DIY Ice Beauty Secrets

Is cold weather giving you the beauty blues? Don’t fret! Chapped cheeks aside, it turns out ice is your new beauty BFF! Sometimes a chilly rinse or frozen facial is just what the doctor ordered when things begin to dull during a long cold winter. Icing your skin is believed to improve circulation as well as ward off wrinkles. Plus, it’s refreshing after spending a day with your radiators on blast. Here are a few tricks to try with ice the next time you’re snowed in!

Shrink A Zit

Holding ice on a pesky pimple is a no-fuss way to get the red out. Ice decreases inflammation, and can even relieve the pain associated with acne. Wrap a cube in a ziplock baggie (a rough towel can break tender skin), hold against the affected area for five to ten minutes, and tell that zit to chill!

De-Puff Eyes

Rough night? Reach for an ice cube while you wait for your morning coffee to brew. Wrapping a cube in a washcloth and holding over the eyes can reduce early morning puffiness, and make you look and feel more alert. For a stronger effect, freeze cubes of caffeinated black tea, or store sliced cucumbers on ice to keep you feeling fresh.

Prime Skin

Before patting on foundation, run an ice cube over your face, focusing on areas with enlarged pores. The cold water will cause pores to reduce in size and minimize their appearance under makeup. Icing these areas before your application of a primer can yield extra-smooth results fit for an ice queen.

Scrub Away

For a skin-brightening pick-me-up, make a DIY icy scrub by blending fruits or veggies (like cucumber, strawberries or mango) with water and freezing in ice cube trays. Once frozen, gently rub a fruity cube over your face as part of your weekly facial. The chunky texture will exfoliate as the ice melts into a juicy slush.

This article was originally published on December 4, 2012