I find the best way to wake yourself up in the morning is washing your face!  You feel refreshed and alive, but does your skin feel as fresh as you?  Having a good skin care routine is of utmost importance: wash, tone, moisturize, exfoliate, etc. etc.  However sometimes our skin just looks dull or blotchy, whether it's because of last nights party or you've been stuck in the office for a week in air conditioned hell.  The perfect fix.............FACE MASKS!!!  I swear by masks and I have a various collection of them.  They brighten up your skin and can target some problem areas if you have any.  Getting a facial doesn't always require a $100 spa price tag, so here are my personal picks of face masks that you can do from the comfort of your own home! Soooo, relaxing.....

This is my #1 all time favorite mask EVER.  100% organic, smells delicious and moisturizes the skin so beautifully.  I like using this one when I feel like I need a pick me up in the brightness and moisture department.  It lasts forever...I've had my jar for quite some time now.  A little bit goes a long way so you don't have to have a 2 inch thick mask on.  Smooth a fine layer over freshly washed skin, avoiding eye area, and sit back!  You can also smooth it down over your neck and can even be used on hands, feet, or wherever you want to be super soft!  There is no time limit on this stuff, you can leave it on for 5 minutes or half an hour.  You're the boss, apple sauce!  (Available at Boutique BeYouTeFul above the Rook & Raven)

I love this mask a lot too!  It has a nice scent to it that is just so relaxing.  My fave part about it is it's cold when you put it on your face since you have to store it in the fridge to keep it fresh.  After washing your face with warm water the coolness is a nice burst of energy and the almond exfoliates the skin perfectly.  I like the way it makes my skin smell afterwards...so yummy! (Available at Lush...obviously.)

Normally I like my face masks to be organic or close too, but this mask is pretty kickass!  I like using this one when I feel dirty, built up, broken out, and all around gross.  I apply a thin layer over my entire face and immediately feel so much better.  It has a cooling sensation which I love and just leaves you feeling squeaky clean!  Because it is a little more harsh, I wouldn't advise over using this one.  I use mine once a week and sometimes even less depending how I am feeling.  (Available at any Sunsera Salon)

This mask is one you can whip up right in your own kitchen in under 5 minutes!  All you need is 1/4 avocado, 1 tablespoon honey and 1 teaspoon lemon juice!  Mash the avocado vigorously with a fork or put in a food processor, then add honey and keep mixing!  If you're not going to use the mixture right away then add lemon juice to keep it from going brown.  If you are using the mask immediately then don't worry about the lemon juice at all!  Spread your fresh mask al over your face and neck and let sit for 15 minutes before rinsing off!  Voila!  Beautiful skin!  (Warning: make sure you have no food allergies before using this.  My friend did this and reacted to the avocado soon after.)

Bottom line, giving yourself a facial at home is the perfect way to pamper yourself!  Enjoy! xo