The Great Pumpkin

As I flipped through the pages of EcoBeauty the other day, I couldn't wait to try one recipe in particular: the Pumpkin Pie Mask. Given the timing—and the fact that I already had a can of organic pumpkin puree in my pantry—it seemed only appropriate to debut my DIY beauty experiment with this mask.

Pumpkin, by the way, is a skin-care powerhouse: According to EcoBeauty authors Lauren Cox and Janice Cox, it contains antioxidants, has exfoliating alpha hydroxy acids, and even helps skin retain moisture. Here's the good-enough-to-eat recipe:

PUMPKIN PIE MASK

1/4 cup pumpkin puree

2 tablespoons vanilla yogurt or sour cream

1 tablespoon honey

Mix together ingredients to form a smooth paste. After cleansing skin, apply about 1 tablespoon of the mask on your face, avoiding eyes and mouth (um, why? It's edible! But maybe your lips don't need exfoliating antioxidants). Leave on for 15 minutes, then rinse with warm water. Use as often as needed—about once a week, or every other week if your skin is dry or sensitive. Store leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to two weeks.

Maybe it was just the specific brands I used, but my mask's consistency was less of a paste and more of a liquid. Still, I love the way it made my skin look and feel. I recommend following the treatment with a good moisturizer. I also recommend cutting the recipe in half: Even though I used more than 1 tablespoon on my face, I still have enough left over that I probably won't use it all up in two weeks. But I'll certainly try. This one's a keeper.