Raw Cocoa Banana Honey Facial Mask

Rationale 

Bananas were on sale at the grocery store so I picked up a few extra for baking, as well as homemade face masks! Banana masks are excellent for people who have oily or acne-prone skin because the fruit acids will slough off dead skin and encourage cells to regenerate. It will also balance sebum activity and brighten the skin.

Honey is an  antiseptic and antibacterial properties which means it kills germs and reduces  inflammation. Since honey is an antioxidant it will keep skin healthy, supple and beautiful. 

Cocoa is a powerful antioxidant that exfoliates and renews the skin. Plus cocoa slows down the aging process.

Ingredients 

• 1 ripe banana
• Honey
• (Unsweetened) Cocoa powder

1. Peel one banana, and mash the fruit with a fork until smooth.

2. Add two table spoons of cocoa powder, and mix well.

3. Add one table spoon of honey, and stir well.

4. Refrigerate for 30 minutes and then apply evenly to face and neck.  Avoid the eye area and corners of the mouth.  Keep the product on for 15-20 minutes. Keep the left over in container, and toss after a week 3 days. 

The product is safe to use three times a week for those who have oily/ acne-prone skin, like myself. Those who have normal/combination skin should use the product only once to twice a week to avoid over-drying the skin.

♥

Review of 3 Dove GoFresh Products

Introduction

Dove's GoFresh beauty body washes in 354mL retails about $2.99 CAD.

FYI: Dove allocates a portion of its revenue towards the Dove Self-Esteem Fund.

Likes/Pros:

-Lasts for approximately 1 month with daily use, for twice a day

-Design of the bottles: visually appealing, distinguishable, and easy to grasp and hold

-Simple and convenient flip-lid, making it is easy to to access the body wash

-Fair amount of foam produced with a toonie size amount

-Very easy to apply to loofah, and work up a lather

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Energize: Grapefruit & Lemongrass Scent

Likes/Pros:

-Emotion: "WHOA!"

-Invigorating orange coloured beads that gently scrubs away dead skin, which promotes good circulation and smooth skin

-Safe to use everyday and for twice a day for oily to normal skin types

-For sensitive skin, I recommend, using it once, every other day

-Great product to use during hot summer days

- After showering with product one feels squeaky clean, highly refreshed, and energized

-Light scent of lemongrass and a hint of grapefruit

-A scent that lightly lingers on skin throughout the day

-Clear-white in color with orange beads, and white micro beads

Dislikes/Cons:

-The consistency is like tomato soup; in my opinion the consistency should be thicker

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Cool Moisture: Cucumber & Green Tea Scent

Likes/Pros:

-Emotion: "mmmmmm..."

-Luxurious forumula: rich, creamy, and thick

-Safe to use everyday for all skin types (i.e. sensitive/dry, normal/combination, oily)

-Great product to use all year round, but especially in the Fall and Spring

-Does not dry skin out or leach skin of its natural oils

-Feeling clean, and lightly moisturized after use

-Very light, lingering crisp cucumber scent

-Very light green product

Dislikes/Cons:

-I can't really distinguish the green tea fragrance in the bodywash. :( I wish it was a stronger smell.

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Refresh: Waterlily & Fresh Mint Scent

Likes/Pros:

-Emotion:"ahhhhh..."

-Characteristics very similiar to the former body wash (Cool Moisture)

-Leaves skin tingy, cool, and fresh

-Soft minty scent with floral fragrance

-Light blue in color

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Overall grade for all three kinds body washes: A

-I would repurchase all three body washes

-Also, I highly recommend trying these products. You won't be disappointed. :)

Review: The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil Line

First, I like to apologize for the poor quality of my photos. I took them on my cell phone camera. Above is a photo of my Tea Tree Oil stash. I very much enjoy their line of product. It works well for my combination skin.

2 photos of the Tea Tree Oil Face Mask (110 g; 100 ml). I bought this product on sale in the Fall for under $15 CAD. It is great item, I use it once a week. One tub has lasted me for 5 months. This mask controls blackheads quite well, and leaves my skin feeling smooth. Every time I put the mask on, there is a tingly feeling. That cooling sensation feels great!

This is The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil Blemish Fade Night Lotion (30ml). I bought this item on sale, so it cost about $12. I would highly recommend this product; controls oil on my face, doesn't clog my pores, and it prevents new blemishes. I didn't mind the tea tree oil smell, although my brother disliked it very much. This product ran out very quickly for me which was quite disappointing. I used this item everyday and it lasted for approximately a month.

The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil Face Wash (250 ml) for less than $15; again I bought this item when it was on sale. I use this face wash 2 times a day, and it lasts for me about 4 months. It foams up nicely, and the smell grew on me. It is a nice cleanser, but it does not remove all 'impurities' (i.e. makeup) from my skin. After washing my face I usually use a toner. I would re-buy this product, it is effective in controlling oil, and keeping my skin in a healthy state.

Close-up of Tea Tree Oil Blotting Paper.

Tea Tree Oil Blotting Paper costs $10 CAD for a package of 2. Each package contains 65 sheets. I really, REALLY like this item. It removes shine from my face, and leaves a nice matted finish, so no more shiny skin for me. I just gently pat my face with a sheet and my skin feels lighter, and more refreshed. I carry blotting paper everywhere I go. I am addicted to this product.