How to Make DIY Face Masks for Glowing Skin + Recipes

With an unlimited amount of products in the market, skincare can get overwhelming AND expensive. And let’s not forget all the controversies surrounding the chemicals used in a lot of products.

Between the shelves full of products, the endless advice online, and the high price tags, it’s easy to forget that sometimes, the simplest, natural, and organic things are the most effective.

There is something therapeutic about heading into the kitchen, grabbing a few natural ingredients, and whipping up a quick face mask that feels good and actually works.

Not only will it make your skin glow, it’s also a little ritual that brings you back to yourself.

If your skin’s been feeling a bit blah lately, or if you’re just craving a slower, more natural approach to self-care, DIY face masks are the way to go.

You don’t need fancy tools or hard-to-find ingredients. Just a few things from your fridge or pantry, a quiet moment to yourself, and the willingness to experiment.

I’ll walk you through the basics, and then I’ll share five of the best go-to recipes that you’ll keep coming back to again and again.

So go ahead, tie your hair up, set your phone aside, and give yourself a few peaceful minutes.

The Basics of Making a DIY Face Mask

Before we dive into the recipes, let’s talk about the foundation of a good face mask.

You don’t need a fancy setup. Just a small bowl, a spoon or brush for mixing, and a few simple ingredients.

When making DIY face masks, it’s really all about combining 3 things:

• Base
• Booster
• Liquid

Your base gives the mask structure, the booster targets specific skin concerns, and the liquid helps mix it all together and hydrate the skin.

For bases, you can go for things like oatmeal, yogurt, or mashed banana. These are gentle and nourishing.

Boosters can be things like turmeric for brightening, honey for soothing, or coffee grounds for exfoliating.

And for liquids, you can use water, milk, aloe vera gel, or rose water, depending on what your skin needs.

It’s also a good idea to do a patch test if you’re trying something new, especially if you have sensitive skin.

Always apply your mask to a clean face, and give yourself 10–15 minutes of quiet while it works its magic. Then rinse with warm water and follow with your favorite moisturizer.

Recipe 1: The Brightening Turmeric & Yogurt Mask

This one’s a classic, and for good reason. Turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory and brightening properties. When you mix it with yogurt, which contains lactic acid to gently exfoliate and soften, you’ve got a mask that really helps revive dull skin.

Here’s what you need:

• 1 tablespoon plain yogurt
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon honey

Mix everything together until smooth. Apply a thin layer all over your face and let it sit for about 10 minutes. Just be careful not to leave it on too long as turmeric can stain the skin slightly if overused.

Rinse off gently and enjoy the glow. This one’s great for when your skin feels tired or a little lifeless.

Recipe 2: The Hydrating Avocado & Honey Mask

If your skin feels dry or tight, this hydrating mask is a dream. Avocado is rich in healthy fats and vitamins that nourish and replenish the skin. Honey is a natural humectant, which means it draws moisture into your skin. This combo leaves your face soft, supple, and deeply moisturized.

You’ll need:

• 1/2 ripe avocado
• 1 tablespoon honey
• A splash of milk (optional for easier blending)

Mash the avocado until smooth, then mix in the honey and milk if using. Apply it all over your face and sit back for 15 minutes.

You’ll notice a soft, dewy finish when you rinse it off. It’s especially good during colder months when your skin needs a little extra love.

Recipe 3: The Calming Oatmeal & Aloe Vera Mask

This one is perfect if your skin is feeling irritated, red, or sensitive. Oatmeal soothes inflammation and helps calm the skin, while aloe vera hydrates and heals. This is the mask I reach for when my skin needs a break from everything.

Here’s what you need:

• 2 tablespoons ground oats (you can grind them in a blender)
• 2 tablespoons aloe vera gel
• 1 teaspoon honey

Stir everything together until it forms a thick paste. Apply it gently to your face and relax for 10–15 minutes.

When you rinse it off, you’ll notice your skin feels less irritated and more balanced. It’s gentle enough to use a couple of times a week.

Recipe 4: The Glow-Boosting Papaya & Banana Mask

Papaya contains enzymes that help gently exfoliate and brighten the skin. Banana is rich in potassium and helps lock in moisture. Together, they make a nourishing mask that revives dull skin and leaves you with a soft, radiant glow.

You’ll need:

• 2 tablespoons mashed ripe papaya
• 1 tablespoon mashed banana
• 1 teaspoon honey or yogurt

Mix everything until smooth and apply it evenly across your face. Leave it on for 10–15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.

This one smells amazing and feels so refreshing on the skin. It might become one of your favorite masks for summer.

Recipe 5: The Detoxifying Charcoal & Clay Mask

When your skin feels congested or you’re battling breakouts, this mask is like a mini deep-cleaning session. Activated charcoal and bentonite clay both work to draw out impurities, unclog pores, and leave your skin feeling clean and fresh.

You’ll need:

• 1 teaspoon activated charcoal powder
• 1 teaspoon bentonite clay
• 2 teaspoons water or rose water

Mix it into a smooth paste and apply it to your face, avoiding the eye area. Let it dry for 10 minutes, then rinse with warm water.

This mask can be a little drying, so be sure to follow up with a good moisturizer. It’s ideal for oily or acne-prone skin, but I’d recommend using it no more than once a week.

How Often Should You Use These DIY Masks?

One of the biggest questions people ask is how often to use these DIY face masks. The answer really depends on your skin type and what each mask is made for.

For example, masks with calming ingredients like oatmeal, banana, or aloe vera can usually be used two or even three times a week without a problem.

On the other hand, masks with exfoliating or detoxifying ingredients, like turmeric, papaya, charcoal, or clay, are best used just once a week. These are powerful and effective, but using them too frequently might irritate your skin or throw off your skin’s natural balance.

As a general rule, listen to your skin. If it feels soothed, smooth, and refreshed after a mask, that’s a good sign. If it feels tight, itchy, or overworked, scale back and give it a break. Your skin will tell you what it needs if you’re paying attention.

(Check out my Guide on How to Make DIY Face Scrub at Home + 10 Face Scrub Recipes)

Make It a Ritual

Making your own face masks at home is all about slowing down, doing something hands-on, and making a little time for yourself in a way that feels grounding and intentional.

When you mix those simple ingredients in your kitchen, you’re creating space to care for yourself in a way that’s personal.

Find what feels good for your skin and your mood. Maybe one day it’s something soothing, another day something detoxifying. You get to tune in and choose.

(See: 5-Step Bedtime Skincare Routine)

Try one this week and see how it feels. You don’t have to set aside a whole evening. Even ten minutes in a quiet corner, with a warm towel and a good book, can feel like a small but powerful reset.

Your skin will notice, and so will your sense of calm.

Good luck and take good care…. Talk to you soon!

Related: The 6-Step Skincare Routine for Winter