Recently, I’ve been obsessed with face masks—all kinds (though my least favorite is the sheet mask for being so messy).
There’s just something about sampling various masks for all their different benefits that excites me. Gone are the days of DIY—and edible—mask concoctions; now we have a flurry of effective formulae that target any of our troubling skin conditions. I swear my skin has been looking its best since I jumped into the habit.
Freshen up
Masks, either the wash-off kind or the sheet type, are the absolute best pick-me-uppers. If you need quick hydration and instant rejuvenation, grab a pack, slap these super ingredients on and cleanse away.
For fans of luxurious rosewater, pure beauty believer Fresh offers the Rose Face Mask. This gel mask is infused with real rose petals, cucumber extract, green tea and aloe vera gel that all work together to deliver ultimate suppleness.
The Mario Badescu Super Collagen Mask is dry skin’s best friend. Enriched with collagen that helps keep skin plump and smooth, this blend of kaolin, oat and wheat delivers light hydration perfect for looking youthful.
If you’re looking to brighten, the bliss Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Foaming Mask is a fun, gel-to-foam experience. This self-activating mask is formulated with multi-action CPR technology, vitamins C and E, and grape seed extract to restore skin’s vitality.
While not a mask per se, the Dermalogica Intensive Moisture Balance moisturizer is an ultra-rich, potent cream that works as finely as a regular mask. This tube contains vitamins C and E that help shield skin against free radical damage, while vitamin A, cornflower and grape seed can help repair aging skin.
Now I know I said I don’t like sheet masks all that much, but I love The Face Shop avocado face mask. Rich in glycerin and avocado fruit extract, this little pack is filled with hydrating serum.
Clean up
Trust masks to clean up the gunk. From clay masks to more eccentric mixes, a tub of the right face-cleaning mask can make all the difference. Swipe a thin layer and leave it on according to instructions, then rinse thoroughly with water.
The Body Shop Tea Tree Face Mask cools, cleanses and refreshes. With a powerful blend of tea tree oil, lemon tea tree and tamanu oil, this brew helps prevent blemishes and controls excess oil.
The Murad Clarifying Mask works similarly. This time, enjoy the acne-fighting benefits of rare earth clays, kaolin and Bentonite, as it purifies and deep-cleans your dirt-ridden skin.
Speaking of intense unclogging, the Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask to Clear Pores is a hard-core mask for flushing out toxins and debris that clog your pores. Formulated with Bamboo Charcoal and White China Clay, this gray mask is your trustworthy companion for a deep (face) cleanse.
