Watermelon is already known as a skin-saving, all-natural ingredient if you’re after a Mayfair filter-esque glow (not to mention a delicious dessert pizza)—but have you ever tried applying it topically? Turns out, when combined with potatoes—yes, actual potatoes—watermelon can give you a supermodel glow.
At least, according to facialist Ildi Pekar.
As the skin guru to models like Miranda Kerr,Irina Shayk, and Lindsay Ellingson, the Hungarian-born, New York City-based facialist is expected to leave her clients’ complexions looking flawless. And while she’s got fancy bottled products at her fingertips, Pekar opts to use only all-natural ingredients—including fruits and vegetables—when creating her luxuriously hydrating masks, serums, and treatments.
“My grandmother taught me all kinds of different all-natural remedies, like soaking tired feet in warm water and potatoes, applying sour cream to sunburns, and mixing herbs and honey for troubled skin.”
“Growing up in Hungary, all we had access to was what we grew in the garden and made from scratch, so my grandmother taught me all kinds of different all-natural remedies like soaking tired feet in warm water and potatoes, applying sour cream to sunburns, and mixing herbs and honey for troubled skin,” Pekar explains. “It’s funny—we did that because we didn’t have access to anything else, but now it’s all coming back because people are finding it to be more effective and less toxic.” (She’s not alone in that regard.)
But you don’t need to have Karl Lagerfeld on speed dial to take advantage of the facialist’s all-natural wisdom; here, Pekar shares with us her newest DIY recipe, featuring just watermelon, potato, and a little honey.
“These three special ingredients contain the perfect variety of phytonutrients and antioxidants to heal and nourish your skin, restoring it back to health and delivering that perfect glow,” she explains.
Keep reading to get facialist Ildi Pekar’s supermodel-approved DIY facial, exclusive to Well+Good.
Honey, Watermelon, and Potato Mask
Ingredients1 potato1/2 slice of watermelon2 Tbsp 100 percent raw honey
1. Boil potatoes until soft. Mash or blend until you get a “mash potato” consistency.2. Blend or crush watermelon and add honey.3. Mix together. Apply evenly on face and leave on for 20 minutes. Rinse off with warm water.
Prefer to sip your way to glowing skin? Try on of these 9 complexion-boosting smoothies. And if you need a workout to pair your beauty regimen with, you can start with Gigi Hadid’s tough-as-nails boxing routine.
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