Ask Kitty Magoo: Treat Yourself to a DIY Facial!

Dear Kitty,

I’m a single lady who plans to spend Valentine’s Day pampering the heck out of herself! Got any ideas?

Signed, Solo in Stetsonville

Dear Solo,

Good for you! If there’s one thing I believe in, it’s the importance of treating yourself. In my experience, one of the best ways to do this is to give yourself a facial. Sure, you could go to a spa, but it’s more fun (and a lot cheaper) to have a DIY Facial at home, and the results are just as fabulous!

Start by washing your face. Once you’re nice and clean, it’s time to steam! To do a facial steam, you’ll need two quarts of water, one cup of dried herbs and a big pot. Which herbs you use depends on your skin; try chamomile for dry skin, lavender for normal skin or rosemary for oily skin. Put the water in the pot and bring it to a boil. Add herbs, cover and turn off the heat. Let things sit for a few minutes, uncover and stir. Next, remove the pot from the stove and set it on a table or other surface so you can sit by it. Drape a towel over your head and around the pot, making a tent to contain the steam. Sit for as long as you can with your head six inches above the pot.

When you’re finished steaming, your pores will be wide open, meaning it’s the ideal time to do a facial mask. Mix a little bit of clay (try green for oily skin or white for normal to dry skin) with a liquid like distilled water, witch hazel, yogurt or rosewater. Use just enough liquid to make a smooth paste, adding more clay and/or liquid to even things out. Apply the mixture with your fingers or a brush and relax with a good book while the clay draws out impurities and gently exfoliates your face. Rinse the mask off and admire your skin as it glows like a light bulb!

Meow!