Nothing makes me happier after a long day of work, than “holdin’ a fresh” and carefully applying a mask to my face.

For moisturizing, exfoliating, brightening and just waking up; I love me a goold ole thick, slather-y mask! I recently wandered the aisles of a local drug store for what seemed like hours, looking for a new paste. I had about three masks in my hand and while deciding which one I wanted to buy when I suddenly remembered something!

Sis, go home and make your own mask!

…So that’s exactly what I did! I don’t know if you recall, but last year I had the worst hormonal imbalance that lead to cystic acne that lead to stress that lead to more acne that lead to more stress…you get the point. You can read more about that horrid experience here, but one of the ways I’ve been able to keep my bad skin at bay is by using three different all-natural face masks that I love to this day. Trust me you wanna try these!

Note: If you’re a Bahamian then you know all the best recipes have no real measurements and portions, ask any Bahamian grandmother! Feel your way around these mixes for the perfect batch.

Tumeric, Honey & Lemon

Google the wonders of turmeric and go get yo life! Other than being a great spice for your food, it’s the main ingredient in one of my favorite homemade masks. This mix of turmeric, honey and lemon worked wonders for helping with my skin woes. Turmeric’s anti-inflammatory properties quickly reduce my pimples and fend off new ones that try to form. The honey also helps with fighting acne and is full of antioxidants that slows down ageing and wrinkles. The lemon, with it’s Vitamin C goodness brightens the skin and simply refreshes!

Use: Mix a big batch and use 2 to 3 times a week, I keep mine refrigerated. Mix equal parts of the turmeric, honey and two slices of lime and mix until you form a paste…not too thick, not too thin. Apply with a brush because the turmeric stains! Let sit for 15 to 20 mins and rinse!

Brown Sugar, Coffee & Honey

Every now and then I crave a good face scrub and this brown sugar + coffee concoction always works like magic. Brown sugar’s fine particles is a safe way to slough away all those dead skin cells and reveal a healthy, glowy glow. I also read that brown sugar contains glycolic acid, that fights bacteria and helps to get rid of those pesky invisible germs that cause acne and other breakouts. As coffee wakes you up in the morning, I’ve found that it does the very opposite for my skin, instead providing a very calming and relaxed effect. Using ground coffee in this mask also helps to unclog your pores and helps to plump and tighten the skin. I take a trip around the world with every scrub, using the coffees I bring back home from my adventures. And…you know, honey comes through again with its powers.

Use: I take equal parts of each item and mix this in a big batch until everything is blended. Scoop up with fingertips and gently exfoliate skin. Leave on for about 10 minutes and wash off. I refrigerate the remainder and use throughout the week.

Aloe…just aloe

This is perhaps my fave of them all…especially after letting it chill in the refrigerator overnight. Aloe vera really is a great plant for so many things. But slathering it on my face three times a week truly revives my skin and gives it the moisture it so deserves. Aloe vera is great for keeping your skin supple and hydrated. It also works wonders in helping to soothe and calm down scarring left behind by pimples gone wrong…and it helps lighten those pesky dark marks! I looooooovvveeeee using aloe on my face and seeing its quick results.

Use: Pick a few leaves from your fave plant or buy them individually in store. Cut about a 2-inch wedge for use. Take the wedge, and using a knife remove all of the skin to expose the jelly center. This is the holy grail. Take the aloe jelly and rub all over your face and neck in a circular motion. Let dry, leave on for the length of your favorite TV show or movie and then rinse.

What are some of your fave homemade beauty masks?