How to Give Yourself a Home Facial

Who doesn't adore a 300 dollar facial at a clean, sterile, sparingly-decorated spa? Just the word "spa" makes me feel refreshed and rosy-cheeked. But if you live in the real world and have neither the time nor the money for that indulgence (on the regular, anyway), here's a way to bring that turquoise-walled, tinkly-pianoed, ocean-scented spa experience to your own home:

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• pot of boiling water, face mask, blackhead strips, cloth headband, ice, shower

1. Fill your biggest pot with water and bring to the boil. After it begins to furiously bubble, put the pot in your sink and turn the stove off. Lean into the steam and breathe in. Your face will become flushed, hot and moist--this is what we want.
2. After you've steamed and opened your pores, swirl on a face-mask. If you have somewhat oily or problem skin, use a mask that has the word "clarifying" in its name. If you tend to be dry and crinkly, use something more "moisturizing". Or, if you can find it, use a "rolling peel mask". This is sort of a cross between a mask and a scrub--you smear it on, but then flake off the moment it dries.
3. Take a long, hot shower to cleanse and remove your mask. Gently swirl and buff away the mask with a smooth washcloth. Obviously slather yourself with your funnest and finest cleaning products while showering, just to extend the process of luxuriating. Don't use any of your normal facial cleansers, however--the mask is enough.
4. Finally, and try not to be freaked, immerse your face in a bath of icewater. This step is essential. It tightens your pores and closes them to prevent overactive sebaceous glands which can lead to breakouts and blackheads.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't over-steam--two minutes should do it. Also, don't over-mask--ten minutes is plenty. And as pampered and refreshed as you might feel, this process should be a once-weekly indulgence, at most.