One of the things I love about this DIY face cream is that it’s so simple and easy–and has just 2 ingredients that just about everyone has on hand–a banana and some milk! I found 
this recipe in my review copy of The Complete Guide to Natural Homemade Beauty Products and Treatments (Robert Rose, softcover). This book includes 175 easy-to-follow recipes for a variety of skin and hair care items. And all the ingredients in these recipes are chemical-free, using natural ingredients like aromatic and medicinal plants, flowers, fruits, and essential oils. For example, there’s a Rejuvenating Bath recipe that includes dried sage, thyme, and eucalyptus leaves, along with patchouli and sandalwood essential oils. And a Lemon Hand Cream that’s made with shea butter, apricot kernel oil, castor oil, and lemon essential oil.
I decided to try the Nourishing Banana Cream for the face because it was such a simple recipe that we all could try without having to buy any special ingredients. This is actually more like a mask than a cream, because you just keep it on for 3 to 4 minutes. It really does make your skin feel nice and soft after you wash it off–it felt so refreshing, too! If your skin is dry, you’ll probably want to apply your regular moisturizer after you rinse this banana face cream off.
Here’s what the book says about bananas: Bananas are good for beauty, both inside and out. They contain a host of vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins, vitamins A, C, and E and potassium. So pamper your face and try this out when you get a chance! 🙂
NOURISHING BANANA CREAM from Natural Homemade Beauty Products and Treatments
Makes 1 application – works best for normal skin
- 1/2 ripe banana
- 3 Tablespoons milk
Slice banana. In a small bowl and using a fork, mash banana with milk to form a paste (I actually found it easier to mash by putting the ingredients in a baggie and mashing it with my hands)
Using fingers, spread banana mixture over face and neck. Let stand on skin for 3 to 4 minutes.
Rinse off banana mixture with lukewarm water. Gently pat face and neck dry with a towel.
Isn’t that easy? I used a medium-size banana and it made plenty of “cream” to apply; in fact, I had some extra. So I saved the rest and used it in a smoothie!
Have you made any DIY beauty products with simple, natural ingredients?
Linked to Fiesta Friday, Weekend Potluck, Inspire Me Monday, Show and Share, Full Plate Thursday, Create It Thursday, Thursday Favorite Things.
NancyC 
Love it what you didn’t use on your skin you drank. Sounds great!! I have used avocado on my hair and mayonaise too.
LikeLike
I’ve heard of using avo and mayo on hair, but haven’t tried it yet!
LikeLike
Hi Nancy, oh this sounds wonderful, will have to try. Have never made any type of face cream or home remedy before.
LikeLike
Since this is so easy, it would be a great DIY recipe for you to start with! 🙂
LikeLike
I have used papayas in a similar manner, but never tried bananas! It would be a great way to use overripe bananas! Happy FF!
LikeLike
Yes, it’s great to have another way to use those bananas! 🙂
LikeLike
Oh Nancy! This is gorgeous… I think I’d have a problem not licking it off my face though! 😛 The book sounds lovely but I just did a quick search and it’s not (yet) available in UK. 😦 Avocado is another great one for the face, cucumber for tired eyes and lemon juice is a great natural hair lightener! 🙂 What else in the book takes your fancy?
LikeLike
Sorry to hear it’s not available to you! 😦 I will have to try your avocado, cucumber, and lemon tips! There is a cocoa butter lip gloss in the book I also want to try sometime and has just 2 ingredients– 2 Tbsp of cocoa butter and 1/2 tsp grated raw beeswax. I love those simple recipes!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It sounds like a really great book – maybe it will get here soon! Hope you’ve had a great weekend.
LikeLike
This is a great idea and the book must have been quite inspiring!
LikeLike
We always have bananas around because we are always making smoothies. What a fun and easy face mask will have to give this a try.
LikeLike
I had no idea bananas were good for your skin! I love that this is so simple with just 2 ingredients. I really like using natural products so this book looks very interesting to me. You’ll have to share more of the recipes with us, Nancy. Thanks for this one!
LikeLike
Yes, I do want to try and share more things from this book!
LikeLike
I love the sound of this homemade mask! It seems like it would leave your skin feeling extremely smooth. I have to try it! 🙂
LikeLike
Yes, it does make your skin really soft! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person