Be Nice and Treat Yourself, Guilt-Free

For the stressed and budget conscious bride, wind down every month with a DIY (Do It Yourself) home facial, your skin will thank you for it!

1. Always start a facial with clean skin. Start by washing your face with your usual cleanser. Apply in circular motions from your neck moving upwards and then wash off.

2. Next, fill a bowl with hot water (not boiling) and add lavender or eucalyptus oil to the water to induce greater relaxation. If essential oils are not available on hand, feel free to throw in a bag of green tea or chamomile (or even loose tea leaves) to have the same effect. Place your head above the bowl of hot water and drape a towel over your head to contain the steam so that it can help open up your pores. Relax and breathe deeply for a few minutes.

3. After your DIY steam treatment, gently massage your exfoliater onto your face and jaw line in circular movements. Then wash off and pat dry to prepare your face for the facial mask.

Make sure your skin is dry to allow for your mask to dry. Using a face mask that is suited for your particular skin needs, apply the face mask and leave it on for five to ten minutes. Then pop a couple slices of cucumber over your eyes or opt of some cold tea bags to soothe any puffiness around the eyes.

4. Once the five to ten minutes are up, rinse off the face mask with cool water to tighten up your pores.

5. Then tone your skin with a hydrating or clarifying toner, whichever is best for your skin type.

6. In sweeping motions, apply your moisturizer onto your skin from the neck up and then massage it in with small circular movements. By massaging the skin with your moisturizer, it will encourage new cell growth and proper circulation.

7. Finally apply your eye cream gently around your eyes and make sure to not apply much pressure or drag the skin around your eyes.

8. If you are planning on being outside later on, make sure to use a moisturizer with SPF of at least 15 to your skin to protect it. Or remember to apply some to your face before you head out.