10 Face Masks You Need To Try
Face masks are one of my favorite parts of my skincare regiment as they help me feel relaxed while also ensuring my skin is getting the extra care and attention it needs. A good face mask will deliver noticeably beneficial results. This could mean a clearer, brighter, or more hydrated and glowy complexion almost instantly!
I believe everyone should incorporate a few masks into their beauty collection, namely, one that detoxifies and one that hydrates. I promise you, you will feel exponentially better about your skin after using these products. So without further ado, let me tell you about 10 of my favorite face masks that I think you need to try!
1. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating 100% Hydrogel Mask
This hydrating face mask is absolutely incredible. This mask is a sheet mask so this may or may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but I was absolutely in love with and shocked by the results. I myself had a few doubts when I purchased it as I don’t normally use sheet masks, but I needed a quick fix to the dry skin I was experiencing due to the brutal Chicago weather while I was on a trip. When I took this mask off my skin was honestly so plump and glowing and the hydration had been almost completely restored to my face.
I would recommend this mask for the colder winter months when your skin may be needing a pick me up. I would also recommend that you leave it on for longer than suggested as I believe it allowed the hyaluronic acid to penetrate the skin deeper the longer it was on. Absolutely obsessed.
Buy it here!
2. Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Hydrating Mask
Another excellent face mask comes from Origins. Unlike the previous mask, this one comes in a creme form that needs to be applied to the face. This mask is also meant for you to leave on overnight to lock-in hydration. It is formulated with glacier water, hyaluronic acid, and avocado butter, which are all skin-nourishing ingredients.
At night I either apply this face mask all over or to certain areas that need extra hydration. By morning much, if not all, of my dryness and irritation, have been relieved. I would say that this mask is best used during the winter, however, if you struggle with dry skin this will definitely be a great regular face mask for you. This product is also nice for those with sensitivities as it is 100% Vegetarian, Vegan, and Gluten-Free, and best of all it is a clean beauty product!
Buy it here!
3. Philosophy Purity Made Simple Pore Extractor Exfoliating Clay Mask
Let me start by saying, this is an intense mask but it does the job well. Once applied, this clay mask will dry pretty quickly and you will see it working. The trick is once it is dried and you are ready to take it off, massage it in for a little as you are removing it. I remember the morning after trying out this product I could see a visible reduction in the appearance of my pores and all excess oils around my nose and cheek area had been eliminated.
Now, like I said, this is an intense mask so you have to be careful. As with every mask, you should use your serums and moisturizers after. When using this product, just make sure to take extra care and maybe add a little more moisturizer than usual as some may experience dryness. Additionally, using this once a week is plenty, maybe twice a week, but no more than that. This face mask is highly effective and does what it claims to.
Buy it here!
4. Herbivore Blue Tansy Invisible Pores Resurfacing Clarity Mask
This face mask is one of my favorites for a few reasons. The application process is the same as a normal face mask but you have to make sure that you don’t leave it on for longer than recommended. If you do, you run the risk of really irritating your face. In regards to the actual application process, it comes with a tiny spatula, which is both cute and sanitary and the bright blue color translates lightly on the skin making it aesthetically pleasing.
Now, this is a resurfacing mask, or in other words, a chemical exfoliant which is why I mentioned it can cause irritation if left on for too long. Its ingredients include fruit enzymes which are AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids)Â and white willow bark which is a BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acid). These two acids will work to gently exfoliate the skin and remove any dead skin cells. Personally, I prefer this type of exfoliation to a physical exfoliant as it is far less abrasive. Additionally, this product includes blue tansy oil, which is high in azulene and will provide an anti-inflammatory effect to soothe any irritation and redness which may occur from the AHA and BHA.
This face mask is also a clean beauty product, which I love to see. Lastly, if you frequent TikTok and saw the red face mask by The Ordinary that went viral, I would liken this product to that. The only difference is this mask has the addition of the soothing ingredient of blue tansy. I am a big fan of AHAs and BHAs and when I use this mask, my skin is noticeably smoother. With the addition of my normal serums for hydration, my skin looks completely rejuvenated and glowy. Absolutely love this.
Buy it here!
5. Aztec Secret – Indian Healing Clay
This clay mask is different from any of the masks on this list but an excellent and inexpensive product. This mask comes in a powder form and in order to use it, you will need to mix in either water or apple cider vinegar. Water is best for more sensitive skin but apple cider vinegar is incredible for acne-prone skin or if you want to fight a breakout.
The application of this mask is a little messy as you have to mix it up first and then putting it on can be challenging depending on the consistency of the mask you concocted. I recommend using a silicone face mask applicator or flat makeup brush when applying. Once applied, the actual feeling of this mask on your skin is very unique. As the clay dries and pulls out impurities you can feel it almost pulsating on your skin. I personally find this very satisfying.
I must note that this is another rather intense mask so you must not leave it on for longer than directed or you may experience some irritation. This product is also a clean beauty product, which I am a fan of and has multiple other uses. These additional uses include body wraps, clay baths, foot soaks, insect bite irritation reduction, and when chilled, knee packs. This clay mask can be purchased at many retailers including WholeFoods, Target, and Amazon to name a few.
Buy it here!
6. Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask to Clear Pores
This is definitely a staple in my collection and probably my most frequently used face mask on this list. This mask will leave your pores feeling completely cleansed and leave your complexion looking clearer overall. This mask is excelled at reducing breakouts and can also be used as a spot treatment on the more stubborn blemishes.
This is a clean beauty product, which by this time you can probably tell I love. I use this mask once, maybe twice a week if I feel it is necessary. What’s great about this mask is that it is effective yet gentle enough that you don’t have to worry about any irritation. The ingredients include Bamboo charcoal and white China clay which work together to remove oil, impurities, and toxins from your skin.
This is your typical charcoal mask but highly effective and just an absolute essential. I highly recommend this product if you want to add a face mask to your collection but aren’t sure where to begin.
Buy it here!
7. Fresh Rose Face Mask
This incredibly aesthetically pleasing face mask from Fresh is ultra-soothing and hydrating. With real rose petals in it, the application process can’t be described as anything other than luxurious. Additionally, the cooling and hydrating texture of the gel makes me feel relaxed and like I am at a spa. The base of the mask, or the gel that I just described, is cucumber extract and aloe vera gel. These two ingredients are highly soothing and will provide a cooling and calming effect. The ingredients also include rosewater which is great for soothing and toning as well as Porphyridium Cruentum. I had no idea what Porphyridium Cruentum was at first but they describe it as a “smart” algae that will essentially deliver extreme moisture, which is always good.
This product is a certified clean beauty product at Sephora and overall just a great hydrating mask. I promise you, you will feel incredibly soothed and relaxed once you apply it. Though I don’t feel as though it provides as much moisture as the sheet mask from Neutrogena or the overnight mask from Origins, this is definitely a great option when you want to add just a little bit of something to your skincare regiment for the night but don’t need anything too intense.
Buy it here!
8. Dr. Jart Cryo Rubber Masks
I love Dr. Jart’s products as they are incredibly unique while still being highly effective and providing your skin with beneficial and highly potent ingredients. From this specific mask collection, I’ve tried the Cryo Rubber with Moisturizing Hyaluronic Acid and the Cryo Rubber with Firming Collagen, both of which I was obsessed with.
This face mask is unlike any other mask I had tried before as it has two-step in the application process. I was curious about this unique mask so I did some research. I learned that these masks from Dr. Jart actually have a lot of science behind them. Inspired by Cryotherapy, its intention is to lower the skin’s temperature to increase blood flow and thereby increase the absorption of the active ingredients. Pretty cool right?
So, like I said, these masks come in two separate parts/steps. The first part is the ampoule gel-like serum and the second is the rubber mask that is actually made of naturally derived algae and clay! The covering which the mask provides will prevent the active ingredients in the serum from evaporating. You will begin by applying the serum and then placing the rubber mask on top. You will then leave this mask on for a long time, around 30-40 minutes, so be prepared so sit back and relax. This would be the perfect time to put on your favorite tv show or movie.
Though time-consuming, I thoroughly enjoy this masking process. The rubber mask has such a nice cooling effect and when I took it off, my skin looked so plump and glowy. Personally, I think these two masks are better-used during the winter months as I find them unnecessary during the summer but if you struggle with dry skin I think this would be a lifesaver. Highly recommend these masks and the Dr. Jart brand as a whole.
Buy it here!
9. Kheil’s Turmeric & Cranberry Seed Energizing Radiance Mask
This mask worked wonders on providing my skin with some extra radiance. I used it mainly during the winter as my skin always looks so dull during this time but it can be used whenever. This mask is super gentle, which I love as it will work on every skin type. It is also free of parabens, and sulfates, and comes in recyclable packaging!
I would say the key ingredient in this mask is the turmeric as it is known to brighten skin due to its antioxidant and anti-redness properties. The cranberry seeds also add a nice gentle physical exfoliant without being too abrasive.
I have always been a big fan of Kheil’s, especially their Ultra Facial Moisturizer and Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado. This product is now another favorite from this brand as it visibly reduced the dull and uneven skin texture I was experiencing. Definitely an excellent product and one which I find myself consistently reaching for during the winter.
Buy it here!
10. Patchology FlashPatch Rejuvenating Eye Gels
Though these are technically not face masks, I had to add these eyepatches from Patchology onto the list. These are absolutely incredible. Any dryness or puffiness you are experiencing under your eyes will be alleviated when you put these on. My personal favorite way to use them is by putting them in the refrigerator for a little beforehand. Then when I apply them, my undereye area is instantly cooled and soothed.
These eye patches are perfect to wear after a late night or if you feel as though you are looking a little tired that morning. They are highly effective, soothing, and simply the perfect pick me up.
