Masks made with natural ingredients

By Cinse Bonino

Some girls don't wear makeup. Maybe they don't like it. Maybe they would be in BIG trouble with their parents if they did. Maybe their skin hates makeup. Even if you DO wear makeup, check out these makeup tips for girls who don't wear makeup.

1. Dab a bit of petroleum jelly on your eyebrows and eyelashes to make them shine.

2. Use clear lip gloss or petroleum jelly on your lips for a special shine. This will also protect them from the cold, wind, and sun.

3. Petroleum jelly will give your cheeks a healthy glow.

4. Comb or brush your eyebrows with a small comb sold just for this purpose. It will give them a neat appearance.

5. Use an eyelash curler to add accent to your lashes. Carefully follow the instructions that come with the package.

6. For a special night out, especially if you're tired and need to get the red out of your eyes, apply any of the following to your eyes (while they're closed) for ten minutes while you lie down: an ice pack; slices of cold cucumber; cold, wet tea bags.

Meanwhile, when is a cucumber NOT a cucumber?

When it's being a relaxing eye-patch while you're wearing a facial. Many ingredients from your kitchen make fabulous cosmetics and skin, body, and hair care products. Here is a great recipe from Girl Posse website. 

Moisturizing Smoothie Mask
For softer, glowing skin, you will need:
1/2 small or 1/4 large banana
1/4 avocado (remove the skin and stone)
1 tablespoon of acidophilus plain yogurt

Mash the banana, avocado and yogurt into a smooth paste
Cleanse and rinse your face
Do not dry
Massage the paste onto your warm damp skin (keep away from eyes)
Leave on for 10 minutes
Rinse off with warm water and pat dry.

(Use the mixture right away. Do not store)

This particular recipe is followed by a caution note that is good advice when using any product, even those with natural ingredients: *Note: Some people have extra sensitive skin or are allergic to even the most natural of ingredients. If you fall into these categories or have any doubts about what you should and shouldn't use on your skin, be sure to check with your dermatologist before using any new mixture or product on your skin.

When is wearing a mask NOT hiding your face?

When you do a facial mask you are trying to bring out the best in your face. Many of us wear a mask almost all the time. You know the one where you try NOT to show that you are scared, upset, or worried? Trust me, you look WAY more beautiful when you are expressing how you really feel than when you are trying to hide your feelings. Beauty products can only do so much. You need to bring out the best you too. Don't turn your face into a boring mask of control!

Have you heard? Oatmeal isn't just for breakfast anymore!

Oatmeal Exfoliating Mask
Even sensitive skin seems to like this one and getting rid of dead skin cells is a plus for every skin type.

You will need:
1/3 cup quick oatmeal (not instant, but the kind that cooks in a couple of minutes) mixed with 1/2 cup or so of very warm water (hot from the tap is fine)
2 tablespoons yogurt
2 tablespoons honey
1 egg white

Form a paste from the water and oatmeal. Meanwhile mix the other ingredients together well (you can use a mixer, but a fork will work). Add the oatmeal and mix again. Add more oatmeal if the mixture seems wet (be sure to combine with hot water first). Or add a little more water if the mixture is too thick.

Apply the mask to your face. Don't glump it on. Leave on until your face feels tight (usually in 15 minutes or so). Then rinse your face with warm water.

When does "holding it in" make you look worse?

Holding in your stomach might make you look good, but holding in your anger can make you look hard and way too severe. Try talking things out instead of screaming them out or stuffing them deep inside. Your face will thank you!

When does having egg on your face make you cleaner?

Deep Cleansing Mask
This one is really easy. (You just have to find the almond and vitamin E oil in a health food store if your grocery store or pharmacy doesn't care them.) Mix equal parts of egg yolk, honey, almond oil and vitamin E oil. Apply to your face. As with other masks rinse off with warm water. This is a good mask to use on a weekly basis.

PLEASE NOTE - many of these tips were taken from a book - from The All-New Book Of Lists For Kids by Sandra & Harry Choron.