How to Make a 5-Minute Layered Mask Bar

If you're anything like me, slotting a face mask into your regular schedule is one of those things that never seems to make it off of the 'I'm-really-going-to-start-doing-this-now' list. What if one could create an all-in-one cleansing and moisturizing mask that was easy to use and worked in 5 minutes? One can!

Voilá! 

Here is a layered mask/cleansing bar that is both effective, easy to use, and great for normal, dry and sensitive skin types. And to top it off, it's easy to make! Shall we get started?

Ingredients for 1 bar of 100gr

22 gr (0.8 oz) cocoa butter
20 gr (0.7 oz) shea butter
20 ml (0.68 fl oz) castor oil
10 ml (0.34 fl oz) almond oil
10 ml (0.34 fl oz) hazelnut oil
19 gr (0.67 oz) white clay
19 gr (0.67 oz) yellow clay
2 ml (40 drops) carrot extract
spirulina (optional)
essential oils of rosemary and juniper (optional)

What The Different Parts Do

In (very) broad strokes, the oils attract dirt, the butters moisturize and the clays cleanse and detoxify. The addition of spirulina, carrot extract and essential oils provide extra skin-pampering, toning and nourishing. If you're curious to know more about the individual ingredients, there are links below.

Method

Divide the ingredients in 2 equal parts. Melt cocoa butter over low heat until melted. Add oils and shea butter and stir.

In one container, add the white clay  and stir until well mixed.

Add yellow clay to the other container and stir until mixed. Add carrot extract to the yellow clay mixture.

To layer

Pour a thin layer of the white clay in your mold and let set in refrigerator for about 5 minutes.

Add a thin layer of yellow clay mixture and refrigerate for another 5-10 minutes (the surface should have 'set' a little before pouring the next layer)

Tip: Stir the mixture just before pouring to evenly disperse everything.

After 2 or 3 layers, sprinkle a thin layer of spirulina over the entire bar.

Continue layering and refrigerating until the mold is full.
Refrigerate overnight (or until it has set completely)

To Store

Because this bar contains no water, it is possible to leave out preservatives. The bar will last about 3 months if kept dry and cool. Store in the refrigerator in an air-tight bag.

To Use

Apply to moist skin. Slice off a small amount (about the size of a piece of candy) and mash into the palm of one hand. With the other hand, apply to face and neck with a gentle circular motion until the entire face and neck is covered. Leave the area around the eyes free. Let sit for 5 minutes, then wet and lightly massage face and neck. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry.

Finish with an alcohol-free skin tonic.

Enjoy your fabulously cleansed, moisturized and nourished skin.

PS: Check under topics for Cleansing Bars for more how-to face cleansers

Want to know about the different ingredients? Check out the ingredient library.

Visit the Cleansing Bar FAQ and Tutorial Page