In parts of Latin America, a girl’s fifteenth birthday, called a quinceañera, is a special occasion celebrated  differently from any other birthday as it marks the transition from childhood to young womanhood.

The annual quinceañera celebration at Safe Passage is one of the most anticipated events of the entire year, full of happiness, emotion, dancing, and laughter. Careful preparation for this event is essential, and it starts months before the day of celebration.

As part of this preparation, the quinceañera girls participate in workshops about health care, teamwork, leadership, and becoming a professional woman. During one of the recent health care discussions, the participants had the special opportunity to learn about skin care by creating and using homemade face masks!

Safe Passage staff transformed the office into a beauty salon and 18 quinceañera girls learned simple face mask recipes created using common ingredients like bananas, oats, and honey. The masks will help the girls keep their skin clean, healthy, and ready for photos on the big day!

The girls (and staff) had a wonderful time creating and using the face masks and we are happy to share the recipes for you to try at home!

Rejuvenating Face Mask
1 banana
1 spoonful of honey
A few drops of lemon juice
Mix all of the ingredients together until a paste is formed. Apply the mixture to your face and leave it on for about 15 minutes. Rinse your face with warm water, pat dry with a soft towel.

Exfoliating Face Mask
Sugar
Hot water
Mix the sugar and hot water until the sugar dissolves. Apply the mixture to your face and rub gently in circular motions. Rinse your face with warm water, pat dry with a soft towel.

Acne Help Face Mask
1 Onion
Plain Oats (one cup of oats per onion)
Hot Water
Cook the oats for 5 minutes. While the oats are cooking, cut the onion into small pieces. Add the onion to the oats and stir. Apply the mixture to your face and leave it on for about 15 minutes. Rinse your face with warm water, pat dry with a soft towel.