I have a simultaneous love/hate relationship with Valentine’s Day. I love it because I’m a big sappy romantic and I love any excuse to get dressed up and go out with my amazing husband all while being extra lovey-dovey. I hate it because it comes sliding in right after the holidays where I’m up a good 6 lbs, my skin is protesting the cold weather and revolting, and my hair is in a 24/7 ponytail. It takes a good while to recover from that – like, until the month of May at least.

But then February 14th comes sliding in and I realize that I need to seize it for what it is – an opportunity to get gussied up and have a child-free date night. So how am I to handle my dry, winterized skin? It’s simple – I just rummage around in my refrigerator for a few key ingredients and make a few of my world famous face masks.

Here, I detail 3 great face masks that you can make at home – all with ingredients that you already have or can pick up for next-to-nothing at Walmart like I did. Beauty doesn’t have to break the bank!

Moisturize and Protect

This mask involves 4 simple ingredients that will moisturize, exfoliate, brighten, and protect your skin from free radicals. The lactic acid in the yogurt acts as a natural exfoliant, the vitamin c in the lime or lemon brightens your skin, the honey moisturizes and protects from free radicals, and the blueberries are full of antioxidants that will help your skin to repair itself.

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp yogurt
• 4 or 5 fresh blueberries, crushed
• 1/2 lime or lemon

Directions:

Mix all ingredients together and apply generously all over your face, avoiding the eye area. Allow to sit for 15-20 minutes. Some tingling is normal during this time. After 20 minutes wash off the mask with warm water.

Calm and Soothe

This simple mask includes honey and nutmeg which are proven anti-inflammatories – helping to reduce redness in your skin and prevent infection (great for those with acne).

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp nutmeg – adjust as necessary to create a thick ‘paste’

Directions:

Mix the honey and nutmeg together and apply to clean skin. Allow to sit for 30 minutes to reap the full benefits of this mask. Wash off with warm water after 30 minutes, rubbing in a circular motion for some bonus exfoliation.

Exfoliate and Brighten

One of my all-time favorite masks, I use this one 2 to 3 times weekly and I just love it. This one consists of the juice of half an orange enough baking soda to make it into a paste. Yep, we’re going vague on this one but I’m confident that you can handle it. The acid in the orange juice tightens pores and banishes blackheads while the baking soda exfoliates and neutralizes acne-prone skin.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp fresh orange juice (use blood oranges for additional antioxidants)
• Baking soda as needed

Directions:

Mix together the juice and then the baking soda until a thick, spreadable paste forms. Spread evenly over face, neck, and chest and allow to dry for 20 minutes. Some moderate tingling is normal. Rinse with warm water.

Thanks to Walmart for the opportunity to share my favorite at-home beauty recipes with you – and Happy Valentine’s Day!