3 At-home facial remedies


Conquering a cosmetic quandary doesn’t have to break the bank. It’s time to get resourceful and go MacGyver with Emmy Award-winning makeup artist Kevin James Bennett and engage in some DIY beauty products.

Beauty DIY to the rescue

Hydrating & exfoliating face mask

Cosmetic conflict: Your skin is dull, dehydrated and the texture looks kind of rough. Unfortunately, there’s no extra cash in the cookie jar to splurge on a spa facial.

MacGyver it: Not to worry, we’re hitting the produce section to concoct a delectable mask that will dissolve debris, boost your skin’s moisture level and get that glam glow going again, in one easy step.

Exfoliation is the key to success and enzyme masks are preferred over manual scrubs because results are more controlled and consistent.

In a small bowl, mix together three tablespoons each of organic canned pumpkin, (very ripe) pureed papaya and pineapple. Pumpkin, papaya and pineapple are all enzyme rich and will dissolve the flaky (dead) surface cells that make you look dull and prevent your skin care from doing its job. Add one tablespoon of raw honey to the mixture for its amazing humectant properties (honey is also super soothing and a natural antibacterial).

Now, spread the mixture on clean, dry skin and massage gently, avoiding the eye area. Leave it on for five to 15 minutes (according to skin sensitivity), and then rinse well with cool water, pat your face dry and apply your favorite moisturizer. Now, step back and admire your glowing complexion in the mirror.

Breakout buster

Cosmetic conflict: Don’t you hate when that occasional, unwelcome pimple pops up (usually at the absolute worst time) and you don’t have a tube of zit zapper?

MacGyver it: Head to the medicine cabinet because you already have the answer. Acetylsalicylic Acid, better known as aspirin, has always been a great DIY remedy for breakouts. But buying uncoated aspirin, crushing it up and making a pimple paste is time consuming and messy. It’s no longer a problem with the invention of the liqui-gel capsule.

Pop open the end of an Advil Liqui-Gel and apply directly to the pimple. The swelling will subside almost immediately. But what about the redness? Well, Visine not only “gets the red out” of eyes, it’s a very effective way to calm the redness of a pimple. Put a few drops on the end of a cotton swab and hold it on the pimple for a few moments and watch the redness start to fade away!

Lip & cheek stain

Cosmetic Conflict: You’re on the run all the time and forget to touch up your lip and cheek color. You love the idea of a long-lasting lip color, but the non-transfer ones are very drying and uncomfortable on the lips. A great alternative is a lip & cheek stain, but the good ones are expensive.

MacGyver it: Break out the baking supplies and head to the bathroom. In a small empty jar, mix together a few drops of pure food color and either lip moisturizer or clear lipgloss. You can adjust the intensity of the stain by adjusting the amount of food color added. This concoction works as well as the over the counter stains and provides lusciously tinted low maintenance lips.

Want to bump up this DIY magic to the next level? Add a drop of peppermint essential oil to the mixture. This not only adds a nice minty taste, it also works as a great breath freshener.

Creating a gorgeous cheek stain is just as easy. Simply substitute face moisturizer for the lipgloss or lip moisturizer and skip the peppermint oil.

Watch: DIY lip scrub

Today on the Daily Dish, personal stylist Fawn Cheng gives you the ingredients to make your own DIY lip scrub.

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More DIY beauty tips

Homemade beauty recipes
Coconut oil: 12 Inexpensive beauty products to make at home
How to make homemade eye makeup remover


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