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 9 Best Men’s Face Washes for a Refreshed and Healthy Look

What is the most important step of a skincare routine for you ? Serum, or toner. No, it is the cleansing section. A facial cleanser is the first step as well as the most crucial part of any skincare routine. It eliminates impurities and dirt that have gathered on your face throughout the day. A cleanser also helps prevent pore clogging, which may lead to breakouts. But, men tend to ignore this fact. For them, using a face wash is optional, some even consider skincare is for girls. Everyone deserves a healthy-looking complexion, trust me. So in this guide, we will list our 9 best face washes for men. No matter what skin type you have, we will opt for the suitable one for you. Now, are you ready to explore the world of beauty and find out which facial cleanser works best for you? 

Best Men’s Face Wash Overall – Jordan Samuel The Matinee Gel Cleanser

The difficult task of gently yet thoroughly removing sebum buildup from inside the pores is accomplished by Samuel Skin’s non-foaming, fragrance-free gel cleanser, thanks to the inclusion of salicylic acid. With its aloe-glycerin basis, the face wash also moisturizes the driest skin as well as treats irritation, which can be caused by BHA. 

This cleanser is an excellent option for people whose skin is extremely sensitive as a result of breakouts. Many customers claim that it is very light and gentle on the skin. Also, there is a fragrance-free option available, suitable for those who are allergic to scent. Its feeling after use is also praised, users love the way the face wash cleans their skin without drying it out. With an affordable price, the product can last a long time, with just a bean that can be used to wash the face. People who frequently apply makeup also leave positive comments. They state that it can remove everything and leave skin hydrated throughout the day. However, several people report burning sensations and other unfavorable side effects after using the product. 

Best Men’s Face Wash for Oily Skin: Brickell Men’s Clarifying Gel Face Wash. 

With the help of strong cleansers derived from coconut, this rich, foaming gel face wash for men removes pollutants from the face. The formula leaves your skin uplifted and refreshed as well as tingles on contact thanks to the inclusion of peppermint and eucalyptus essential oils. This all-natural men’s face cleanser for oily skin produces a brighter, clearer complexion.

The Brickell Face Wash for men has received most of the positive reviews. Customers love its signature scent – peppermint, lemongrass, and eucalyptus. It is said to be energizing and fresh without being just a bland mint aroma. Also, the price is very reasonable, a single bottle can last for months, said some users. Its ability to clean and remove dirt and oils without drying and damaging the skin is also appreciated. Yet, in some cases, this face wash causes breakouts after usage. Some people also reported fungal acne all over their faces. The inclusion of coconut-derived ingredients might be the reason. For those with large pores or acne-prone skin, this product is not a good option as it may clog your pores. 

Best Men’s Face Wash for Sensitive Skin: Burt’s Bees Gentle Cream Cleanser

This rich cream cleanser can gently remove dirt, oil, and makeup on your face while keeping your face hydrated as well as improving your skin’s moisture barrier. The Burt’s Bees Cleanser contains Aloe and nutrient-rich botanicals. It is formulated without parabens, phthalates, petrolatum, or SLS, so this can be an ideal option for those with sensitive skin. Additionally, the item is Leaping Bunny Certified, indicating that it is cruelty-free. 

The Burt’s Bees Cleanser has a creamy texture, according to many users. Also, it gently washes the face without leaving a greasy residue. After usage, customers feel like their face is nourished and fresh. In addition, the scent is a big plus as it is very mild yet calming. But, some people don’t like it much. The face wash is said to go on like a face lotion, making them double-check the product to make sure that they are not mistaken. This face wash seemed super moisturizing, said a user, but it did not remove any of the makeup as expected. 

Best Men’s Face Wash for Combination Skin: Snow Fox Cooling Foam Cleanser. 

With peppermint included, this cooling foam wash removes pollutants and makeup without drying out the skin. This mild foaming wash’s citric acid controls oil production while prioritizing moisture retention. It also smoothes the skin’s surface while removing dead skin cells. In addition, it also helps prevent breakouts by removing residue to unclog pores and keep skin clear without irritating it. The Skin Fox foam wash is great for double cleansing. You can use it after oil or balm cleanser to completely clean the face and prep skin for the upcoming skincare routine. 

When browsing up the product on some online retailers, reviews for the Snow Fox Peppermint Cooling Cleanser are overwhelmingly favorable. Numerous clients laud its delicate yet powerful cleansing abilities as well as its cooling and refreshing sensation. Additionally, several consumers mention that it lessens redness and helps with acne. The cleanser can, though, be drying, and some consumers complain that the peppermint aroma is overpowering. Customers who are seeking a mild, refreshing cleanser that is effective for sensitive skin appear to prefer the product.

Best Men’s Face Wash For Dry Skin: Aesop Gentle Facial Cleansing Milk

This skin-softening treatment hydrates skin while grape seed extract smoothes and enhances skin texture. It’s great for those who prefer to wash their faces more than twice a day because the formula isn’t drying. The product should be used daily for positive results. Additionally, it has been improved with botanicals known for their calming effects, may easily remove makeup, and is rinsed. 

The Aesop Gentle Facial Cleansing Milk has gotten largely good ratings. Customers love its mild yet powerful cleansing qualities. Many say it leaves their skin feeling moisturized and supple. Customers report that it is effective for sensitive skin and reduces redness. The cleanser can be a little heavy and challenging to rinse off, and some customers find the aroma to be overpowering. 

Best Acne Face Wash for Men: Black Wolf Charcoal Powder Face Wash

With the inclusion of the two best ingredients to combat acne, this powerful pore lunger helps deep clean and unclog the pores as well as prevent breakouts. We all know how salicylic acid works, yet charcoal powder seems to be unfamiliar. This ingredient can reach the deepest depth of pores, soaking up excess oil without tightening the skin. Additionally, cucumber extract can help soothe the skin and avoid dryness associated with those two components. The Black Wolf Cleanser is ideal for every skin type, especially acne-prone skin. 

Customers have largely given The Black Wolf Nation Activated Charcoal Face Wash positive feedback. Many users laud its thorough cleansing abilities and capacity to clear the skin of oil and debris. Some people say it lessens their acne and makes their skin feel soft and renewed. Nevertheless, a few consumers have complained that the face cleanser can be drying and that some people find the aroma to be overpowering. A few customers have also reported problems with the pump not functioning properly. 

Best Men’s Drugstore Face Wash : CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser

Hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and glycerin are all used in CeraVe’s Gentle Face Cleanser, a daily face cleanser that moisturizes the skin without dehydrating it. The non-foaming cleanser is suitable for sensitive and dry skin because of its lotion-like consistency, which feels smooth while it cleanses. It is non-drying, non-comedogenic, fragrance-free, paraben-free, and has National Eczema Association certification. 

Reviews for the CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser are overwhelmingly positive. Customers value its mild yet powerful washing capabilities as well as its capacity to moisturize the skin without removing moisture. Many clients comment on how soft and renewed their skin feels after using it. The cleanser is fragrance-free, non-foaming, non-comedogenic, and non-drying, making it appropriate for sensitive skin. Customers have complained that the cleanser can occasionally be a touch heavy and challenging to rinse off, and a few have experienced problems with the dispenser malfunctioning. 

Best Men’s Exfoliating Face Wash: Atwater Skin Armor Face Scrub & Cleanser

All skin types can benefit from the strong yet delicate exfoliation of the Atwater Carey All-Star Face Scrub. Salicylic acid, which exfoliates dead skin cells and regulates oil production, jojoba seed oil, which moisturizes and nourishes the skin, and chlorophyllin copper complex are all included in this product’s recipe. It deeply cleans pores by dissolving buildup and pollutants that can lead to congestion and pimples. The skin feels refreshed, cleansed, and prepared for moisturizers after using it. The scrub is clean, vegan, fragrance-free, and cruelty-free, and it has been dermatologist-tested.

Positive comments for the Atwater Carey Skin Armor Face Scrub may be seen on the shopping platform. Customers laud the scrub’s ability to remove dead skin cells effectively and leave their skin feeling softer and smoother. Many users appreciate its capacity to avoid clogged pores and improve the effectiveness of other skincare products, and they use it frequently. The fact that the product is vegan, cruelty-free, and fragrance-free is also a selling point.

Best Men’s Face Wash for Pimples and Dark Spots: Kiehl’s Blue Herbal Acne Cleanser Treatment

This Kiehl’s face wash for men is made for oily skin types that are prone to breakouts. Salicylic acid, a beta-hydroxy acid that helps lessen blemishes and smooth skin texture, is a component of this product. While frankincense helps lower sebum production, ginger root essential oil offers antioxidant defense against free radicals. The very foamy acne cleanser aids in pore cleaning and lessens the appearance of blackheads, whiteheads, and other acne-related imperfections. 

Reviews of the Blue Herbal Spot Treatment are favorable. Customers say the medication works well to cure acne outbreaks and lessen redness and inflammation. Many users enjoy that it doesn’t dry out their skin and that it can stop the development of new breakouts. Nonetheless, some customers have claimed that the lotion can occasionally sting or irritate them. 

Face wash plays a key role in every skincare routine, simple or not. It helps to remove dirt on the face as well as prevent breakouts. Nowadays, there are multiple choices with many effective components, making it harder to find the right cleanser. And the existence of this guide is to tackle the problem. After reading this, have you found your favorite facial wash of all time?