Since moving to London I’ve definitely had to take better care of my skin, given the air pollution. But skincare can be a minefield, and all too often, I’ve been influenced into buying a serum or an eye cream that promises to be everything-I-need in a bottle – only to be left feeling underwhelmed and overcharged. I’m also skeptical of dermatologists who insist that our skin is crying out for… acid?!
After coming across a TikTok creator (@jaimesskin) who swears by holistic beauty, I decided to try out some of her most viral, stripped-back skincare tips. Here’s my take on her all-natural beauty regime.
Manuka Honey and Ground Coffee Face Mask
The recipe for this one, per @jaimesskin, is one generous teaspoon of manuka honey and a level teaspoon of finely ground coffee. Jaime swears by manuka honey for its antibiotic and antifungal properties. The caffeine in the coffee is energising and brightening. I also added a pinch of turmeric, which is known for its brightening effects.
The creator recommends starting with 100–150 MGO manuka honey to avoid irritating the skin.
My first impression was that the mixture was quite thick – I’d liken it to molten glass in consistency – so I added a bit of water to loosen it up. The smell was good and I applied it with a teaspoon to save getting my fingers messy.
After about ten minutes, I washed the mask off using a very light touch so as not to over-exfoliate my skin. My face felt tight and fresh, though slightly stained from the turmeric.
The creator says she does this most mornings. While I’m not sure I’m as committed to achieving glass skin to apply it daily, I do think this is a great hack for when you’re in the mood for a face mask, especially since the ingredients are usually already in my kitchen.
My rating: 6.5/10 – Not revolutionary, but practical and leaves the skin feeling exfoliated and tight.
Rice Mask “Going Out” Facial
If there’s one thing I learned from the Korean skincare craze earlier this year, it’s that rice is a skin superfood. I’ve tried the rice-water hair rinse method before and was pleased with the results. This face mask involves cutting rice paper (yes, the kind used for summer rolls), hydrating it, and then papier-mâché-ing it onto the face.
The creator suggests using egg whites to dip the rice paper in, but I just used water. I cut the paper into strips, dipped them in water, and stuck them to my cheeks, nose, chin, and forehead. Some strips stuck better than others, and it could be quite annoying when they peeled off – especially in the curvier areas of the face. I imagine the egg whites would help with adhesion thanks to their stickiness.
The rice paper then dries and hardens – genuinely like papier-mâché. After peeling it off, my skin felt incredible, and my makeup applied like a dream. My face felt smooth, tight, and my pores appeared visibly minimised. I’ve used this mask several times now before applying makeup, and it’s a total game changer. You can find rice paper at your local Asian supermarket for just a few quid, and honestly, it’s the best primer I’ve ever tried.
My rating: 9.5/10 – I absolutely love this facial and include it in my prep whenever I have an occasion where my makeup needs to look flawless.
Lavender Essential Oil
I was a bit hesitant to try this one since my complexion tends to be on the oilier side. Jaime explained how she was suffering from a severe breakout before a holiday, and her grandmother (the OG holistic skincare guru) gave her lavender essential oil and told her to apply it directly to her skin. She was amazed when the irritation cleared up in a matter of hours.
She advises using one drop – emphatically, just one – to avoid aggravating the skin. Mix it into your usual moisturiser and apply as normal. I tend to get some minor acne on my neck, and after trying this for a couple of nights, it really did help clear that area up. I didn’t love how oily it made my skin feel, especially around my T-zone, but in terms of calming breakouts, this hack worked for me.
My rating: 8/10 — I’d recommend skipping any oil cleansers if you try this, but it’s genuinely effective at soothing breakouts and irritation.
Final Thoughts
I’ve really enjoyed the holistic skincare journey I’ve been on, and I find it refreshing to use such a refined list of ingredients. I especially loved the rice paper face mask and will absolutely be reaching for the lavender oil the next time my skin flares up. Jaime also shares other masks featuring ingredients like oats and chickpea flour, which I haven’t tried yet – but definitely plan to.
It’s a nice reminder that the earth provides so many of the nutrients our skin needs, and that our ancestors used wholesome, natural remedies long before dermatologists even existed. Plus, this route is far more economical than nearly anything you’ll find in a drugstore or department store.
I’m lucky to have fairly unproblematic skin (aside from the occasional hormonal breakout), so I’d be really curious to hear how this regime works for others. Let me know if you try any of these hacks and what you think!
