Chasing that fresh, bouncy, “glass skin” look without buying stacks of sheet masks? These five Korean-inspired DIY face masks use simple kitchen ingredients to help with the big concerns: redness, dullness, dryness, breakouts, and the look of visible pores.
Pick the mask that fits your skin today—or rotate them through the week. Each recipe is quick to mix, gentle, and designed to leave skin looking calm, bright, and hydrated.
Table of Contents
- Quick Picker: Best Mask by Skin Concern
- 1) Green Tea Soothing Face Mask
- 2) Rice Water Brightening Face Mask
- 3) Aloe Vera Hydrating Face Mask
- 4) Honey & Cinnamon Acne-Fighting Mask
- 5) Egg White Pore-Tightening Mask
- Safety Notes
- FAQs
Quick Picker: Best Mask by Skin Concern
| Concern | Use | Why it helps |
|---|---|---|
| Redness / sensitivity | Green Tea | Soothes and provides antioxidant support |
| Dullness / uneven tone | Rice Water | Starchy water gently brightens and refines |
| Dry / dehydrated skin | Aloe Vera | Lightweight hydration that calms |
| Breakouts / oily areas | Honey & Cinnamon | Honey comforts; cinnamon adds clarifying boost* |
| Visible pores / excess oil | Egg White | Temporary tightening effect for a fresher feel |
1) Green Tea Soothing Face Mask
When skin feels hot, irritated, or just a bit reactive, green tea is a calming classic. Try our full green tea mask guide for more variations.
Ingredients & Benefits
| 1 green tea bag (or 1 tsp loose leaf) | Antioxidant, soothing |
| 1 tbsp honey | Comforts, lightly hydrates |
| 1 tbsp plain yoghurt | Cooling, softening feel |
Recipe
- Steep tea 3–5 minutes; cool completely.
- Stir honey + yoghurt together; loosen with 1–2 tsp cooled tea.
- Apply a thin layer; leave on 10–15 minutes; rinse.
Pro tip: Swap yoghurt for aloe gel if you prefer dairy-free.
2) Rice Water Brightening Face Mask
Rice water is a K-beauty staple for a fresher-looking tone. You can also explore fermented versions in our rice water tutorial.
Ingredients & Benefits
| 1/2 cup uncooked rice | Source of starchy, brightening rinse |
| Fresh water (to soak) | Extracts the milky rice water |
| Optional: 1 tsp rice flour | Thickens into a soft paste |
Recipe
- Rinse rice until water runs mostly clear.
- Soak in fresh water 30 minutes (up to 24 hours in fridge).
- Strain; reserve milky water. Stir in rice flour if you want a paste.
- Apply with cotton pad/brush 10–15 minutes; rinse; moisturise.
Pro tip: Chill leftover rice water and use within 3 days.
3) Aloe Vera Hydrating Face Mask
Cooling, lightweight hydration that layers well under your moisturiser. Try a turmeric variation here: aloe + turmeric mask.
Ingredients & Benefits
| 2 tbsp aloe vera gel | Soothes, hydrates |
| 1 tbsp honey | Comforts dry patches |
| 1 tsp jojoba oil (or squalane) | Softens without heaviness |
Recipe
- Stir aloe, honey, and oil until uniform.
- Apply a thin layer 10–15 minutes; rinse; follow with moisturiser.
Pro tip: Keep aloe gel in the fridge for an extra-soothing feel.
4) Honey & Cinnamon Acne-Fighting Mask
A quick clarifying option for congested areas. More ideas here: DIY blackhead masks.
Ingredients & Benefits
| 2 tbsp honey | Comforts and cushions skin |
| 1 tsp ground cinnamon | Clarifying boost (patch test!) |
Recipe
- Mix to a smooth paste.
- Apply to T-zone or breakout-prone spots; avoid eye area.
- Leave 10–12 minutes; rinse thoroughly.
Pro tip: If skin feels warm, rinse sooner and dilute with extra honey.
5) Egg White Pore-Tightening Mask
Leaves a temporary “tightened” feel and a fresher look. See also: egg white & lemon for blackheads.
Ingredients & Benefits
| 1 egg white | Temporary tightening effect |
| 1 tsp fresh lemon juice | Refreshing, helps cut surface oil |
| 1 tsp honey | Softens the feel on skin |
Recipe
- Whisk egg white until slightly frothy.
- Stir in lemon juice and honey.
- Apply thin layer; let dry 10–15 minutes; rinse well.
Pro tip: Use at most once weekly to avoid dryness. Skip if you have egg allergies.
Safety Notes
- Patch test new ingredients behind the ear or along the jaw for 10–15 minutes.
- Lemon + sun: Use lemon masks in the evening; always wear sunscreen in the morning.
- Cinnamon sensitivity: Can feel “zingy.” Dilute with extra honey or choose a different mask.
- Allergies: Avoid egg masks if allergic; choose aloe or green tea instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I mask?
1–2 times weekly is plenty. Rotate based on how your skin feels that day.
Can I combine masks?
Yes—multi-mask: green tea on cheeks, honey-cinnamon on T-zone, aloe on dry spots. Avoid stacking full masks in one go.
Where do masks fit in my routine?
Cleanse → mask → rinse → hydrating toner/essence → moisturiser → (AM) sunscreen.
Are these safe for sensitive skin?
Green tea and aloe are the gentlest. Patch test cinnamon, lemon, and egg white first.
Can I store leftovers?
Rice water keeps up to 3 days in the fridge. Fresh mixes (egg/yoghurt) are best made per use.
