Diwali is almost here, and I'm already feeling that familiar mix of excitement and pre-festival chaos!
Between shopping for new outfits, planning the puja, and getting the house ready, our skin often takes a backseat. But here's the thing – we all want that gorgeous Diwali glow when we're posing for family photos and greeting guests, right?
I've been using these traditional face packs for years now, and honestly, they've become my go-to secret for festival-ready skin.
The best part? You probably already have most of these ingredients sitting in your kitchen!
Let me share my favorite recipes that have been passed down through generations and never fail to deliver.
Why I Swear by Natural Face Packs for Diwali
You know how our grandmothers always had these amazing beauty secrets? Natural face packs, or what we lovingly call ubtan, are exactly that – time-tested wisdom that actually works.
I love that they're gentle on the skin, free from scary chemicals, and honestly, there's something so satisfying about making your own beauty treatments.
Plus, with all the festive makeup we'll be wearing and those late-night celebrations, our skin needs some extra TLC. These face packs are like a mini-spa session at home, and trust me, your skin will thank you!
When Should You Start Your Diwali Skincare Routine?
Here's my honest advice – don't wait until two days before Diwali and expect miracles! I usually start about 10-15 days before the festival. I know, I know, we're all busy, but try to squeeze in these face packs 2-3 times a week.
Many of us also do the traditional oil bath during Diwali, and these face packs pair beautifully with that ritual. It's like giving yourself a complete head-to-toe pampering session!
My Top 10 Natural Face Packs for That Diwali Glow
1. The Classic Besan Ubtan (My All-Time Favorite!)
What You'll Need:
- 2 tablespoons besan (gram flour)
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 2 tablespoons raw milk or yogurt
- 1 teaspoon honey
- A few drops of rose water
Why It Works: This is THE traditional face pack that my mom and her mom used before every festival. Besan gently scrubs away dead skin while turmeric brightens everything up. It's like an instant glow in a bowl!
How I Use It: I mix everything until it's smooth – not too thick, not too runny. Slather it on clean skin, wait about 15-20 minutes (this is my "me time" where I scroll through Instagram or sip chai), then gently rub it off in circles with wet fingers. Your skin will feel so soft afterward!
2. The Fancy Saffron and Milk Pack (For Special Occasions)
What You'll Need:
- 4-5 saffron strands soaked in 2 tablespoons warm milk
- 1 tablespoon sandalwood powder
- 1 teaspoon honey
Why It Works: Okay, saffron is a bit expensive, but for Diwali? Totally worth it! I actually bought some amazing quality saffron strands during my Kashmir trip, and let me tell you, the difference is real. Good saffron makes this pack extra special. This gives you that "bridal glow" look. I save this one for a few days before the main celebration.
How I Use It: I soak the saffron in warm milk for at least 30 minutes (sometimes I forget and leave it longer – that's fine too!). Mix in the sandalwood and honey, apply, and relax for 20 minutes. Rinse with cool water and prepare to admire your glowing face!
Also read: Milk for health and beauty
3. Multani Mitti for Deep Cleansing
What You'll Need:
- 2 tablespoons multani mitti (fuller's earth)
- 1 tablespoon rose water
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (if you have oily skin like me) or milk (for dry skin)
- A pinch of turmeric
Why It Works: This is my rescue pack when my skin is acting up or looking dull after all that Diwali shopping in the sun. It's amazing for pulling out all that dirt and oil.
How I Use It: Mix it all up with rose water until it's spreadable. Important tip – don't let it dry completely! I remove it when it's still slightly damp (around 15 minutes) so it doesn't over-dry my skin.
4. Turmeric and Yogurt Anti-Tan Pack
What You'll Need:
- 2 tablespoons fresh yogurt (straight from the fridge feels so cooling!)
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Why It Works: After all that running around in the sun for Diwali shopping, this is my go-to for removing tan. The yogurt is super soothing, and turmeric does its brightening magic.
How I Use It: Just whisk everything together and apply generously. It feels so refreshing! Leave it on for 15-20 minutes, rinse with cold water, and watch that tan fade away.
Explore more turmeric beauty secrets in my detailed post Turmeric as a beauty aid – it's packed with additional DIY mask recipes and cosmetic applications. Also discover the incredible healing properties in Medicinal uses of Turmeric (Haldi).
5. Sandalwood and Rose Water Cooling Pack
What You'll Need:
- 2 tablespoons sandalwood powder
- 3 tablespoons rose water
- 1 teaspoon almond oil
- A pinch of saffron if you're feeling fancy
Why It Works: Sandalwood smells divine and has this amazing cooling effect. Plus, it helps with those pesky pimples that pop up from festive stress!
How I Use It: Make a smooth paste and apply. The smell alone is so calming! Let it dry for 20 minutes, then scrub it off gently. Your skin will feel cool and look clear.
Love this sandalwood face pack? There's so much more to this ingredient! Read about Sandalwood (Chandan) for Beauty and don't miss Red Sandalwood for Beauty – both are incredible for your skin!
6. Papaya and Honey Enzyme Pack
What You'll Need:
- 3 tablespoons mashed ripe papaya
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon besan (just to make it less runny)
Why It Works: Papaya is nature's exfoliator! It has these natural enzymes that eat up dead skin cells. I love how soft my skin feels after this.
How I Use It: Mash that papaya really well (I use a fork). Mix everything in, apply, and leave for 15-20 minutes. Sometimes I apply it on my neck and hands too – why should the face have all the fun?
Want to dive deeper into these amazing ingredients? I've written an extensive article about the Medicinal Uses of Honey that covers so much more. Also check out Honey for Smooth Skin for beauty-specific tips. And here's something fascinating – Honey is Extremely Good for Burns and works wonders in healing them! Oh, and did you know honey can even nourish your eyes?
And since we're talking about papaya also in this face pack, explore Papaya for health and beauty to discover even more ways this fruit can transform your skin and boost your health. These natural ingredients never stop surprising me!
7. Almond and Milk Nourishing Pack (Dry Skin's Best Friend)
What You'll Need:
- 8-10 almonds (soak them overnight – I usually put them in water before bed)
- 2 tablespoons raw milk
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
Why It Works: My skin gets really dry during festival season with all the AC and late nights. This pack is like a drink of water for thirsty skin!
How I Use It: Grind those soaked almonds with milk in a mixer until smooth. Add the honey and turmeric. Apply and massage gently while removing after 20 minutes. So nourishing!
8. Orange Peel Powder Brightening Pack
What You'll Need:
- 1 tablespoon dried orange peel powder (I make this myself – just dry orange peels and grind them!)
- 1 tablespoon yogurt
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon honey
Why It Works: Orange peel is packed with vitamin C and works wonders on dark spots and pigmentation. Plus, it smells citrusy and fresh!
How I Use It: Mix into a paste, apply, and leave for 15 minutes. Scrub off gently – you'll notice your skin looks brighter almost immediately!
Read Orange for health & beauty
9. Neem and Tulsi Anti-Acne Pack (My SOS Pack)
What You'll Need:
- 1 tablespoon neem powder
- 10-12 fresh tulsi leaves, ground (we always have a tulsi plant at home!)
- 2 tablespoons rose water
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
Why It Works: Stress pimples before Diwali? We've all been there! This antibacterial combo is my emergency treatment.
How I Use It: Grind those tulsi leaves and mix with everything else. Apply on problem areas or your whole face if needed. Leave for 15 minutes. It might tingle slightly – that's normal!
10. Potato and Lemon De-Tan Pack (Last-Minute Savior)
What You'll Need:
- 2 tablespoons raw potato juice (or just grate a potato)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon besan
- A pinch of turmeric
Why It Works: This is my secret weapon for when I've left things to the last minute! Potato has natural bleaching properties that work surprisingly fast.
How I Use It: Grate or juice the potato, mix with everything else, and apply for 20 minutes. Rinse with cold water and you're good to go!
Love using lemon in your skincare? I've got more for you! Explore 20 Amazing Homemade Beauty Recipes with Lemon for additional beauty treatments. Plus, discover 20 Ways of Using Lemons in Home Remedies to tackle those pesky minor health issues naturally.
My Complete Pre-Diwali Skincare Routine
Want to know my full routine for maximum glow? Here's what I do:
Step 1: I cleanse with a gentle cleanser. Sometimes I use Moti soap which has natural ubtan ingredients – it's perfect for getting into the festive spirit!
Step 2: Steam my face for about 5 minutes. I just boil water, pour it in a bowl, and lean over it with a towel over my head. It opens up the pores beautifully.
Step 3: Apply my chosen face pack and relax!
Step 4: While removing the pack, I massage in circular motions. It's like a mini facial!
Step 5: Splash on some rose water as a toner.
Step 6: Finish with a light moisturizer or a few drops of natural oil.
Tips I've Learned the Hard Way
Let me share some lessons from my own trial and error:
Always do a patch test! I once had a reaction to a new ingredient, and it wasn't pretty. Test on your wrist first, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Start early! I can't stress this enough. Begin at least 2 weeks before Diwali. Your skin needs time to show results.
Drink water! All the face packs in the world won't help if you're dehydrated. I keep a bottle next to me and sip throughout the day.
Don't overdo it! More is not better with face packs. Trust me, I learned this when my skin got irritated from using them daily. Stick to 2-3 times a week.
Use fresh ingredients! That yogurt from last week? Throw it out and use fresh. It makes a huge difference.
Be gentle! When I'm tired, I sometimes scrub too hard. Don't do that! Treat your skin kindly.
Which Face Pack for Your Skin Type?
Still confused about what to use? Here's my quick guide:
If you have oily skin (like me): Go for multani mitti, neem and tulsi, or orange peel packs. They'll control that shine!
If you have dry skin: Almond and milk, saffron and milk, or papaya and honey are your friends. They're super hydrating.
Combination skin? Besan ubtan, turmeric and yogurt, or sandalwood packs work beautifully. They balance everything out.
Sensitive skin? Stick to sandalwood and rose water or yogurt-based packs. Skip the lemon – it can be harsh.
Acne-prone skin? Neem and tulsi, multani mitti, or turmeric-based packs will help clear things up.
What to Do After Your Face Pack
After using these packs, your skin might feel a bit tight. Here's what I do:
- Spritz some rose water (I keep it in a spray bottle – so convenient!)
- Apply a lightweight moisturizer
- Use sunscreen during the day, even if you're just preparing for festivities at home
- Avoid makeup for 2-3 hours to let your skin breathe
Mistakes I See People Make (And Have Made Myself!)
Leaving packs on too long: I once fell asleep with a face pack on – not a good idea! It over-dried my skin.
Using expired stuff: Check those dates! Old milk or yogurt can cause breakouts.
Skipping the cleanse: Always wash your face before applying a pack. Don't trap dirt under it!
Ignoring allergies: If you know you're allergic to something, obviously skip it. Don't be a hero!
Not removing properly: Make sure you rinse really well. Residue can clog pores.
My Time-Saving Trick
Here's something I started doing last year – I pre-mix all the dry ingredients (besan, turmeric, sandalwood powder, multani mitti) and store them in small containers. Label them! When I need a face pack, I just add the wet ingredients. Saves so much time during the busy Diwali prep days.
The Complete Diwali Beauty Picture
While I'm obsessed with these face packs, don't forget the full package! The traditional oil bath ritual combined with these facial treatments gives you that all-over festive glow. It's about feeling good from head to toe!
My Final Thoughts
Look, I know Diwali preparations can be overwhelming. Between decorating, cooking, and managing everything else, skincare can feel like another chore. But these natural face packs are actually my little escape from all the chaos. It's that 20 minutes where I'm just taking care of myself.
These recipes have been used for generations for a reason – they work! No fancy chemicals, no confusing ingredients, just simple, natural stuff that gives you real results. Plus, there's something really special about following the same beauty rituals that our grandmothers and great-grandmothers did.
Start now, be consistent (even if you miss a day or two – life happens!), and watch your skin transform. You'll be glowing just as bright as the diyas you light this Diwali!
So, which one are you going to try first? I'd love to hear about your experiences! Drop a comment below and let's share our Diwali beauty stories.
Wishing you luminous skin and a joyful Diwali! May you shine from the inside out this festival season!
Questions You Might Have
Q: How many days before Diwali should I start?
A: I'd say start 10-15 days before to see nice results. But if you really want to go all out, begin 3-4 weeks ahead. I know that sounds early, but trust me on this!
Q: Can I use these every day?
A: Nope! I learned this the hard way. Your skin needs breaks. Stick to 2-3 times per week, max.
Q: I have sensitive skin. Are these safe? A: Most of them are, but go easy on the lemon and don't use too much turmeric if your skin is super sensitive. And please, please do a patch test first!
Q: Can my husband/brother use these too?
A: Of course! My husband uses the besan ubtan before festivals. Glowing skin isn't gender-specific!
Q: How long can I store these?
A: Dry mixes last for months in airtight containers. But fresh mixtures? Use them right away or refrigerate and use within 24 hours max.
Comments
Post a Comment
Comments posted on this blog are moderated and approved only if they are relevant, on-topic and not abusive. Avoid using links to your site/blog in the body of your comment unless it is highly relevant to the post.