Trend alert: What you need to know about face masks
You might think that face masks are only suitable for long, luxurious pampered evenings, or a decadent soak in a tub surrounded by candles, but with new technology and innovation, comes a myriad of ways to treat, perfect and repair your complexion, whatever your budget or time constraints.
In recent years, skincare brands have launched a face mask in virtually every texture and formula under the sun. To spare you the confusion, we’ve compiled a list of fabulous face masks, ranging from powders, to gels, and even ones in handy sheet form, so you can find the perfect treatment to get your skin glowing.
Cream Masks
If you’re a fan of cold cream, or similar old-school pots of nourishing goodness, a cream mask will be right up your street. Cream masks are loaded with moisturizing oils and rich, comforting natural extracts, and are a real treat for red, sore skin.
If you’ve spent the day in the sun or if harsh winter winds causes your skin to peel, apply a generous scoop of a cream mask to your face, neck and décolletage, and leave it to work its emollient magic.
Cream masks are also soothing and gentle enough for sensitive skin issues such as eczema and rosacea, and can usually be applied on all body parts.
Best for: sensitive, dry or sun-damaged skin
Try: Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentre, $35, sephora.ca
Sheet Masks
Sheet masks have become hugely popular in recent years, thanks to the ever-increasing innovations that Asian skincare brands have been developing.
They typically house a lightweight yet potent serum treatment in a fabric or plastic mask - but best of all, they offer comfort and convenience!
Variations typically include vegetable or fruit extracts that offer antioxidant and vitamin-enriched benefits, such as lemon for radiance, pomegranate for clarity, aloe for intense moisture and even snail for the fantastic anti-aging properties found in their slime.
These one-use masks are perfect for travel and definitely add an element of fun to your skincare regimen.
Best for: all skin types
Try: Tonymoly I’m Real Aloe Sheet Mask, $9, sephora.ca
Clay Masks
When we think of clay masks, an image usually springs to mind — thick, vivid green goop, probably applied at a sleepover and a constant bugbear for those who own white towels.
Clay is a fantastic ingredient for purging pores and drawing out excess sebum. Plus, it can be incredibly beneficial for acne-prone, hormonal skin. Just be sure to properly hydrate post-application, as clay can be quite drying!
Best for: combination, oily or acne prone skin
Try: Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask, $31, sephora.ca
Enzyme/Acid Masks
Exfoliating doesn’t always involve smearing abrasive formulas all over your face. Recent skincare developments mean we can successfully exfoliate our delicate skin, without scrubbing them red raw.
These masks utilize alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) such as lactic acid and glycolic acid to harmlessly slough away dead skin, without being rough or irritating. They oftentimes also contain a gorgeous blend of fruit and plant extracts, which aid in the exfoliating process, including pumpkin, papaya, orange and pineapple. The AHAs eat away at the skins surface, so newer, soften skin can shine through.
Incorporate an AHA-based mask into your routine twice a week, and you’ll notice a huge difference in skin pigmentation levels, scarring, texture and blemishes.
Best for: dull, combination or acne-scarred skin
Try: REN Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask, $68, sephora.ca
Gel Masks
For intense hydration in a more traditional tube or pot form, gel masks are the way go go. Moisture-rich without feeling heavy, they are perfect for prepping the skin before applying makeup. They typically have a cooler, water-like texture, and are often transparent. Pro tip: Pop a tube into your airplane carry-on for sky-high hydration. The clear formula means no one will suspect you’re slathered in a moisturizing treatment.
Best for: all skin types
Try: NARS Aqua Gel Luminous Mask, $50, sephora.ca
Balm Masks
If you’re a fan of multi-tasking, we recommend you get acquainted with cleansing balms.
Using a cleansing balm as a quick-fix facial treatment is one of the easiest ways to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and deliver an intense boost of moisture in the AM.
Cleansing balms often contain high levels of plant and fruit oils, which, when left on the skin, can boost radiance.
First, cleanse your skin and remove all traces of grime with the balm, remove with a warm towel and then go in again with the balm — this time, massaging deeply and allowing it to really penetrate. Leave on for 5 minutes, and then remove. The result? Skin will look plump, bright, healthy, and smooth.
Best for: dehydrated or aging skin
Try: Eve Lom Cleanser, $59, eskincarestore.com
Powder Masks
Blackheads can be a real pain for oily-combination skin types, and deep-rooted ones seem to never quite go away, no matter how many times you cleanse, tone and exfoliate.
Powder-based masks utilize finely-ground powder particles to penetrate the pore, kill bacteria, and remove blackhead residue. Whilst they can be a little messy, the benefits are long-lasting.
Simply wet skin, apply a cotton pad to the dry mixture, and dot on the t-zone – or anywhere you suffer from these dreaded black bumps. If you’re looking for a more intensive pore-purge, try mixing a small scoop of water with a dime-size amount of powder, for a more liquid-style mask experience.
Best for: oily or blackhead-prone skin
Try: Mario Badescu Silver Powder, $19, mariobadescu.com
Interested in writing for us? Join our Yahoo Blogger Network!
