COSMETICS MADE IN THE KITCHEN: DIY MASKS FOR TIRED MOMS (AND DADS)

Can't remember when you last slept for two hours straight? Almost all new parents pass this stage. Thankfully, with these homemade face masks you’ll be your shining self in the blink of an eye you won’t see the fatigue on your face.

Not all masks are ideal for all skin types. If you have sensitive skin, avoid for example, acidic foods like lemon. If the mask bothers you, wash your face.

Facial care can be very simple

Before you begin, clean your skin thoroughly, possibly also with a peeling, that way you open up the pores so the active ingredients of the mask can penetrate better. Most of the masks perform better when heated, so you can place in the microwave at low temperatures.

One exception: the cucumber mask with its cooling effect is not intended to be applied hot. 20 minutes is an ideal application time. If the mask dries out too much, the skin begins to stretch. To rinse just use lukewarm water or a cloth. Afterwards you can apply day or night cream as usual.

Homemade cosmetics: here's what to be careful of

Homemade masks do not contain preservatives, so they are particularly gentle on the skin, but they don’t keep long. Always prepare them fresh and use right away.

Homemade facial mask: cucumber boosts hydration

If your skin isn't hydrated enough, fine lines can form easily. It's not something dramatic, but they make you look even more tired than you are. A cucumber face mask is a classic among homemade beauty treatments, and with good reason, because it not only moisturizes the skin, but it's also refreshing if taken directly from the refrigerator.

Proceed like this: Grate half a cucumber and mix it with two teaspoons of honey. This way the mask holds better on your face. Honey also helps the skin retain moisture.

Quark and avocado mask: the super cure

 Avocado has a very high fat content. These fatty acids penetrate the skin and make it look compact. With the addition of a little quark to strengthen skin barriers and give a calming effect, it’s the ideal mask for sensitive skin that needs extra care.

Proceed like this: Mix half a ripe avocado with two tablespoons of quark. If some areas of your skin are particularly dry, you can also add a tablespoon of olive oil.

Mask for pimples: goodbye impure skin

Pimples don't just pop out during adolescence. The hormonal changes during pregnancy and lactation can unfortunately take your skin back to that age. But also in this case, there’s a magic mask! This one contains clay and helps eliminate excess oil from the skin which is a leading cause of blocked pores and pimples. After letting the mask dry, dampen the mask and massage it lightly before removing it. This peeling effect eliminates more dead skin and makes your face smooth as a baby's bottom.

Proceed like this: Mix two tablespoons of clay, four tablespoons of hot water and a tablespoon of warm honey. Honey has antibacterial properties and helps reduce inflammation. One more idea: put a little milk and a drop of lemon juice on a cosmetic disc and wipe across your face after rinsing. Milk reinforces the protective layer against acids and the lemon closes the pores.

Did you get hungry smelling all these delicious ingredients?

No problem: this is the real strength of homemade cosmetics all with ingredients that you find at Lidl. Leftovers of cucumber, avocado, quark, lemon and honey can be quickly made into a delicious salad. Even cosmetics from within are a help ;-)