Your step-by-step guide to the Ultimate DIY Facial, Wing-Woman approved
- Apr 2
- 3 min read
Whether you're prepping your skin before a photoshoot, winding down after a long week, or just craving a little “me time,” an at-home facial can leave you glowing and grounded. No need to splurge at a spa—you can recreate the experience right at your sink with a few intentional steps.
A. Start with a Double Cleanse (Yes, it’s a thing!)
This is the base of any good facial. We’re removing makeup, sunscreen, and impurities to let your skin breathe.
Step 1: Use an oil cleanser or cleansing balm to gently massage your face for 1-2 minutes. This melts away makeup and grime while giving you a lymphatic boost (aka a mini face massage).
Step 2: Follow up with your regular gentle cleanser to remove any leftover residue and prep your skin for the next steps.
B. Facial Steam: Open Those Pores
Pour hot water into a sink or bowl, lean over with a towel over your head to trap the steam, and breathe deeply for 5–10 minutes.
Optional: Add a few drops of essential oil like lavender, eucalyptus, or tea tree for a spa-like aroma.
Steam helps loosen buildup in pores, soften skin, and increase circulation. It’s like opening the door before a deep clean.
C. Exfoliation Station
Time to buff away dullness. Choose your exfoliant based on your skin type:
Physical Exfoliators: (gentle scrubs with fine grains) great for normal to oily skin—but don’t overdo it!
Chemical Exfoliants: (AHAs like glycolic or BHAs like salicylic acid) are perfect for deeper resurfacing and glow.
Use exfoliation regularly 1–2 times per week max. Your skin will thank you.
D. Mask Time: Choose Your Own Adventure
This is your chance to customize your facial based on how your skin feels today:
Clay Mask: Great for oily zones or congestion (hello, t-zone!). Think kaolin or bentonite clay for that deep detox.
Hydrating Mask: Creamy, calming masks with hyaluronic acid, aloe, or ceramides help restore moisture.
Brightening Mask: Look for ingredients like vitamin C or niacinamide to even tone and boost glow.
Multi-Masking: Use different masks on different zones of your face! Oily on the nose, hydrating on the cheeks—your skin isn’t one-size-fits-all.
Leave your mask on for 10–15 minutes, breathe, journal, or sip some tea.
E. Sheet Mask Moment (Optional But Delicious)
Want to add an extra layer of glow? Pop on a hydrating sheet mask after your rinse-off mask. It’s like a tall glass of water for your skin.
F. Under-Eye & Lip TLC
Finish your ritual with:
Under-Eye Masks or Cream: Depuff, brighten, or soothe with cooling eye gels or your go-to eye cream. Chill them in the fridge for extra de-puffing power.
Lip Scrub + Balm: Gently exfoliate with a lip scrub (or sugar + honey), then lock in hydration with a nourishing balm.
G. Seal the Deal: Moisturize + Massage
Lock in all that juicy goodness with a rich moisturizer or facial oil. Use upward strokes or a gua sha tool to massage your face and neck—because you’re worth every second of it.
Bonus Tips:
Play relaxing music or light a candle to set the spa vibe.
Do this ritual weekly
Follow with SPF the next day if you exfoliated—protect that radiant skin!
HYDRATE! Even with celebrations and busy life caffeine and alcohol are not friends to your skin. So, if you're needing that coffee hit or imbibing with some bevvies have a glass of water in between at the bare minimum to help with dehydrating effects of both. ( Plus, PRO TIP: if you drink a small glass of water every time you order a fresh cocktail or beer it also makes hangovers minimal!)
Eat your vitamins! Healthy food is natures multivitamin, but if you find your diets lacking consider supplements and seek advise from a professional or doctor on what works best for your bodies needs!
You deserve to feel pampered, grounded, and glowy—no special occasion needed. Self-care is the celebration. ✨
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