makeup

KITCHEN BEAUTICIAN MODERN EDITION

TUTORIAL + PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMY NADINE, GRAPHIC DESIGN BY EUNICE CHUN

Today we’re combining a modern mask with something from your kitchen! This magical concoction was actually taught to me by my facialist Yonat Zilberg and I’ve been thankful ever since! Not that regular masks aren’t good on their own, but I’m a multi-tasker whose time is limited, so the more results I can get, the happier I am.

Here are some of the benefits of adding baking soda to your mask:

• It turns your face mask into an acne-fighting superhero because it is a natural antibiotic and antiseptic that heals underlying fungal infections.
• It also helps tackle blackheads by softening the hard skin around them.
• It makes your mask “rise” or grow in size, so you get more uses from it.
• It’s an anti-inflammatory and helps calm everything down.

TOOLS:

• Your Favorite Mask: My facialist has me hooked on Biologique Recherche Masque Vivant (it’s a little stinky but a life changer for me). I also love Murad’s Clarifying Mask.
• Baking Soda
• A Small Spoon
• A Muslin Cloth: You can certainly use a washcloth, but one day invest in a set of muslin cloths as a grown-up gift to yourself and your skin. They’re the perfect combination of delicate and strength.

STEPS:

1. Measure out about a teaspoon of baking soda.
2. Squeeze a quarter-sized amount of the mask into the palm of your hand.
3. Add the baking soda to the mask.
4. Start mixing it together with your fingertips.
5. Finish swirling it around until most of the baking soda is absorbed and it rises in size.
6. Spread it evenly all over your face. You can also include your neck and chest. Wait 5 minutes (however long it takes to fully dry).
7. Wet the muslin cloth with cool water and wipe the mask off gently until it’s fully gone. Follow with your favorite moisturizer.

My facialist believes we should do a mask every day so I try my best but average 5 days a week. I add baking soda to it once a week.  I actually do it first thing in the morning while I’m oil pulling, feeding the dogs and checking my email. I was a little taken aback when she suggested daily but it hasn’t been that hard to become a ritual and my skin has never looked better or received more compliments, which is new for me because I used to suffer from large pores, overactive sebaceous glands that no matter how often I had extractions, my blackheads filled back up in a week. Now they’re gone. For real. It’s really cool for me!

I understand baking soda is a controversial item for some of you and I encourage you to research the hundreds and hundreds of baking soda face mask recipes on natural blogs then of course with any beauty advice, decide for yourself what feels right for you. If it’s not right for you, it’s totally ok with us! We just love to share things that have been passed down and have worked for us. Skincare is not a one-size-fits-all subject, so be your own advocate.