Best Face Packs for Instant Glow: Get Festive-Ready Skin This Diwali

Face packs provide targeted skincare in a short amount of time. They offer the following benefits:

• Hydrating The Skin: Face packs help absorb moisture, plumping the complexion and smoothing out fine lines. This is the biggest benefit of face packs.

• Brightening A Dull Complexion: Ingredients such as fruit acids, turmeric, or gram flour slowly exfoliate, getting rid of the layer of dead cells that result in dullness.

• Good Base for Festive Makeup: A well-hydrated, smooth base enables your foundation and highlighter to sit flawlessly and stay put all night.

And the best thing is that you can make some face packs with everyday ingredients from your kitchen. The best ones include:

1. Gram Flour (Besan) and Turmeric Pack

This age-old Indian homemade face pack for instant glow is a powerful brightener and mild exfoliator.

How to Use: Combine two tablespoons of gram flour, 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric, and two to three tablespoons of plain yoghurt to create a smooth paste. Apply and leave for 15 minutes. Wash it off with cold water.

Why It Works: Gram flour is a gentle scrub that removes dead skin cells, while turmeric comprises curcumin, which minimises inflammation and imparts a glow. Yoghurt adds lactic acid for extra brightening and hydration.

2. Honey and Milk Pack

A hydrating and calming mask, ideal for dry or sensitive skin.

How to Use: Mix one tablespoon of raw honey with one tablespoon of full-fat milk. Apply the mixture thinly to your face and neck. Leave it on for 15–20 minutes. Wash thoroughly with lukewarm water.

Why It Works: Honey is a natural humectant, locking moisture into the skin for an instant plump and radiant look. Milk comprises fats and proteins, which deeply nourish and soften the complexion.

3. Oatmeal and Rose Water Pack

Great for soothing inflammation and giving a soft, even tone.

Why It Works: Oatmeal is anti-inflammatory and gently gets rid of dry patches. Rose water is a natural toner, which balances the skin's pH and minimises redness, resulting in an even, instant glow.

How to Use: Grind two tablespoons of oatmeal slightly (not into a fine powder). Mix it with three to four tablespoons of rose water until a paste forms. Apply and leave for 15 minutes. Rinse off with cool water.

If you prefer the convenience of a shop-bought product, these options offer quick results:

1. Simple Protect N Glow Vitamin C Brighten Clay Mask

Why It Works: Vitamin C is a strong antioxidant, which instantly brightens the complexion and diminishes dullness. The clay slowly gets rid of impurities without over-drying.

How to Use: Apply a thin layer of Simple Protect N Glow Vitamin C Brighten Clay Mask to clean skin. Leave on for 10 minutes until just dry. Wash it off thoroughly. Follow with a light moisturiser such as the Simple Protecting Light Moisturiser. Also, use a gentle cleanser like Simple Smoothing Gel Cleanser to maintain your glow.

2. Overnight Sleeping Mask (Gel-Based)

Why It Works: These masks usually consist of Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide to deeply hydrate, plump, and smooth skin texture while you sleep.

How to Use: Use a generous layer as the last step of your nighttime skincare regimen. Simply wash your face with water the next morning for a radiant look.

3. Enzyme Peeling Mask

Why It Works: Fruit enzymes are exfoliants, which dissolve the 'glue' holding dead skin cells, revealing fresh, radiant skin underneath.

How to Use: Apply a thin layer to dry skin. Leave for only five to six minutes (follow product instructions closely as these are strong). Wash off well and apply moisturiser.

For that last-minute, 15-minute push before a Diwali party, incorporate the following expert-approved tips:

15-Minute Glow Masks (Flash Masks): Opt for masks specifically labeled "flash," "express," or "instant glow." These are made with high concentrations of AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) or caffeine to instantly brighten your skin.

Sheet Mask Hack: Keep your favourite hydrating sheet mask in the fridge for about 30 minutes before use. The cold temperature will instantly de-puff your complexion, minimise pores, and soothe any redness while the serum provides a large dose of hydration for a radiant glow. Leave on for 10-15 minutes.

Cooling Gel Masks: If you're feeling stressed, a cooling aloe vera or cucumber gel mask will minimise puffiness around the eyes and cheeks, calming your complexion and giving a smooth, calm base for your makeup.

To maximise the benefits of any face pack, follow this simple routine on a daily basis:

Cleanse:

Wash your face carefully with a mild cleanser to get rid of all makeup, dirt, and oil.

Apply Evenly:

Use a clean brush or your fingertips to apply a medium, even layer of the pack to your entire face and neck, staying away from the eye area.

Leave for 10–15 Mins:

Unwind and relax! Let the face packs work their magic. However, don't let clay packs dry out completely, this will be counterproductive.

Rinse:

Gently wash off the pack with lukewarm water. Pat your face dry with a soft, clean towel.

Moisturise:

Follow up immediately with a lightweight serum or your favorite moisturiser to seal in the moisture.

Follow these simple, expert-approved tips to achieve a radiant complexion this festive season:

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate:

Consume a large glass of water immediately after using your face pack to boost hydration from the inside out.

Ice Cube Compress:

Before applying makeup, rub an ice cube (wrapped in a thin cloth) lightly over your face. This immediately tightens pores and gives a smoother finish.

Apply Glow-Boosting Makeup:

Utilise a liquid or cream highlighter on the high points of your face (cheekbones, bridge of the nose, and cupid's bow) for a sparkling glow that lasts all night.

Go ahead—light up your face and enjoy the festivities with glowing confidence! However, if you have sensitive skin or acne prone skin, it's advisable to consult a dermatologist before adding new face packs to your skincare routine. Additionally, if your skin reacts negatively to a face pack, discontinue use immediately and reach out to a doctor. Lastly, enjoy the festive season and don't worry too much about the small things, it will show on your skin.

You could definitely try these face packs if you have sensitive skin. However, it's best to check with your dermatologist before adding any of them to your daily skincare routine.

If you're short on time, experts advise using sheet masks as they deliver an enhanced dose of goodness directly to your skin.