I really love a good mud mask! They’re great to purify the skin, open the pores, and dry up impurities. They also make your skin so soft. You can buy them already made (I like Queen Helene brand for this), but they can be hard to get out of the tube and dry up over time.
Today, I have something that is going to knock your socks off. It’s super economical, and perhaps the best-working mud mask I’ve ever tried. You have to mix it yourself, but it only takes two ingredients: Bentonite clay and apple cider vinegar (or water). This mask does a great job of shrinking pores and improving the appearance of any impurities in your skin. I think it even reduces the appearance of fine lines.
Fair warning about this mask – as it dries, it tightens on your skin, making it hard to hold a conversation. So, I apply it when I’m home alone to skip potentially awkward conversations that have me saying “mmm-hmmm” a lot! Give it a try and let me know what you think!
DIY Facial
Materials:
- 1 tablespoon bentonite clay
- 1 tablespoon raw apple cider vinegar
- Optional: 1-2 drops essential oil like lavender, peppermint, or orange oil (this improves the smell of the mask – a little goes a long way)
- One resealable plastic container
- Non-metallic stir stick
Method: Mix all ingredients in a small plastic or glass container with a non-metallic stirrer (good options: chop sticks, candy apple stick, cuticle stick), putting the bentonite clay in first. A re-sealable container is good because you can refrigerate what you don’t use and use it later.
When you add the apple cider vinegar, the mixture will start to bubble.
You should have a fairly thick paste-like substance when combined:
To use:
- Apply a thin layer on your face and let sit for about 20 minutes until firm
- Remove by layering a wet paper towel on your face to loosen the mask, and wipe away as much as possible to avoid the mud going down the drain; It will take 2-3 paper towels to get the bulk of the mask off
- Rinse remaining residue from your face
- You can store unused mask in the refrigerator for a couple of weeks.
Note: Your face may have a slight red color for about 30 minutes after removing the mask. This is normal. Second note: The container I use is recycled from some Tea Tree Oil face wipes I got at Trader Joe’s. Happy mud-masking!
View Comments (4)
This must be awsome! I’ve been using Queen Helene original Mud mask for almost 20 years and I love its simplicity. Gonna have to give this recipe a try. The oil won’t make the mask oily in any way?
Hi Angel,
Awesome!
No, the essential oil does not make it oily at all. Go easy – only 1-2 drops, tops. I once added 5 drops of peppermint and it was WAY too strong! One drop is a good place to start and masks the aroma of the apple cider vinegar. Honestly, you don’t need the essential oil at all, if you don’t want it. Have fun!
I swear you must be reading my mind sometimes! I have a jar of clay at home to make toothpaste and was curious what else I was going to use it for. Was just thinking about it the day before you posted this. I’ve heard that bergamot oil is good for skin so I think I’ll try it with that. Thanks!
Hah, JoDee, that is awesome!!
Let me know how it works out for you!
Angela