DIY Spirulina Face Mask

As many of you may know I used to be a make up artist and esthetician and worked in some of the fanciest spa's in the Metro Vancouver area.  Although I don't do cosmetology for a living anymore I still love to play around with different products and use the knowledge I learned from working in the industry for myself. I've had a chance to try out a ton of different skin care lines and definitely have my favorites. The problem is since I don't get employee discounts on product and free samples anymore there is no way I can afford those luxurious cleansers and lotions anymore.

However, since I am a crafty little gnome I usually find a way to make my own versions of my favorite products on the cheap.  Previously I showed you how to make your own version of Lancome's  Bi Facil Eye Make Up remover , how to make your own pore strips and I posted a tutorial on the Oil Cleansing Method.  Today I am going to show you how to make a Spirulina Face Mask based on my favorite face mask of all time The Rejuvenating Spirulina Masque by Kerstin Florian. When I worked at one particular day spa we used  Kerstin Florian products and when ever I used the Spirulina Mask on a client they always looked AMAZING afterwards.  The mask sells for about $65 USD and I don't know about you but I have a lot more important things to spend $65 on than a face mask.  So, I am going to show you how to make it for just pennies!



So, what the heck is Spirulina? Spirulina is a blue-green sea algae. It is essentially "the perfect food"  and many people (including me), use it as a health supplement.  You can buy it in capsule or powder form. I bought a 1 lb bag of the powder recently and have been adding it to my smoothies and other meals.

Some benefits of Spirulina:
Spirulina contains about 70% protein, vitamin E, vitamin C, beta carotene, B vitamins and chlorophyll. It also has abundant essential fatty acids, B vitamins, antioxidants and minerals like calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium and zinc.

It's considered a super food and an antioxidant and used to help detoxify and cleanse the body.  It's a great source of protein and iron for people like me who eat very little animal products.
 So if Spirulina is so great for your body it makes sense to use it as part of a skincare treatment.!
I tried to look up the ingredients in the Kerstin Florian Mask but they only listed spirulina, clay and rosemary extract in the ingredients. I'm sure there are other ingredients not listed to extend it's shelf life, etc.

So, if you want to make your own here is the recipe that I came up with

1 teaspoon spirulina powder
1 teaspoon Castor oil
1-2 drops of rosemary or other essential oil.

The clay helps to draw out oils and impurities out of your pores. In my recipe it is replaced by Castor oil. Castor oil does the same thing and is more readily available that clay. You can find it in the laxative section of the drugstore.


Rosemary is an antioxidant and helps to promote circulation. Depending on your skin type and specific needs you can use other oils like Lavender (for acne prone skin) or Evening Primrose oil (for mature skin)

Instructions:
Add the powder first to a little bowl and then slowly add the Castor oil. You want to make a paste like mud. Then add 1 or two drops of your favorite essential oil.

Dark and Slimy and Smells kinda strange!

Wash your skin and lightly exfoliate. Smear the mask on thickly and leave it for at least 15 minutes.
Rinse off with warm water and a washcloth (use a dark one as it may stain)

Finish with toner and moisturizer.

Sorry, no embarrassing pictures of my make-up less face or of it covered in green goo!
Do you make any of your own beauty products?