Chocolate facial mask! What more could you want? Besides a brownie?

The driving idea behind this facial mask is that cocoa contains antioxidants which can prevent or repair damage to the skin (and other parts of the body). Whether the antioxidants can truly be absorbed through the skin or not is up to debate. But aside from that controversy, this facial mask is deliciously moisturizing and well worth it. It’s a fun and easy beauty trick to create–right out of your cupboard.

I first heard about chocolate facial masks in a discussion on the Chickens in the Road forum. I was intrigued with the idea and started searching around. I found variations on this facial mask everywhere. I thought about what I had available to me and what made sense to me and created my own. (And I suggest you do the same!) I used the cocoa powder (a standard in all recipes I found–there for the antioxidants) along with honey (for nourishment), cream cheese (for moisturizing, my own choice), and oatmeal (for the scrubby quality). I saw recipes with all variations from light cream to heavy cream to cottage cheese.

I went with cream cheese because it just made more sense to me. (I didn’t see any recipes calling for cream cheese in this mask.) I saw recipes with heavy cream, light cream, and even cottage cheese. (Cottage cheese?!) Heavy cream is for butter, people!!! Or whipped cream! Not going there. Light cream just seems too……light. Too thin. Cottage cheese is…lumpy. Cream cheese is thick and smooth. And I always have lots of it. Feel free to experiment with this recipe to suit yourself and what you have on hand.

The oatmeal is optional–if you want to include it, when you wash the mask off, scrub a bit before washing it off to exfoliate. If your skin is sensitive, leave it out and take the moisturizing and nourishing straight with no scrubbing.

These measurements are by volume.

How to make Chocolate Cream Facial Mask:

1/3 cup cocoa powder
3 tablespoons cream cheese
1/4 cup honey
3 teaspoons oatmeal (optional)

Combine in a blender or food processor. I used this mini food processor that I forgot I had and just rediscovered while unpacking a box.

Put everything in there and blend till smooth.

It makes a dark, rich concoction that looks like you need to go frost it on a cake.

Use a small spoon or a finger and spread it all over your face. Let it sit for about 15-20 minutes. During this time, feel free to think about the meaning of life.

SUZANNE!!!! Did you not have enough trouble the last time you posted photos of yourself with all that hair and makeup advice? Must you post another photo of yourself, this time with chocolate in your eyebrows? You’re not even wearing mascara.

Yes, yes, I must. Because when I posted about the brown sugar scrub, I got complaints for not posting a photo of myself wearing the brown sugar scrub. I live to please.

SUZANNE!!!

Yeah, I know. I’m in trouble now.

Anyway–this will keep in the fridge for a few weeks so you can enjoy it over and over. Then make some more.

And make some brownies.

Cuz you’re gonna want some. Trust me.