rose water spritz for face

DIY LAVENDER CLAY FACE MASK

Clay masks are often tailored for oily skin due to their oil-absorbing properties, but this Lavender Clay Face Mask is specially designed for dry and sensitive skin. Despite the ingredient list, it’s surprisingly simple to create! The process of blending clay, water, and oil into a luxurious mask is both satisfying and rewarding.

This recipe features a rich combination of argan and avocado oils to deeply moisturize the skin. Argan oil, celebrated for its nourishing qualities, is packed with vitamins A and E. To achieve its smooth, creamy, lotion-like texture, the oils and distilled water are combined with Polawax Emulsifying Wax and BTMS-50 Conditioning Wax. These emulsifiers ensure a stable blend, preventing the oil and water from separating.

INGREDIENTS

  • Four 8 oz. Short Bail Jars
  • 21.4 oz. Distilled Water
  • 1 oz. Argan Oil
  • 1.3 oz. Avocado Oil
  • 1 oz. Polawax Emulsifying Wax
  • 0.8 oz. BTMS-50 Conditioning Wax
  • 3.5 oz. Kaolin Clay
  • 1 oz. Purple Brazilian Clay
  • 2 mL Lavender 40/42 Essential Oil
  • 0.5 oz. Evening Primrose Extract
  • 0.2 oz. Optiphen

INSTRUCTIONS

Prepare Equipment: Disinfect all utensils, including mixing containers, a stick blender, spoons, and spatulas, by dipping them in a 5% bleach water solution and letting them dry. This step ensures your tools are free from bacteria and microbes, creating a safe environment for your mask.

Prepare the Clays: Measure 3.5 oz. of kaolin clay and 1 oz. of purple Brazilian clay. You can combine them in one container or keep them separate for individual addition later.

Heat the Oils and Waxes: In a heat-safe container, combine avocado oil, argan oil, Polawax, and BTMS-50. Heat the mixture in the microwave in 30-60 second bursts until the waxes are fully melted. Handle carefully, as the container will be hot. Set aside.

Heat the Water: In a separate large container, heat the distilled water to 160-170°F using a microwave or stovetop. Recheck the water volume after heating, as some may evaporate, and top it up to ensure you have exactly 21.4 oz.

Combine Water and Oils: Ensure the oil and wax mixture and the heated water are between 160-180°F. If the oils have cooled, reheat them. Place the stick blender into the water and burp it to release air bubbles. Pour the melted oil mixture into the water, scraping the container to include all ingredients. Pulse the stick blender until the mixture turns milky, indicating emulsification. Blend for about a minute.

Add the Clays: Gradually add spoonfuls of kaolin clay (or the kaolin and purple Brazilian clay mix), pulsing the stick blender after each addition. Continue until all the clay is fully incorporated. Blend for 1-2 minutes, scraping down the sides of the container to ensure an even mix.

Cool and Add Preservatives: Once the mixture cools to 130-140°F, add the Optiphen, Lavender 40/42 Essential Oil, and evening primrose extract. Stick blend thoroughly, remembering to burp the blender, until all ingredients are well mixed.

Final Blend: If not yet added, incorporate the purple Brazilian clay and blend until the texture is smooth and uniform. Continue blending for a few more minutes to ensure full emulsification.

Fill and Cool: Pour the mixture into the bail jars. If bubbles form on the surface, spritz with 99% isopropyl alcohol. Leave the jars uncovered to cool for several hours, allowing the mask to set into a thick, lotion-like consistency. A slight skin may form on the surface as it dries.

USAGE INSTRUCTIONS

Apply a medium layer to clean, dry skin, avoiding the eye area. Let the mask sit for 10-15 minutes, then rinse with warm water. Washing afterward is optional. For dry skin, limit use to once per week.

3-INGREDIENT DIY FACE MOISTURIZERS

In this post, I’ll walk you through some of the simplest and most effective DIY face moisturizers. I’ll break down the basic ingredients you’ll need to effectively moisturize your skin, and guide you through the steps to apply them in the most beginner-friendly way.

This post won’t cover DIY oil-and-water emulsions, like creams or lotions. While making a cream is not particularly complicated, I wanted to create a beginner-level guide with recipes that anyone—regardless of experience—can easily follow (even if you can’t boil an egg).

Though creating a cream can range from simple to more advanced, it always requires some special tools, a proper emulsifier to mix the water and oil phases, and a preservative. Since creams can be more involved, and not everyone wants to deal with all of that (honestly, I don’t always either), I’ll save that for a separate post.

Here, I’ll explain the difference between hydration and moisturization (and why you need both!) along with an easy way to achieve both without making a cream. After that, I’ll share the 3 most effective hydrators, followed by a simple recipe for creating a customized nourishing oil moisturizer tailored to your skin type.

You’ll only need 3 ingredients (one of which might even be water!) for your DIY face moisturizer.

MOISTURIZING VS. HYDRATING (& WHY YOU NEED BOTH)

The terms moisturizing and hydrating are often used interchangeably, but they actually refer to different things.

Hydrators are ingredients that add water to the skin (known as humectants). They help to plump the skin and keep it feeling supple. On the other hand, moisturizers are ingredients that provide emollients (oils) to the skin. These oils help smooth the skin and lock in hydration.

All skin types—dry, normal, and oily—need both hydration and moisture. Skin types are defined by the amount of sebum (natural oils) they produce, but regardless of sebum production, skin can still become dehydrated if it loses too much water.

Even if your skin is hydrated, if it lacks a proper protective barrier (meaning the skin’s natural oil production is insufficient), it can feel dry because the water will evaporate.

Hydrators and moisturizers can be separate products, or they can be combined into one. For example, a cream or lotion blends both water and oil phases, providing hydration (water) and sealing it in with moisture (oil).

However, you don’t need to go through the trouble of making a cream or lotion to create effective DIY face moisturizers.

HOW TO PROPERLY MOISTURIZE YOUR SKIN

To properly moisturize your skin, you need to provide both water and oil. You can do this with a traditional moisturizer (a cream), or for a simpler approach, you can use a hydrating toner (water-based) followed by a nourishing face oil or fat to lock in that hydration, nourish the skin, and smooth it out.

Below is a list of the best and most convenient hydrators and moisturizing oils for creating easy DIY face moisturizers. To use, start by choosing a hydrator from the list to apply as a toner after cleansing your face. While your skin is still damp, apply the face oil of your choice (from the moisturizing oils section). Gently massage it in until fully absorbed.

For added benefits, you can use a quick lymph-draining face massage to help the oils absorb and boost circulation.

MOST EFFECTIVE DIY FACE MOISTURIZERS

THE METHOD

Step 1: Choose one of the hydrating ingredients from the list of hydrators below.

Step 2: Select your carrier and essential oils from the moisturizing oils list.

Step 3: Combine and mix both in your hands before applying to your skin.

Alternatively, apply the hydrator first and follow up with the oil mixture while your skin is still damp.

…and that’s it – easy DIY face moisturizers!

HYDRATORS

Hydrators are ingredients that draw water to the skin (humectants), helping to smooth out wrinkles and lines by plumping the skin. This is the first step after cleansing your face, ensuring your skin gets the hydration it needs.

Pick one of the following hydrators for your DIY moisturizer:

Hyaluronic Acid (HA)
HA is naturally produced by the body to retain collagen and boost hydration. It helps skin heal, prevents water loss, and plumps the skin. You can buy HA powder and make your own, which is often more cost-effective than store-bought products.

  • Basic HA Gel Recipe:
    • 1g of HA powder (approximately 1/4 teaspoon)
    • 100g/ml of distilled water (about 1/2 cup)
      Combine the two and let sit for several hours or overnight. Stir to create a gel, and store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Glycerin
Glycerin is a powerful humectant that attracts moisture to the skin. It also helps restore the skin’s barrier function, protecting against irritation and water loss. However, it should be diluted, as pure glycerin can have a drying effect.

  • Basic Glycerin Hydrating Toner:
    • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) glycerin
    • 100 ml distilled water
      Mix in a glass spritz bottle and shake well. Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera is both a humectant and a powerful skin healer, making it a great addition to your DIY moisturizer. It draws moisture to the skin and can be paired with other ingredients for deeper absorption.

  • How to Use:
    Apply a dollop of aloe vera gel directly to your skin, or use the inner flesh of a fresh aloe vera leaf to rub over your face and neck.

MOISTURIZERS

After hydrating your skin, you’ll need oils or butters to lock in that moisture and protect your skin’s barrier.

Basic Nourishing Face Oil Recipe:

  • 30 ml / 1 oz dark glass bottle with a dropper
  • Choose one or more carrier oils (see list below)
  • Add 6 to 12 drops (1% to 2%) of essential oils
    Shake well and apply half a dropper onto damp skin. Massage until absorbed.

If you prefer butters, melt a small dollop between your hands and apply after the hydrator.

Which Oils to Choose According to Skin Type:

  • Oily or Combination Skin:
    Use lighter oils to avoid clogging pores. Good options include tamanu, jojoba, grapeseed, rosehip, linseed, apricot kernel.
    Essential Oils: Lemon, basil, lavender, rosemary, tea tree, thyme.
  • Normal Skin:
    Opt for oils that are balanced, like pumpkin, almond, sesame, argan, jojoba, sunflower.
    Essential Oils: Lavender, geranium, chamomile.
  • Sensitive or Irritated Skin:
    Use soothing oils like jojoba, rosehip, linseed, or apricot kernel.
    Essential Oils: Chamomile, lavender, frankincense, geranium.
  • Dry Skin:
    Go for heavier, more protective oils and butters like olive, avocado, coconut, sweet almond, or any of the thicker butters (cocoa, shea, mango).
    Essential Oils: Chamomile, myrrh, sandalwood, clary sage.
  • Mature Skin:
    Focus on nourishing oils such as rosehip, argan, jojoba, tamanu, and pomegranate.
    Essential Oils: Lavender, frankincense, myrrh, cypress, neroli.

CONCLUSION

I’ve been using this DIY face moisturizer and it’s still my favorite. It offers endless customization and ensures that my skincare is always fresh and natural. I hope you find it as effective as I do!