The Best and The Worst: Face Mask Edition
Get ready for a spa night everybody! Face masks will provide you with that luxurious spa experience in the comfort of your own home. You can find a face mask for almost every skin need. Acne, dry skin, oily skin, dark spots, clogged pores, you name it. However, some face masks are better than others. Today, we will be looking at the best and the worst face masks for your skin.
1. Best: Herbivore Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
This mask works for all skin types; dry, oily, normal, and sensitive. The main ingredient in this mask is white willow bark extract which works with salicylic acid to decongest pores, fruit enzymes to dissolve dead skin cells, and blue tansy oil to soothe the skin.
The mask is also cruelty-free and vegan. You can get it at Sephora for $48.
2. Best: Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Hyaluronic Clay Pore-Tight Facial Mask
This mask works to unclog pores and to smooth and hydrate the skin. It is formulated with hyaluronic clay that clears pores, watermelon enzymes to brighten and exfoliate the skin, and BHA and PHA to clear pores further. You only have to keep this mask on for five minutes to get all of the benefits.
This watermelon mask is also available from Sephora for $40 and it is a part of Sephora’s clean line, meaning it does not contain any ingredients that are bad for the environment.
3. Best: Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay Mask
This mask is a miracle worker when it comes to getting rid of blemishes. It is a bentonite clay mask, and it gives your pores a very deep clean. You get a large container of the clay powder for less than $10. Mix a spoonful of the powder with some apple cider vinegar and then mix it up. Apply to your face and do not leave it on for longer than ten minutes. It will feel super tight while it dries and you may even feel your face pulsate. After you rinse it off, your face will feel so clean!
4. Best: Neutrogena Moisturizing Hydro Boost Hydrating Face Mask
If you have got dry or dull skin, this is the perfect face mask to try out. It is formulated with hyaluronic acid, which helps draw and hold water, thus hydrating the skin. This mask is a sheet mask, so it is super easy to apply and you can dispose of it after your use. You can find it at Target and most drugstores for under $3!
5. Best: The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Masque
This face mask contains different clays and charcoals that work to smooth the appearance of the skin, by removing facial impurities. As the name suggests, it also contains 2% of salicylic acid, which is a beta hydroxy acid that dissolves any debris that clogs pores and also acts as an anti-inflammatory that helps cure whiteheads, blackheads, and pimples. This mask is super affordable, at a price of $12 for a 50ml bottle.
6. Best: Elizavecca Milky Piggy Carbonated Bubble Clay Mask
This mask is super fun, so I highly recommend doing it during a spa night with your friends. It goes on as a clay mask normally would, but within minutes, your entire face will be covered with bubbles (the mask, not your skin!). Not only does it look funny, but it is super satisfying to wash off. After leaving the mask on for around 5 minutes, you will massage the product in with your hands and then rinse. Get your own for $15 online!
7. Best: Origins Out of Trouble 10 Minute Mask to Rescue Problem Skin
Origins makes some amazing face masks, but this one is probably my all-time favorite. It is a part of Sephora’s Clean at Sephora line. When you notice your skin starting to break out, pop on this mask for ten minutes to combat the oil, wipe away the dead skin cells, and get rid of any debris. This mask costs $28 for 2.5 ounces.
8. Worst: Any “Do It Yourself” Masks
I must preface this by saying, if you have a family recipe for a mask or if you know of one that works well with your skin, then do not let me stop you! I’m talking about the masks you whip up in your kitchen with different food products (eggs, avocado, honey, etc. that you just throw together. These items do not contain enough concentration of the beneficial skincare ingredients you typically find in store-bought face masks.
9. Worst: Freeman Polishing Charcoal + Black Sugar Gel Mask + Scrub
Face scrubs are not good for your skin. They can create micro-tears on the surface of your skin, which will weaken your skin’s barrier, and cause irritation and redness. This mask does not work well for those with sensitive skin, as many people have cited seeing red patches and bumps after application. It also contains essential oils and fragrances, which are not the best for the skin.
10. Worst: Elizavecca Milkypiggy Hell Pore Clean Up Face Mask
If you have not seen Youtube videos of this face mask, you need to go watch them ASAP. It is charcoal-based, and also contains botanical extracts like Camellia, Rose, and fermented roots. A few minutes after application, the mask will adhere to your skin, and it is not easy to take off. It is called “hell pore” for a reason because peeling this mask off your skin will hurt so badly. This can cause irritation and damage to your skin!
