It's Never Too Late to Be Cinderella

Once you get a little older, your skin starts to do naughty things; age spots, wrinkles, sagging. It is not a fair fact of life, but it is a fact of life. However, it doesn't mean you can't do things to help your skin along and look more beautiful and healthy. Hopefully, you started using sunscreen when you were young. If not, it is never too late! Next tip - drink lots of water to keep hydrated. Third, keep a happy, positive attitude - this goes a long way towards outer beauty. The following are my five favorite recipes for face masks straight from the kitchen and home, natural and nourishing. Always wash your face before using a mask; apply it, relax and enjoy the quiet time. Your skin will thank you for it!

1. Carrot, Avocado and Cream Nourishing Mask:

· ½ cup heavy cream
· 1 carrot, cooked and mashed
· 1 avocado, peeled, pitted, and mashed
· 3 tablespoons honey

Combine ingredients in a bowl and spread over face and neck. Relax for 15 minutes. Rinse with cool water. This mask will improve skin texture, diminish age spots, and rebuild skin collagen when used regularly.

2. Pineapple and Olive Oil Mask:

· 4 large pineapple chunks or ½ cup canned, drained pineapple
· 3 tablespoons olive oil

Place ingredients in blender and blend until almost smooth. Apply mixture to face with fingers and leave on for 15 minutes. Rinse with warm water and pat dry. Olive oil has great healing properties, moisturizes, and restores the skins surface. Pineapple helps rid the skin of dead cells.

3. Rose Oil and Honey Mask:

· 2 tablespoons honey
· 2 teaspoons almond oil
· 5 drops rose essential oil

Mix honey, almond and rose oil. Apply to face and neck with fingers. Relax for 15 minutes, and then rinse off with warm water. Pat dry. Rose oil is particularly effective for treating wrinkles, puffiness, and dry skin.

4. Aloe Hydrating Mask:

· One tablespoon Aloe Vera Gel
· One tablespoon milk

Mix aloe vera gel and milk together and apply to face. Let dry for 15 minutes, and then rinse with warm water. Pat dry.

5. Papaya Face Peel:

· 1 packet unflavored gelatin
· 3 tablespoons distilled water
· 1 papaya, peeled and seeded

In a saucepan, combine the gelatin and water and dissolve the gelatin over low heat. Place papaya in a blender and blend thoroughly. Strain and save the liquid. In a small bowl, combine gelatin and papaya juice. Refrigerate for about 20 minutes or until the gelatin is just beginning to set. Spread gelatin over face and neck and relax for 15 minutes. Rinse off with a soft sponge or cloth dipped in warm water. This is great for removing dead skin cells.

There you have it! Of course, you can always go out and purchase prepared skin care products. But, if you like to "make your own"; these are some of the best. Have fun, and don't eat the masks!