Beauty may not be just skin-deep, but it sure has a lot to do with the skin. Cleansing, toning, and moisturizing are, or rather should be every girl's beauty mantra. As a result of pollution and other environmental hazards, one's skin is constantly subjected to harsh conditions. Your natural beauty does not always have to be enhanced with the help of cosmetics and visits to the parlor. A healthy diet along with a proper exercise routine and of course, lots of fluid intake, is the first step for naturally beautiful skin. In addition to this, your kitchen can provide you with various possibilities to make your own face packs, instead of using artificial products that are full of chemicals. Before we get into describing the various face packs that you could try out at home, here is something that you should know. Quick Fact Often, people tend to get confused between face packs and face masks. Masks are nothing but peel-off products that are non-setting. They do not dry or harden on the skin, and are also applied for a longer duration. They have a gel or cream-like texture. Face packs on the other hand are clay masks that dry after application. They harden after applying and need to be washed off. Face packs can be easily made at home whereas, face masks are ready-made products. Here are a few easy ways to make homemade face packs to get that natural glow back into your skin, without spending hours, or even exorbitant amounts! For Oily Skin The most typical characteristic of this skin type is shininess, as there is excess production of sebum, which is a natural skin lubricant. People with oily skin need not worry about wrinkling and other signs of aging. However, blemishes, pimples, and blackheads are problems that need to be taken care of. Cucumber Face Pack Ingredients

• Cucumber juice, 1 tbsp.
• Mint juice, 1 tbsp.
• Peppermint extract, ½ tsp.

Directions Mix all these ingredients and apply the paste evenly over your face and neck. Leave the face pack on for 15 minutes. Once it dries off, wash your face with lukewarm water. Banana Face Pack Ingredients

• Banana, 1
• Honey, 1 tbsp.
• Lime juice, 1 tsp.

Directions Mash the banana and mix it with honey. Then add lime juice, and apply the mixture on your face. Leave the face pack for 15 minutes, and rinse with a cool washcloth. Papaya Face Pack Ingredients

• Papaya pulp, 2 tbsp.
• Lime juice, ½ tsp.

Directions Mix the papaya pulp (contains papain - an active exfoliant) with lime juice (has astringent properties) and apply on your face and neck. Wash this off with lukewarm water, once the pack has dried completely. For Normal Skin Normal skin is characterized by no breakouts, clear complexion, and small pores. It would not be incorrect to say that this is the least problematic type of skin. Acne may not be a cause of worry, but normal skin also needs to be taken good care of in order to avoid signs of aging. Orange and Milk Face Pack Ingredients

• Orange juice, 10 drops
• Fresh milk cream, 1 tbsp.

Directions Mix both the above-mentioned ingredients, and apply the mixture evenly on your face. Orange is known for its toning and astringent properties. The fruit is rich in vitamin C, which helps to prevent early aging of the skin. Leave it for about 20 minutes, and rinse it off with cold water. Lettuce Face Pack Ingredients

• Lettuce leaves, 2
• Lemon juice, ½ tsp.
• Olive oil, few drops

Directions Dip the lettuce leaves in olive oil, and sprinkle lemon juice over it. Place these leaves on both sides of your face. Cover this with a towel dipped in cold water. After 15 minutes, wipe your face with cotton soaked in milk. Rinse with warm water. Apple-Vinegar Face Pack Ingredients

• Egg, 1 (for the yolk)
• Apple, ½ (peeled and sliced)
• Oil, 2 tbsp.
• Honey, 1 tbsp.
• Vinegar, few drops

Directions Mix all the ingredients, and blend them to make a paste. Apply this on the face, and leave it on for ten minutes. Once the pack dries, wipe it off with a cold washcloth. For Dry Skin Dry skin basically lacks moisture. It feels rough, and the fine lines on the skin become more visible. Scaling and itching may occur in addition to red patches on the skin. Almond Face Pack Ingredients

• Almonds, 10
• Full cream milk, 4 tbsp.
• Oatmeal, 2 tsp.
• China clay, 2 tsp.
• Lemon juice, 1 tsp.
• Mashed avocado, 1

Directions Make a mixture of all the ingredients. China clay is used as it acts as a mild exfoliating agent which helps to get rid of skin impurities. Apply the pack on the face, and leave it on for 20 minutes. To wipe it off, use a damp cotton wool, which has been dipped in cold milk, and splash your face with cold water. Honey and Egg Yolk Pack Ingredients

• Egg yolk, 1 tsp.
• Honey, 1 tsp.
• Olive oil or Vitamin E oil, few drops

Directions Mix one teaspoon of egg yolk with one teaspoon of honey. Then, add a few drops of the olive oil/vitamin E oil and apply this evenly all over the face. Make sure to avoid the sensitive area around the eyes. Vitamin E is a great antioxidant which helps to make the skin look younger and healthier. Olive oil is a natural moisturizer and cleanser for the face. Keep the pack on for half an hour and rinse. Pat dry. Milk Face Pack Ingredients

• Runny honey, 1 tbsp.
• Powdered milk, 1 tsp.
• Aloe vera gel, 1 tsp.
• Essential oil, 2 drops

Directions Mix the ingredients well, and apply the paste over your face. Aloe vera benefits the skin in multiple ways. For centuries it has been used to treat skin problems, and also enhance beauty. It is an essential ingredient to get rid of dry skin, as it is very hydrating and naturally restores the skin's moisture. Leave it for 15 minutes, and rinse with lukewarm water. Pat dry. For Sensitive Skin This skin type is highly reactive to chemical products. The individual experiences irritation and itching on usage of certain cosmetics and other toiletries. In certain cases, even environmental conditions may adversely affect sensitive skin. Yogurt Face Pack Ingredients

• Natural yogurt, 1 cup
• Oatmeal, ½ cup

Directions Mix the yogurt and oatmeal, and apply it evenly on your face. Leave it for 10-15 minutes, and wipe it off with a washcloth that has been steamed in the microwave. Be careful that the cloth is not too hot. Yogurt is a very good soothing ingredient for sensitive skin. Egg and Oil Face Pack Ingredients

• Egg, 1
• Honey, 1 tsp.
• Olive oil, ½ tsp.
• Rose water, few drops

Directions For this face pack, mix all the ingredients and make a paste. Next, apply this paste evenly on your face and neck, avoiding the eye area. Leave the pack on for 10 minutes before rinsing it off with cold water. Cucumber-Apple Face Pack Ingredients

• Cucumber, ½ (chopped)
• Apple, ½ (chopped)
• Oatmeal, ½ cup

Directions Finely grind the oatmeal in a blender. To this add the chopped cucumber and apple, and blend until you have a smooth paste. Apply the paste and leave it for 20 minutes. Wash it off with lukewarm water and then splash some cold water on your face. Not everybody is fortunate enough to roll out of bed and look drop dead gorgeous without batting an eyelid. But this does not mean that each of us needs to spend a large part of our money or salary on beauty products and salons. Sometimes, those prolonged visits to the parlors may not actually enhance the skin, but cause it to age faster, because of the number of chemicals that are applied to make you look gorgeous within minutes. Note - In some cases, you might tend to be allergic to certain fruits or nuts, which are ingredients in these homemade face packs. Although it may not have caused any allergy if consumed internally, it is better to keep a sharp lookout for any changes or reactions, so that you can alter the face packs to suit your skin. Consult your beautician beforehand, if required.