Face masks for every scenario

As much as I love using face masks, it is definitely that one part in the skincare routine that I tend to skip (usually due to laziness or impatience… let’s just say it’s because of impatience since it sounds much better).

Acne prone/oily skin

When I finally do get around to using it, one of my absolute favorite and best face masks, and one that I always come back to is Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal mask. It contains White China Clay that absorbs environmental toxins and Lecithin that dissolves impurities. This is great to use when your skin feels very congested. Also, even with regular use, one tube will last you for ages.

Peter Thomas Roth Irish Moor Mud Purifying Black Mask is another one that will help out to purify and balance your skin, especially if you suffer from acne, or minor breakouts here and there. In addition to purifying your skin this mask also helps to hydrate and infuse it with moisture and vitamins. In addition to all that, this one is also odorless, which I know in skincare is a good thing, but I do have to say that one of my favorite aspects of applying a face mask is the idea of indulging in a light, calming hint of that “face mask” scent.

Eve Lom Rescue Mask is amazing for acne-prone skin and if your skin is really oily, you’ll love this stuff even more. When using this mask you will definitely feel it working deep inside your skin and all minor breakouts that may have had will disappear overnight. I’d say that this one is more suitable for normal and oily skin types as it can be just a little drying.

Freeman Feeling Beautiful Polishing Mask Charcoal & Black Sugar– As much as I like to use this mask from time to time (especially after wearing a lot of makeup for a long period of time or a heavy workout session) I think it’s actually more of a scrub than an actual mask. The texture is very grainy, sticky and thick and it actually maybe a bit too harsh to use on sensitive skin, but this will work great on your body. I like to apply a thick layer on my chest, and arms and then just scrub it off after a few minutes. It also works nicely as a foot scrub. Freeman makes some nice masks, but one that I definitely can’t recommend is their Rose Brightening Facial Paper Mask, especially if you have sensitive skin.

Dry skin

Boscia’s Tsubaki Deep Hydration Sleeping Mask is one of my favorite overnight treatments, but only when my skin doesn’t feel irritated. After applying it on your skin at night you simply leave it on and wash it off in the morning. This makes my skin feel so supple, fresh and bright, but I do have to say that the scent- even though very pleasant-can get a bit overwhelming. I’d say that sensitive skin types should probably stay away from this one.

SK-II Facial Treatment Mask– I bought a few of these sheet masks after watching Lisa Eldridge talk about it in her video “Beauty Nightmares! Solutions from my Pro Kit.” This 100% cotton sheet drenches the skin in pitera- a “blend of vitamins, amino acids, minerals, and organic acids that work together to allow the skin’s natural surface rejuvenation process to function at its prime, enhancing the renewal of the skin’s outer layer.” This works great with dry, dehydrated, tired skin. Lisa also mentioned that there is an Olay dupe for this mask that works just as well, it’s called Olay Total Effects 7x Stretching Cloth Mask, sadly I don’t believe that it’s available in the US as I can’t find it anywhere! :(

Quick Fix

Some of these masks mentioned here also fit in the “quick fix” category. Eve Lom’s Rescue Mask works great for those bad skin days that we all have once in a while, especially if we’re talking acne. SK-II Facial Treatment Mask is also one that will give you instant results and actually only happen to use it if there’s a special occasion coming up. It will leave your skin feeling incredibly soft and looking very glowy and well-rested. Nip+Fab Glycolic Instant Fix Mask is also one of my favorite quick-fix products. Immediately after use I notice my pores being tighter, my skin feel mattified, smooth and bright.