Create a Super Simple DIY Matcha Face Mask!

Is it Self-Care Sunday yet? When it does happen, there are few better ways to unwind than with a good, soothing face mask. Bonus points if that mask offers some awesome skincare benefits, which matcha green tea most certainly does. If you want to add it to a face mask, we'll show you how.

What is Matcha Tea?

Matcha tea is pretty similar to green tea. They both come from the camellia Sinensis plant. The big difference is in how matcha is made. Whereas green tea usually comes as small leaves, for matcha, the leaves are stone-ground into a super-fine powder. To make the beverage, you’d sift some matcha and whisk it into hot water.

Because it’s such a nice, delicate powder, it also mixes extremely well into DIY skincare recipes. It’s got a lot of great benefits, too. Use it when you want to calm inflammation or to exfoliate. Matcha has antibacterial properties, so people with acne or oilier skin will benefit from the detoxing and antibacterial action. It’s loaded with antioxidants, too, which help prevent skin damage and premature aging caused by free radicals.

Making a Matcha Mask

Want to make your own matcha mask? It’s easy. You’re going to need two ingredients. First up, matcha powder!

And the second ingredient? Well, this is where you can get creative. It needs to be a liquid or oil that will create a spreadable texture that won’t evaporate too quickly — and there are lots of options depending on what your skin needs. Here are some ideas:

• Try aloe gel to create a hydrating mask.
• Mix matcha powder with a few drops of your favorite skincare serum to get the benefits of both.
• Try jojoba oil to moisturize skin and repair a damaged moisture barrier.
• Use coconut oil for basic emollient power and a few extra nutrients.
• Honey makes a good mixer that adds extra antibacterial properties.
• Mash some avocado, but instead of spreading it on toast, mix it with matcha for a moisturizing mask rich in vitamins C and E plus oils to soothe and calm dry, irritated skin.

There are more options than we can think of, but you get the idea! Grab the matcha, pick a mixer, and you’re good to go.

But how much of each ingredient? Start with two teaspoons of matcha. As to your mixers, use less for thinner ingredients or more for thicker ones. You may only need a few drops of aloe or serum to create a spreadable mask, but if you’re using something really thick, like room-temperature coconut oil, you could use as much as a teaspoon in order to make enough to spread over your face.

Once you’ve mixed up a fresh batch, all you need to do is smooth it over your face. Give it 10 minutes or so to work, then rinse it off with lukewarm water.

Save money on mask ingredients and everything else you need for Self-Care Sunday!

Life is stressful these days! We all need a little self-care on our days off, whether it’s a great face mask or an afternoon spent wrapped up in a good book. Whatever your favorite self-care ideas are, don’t forget to check your weekly Save mailer for coupons and deals on the supplies you’ll need.