Goddess Yogourt Body Mask

Yogourt is pretty much a staple in several homemade beauty recipes. Full of healthy bacteria, this is one of the reasons why it works wonders as a natural cleaner and moisturizer for skin. Mixed with honey (another staple in homemade beauty recipes), the after effects of this body mask are amazing! This recipe is completed with an unlikely ingredient (I call it an "undercover" ingredient--widely unknown of its powerful beautifying effects) ..CARROTS! Yup, carrots are known to be good for your eyesight but they're always very good for your skin, giving it a healthy glow and smoothness. When used on the skin, it helps in removing acne and unattractive marks and spots. And no, it will not turn your skin orange! (I tested this myself!). I especially like this body mask as it leaves your skin with a beautiful touch and definitely helps me relax during my stress days. Try it on your body and face for a goddess glow!

Goddess Yogourt Body Mask
1/4 cup of yogourt (I prefer using full fat yogourt)
3 tablespoons of honey
3 tablespoons of pureed carrots

Blend carrots (avoid using baby carrots that you can find pre-washed in convenient bags as I've heard they have some preservative chemicals in them--have you ever noticed how they turn white after a few days??) in a blender until they are pureed and you have enough for three tablespoons (I used about 4 large sized carrots and had enough for the receipe and some left over which I plan on using for the next time I use this body mask--I just kept in a ziploc bag in my fridge, so it's more convenient and ready to go the next time I need a quick body mask). Next, mix your carrots with your honey and yogourt. I prefer to use the full fat yogourt just so the recipe is rich. As for honey, I was lucky enough to find a lady on the outskirts of Toronto who had a bee farm and was able to buy organic honey which I love and highly recommend if you're able to do so (this is much easier to do in the summer than winter of course). However, for convenience, using store bought honey will also be fine. Draw a warm bath and wrap your body and face in this lovely mask as the water fills your tub. Light some candles, put on a little jazz music or grab your favourite mystery novel and then sink into your bath for about 20 minutes. Then rinse off and check out your goddess glow!

Banana Avocado Nourishing Facial Mask

Bananas are a power fruit, did you know one banana provides enough energy to power a 45-minute cardio workout? Pretty neat eh? Loaded with nutrients, vitamins and minerals bananas are a vital part of homemade beauty recipes, especially for facial masks, as they are cleansers and moisturizers. Use the following for a face mask that is nourishing and works great as an exfoliate. I especially like to make this mask during times when I feel like I need some extra energy, like before the start of my work week.

Banana Avocado Nourishing Facial Mask

1/2 ripe banana
1/2 avocado
2 tablespoons of yogourt (try to use full fat if possible)
1 teaspoon of olive oil

Mash up the ripe banana, avocado, yogourt and olive oil together. I like to use a blender on a low setting so that it doesn't become too runny but you want to make it into a soft pulp. Apply to a freshly cleansed face and leave it on for about 15 minutes. Wash off with lukewarm water and pat dry.
While relaxing with my face mask on I use a "cool" trick (sorry I couldn't resist the play on words) to help my eyes after a tired day. Before mixing your ingredients for your mask, place two metal spoons into the freezer so that they are cold. When waiting for your 15 minutes to be up, take the spoons out of the freezer and place them on your eyes. The coolness will reduce any swelling or puffyness and is a wonderful way to relax and revive yourself.