Mount Hood

Spooky treats

A photo of Burgerville’s Vampire Slayer Cheeseburger and sweet potato fries. | Photo by Belen Ponce Leal

Oct 29 2025 | Belen Ponce Leal | Lifestyle Editor

It’s always interesting to see what kind of menus companies can come up with for a spooky season. Whether it be dyed foods designed to look like pumpkins, sweet ice cream treats with candy bits in them or some locally sourced ingredients used creatively, there is no end to the trend. I thought it would be interesting to discover what kind of spooky-themed foods to try out before the end of the month.  

Burger King is well known for their advertising of their special limited-time menus. Right now, they have what they call the “monster menu.” The main staple of the menu is the  Jack-O’-Lantern Whopper. It is a version of their famous Whopper burger with a “naturally colored orange bun” with black sesame seeds. While it does have a festive appearance, it has been described by many as tasting basically the same as a regular Whopper burger. Some other items they are selling are Vampire Nuggets, Mummy Mozzarella Fries, the Franken-Candy Sundae and, at certain locations, a trick-or-treat basket. 

At the moment, McDonald’s might not have much of a Halloween menu as they are currently focused on their Monopoly-themed one, but the Boo Buckets have returned once again. During October, McDonald’s will give out Happy Meals in what is called a Boo Bucket. They are plastic containers that can double as trick-or-treat buckets. The classic designs have returned, which are the ghost, pumpkin and goblin. However, there are two new additions to the roster this year, which are a black cat and a zombie bucket. 

IHOP has come out with some delicious pancake flavors for the season. Obviously, the pumpkin spice pancakes have returned, with the option to make them a short or full stack. They have been described as tasting very good, soft and buttery. The item that I find the most interesting and most delicious is the coffee cake pancakes. Made with cinnamon streusel, cinnamon spread layering and cream cheese icing, these coffee cake pancakes have a delicious crumbly texture. 

Burgerville is known throughout Monmouth for being a great place to eat, as it prides itself on locally sourcing its ingredients. All their food is fresh and delicious throughout the year.

Their seasonal menu is composed of their pumpkin shake, apple crumble sundae, harvest cider iced tea, sweet potato fries and, their star of the menu, the Vampire Slayer Cheeseburger. This burger, along with all of their others, has a pasture-raised natural beef patty. The cheese on the burger is called Face Rock Vampire Slayer Cheddar, which is cheddar with a strong dose of garlic in it. That, combined with arugula, which is a leafy green vegetable with a sort of peppery, nutty flavor, makes the burger a fantastic mix of various flavors. 

Every restaurant has a different strength, whether it be in design or flavor. I love how every year Burger King can come up with a menu that looks amazing, and even though it doesn’t taste very different, it is at least aesthetically pleasing. I also enjoy how Burgerville can come up with some amazing combinations of flavors in their burger while still being naturally sourced. While not all seasonal food is created equal, it is always endearing to see what companies can come up with to create delicious and good-looking cuisine. 

 

Contact the author at howllifestyle@wou.edu

Halloween events

A photo of the entrance to Salem’s Grand Theatre | Photo from @salemhistoricgrandtheatre on Instagram

Oct 29 2025 | Abbi Duhart | News Editor

No matter one’s preferences between cozy, community-centered Halloween events or scary, chilling adventures, there is sure to be a local Halloween event happening that is going to scratch that itch. While there is much more to explore in the area, I’ve compiled a list of note-worthy Halloween events that I encourage both autumn lovers and spooky enthusiasts alike to give a try.

Halloween Spooktacular A big local event happening in Monmouth that many locals enjoy is the Halloween Spooktacular. This fun experience takes place Oct. 31 and begins at 4 p.m. at Main Street Park. Businesses around downtown Monmouth will be open for trick-or-treaters, and the park will have various goodies and activities set up. Businesses will also have pop-up booths along Main Street Park where they will be handing out various treats. There will also be a photo booth; residents are encouraged to dress up in their Halloween costumes and take some fun pictures. Students at Western can also find a photo booth with Wolfie to take pictures with him in their costumes. This event is completely free and open to the public.

Dia De Los Muertos — During the Halloween Spooktacular event, residents can also stop by Monmouth Senior Center for Dia De Los Muertos, including various multicultural festivities. This event will have Halloween snacks, candy, arts and crafts and Mexican hot chocolate. They will also have a community ofrenda — a memorial table — set up. Anyone from the community is welcome to contribute to the table by placing special items to remember and pay homage to deceased loved ones. 

Ghost of the Grand — Those seeking more of a haunted feel to their Halloween celebration may love the Ghost of the Grand tour. This event takes place at the Grand Theatre in Salem and consists of a tour through the theatre’s main stage, the initiation room and the basement. This isn’t just a normal ghost tour though; they combine theatre and ghostly haunting to create an interactive experience that allows participants to go in search of G.H.O.S.T. — a mysterious and dangerous cult that was driven underground after last year’s tours. Audience members will actively make choices that seal their fate in this event. Happening through Nov. 1, general admission for this event costs $24.95. The Grand Theatre is known as one of the most haunted places in Salem. Participants often report sensing a ghostly presence, whether it be a gentle breeze or a shadow lurking out of sight, so consumers of the paranormal will love visiting this theatre.

Halloween Scavenger Hunt — Powered by Questo, those who seek a fun, interactive event for a large group will love this Halloween Scavenger Hunt in Salem. Starting Oct. 30 and running through Nov. 2, participants who sign up will access the scavenger hunt through the Questo app and travel around Salem exploring haunted areas, tracking ghosts and solving puzzles. Great for those who love a challenge, participants will compete to find clues and finish first, and can even win fun prizes. There will also be a costume contest, so make sure to wear fun costumes. Questo promises that frightening dialogue, bone-chilling intrigue and petrifying twists are in store for those who sign up. 

Just a short trip away, these are some of the intriguing and fun Halloween events to look forward to at the end of October. I believe there’s something out there for everyone to enjoy this time of year, even if none of these events sound that interesting. I encourage all to go out and try something new, because, chances are, there’s a lot of fun in doing so. 

 

Contact the author at howlnews@mail.wou.edu

The haunting history

A photo of Halloween yard decorations. | Photo from @halloweenperfection on Instagram

Oct 29, 2025 |  Belen Ponce Leal | Lifestyle Editor

Halloween is known throughout the United States as the spookiest time of the year; the time when children go door-to-door wearing costumes that range from cute to scary, candy is given out and scares are plotted throughout the night. Despite its popularity, many don’t know the origins of this holiday that has developed and changed throughout the centuries. 

The origins of Halloween can be traced back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, which is still celebrated today by Pagans. Over 2,000 years ago, the Celts and the druids celebrated the new year Nov. 1. Samhain, which translates to “summer’s end” in Gaelic, marked the end of the harvest, meaning winter was about to begin. Winter was seen as a time of death, where the veil between the living and the dead thins to allow supernatural forces to wander the earth. The people would gather to burn crops and offer animals as sacrifices to the Celtic deities. Additionally, those who were thinking of their lost loved ones would use candles and bonfires to guide them to the afterlife. 

Others would wear costumes to scare the bad spirits and demons away. However, some believed that doing this would allow them to be able to tell each other’s future. The Celtic priests believed that due to the presence of otherworldly beings on the earth, their predictions would hold more weight. After the festival was over, they would take flames from the bonfires and light their own hearths with them. It was believed that the fire would protect them from the incoming winter. 

In the eighth century, Pope Gregory III proclaimed Nov. 1 “All Saints’ Day,” which honors not only the saints, but also the martyrs. Then, in the year 1000, the church made Nov. 2 “All Souls’ Day,” a day that honors the dead. It is believed that the church did this to replace the Celtic festival with a Christian-sanctioned holiday. 

It incorporated some of the traditions of Samhain, like big bonfires, celebrations and dressing up in costumes as beings like devils, saints and angels. The night before, which was originally Samhain, began to be called “All-Hallows Eve.” 

When people began immigrating to the US, which at the time was the 13 colonies, All-Hallows Eve began to change. As the customs of European ethnic groups and Native Americans clashed, “Halloween” began to emerge. 

The first celebrations of the tradition were known as “play parties,” which were events held to celebrate the harvest. Neighbors shared stories of the dead and would try to tell each other’s fortunes.

Trick-or-treating is based on European traditions where Americans began dressing up in costumes and going door-to-door to ask for food or money, which eventually became the trick-or-treating recognized today. 

Jack-o’-lanterns come from a tradition in Ireland that came over with Irish immigrants. It is said that there was a man known as “Stingy Jack,” who would trap the devil multiple times throughout his life, keeping him captive until he promised Jack he wouldn’t go to hell. However, when the time came for Jack’s death, he found out that he wasn’t allowed to go to heaven either, so he was doomed to wander the earth forever. The devil supposedly gave Jack a burning lump of coal in a hollowed-out turnip to be his makeshift lantern. 

Therefore, the locals began carving spooky faces into their own vegetables to frighten away the spirits from their homes. When immigrants moved to the U.S., the Irish brought the tradition with them. Since pumpkins are native to North America, they decided to switch from turnips to pumpkins; thus, the Jack-o’-laturns that are known today were born. 

While Halloween isn’t the same as Samhain in the traditional sense, the holiday still carries that same spirit expressed by the druids and the Celts. It celebrates the time in the year where the leaves change color, the harvest comes in for the final time and everyone does their best to deal with mischievous spirits, whether it be a ghost, a demon or a roommate who wants to scare someone into a heart attack. 

 

Contact the author at howllifestyle@wou.edu

A fall bucket list

Photo of Yesteryear Farms’ pumpkin patch located in Wilsonville, Oregon. | Photo from @yesteryearfarmswilsonville on Instagram

Oct 22 2025 | Belen Ponce Leal | Lifestyle Editor

Fall is a special season for some. It’s the season of change, the time when the leaves on the trees change colors and those hoodies that have been in the closet all summer can finally come out. Wardrobes aren’t the only thing different, though — there are tons of activities and treats to be enjoyed during the month of October. Whether it be going to a local pumpkin patch with friends or sipping on that pumpkin spice latte, there are certain things done in the autumn season that simply feel right. To ensure that everyone here at Western is getting the full seasonal experience, I’ve created a fall bucket list that anyone is welcome to try during this season of change. 

Seasonal treats and drinks — Obviously, the most popular in-season flavor is pumpkin spice. One of the most popular items sold during the season of autumn is the pumpkin spice latte. However, the flavor is not limited to the drink. There are pumpkin spice chocolate chip cookies, pumpkin pie flavored French toast, pumpkin s’mores cookies, pumpkin oat bars, pumpkin donuts, pumpkin cheesecake cookies, pumpkin bread and much more. Growing up, my favorite thing to eat was pumpkin pie with vanilla ice cream. 

However, there is so much more to enjoy besides the typical pumpkin spice. Spice in general is heavily used during the season, so spice or cinnamon-flavored treats are a must-try. There’s also nutmeg, ginger, maple or snickerdoodle flavored desserts that anyone can try. Examples could include cinnamon rolls, nutmeg-coated French toast, maple almond cranberry granola, spice cake, snickerdoodle cookies, cinnamon cookies, cinnamon hot chocolate and nutmeg milk, among others. 

Fall also brings out a lot of nutty flavors, such as pecans, walnuts and almonds. Some fall favorite treats of these could be apple pecan bread, pecan pie, apple walnut upside down cake, rustic nut bars and any of the previously mentioned treats from pumpkin spice or cinnamon can include nuts in them. I personally enjoy the Starbucks pecan crunch oatmilk latte as it has a very nutty, sweet flavor with cold foam on top. 

Apples are also a great option for fall flavor, as they are in season and come in so many varieties. Oftentimes, pumpkin patches have apple trees around, so getting a pumpkin would be a great opportunity to pick up some freshly grown apples for desserts. There’s apple pie, apple cinnamon muffins, apple strudel, apple cider french toast, applesauce and many other treat variations. My favorite memory growing up was the time in kindergarten when we got to make applesauce, and to this day, it was still the best I’ve ever had. 

Pumpkin picking, carving and painting — A tradition originating from Irish myth, turnips with demonic faces were placed outside of homes to ward off evil spirits. When the Irish immigrated to the United States, they began using pumpkins, as they were native to the region. There is no greater joy for a person who loves the season of fall than the feeling of picking up a pumpkin that will either be carved or painted into a beautiful or haunting design. One great place to get a pumpkin would be Autumn Harvest Pumpkins in Woodburn, Oregon.  

While most jack-o-lanterns are carved with scary faces, we’ve moved past simply trying to scare the demons away. Now, we seek to stun them with amazing pumpkin art. Whether it be a replica of a famous painting or an actor’s face with stunning detail, some have moved beyond the simple triangle eyes and straight mouth of a pumpkin’s face. 

Some don’t even carve at all. Pumpkin painting has become a much more popular method of decorating pumpkins, as they don’t require as much knife-wielding and they can still be just as beautiful as carved pumpkins. Abstract art, in particular, is really popular with pumpkin painting, with parts like the eyes sketched big and attention-grabbing. 

Haunted Houses — It wouldn’t be a spooky season without the spooky part. Having been around for over a century at this point, haunted houses are designed to scare those who dare traverse them. Whether it be the eerie feeling of going through a house that just doesn’t feel right or the tension of going through in anticipation of something or someone jumping out of a corner, those who love the thrill of adrenaline will love going through these. Fun fact: the first documented haunted house was created by Orton & Spooner, a company from the 1890s that specialized in fairgrounds equipment. 

I’m not the type of person who enjoys getting scared, so I don’t have the most experience in haunted houses or events. Yet, even I can tell there’s a sense of fear that a person gets when putting themselves in a situation that could be thrilling. There are things at stake as well as the potential of something jumping out at any moment, making us react to threats. For some, that can be fun. Local haunted attractions to check out include the Ghosts of the Grand in Salem, Oregon, or, if commuting is an option, there is the Abandoned Haunted Maze in Florence, Oregon. 

Corn mazes — A fun thing to try during the fall, corn mazes are exactly what they sound like: corn fields that have been cut down and shaped into a maze. A person walks through them, attempting to find the way out. Some can be quite difficult, and the dread of finding a dead end will always be disappointing. Yet, the excitement of finding the way out makes it all worth it. They are best done with a group of people, as sometimes it can be quite scary to be stuck in a maze alone without anyone else. 

They should especially be done with other people when they are haunted. Yes, haunted corn mazes are a thing. Decorations in them are much more ominous, whether it be some statues that look a bit too real or bloodstains depicting handprints or footprints to make the hair on the back of someone’s neck prick up in terror. Scare actors can be traversing them, waiting to give someone the biggest jumpscare possible. 

While I haven’t had the pleasure of trying a haunted corn maze, I have traversed through one in Yakima, Washington when visiting my sister. It was a lot of fun doing a maze in person instead of on a piece of paper. It’s kind of like an escape room, but simpler. The only puzzle to solve is finding the end of the road. 

Overall, fall can be one of the best seasons for some. Whether it’s those pumpkin spice cheesecake cookies, the thrill of a haunted house or the joy of walking through a pumpkin patch to find the perfect one, spooky season is a joy to behold. I strongly encourage anyone to get the full fall experience and perhaps find other things to do. If nothing else, jumping into a pile of leaves can be fun and even a little bit nostalgic for some. 

 

Contact the author at howllifestyle@wou.edu

Settling in at Western

A photo of Western’s mascot, Wolfie, posing in a dorm room. | Photo from @westernoregonuniversity on Instagram

Oct 8 2025 | Belen Ponce Leal | Lifestyle Editor

Moving to a new town or city can be pretty intimidating for anyone. Whether a person enjoys traveling or perhaps is a happy homebody, moving from a house or apartment to a dorm room can be really intimidating. It’s a big change for anyone, especially someone who might not be from the area, to learn to call this place home for the time being. It can also be really difficult to decide what to do with this little space someone is given and expected to call home for at least a year. 

I remember the stress of preparing to move across the state to be able to attend Western. I read dozens of online threads from former students giving advice to new ones about what to bring or what to invest in for comfort. Packing was a nightmare, trying to figure out what could stay at home and what should come to the dorms.  

After some research and a bit of my own first-hand experience, I have provided a couple of tips for those on campus who are struggling with the “move-in blues.” These range from how to live in the dorm and also get into how to get out of one.

Unpack — If there is any kind of advice that all students of all types will agree on, it would probably be to not procrastinate. As good as it feels to just lie down and doom scroll for hours on end, it can end up causing problems because of how time-consuming it is. Therefore, make sure that all belongings are organized in a way that feels comfortable. Personally, I found that having the freedom to organize in a way that I preferred was a great experience. It was a comfort to know nothing was going to be moved and placed somewhere else. Be sure to clarify with a roommate that what’s on one side of the room should not be touched, unless given permission to do so. That also leads to the next tip:

Roommate Communication — While I missed out on having a roommate during my time in Landers Hall, I did have to interact with others often while living in a shared bathroom and kitchen area. My biggest advice would be to be open and understanding. Explain each other’s preferences, limits and comfort levels. Let each other know what is okay to do and what isn’t. It can be awkward at times, but as long as there is mutual respect between everyone, getting along with each other shouldn’t be too difficult. If there is ever a big conflict that can’t be fixed with words, though, contact a resident assistant for further advice and instruction. Their phone numbers should always be visible somewhere in the building on a poster of sorts. 

Bring things from home — Whether it’s simple items like blankets or bedsheets, or more unique personal effects, having things that have some kind of sentimental meaning or are just really comfortable can bring a sense of familiarity to an area that may lack it. Personally, I brought a lot of plushies into my dorm room when moving to Western. They are perfect to cling to during the stressful times of finals week. I also brought my own personal pillow. Not only did it save me the trouble of having to buy a new one, but it is a very comfortable item. I’m the type of person who doesn’t fall asleep easily in new areas, yet the pillow allowed for a night of easy rest. If someone isn’t as big of a plushie enthusiast as I am, other items to consider would be a favorite mug, a scrunchie, sweaters or some fuzzy socks. 

Decorating — Decor is a very important part of any home, whether it be a house, apartment or a dorm room. Unless someone is a very committed minimalist, most people enjoy personalizing their space. It allows for creative freedom and can often be one of the first times in life that someone can decorate their room the way they want to. Items for desks could be a small stack of books, figurines, plushies, framed photos or a desk organizer. For walls, it can be a bit trickier, as it’s important to not damage the walls. Command strips are a common resource in dorm rooms, as they do not create holes in the walls, but keep in mind their various weight limits — they can send wall decor crashing to the floor if not careful. With that in mind, someone could hang some lights in the corners of the room, put up photos, posters or flags. It all depends on preference and whatever helps the room fit one’s tastes the most. 

Snacks — Something I’ve learned in my time as a student is that stress eating is a real thing. While I don’t recommend overeating as a way to cope with stress, it still isn’t a bad idea to stock up on some snacks to munch on throughout the term. Some of my personal favorites that are sweet are peanut M&M’s, Snickers, Muddy Buddies and Hershey’s chocolate. As far as savory goes, I love lemon-lime hot Cheetos, Lay’s lime chips and Chex Mix. 

Don’t stay in the dorm — I made that mistake last year. Staying in the dorm after being done with class, while relaxing, was also incredibly lonely. I strongly encourage anyone who is considering just staying in the dorm in their downtime to find events on campus to attend. Not only is it pretty exciting to see what is going on around Western, it’s a good way to meet new people and form relationships. Most of the time, there are a lot of signs or posters hanging around campus with information about an event. However, there is always the option to go to the website for the university and look at the WOU Calendar. Events of all sorts are visible on that page. There are also many clubs at Western that would love to have new members. For me personally, I found that most of the friends I made here at Western have been from classes. Speak to peers and connect with them, especially if they are in the same major. 

No one should have to go through university alone. Make connections with those around and find a place here at Western. 
Contact the author at howllifestyle@mail.wou.edu

The nostalgic mind

Mark Fischback, or Markiplier, portraying one of his alter egos known as Wilford Warfstache | Photo by @markiplier On Instagram

Oct 15 2025 | Belen Ponce Leal | Lifestyle Editor

Everyone has gotten nostalgic at some point in their lives. Recently, I’ve noticed a trend on TikTok of videos designed to trigger nostalgia for both millennials and Generation Z. There are compilations of old advertisements that used to air in between movies or shows, such as Zoo Pals, Pillow Pets, Chia Pets or Tooth Tunes. I’ve also seen videos containing still images of old creepypastas like Jeff the Killer, Candle Cove and Slenderman. There are intros to old TV shows or music from a different time in our lives that make us feel a bit warm and longing for those days. 

For myself personally, the most nostalgia-triggering media that I’ve seen recently was the image that made the legend of Herobrine so popular back in the old “Minecraft” days. I used to watch video after video of “real sightings of Herobrine” back when I was younger. This trend made me curious about what exactly nostalgia is and why we, as adults and university students, crave that nostalgia so much. 

What exactly is it? — Originating from the Greek words nostos (return) and algos (pain), nostalgia is defined by the University of Florida as “the sentimental longing for the past, often triggered when a person reflects on cherished memories or even difficult experiences.” Nostalgia has an interesting history, originating from the late 17th century to describe the feelings soldiers had about their former lives before enlisting. Now, it’s much closer to the definition of sentimentality — to remember the good times in our lives where things were simpler. 

How does it work? — According to Hal McDonald from Psychology Today, nostalgia has four different components that together create that rose-lensed memory of the better days of our lives. 

The first part is self-reflection. This is the main defining trait of nostalgia. In a sense, everyone is their own “main character,” so our memories center around what happens to us. It’s the way we process our involvement with our past selves to our present ones in a way that generates a sort of reminiscent feeling. 

Autobiographical memory is the next component of nostalgia. This is what gives us the context of our memories, the transcript of our lives and the way we remember living them. Think of it as the report of someone’s life instead of the movie, only we were the ones who wrote it. That accounts for some of us remembering things differently compared to a sibling or a parent. 

Then, there’s emotional regulation. This is what causes the positive and negative emotions of nostalgia. While it is a mostly positive experience, with the memories of going to the store with grandma being fresh in our minds, there’s also the acknowledgement of not being able to do that with her as much anymore or even ever again, hence why this emotion is often described as a bittersweet sensation.

Finally, there’s the reward component. This part of the emotion is believed to be associated with the triggering of reward-related brain regions. Basically, the feeling from watching old YouTube videos is a free shot of dopamine straight to the brain. 

What triggers it? — This varies from person to person, but there are a few common sources of our nostalgic kick. There are sensory triggers, such as the smell of cookies baking in the oven, bringing back memories of Christmas, or maybe the sound of a song brings back thoughts of a significant other. Sight, smell, taste, touch, sound are all possible triggers for the feeling of nostalgia. Aside from sensory triggers, there are also life transitions, such as moving into new spaces. A lot of students likely experienced an uncanny sense of nostalgia when packing to come to Western this year. Seeing a mostly empty room that used to have all sorts of things in it will often trigger memories of what happened in that space. Social interactions can stir up old memories as well, especially when reminiscing with family or friends. Personally, I always get nostalgic when I hang out with my friend group from high school.  

Is it good or bad? — It can be a little of both. A survey conducted by Meta and Gallup found that 1 in 4 adults reported feeling a strong sense of loneliness. It’s also found that a lot of them were younger people in the age range of 19-29. One explanation for this is the fact that once a person reaches adulthood, they usually begin to break away from their childhood life at home. They begin to learn how to be an adult, which, as most know, can be quite difficult. However, it was found that nostalgia can offer a lot of benefits for a person. It can boost self-esteem, help find meaning in life, encourage authenticity and bring joy. According to the American Psychological Association, a study conducted during the holiday season found that feeling lonely actually helped people get out of the holiday blues. It was found that it aided them in finding purpose in their lives. It’s also fair to point out that it’s possible to be too reminiscent. Being too caught up in the past can make some unable to find any joy in the present. Other effects can occur, such as excessive sadness, a feeling of helplessness and even depression. 

The best way to experience it — There was a time during a class when a student had mentioned the movie “Halloween Town.” A small group of students then began talking about it and what it meant for them growing up. It is a very nostalgic film for many and when experienced in a group, the effect was much stronger. According to Allen McConnell from Psychology Today, “People’s wistfulness reminds them of important moments and important connections to others.” Sentimental feelings can help strengthen their desire to connect more with others who share similar memories. I found my best friend because we can both quote Markiplier’s first “Five Nights at Freddy’s” series almost by heart. 

Overall, nostalgia is much more than remembering the past when things were simpler. It’s a way to connect our past selves to our present. We became who we are because of these memories, whether it be the movies we grew up watching or the smell of spaghetti coming from a pot. While it’s important not to dwell on the past too much, there are benefits to being sentimental every now and then. 

 

Contact the author at howllifestyle@mail.wou.edu

 

Create Your Own Pore Strips: A Simple Guide

Caity Healy | Lifestyle Editor 

For many, using pore strips is a satisfying experience that results in softer and smoother skin. By pulling out the existing oil and dirt from your pores, it can give the illusion that you’re removing the blackheads — this isn’t entirely true. What you’re actually removing is called a keratotic plug; this is comprised of dead skin cells, dirt, hair and oil. The removal is entirely surface level and the deeper blackhead isn’t entirely removed.

Nonetheless, it can still make your skin feel amazing and silky smooth. While it may not be removing the entire blackhead, you’ll still feel that confidence boost that comes with healthier skin.

An easy addition to any facemask night, using this DIY pore strip will get you an exceptional result that comes at little cost and is hassle-free.

 

Instructions:

  1. In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of unflavored gelatin (this can be found at Walmart), 1 tablespoon of any kind of milk and an optional 1 teaspoon of any essential oil.
  2. Heat the mixture over a double boiler until it is warm. Using a double boiler helps to make sure it’s not too warm to apply to your face.
  3. Wash your face with warm water to open your pores and remove any oil and dirt.
  4. Spread this mixture on the areas you deem necessary. For many, target areas are often the bridge of their nose and their chin. Just make sure to avoid the eyes, nostrils and mouth.
  5. Allow this to dry for about 15 to 20 minutes, depending on how thickness. It’s important that it’s completely dry before removal for optimal results.
  6. Once dry, remove the mask starting from the side or the bottom, and slowly pulling it away from your face.
  7. Rinse your face with cold water to remove any of the leftover mask and close your pores. Then, finish by applying a fragrance-free moisturizer.

Instructions based on diynatural.com

 

Contact the author at chealy16@wou.edu

Photo by: Paul F. Davis