation for a clear, bright, and vibrant complexion. To use it, apply a layer at night and twice a week or whenever you want to achieve a glowing skin.

Pixi Glow Mud Mask

If your skin has recently been prone to breakouts, Pixi’s Glow Mud Mask will be a godsend. Among the face masks in skincare, it is the top rated one. The mask targets blemishes at their source by drawing impurities out of the skin and restoring your skin’s radiance. The mineral-rich treatment absorbs oil, draws out impurities, and fights breakouts while rejuvenating the skin. Kaolin and sea salt cleanse, while ginseng and aloe vera soothe. You can even dab onto isolated locations if you believe they require more targeted therapy.

First Aid Beauty 5-in-1 Bouncy Mask

Finally, this is the best face masks for skin. Anything with the word “bouncy” in the title can only mean plumped-up, glowing, and gorgeous, and that is exactly what this FAB face mask does. The mask has an ultra-modern smart gel composition that rapidly retakes shape after application to assist give a dewy, refined, and plump-looking complexion that glows with hydrated resilience. It contains rose-bud extract and Vitamin C, calms, hydrates, and gives remarkable brightness to tired complexions. It’s the perfect pick-me-up for post-party skin.

Conclusion

It can be tough to find the best face mask for glowing skin, but numerous excellent options can soothe, hydrate, and nourish delicate skin. It’s critical to choose masks produced with gentle, non-irritating ingredients such as chamomile, aloe vera, honey, and oatmeal. Patch-testing new things before using them is frequently recommended to avoid adverse reactions. With the right face mask and a gentle skincare plan, sensitive skin types can achieve a healthy, radiant complexion.