Beauty DIY: Pumpkin Facial Mask

How was your weekend? Mine was low-key, just like I wanted. First, I started watching Game of Thrones. Next, I was the DD at a beer festival this weekend. Since I don't drink beer, it was kinda awkward walking around with my Diet Coke in the heat. Then I wished for an appearance of autumn, which happened Sunday--the weather was amazing! Speaking of autumn, something I make every autumn is this Pumpkin Facial Mask. Those of us with mild acne will especially love this mask. Here's how:

T O O L S:

• 2 tbsp canned pumpkin
• 1/2 tsp honey
• 1/4 tsp milk

M E T H O D:

Mix together ingredients--I just use a spoon. A hand mixer is a great idea, but not required since this is such a tiny amount.

Apply to face and remain there for 20 minutes. Rinse away and pat dry. This will be messy, so don't make your application of the mask too thick, or it'll drip off your face.

N O T E S:

• You can use cooked pumpkin--I like sugar pumpkins best for this. I use canned because it has preservatives in it, thus allowing me to keep it around longer in the fridge. If you'd like to keep your real, cooked pumpkin mask longer, add a drop of vitamin E to the mix. Due to the milk in this mask, I'd keep it in the fridge no longer than a week, if you'd like to make a bigger batch.
• Pumpkins are a great source of vitamins A, C, and zinc. They're great for those with acne or oily skin.
• Honey helps with acne as well as removing impurities from pores.
• Milk exfoliates, due to lactic acid, and also soothes and hydrates skin. 
• This mask works best for oily skin, but if you have dry skin, like me, use yogurt instead of the milk.

PS: Go ahead and freeze that extra pumpkin! You'll need it for another DIY next month! :)