Get Your Glow On With This Easy 6-Step DIY Pumpkin Guts Face Mask
Arguably the best part about carving pumpkins is pulling out the stringy and seedy guts inside—that is, if you don't mind getting your hands dirty. Usually the squishy cold mush goes straight into the trash, but not this year.
That's because pumpkins are actually packed with vitamins, zinc and antioxidants that revitalize your skin and leave you glowing just like a jack-o-lantern (minus the crooked teeth, of course).
I tried it for myself at home and it's true, these gross guts really do give your skin a gorgeous glow. Check out this simple and fun DIY recipe below:
What You'll Need
- 1 Pumpkin
- 2 Teaspoons Honey
- 1/2 Teaspoon Cinnamon
- Blender
- Carving Utensils
- 2 Bowls for Guts
Directions:
1. Carve Your Pumpkin
Once you've safely removed the top of your pumpkin, it's time for scooping. Use a large spoon, ice cream scoop or fruit baller to scrape out all of the icky, sticky guts inside. You want to get your pumpkin clean as can be, as this will also help protect your jack-o-lantern from bugs and rotting. Place the guts and carved chunks into a bowl and dice the larger chunks into smaller pieces for easier blending.
(Photo credit: Chelsea Maccani)
Also read about: 12 Captions Perfect for Every Pumpkin Spice Latte Pic You Post on Instagram
2. Separate the Seeds
In a second bowl, separate the seeds from the pumpkin guts, reserving about 10 seeds for your mask mixture. If you really want to get the most out of this DIY pumpkin mask, you can roast the seeds for additional nutrients. Just toss them with melted butter or olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake at 300 degrees for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally for even coverage. Yum!
(Photo credit: Chelsea Maccani)
3. Combine Your Ingredients
In a blender, combine the guts, diced chunks, roughly 10 seeds, honey and cinnamon. I like adding a dash of cinnamon because it makes your face smell like a pumpkin pie, but more importantly, it unclogs and opens pores. The honey helps fight acne while soothing your skin and creating a nice texture for your mask. Blend these ingredients until they are well-combined and you have a pasty consistency. My mask felt similar to applesauce.
(Photo credit: Chelsea Maccani)
Also read about: 6 Things to Get You Excited About the Start of Fall
4. Apply and Wait
Apply a layer to a clean face and let sit for 15 to 20 minutes. Make sure you stand over a sink when applying because the mixture can be gloppy. If you feel kind of like Mrs. Doubtfire after she smashes her face in a cake, then you're doing it right. I found that my mask began to stiffen after about 10 minutes.
(Photo credit: Chelsea Maccani)
5. Rinse
Rinse your face with lukewarm water and pat dry. Apply moisturizer as usual. Do I look like I'm glowing? I feel like I'm glowing.
(Photo credit: Chelsea Maccani)
Also read about: 6 Fall Flavors That Are Way Less Basic Than Pumpkin Spice
6. Bottle the Excess
Bottle up the rest of your mask mixture and store it in your refrigerator for more masking down the road.
(Photo credit: Chelsea Maccani)
After I washed off my mask, I felt nice and smooth. I don't often use face masks or special toning techniques so this was a fun way to incorporate one of my favorite fall activities—carving a pumpkin—with a healthy, all-natural DIY project.
While I was masked up my puppy took a swipe at my cheek with her little tongue. Aside from the doggy breath there was no harm done. One of the best reasons to use all natural products is that your pets won't get sick if they are accidentally ingested.
(Photo credit: Chelsea Maccani)
If you aren't in the mood for carving, you can substitute the fresh pumpkin guts for a can of pumpkin at the store. You should also check out THESE alternative, no-carve methods for decorating pumpkins.