Facial Masks

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Even though Facial Mask  are not for everyday use, a routine of using one once a week will yield great results for your skin tone. It's also a great excuse to spend some time relaxing in a warm bath. There are many different types of face masks, but they all mainly fall into two categories--clay or peel-off. Recently brands such as Neutrogena  have released a hybrid type of cleanser and mask in one.

Choosing a Mask

  1. Pick a Mask Type. Like other skin care products, masks are specified according to what your skin needs. Do you want an anti-ageing mask, one that clears up acne, or a refining mask? The key is to look at the ingredients. A clay mask works well at drying out pores and treating acne, a product with aloe vera is going to be moisturising, etc.
  2. Find a product to fit your lifestyle. Certain masks require about 15 to 20 minutes of drying time up to three times a week for optimum results. If this seems like too much of a commitment, then you might want to consider taking the extra time to find a mask that is less time reliant.
  3. Determine your budget. Many drug store brands will cost around £2-£8 while the more high-end, department store brands can run you near £40. Depending on how much you are willing to spend, you will definitely be able to find an effective mask that can suit your price range. There is no guarantee that an expensive mask is going to work better than a less expensive one. Everyone's skin is different and will react to certain products in different ways. Also, no matter how you slice it, clay is clay. In reality, there is little need to spend up to £40 on clay, unless you really want to.
  4. Organics and cruelty-free products. There are plenty of organic and cruelty-free products on the market today for those who want them. These products are just as effective and are made of all-natural ingredients.

Mask Types

Clay Masks  typically take about 10 to 20 minutes to dry on your face. The properties of the clay help to dry up acne, minimize the appearance of pores, and absorb oil. Those with oily skin will benefit from the use of this type of mask, but normal skin types may also enjoy these acne-fighting properties. If you have skin on the dry side, be sure to follow up a clay mask with a good moisturiser. Make sure to read the directions and follow them closely, you wouldn't want to leave a mask on too long and over-dry your skin. This will then lead to even oiler skin then before, since your pores feel the need to produce more oil.

Gel Masks,  also known as peel-off masks,  are not as easy to apply since they can sometimes be runny. However, they offer more moisturising options and usually have added benefits, like anti-wrinkle agents and exfoliating AHAs. If you have normal or dry skin, then a peel-off mask is a great way to go. Those with oily skin should stay away from peel-offs.

Quick Picks

Budget

A universal favourite, this mask will suck oil out form all of your pores and fight acne.

This basic clay mask has a reasonable price and a pleasant smell.

This mask is a basic for all skin types. The great price makes it a great buy.

Mid-Range

This minty-fresh mask exfoliates and moisturises, making it the perfect blackhead-clearing mask.

Boscia offers this mask for fixing oily skin, as well as a Moisturising Replenishing Mask  for dryer skin types.

Reduces oil and properly tightens up your pores.

A great mask for stripping away blemishes and getting rid of oil quickly. Not to be used by those with sensitive skin.

High-End

Simple and fragrance-free, this is a great clay mask for all skin types. 

Contains sulphur and works well as a spot treatment.

Packed with antioxidants and great for dry skin.

A moisturising gel mask for most non-oily skin types.

This mask can help reduce acne scars.

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