Face masks - Just for Fun or Total Fact?

When you’re looking for an instant hit of hydration (me-always) sometimes a serum or a moisturiser just isn’t gonna cut it. Despite ’Mask Monday’, it tends to be Sunday nights when I find myself wanting to go the extra mile and give my skin a refresher. I’ve not been into masks that long and to be honest, in the past, the idea of painting green sludge on my face and waiting as it starting to harden and crack was just a bit much, but over the past year I’ve discovered a whole new world of masking and I am totally hooked.

The truth is, the quality you’re getting all depends on the quality of the mask and the ingredients. Not all masks are created equal and some just aren’t going to get any deeper than your normal oil or moisturiser. I learnt recently that the key ingredient to look out for is butylene glycol - this bad boy helps your skin absorb more, meaning you can get that deeper hydration we’re all searching for. Woop!

Masks have a range of benefits and like every product I shout about on here, it’s all about picking the right one for your skin type.

The other thing to remember here as well is a face mask isn’t all about skin. Usually you’re leaving them on for about 10-15 minutes when you have a very obvious excuse to lay back, clear you mind and take a bit of me-time! It’s a great excuse for some mental hydration too (I am not sure that’s a thing but go with me here).

Another great benefit that often gets overlooked with masks (ones with the right ingredients anyway) is that they actually help make all your other products work better. If you’re getting deep into the skin and removing those dead skin cells - oils, serums and moisturisers will be way more beneficial.

So let’s have a look at the different masks out there and I can tell you a little about my favourite ones…

Sheet Masks

A good sheet mask is right up my street because it’s easy and I’m lazy! I love the instant glow and if you get one with mint that makes your skin tingle it can actually help blood circulation. Who knew?! I often see celebs using a sheet mask for that moisturise just before a make-over and you can see why. The dewy look is definitely helped along with one of these. My favourite sheet mask has to be the Charlotte Tilbury Dry Sheet Mask. A little on the expensive side, but totally worth it. One thing to remember with sheet masks though is that a lot are gimmicky and they may not really work better or more effectively than any of your other products. Choose wisely my friends!

Mud Masks

I don’t actually use a lot of mud masks but I really want to start using more. Mud is water-based and heals the skin so this is actually one that’s good for lots of different skin types and not as drying as a typical clay mask. They also work really well to exfoliate and cleanse skin. It’s next on my product shopping list.

Clay Masks

I am not as keen on clay masks as some of the other options out there because they don’t work as well on my skin type, but if you have oily skin they are definitely a must. A good clay mask will help absorb those excess oils and get rid of dirt and dead skin cells - giving those pores a good clear out.  If I had to pick my favourite clay mask it would have to be the Sand and Sky one. I got this a few years ago and have to say, of all of them it definitely left my skin brighter and unclogged without drying it out too much.

Under Eye Masks

I am so focussed on my under eyes and am so worried about the slightest line so to me, under eye masks are amazing. Masks are not really made for getting rid of wrinkles, but keeping that area moisturised and hydrated is the key to prevention of wrinkles so good to get in there early. Top tip - if you’re doing a regular face mask it might be a good idea to put on some eye cream before you start to protect that area from some of the harsher masks that should not be used on that sensitive thin skin. I got a few more eye masks when I was in Sephora recently but I have to say my favourite at the moment is the Elf Cosmetics Hydrogel under eye masks. I’ve definitely got my eye on the Pixi ones too though - they look amazing!

Lip Masks

I only recently got my hands on the Laniege Lip Sleeping Mask and I am in love. I haven’t used a lot of scrubs or masks on my lips but this one left my lips feeling plumped and full of moisture. A must for dry, chapped lips!

Cream Masks

A good cream mask is probably my favourite - I will say it for the thousandth time and it won’t be the last… my skin is super sensitive and super dry. The cream masks don’t feel bad on my skin, they give it a hit of moisture without any harshness. My favourite is the Oskia Skincare Renaissance Mask which you can read about here and my new Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask. Cream masks also make great cleansers. There is an exfoliation and cleansing element that can just go deeper than your everyday cleanser and get to layers you wouldn’t normally be clearing out. Again, with the right ingredients. I often feel my pores look smaller and my skin looks instantly plumped after using a great cream mask.