The founder of local skincare brand Tailor is no stranger to whipping up products in her kitchen.
"After trying everything under the sun as an acne-ridden teen, as an adult I took a deep dive into how to formulate clean, natural and effective skincare," says CEO Sara Corleison.
"In fact, Tailor started when I invested my savings into a cake mixer and second-hand laptop, and started making safe, effective and natural skincare from my kitchen counter."
It means Corleison knows better than anyone that sometimes the best treatments for inflamed, stressed skin can be found at home.
That's good news for those of us in Auckland still locked down, and facing a fair few weeks before we can get back to facialists and dermatologists, thanks to the new 3-step 'roadmap' system.
In the meantime, alongside the launch of her new caffeinated Awaken eye cream, Corleison has shared with Newshub her favourite two easy-to-make face masks, containing ingredients that can be found in your kitchen, regardless of what level you're at.
And the key ingredient in both? Oatmeal.
Yes, the kind you use to make your breakfast porridge in the morning.
"Oatmeal is an incredible skincare ingredient as it can be used for both oily or dry skin depending on the ingredients you mix it with," says Sara. "It's gentle and calming on dry sensitive skin and can help to soak up oils and clear breakout-prone skin."
Face mask for dry skin:
"The oatmeal in this mask will help calm dry sensitive skin, while the Manuka honey will help to rehydrate and calm the skin," says Corleison.
"Glycerine is one of the best ingredients to rehydrate the skin and can be used in place of its famous cousin Hyaluronic acid. Avocado contains beautiful skin nourishing oils which help to moisturise and protect dry skin."
- 1 Tsp finely milled oatmeal
- 1 Tbs avocado
- 1 Tsp honey (Manuka if possible)
- 2 Tbs Warm Water
- 1/2 Tsp glycerine (Optional)
Method
- Soak the oatmeal, honey and optional glycerine in the warm water
- Mash avocado and mix with all ingredients
- Apply to face and let sit for 15 - 30 mins
- Gently remove and follow with your favorite hydrating skincare.
Face mask for oily/combination skin:
"In this mask, the oatmeal will gently draw oils and congestion from the skin. Apple cider vinegar will gently exfoliate the top layer of skin to reveal a brighter complexion and cinnamon provides a gentle antibacterial and antioxidant benefit to the skin."
- 2 Tsp finely milled oatmeal
- 3 Tbs warm water
- 1/4 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
Method
- Soak the oatmeal and apple cider vinegar in the warm water
- Mix in the ground cinnamon
- Apply to face and let sit for 15 - 30 mins
- Gently remove and follow with your favourite lightweight moisturising products.
