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There is nothing like a natural facial mask to clean and revitalize your face. In the days when cosmetic research was at a very nascent stage and when only foreign cosmetics were available at a price thanks to the British, our grandmothers devised their own remedies for common pinpricks like acne and blackheads. It is these well worn ideas that are being used today by cosmetic companies that boast of stringent R&D before launching any new product. In fact, so popular are our Shahnaz and Biotique products that they have caught the imagination of the foreign cosmetic companies who are turning 'natural' with a vengeance. A quick riffling of our treasure chest of grandma remedies has yielded rich results for facial masks. We share these with our readers. Did you know that oatmeal is one of the oldest and most used facial masks? Just make a smooth paste of oatmeal by adding sufficient water. Apply on the face and allow to dry. Wipe off gently with a damp cloth. Another inexpensive but equally effective mask can be prepared the same way by substituting cornmeal for the oatmeal. This can be washed off when dry. Using a blender, combine ½ a cucumber, a few strawberries, 1 tablespoon of yogurt and 1 teaspoon honey. Apply this mixture to the face and allow to dry. Wipe it off gently with a soft, damp cloth. Have some sour cream on hand? Simply mash ½ a banana, add 1 tablespoon honey and add to the cream and mix well. Apply and allow it to set for at least 10 minutes. Wipe off very gently with a damp cloth. 1 tablespoon of almonds ground to a fine powder and mixed with 1 tablespoon of honey and 1 egg white should be applied to the face and let set for at least 15 minutes. Again, use a damp cloth to wipe off.
Plagued by blackheads and at a loss for a safe remedy? The baking soda in your kitchen will come in handy here. Mix equal parts of baking soda and water in your hand till it becomes a smooth paste and rub gently on your face for 2 to 3 minutes with your fingertips. Rinse with warm water when done. This will help to loosen stubborn blackheads.
Did you know that avocado is wonderful for the face? Just mash ½ an avocado and apply to the face. Wait for 20 minutes before wiping off with a damp cloth.
Juice of ½ a lemon, a cup of plain yogurt, 1 whipped egg white mixed with 1 ½ teaspoons of honey will make your face glowing and fresh. Hope those of you with dry and tired facial skin will find these tips useful. There is nothing like a homely facial mask to firm up and revitalise your face and these grandma's tips are harmless and worth a try. Please test for any allergies before using any product, whether home-made or from the chemist's .
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