Holistic health does not necessarily mean you have to spend considerable resources, including time and money. You can create your own face masks for the feel-good factor. Essential oils are one of the purest forms of natural skincare products, and you will be surprised at how many face masks can be made using essential oils as a key ingredient. Before looking at the face mask options, here’s a list of essential oils that can be used based on your skin type:

• Dry skin : Sandalwood, cedarwood, palmarosa, chamomile, frankincense, and myrrh.
• Oily skin : Geranium, cypress, neroli, orange, ylang ylang, lavender, patchouli, and lemon.
• Acne-prone skin : Tea tree, geranium, lavender, lemon, and patchouli.
• Aging skin : Frankincense, carrot seed, lavender, patchouli, sandalwood, and cypress.
• Combination skin : Patchouli, lavender, rose, and bergamot.

The following DIY moisturizing face masks can be left on the face and neck for about 15-20 minutes and gently rinsed off with warm water afterward. Ensure that you use an essential oil that suits your skin type and also follow the instructions on mixing the essential oil with a carrier oil as given on the package.

• Soothing mask
  This DIY moisturizing face mask is a perfect fit after a hard day’s work. Mix 3 tsp of raw honey, 2 tsp of aloe vera gel, and 1-2 drops of essential oil based on your skin type. Voila! You’re done.
• Clay mask
  If you have sensitive skin, leave this DIY moisturizing face mask on for only 5-10 minutes. Mix 2 tsp of bentonite clay, 2 tsp of apple cider vinegar, and 3 drops of essential oil based on your skin type. You could use water to make a paste or use aloe vera gel instead.
• Yogurt mask
  This face mask works wonders for acne-prone skin. Take ½ cup yogurt and mix it with 3-4 drops of essential oil based on your skin type. Yogurt soothes the skin, helps hydrate it, and also prevents irritation.
• Avocado and honey mask
  Mash ½ avocado, 2 tsp of raw (wild) honey, 2 tsp of aloe vera gel, and 3 drops of essential oil based on your skin type. Honey not only cleanses the face but also heals the skin. Avocado, on the other hand, is loaded with vitamins and other essential minerals that nourish your skin.
• For radiance
  For this DIY moisturizing face mask, take 2 tsp of honey, 1 tsp lemon juice, 2 tsp ground nutmeg, 2 tsp of powdered cinnamon, 1 tsp of aloe vera gel, and 3 tsp of essential oil based on your skin type. You can add lemon juice to get a good consistency.
• For everlasting youth
  Sandalwood contains innumerable healing properties and is a key ingredient of this DIY moisturizing face mask. Take 2 tsp of sandalwood powder, 2 tsp of aloe vera gel, 1tsp of turmeric powder, and add 3 drops of sandalwood essential oil, along with 3 drops of ylang ylang. Avoid sandalwood oil if you have oily skin, and you can add 2 tsp of honey for long-lasting freshness.