Face masks are my jam. I love them so much that I’m dedicating a post to my current favorites! Face masks can make us feel pampered, they’re easy to apply, fun to use, and can help address specific skincare concerns! In general I look for products that help me with exfoliation, hydration, clarity, and glow.
Since the condition of my skin changes throughout the year due to weather, temperature, hormones, diet, or other factors, I love keeping a collection of masks that can address different skincare concerns. Read on for my top picks for face masks and why I love them.
EXFOLIATE
Exfoliating the skin is important for skincare because it helps remove dead skin cells that block pores. The pile up of old skin and debris can cause breakouts or dull skin tone in some individuals, so try to exfoliate 1-2x/week (make sure you don’t over-exfoliate).
Biossance’s SQUALANE + GLYCOLIC RENEWAL FACIAL is a peel, exfoliator, and mask. The formula includes glycolic acid, multi-alphahydroxy acids and gentle mineral spheres that help leave my skin feeling soft, hydrated, and bright. It goes on thick and creamy but I can feel the fine mineral spheres smoothing and softening my skin. I also love this mask because it provides plenty of hydration — once I rinse it off, my skin feels firm and looks bright. The pot is large too so really great value!
HYDRATE
A hydrating mask can help make your skin look more plump and dewy by increasing water content to the skin. Keeping the skin properly hydrated can help slow visible signs of premature aging, improve the appearance of your skin, and can fight oil and acne (dehydrated skin sends signals to the glands to produce more oil which can aggravate acne). Those experiencing dehydration, dryness, irritation, or oily skin may benefit from a hydrating mask.
The Eight Greens Phyto Masque (Hot) from Eminence, an organic skincare line from Hungary, was recommended to me by my esthetician. The formula is made from natural, organic ingredients like yucca extract (antioxidant), flaxseed (antioxidant), paprika (invigorates the skin), honey (moisturizes), and other plant-based ingredients that help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and help improve hydration. Make sure you don’t use this mask right before a special event! Due to heightened circulation, the product gives a hot sensation and leaves your skin looking pretty rosy for an hour or so after you use it (best use this at night time).
Another lovely hydrating mask to consider is the Water Sleeping Mask by Laniege. You can use this product overnight to recharge dehydrated skin and wake up with a face that feels soft, radiant, and refreshed. I really love using this product because it not only makes my skin glow in the morning, but its infused with orange flower, rose and sandlewood, which smell amazing and helps me relax at night. Overnight masks are wonderful because they aren’t sticky, they absorb well, and they work their magic while you sleep! Tip: apply an overnight mask on the airplane for a nice pick-me-up (it’s not obvious to others that you have it on).
CLARIFY
Clarifying masks can be beneficial to those who experience hormonal breakouts or have acne-prone skin. Regular use of clarifying treatments can also help promote more balanced, hydrated skin and prevent excess oil production.
I currently love Blue Tansy by Herbivore, which is a beautiful blue mask made with natural ingredients to help clarify acne-prone skin. The formula includes fruit enzymes, white willow bark, aloe, and blue tansy essential oil to gentle exfoliate, resurface, and soothe. I use this every week and it not only helps my skin look brighter, but I feel like my hormonal breakouts haven’t been as bad since regularly use of this mask.
Another product I saw great results from is the SUPERMUD® CLEARING TREATMENT by GLAMGLOW. This 20 minute treatment is an acne-fighting facial mask for oily and combination skin. It helps unclog pores, while clearing and preventing breakouts. It has I use this mask if I start to break out more often or as a spot treatment!
GLOW
One of my absolute favorite masks is the Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask from REN. The active element to this mask is a 100% pure fruit acid complex (lactic, glycolic, tartaric and citric) and enzyme from Papaya. These ingredients are gentle but effective at exfoliating away dirt and removing dead skin build-up to reveal a healthy glow. I use this whenever my skin is feeling dull, congested, or tired so that I can achieve a more brighter complexion. The product pumps out exactly how much mask you need per application and smells like an orange candy!
