Here is a simple step-by-step tutorial for doing an at-home facial. All you need are a handful of products, which you may already own, or can order for home delivery or curbside pick-up from Elixir online!

Before you begin: dampen a couple of washcloths or hand towels, fold in half or into thirds depending on the size you’re using, and roll them up. Place the rolled towels onto a microwave-safe plate and heat them in the microwave for 30-second integrals, turning them over periodically, until they are hot to the touch. Remove the plate from the microwave and place a dry towel over top to help keep in the heat. Have these rolled towels handy wherever you plan to carry out your facial.

You may also choose to steep two chamomile tea bags as you prepare the towels, which you can then drain and refrigerate them to cool and use during the mask step of your facial. See below.

If you own a fan brush or a foundation brush, be sure to wash this thoroughly before beginning so you can use it to apply the product to your face. It does not need to be fully dry to use during your facial. No brush? No problem! Fingertips work just fine!

Now with everything prepped, it’s time to begin!

• Start with a cleanser. A facial cleanser is used to remove make-up, dead skin cells, oil, dirt, and other types of pollutants from the skin, helping to keep pores clear and prevent skin conditions such as acne. Pick your favorite, or if you have multiple products from the same brand, try and stick with those as they will work together more effectively than using products from several different lines. Dampen your face at the sink,  dispense it into the palm of your hand, and lather it lightly. Massage the cleanser into your skin for 90 seconds, taking it down your neck about a third of the way to reduce dripping. Rinse with water at the sink, and pat dry with a hand towel.
• Optional: use a cotton ball or cotton pad lightly soaked in toner or witch hazel to balance the pH of your skin and prepare it for optimal absorption of products. Sweep the cotton ball all over the face and neck, and then pat the product into the skin with your fingertips.  A toner removes any last traces of dirt, grime, and impurities stuck in your pores after you cleanse your face. When added to your daily skincare routine and used regularly, it can have a positive impact on the appearance and tightness of your pores.
  • Pro Tip: use a toner after a workout or during the day to refresh skin between cleansings.

• Next, use your favorite facial exfoliating gommage. Gommage is a method of gentle exfoliation in which manual and chemical exfoliants are combined in order to slough away dead skin and other debris from the surface of the skin. “Gommage”, which in French means ‘to erase.  Dispense a nickel-size amount of product onto your fingertips, rub your fingers lightly together to distribute onto both hands, and then massage the exfoliant into the skin for two minutes, taking it down the neck about a third of the way to make clean up easier. Use gentle, circular motions, starting at the forehead and working your way down the face and neck. Rinse at the sink using hands or a washcloth to assist in the removal of products.
• Optional: use a cotton ball or cotton pad lightly soaked in toner or witch hazel to balance the pH of your skin and prepare it for optimal absorption of products. Sweep the cotton ball all over the face and neck, and then pat the product into the skin with your fingertips.
• Next, select the facial mask of your choice. Facial masks are more intensive skincare treatments to help you with your specific skin concerns. The right mask can help hydrate skin, remove excess oils, and/or help improve the appearance of your pores. They’re also an excellent way to help pull out impurities. If using a sheet mask, follow the instructions on the back of the packet. If using a Hydrojelly mask follow the package instructions. If using a cream or mud mask, use your fingertips or a fan brush or foundation brush to apply.
  • Pro Tip: apply your mask to one half of your face at a time, beginning at the forehead and working your way down to the neck. This application technique will ensure more even coverage of your mask.

• • Pro Tip: Use your two cool tea bags and place them over your eyes (and underneath the warm towel) as you let the mask sit. This makes for a wonderfully soothing eye treatment!
• After 10-20 minutes (read instructions on the individual mask for timing), remove the mask by peeling it off or using the warm damp towels you prepared to wipe it off. If necessary, remove any stubborn bits of the mask at the sink with water. Pat your skin dry using a dry hand towel.
• Optional: use a cotton ball or cotton pad lightly soaked in toner or witch hazel to balance the pH of your skin and prepare it for optimal absorption of products. Sweep the cotton ball all over the face and neck, and then pat the product into the skin with your fingertips.
• Optional: use a serum of your choice and apply a dime-sized amount all over the face and neck with light, sweeping motions. Pat the product into the skin with your fingertips until it is absorbed. In general, serums contain topical antioxidants including vitamins A, C, and E. They also contain topical retinols and ingredients that even out skin tone. When layered underneath moisturizers, serums act as a targeted treatment for wrinkles, pigmentation, and redness
• Finally, use a moisturizer of your choice and apply a nickel-sized amount for a cream or a dime-size amount for a facial oil all over the face and neck with gentle, circular motions. Pat the product into the skin with your fingertips until you feel it is well-absorbed. To help with the absorption of products and because it just feels so AHMAZING we love to use a cold rose quartz facial roller all over our face as the perfect finale.

Now that your skin is cleansed, exfoliated, purified, and hydrated – you’re ready to face everything with confidence! Enjoy a facial like this as often as once or twice a week, depending on your individual needs.

• • Pro Tip: with your skin in such great condition, skip the makeup for a day or two and savor the results for even longer. It’s the perfect time to let your skin breathe!

Share your results

Take a picture of your at-home facial and post it on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter using #FacialAtHome. Be sure to tag #ElixirMassage or #Elixirinlodo, so we can see your beautiful face!