Whether it’s a dry, parched complexion, congested skin or a lack of radiance you’re looking to fix, there’s a mask out there that’ll answer your woes and, more importantly, work its magic to transform your skin back its usual self.
The key is finding the right formula for your needs, so we’ve created a little guide to help you on your way…
Best for: congested skin
This is, without a doubt, one of the best masks that’s ever graced our faces. Why? Because, despite the slightly odd smell and tingling sensation, it leaves your skin looking the very best version of itself. We’re talking smooth, fresh and generally beaming with health. It absorbs any surface impurities (thanks to a combination of clays), while working in three phases to purify, protect against premature ageing and any inflammation and respond to your skin’s long-term concerns.
Niod Flavanone Mud, £29
Best for: reactive skin
One of the main ingredients in this mask is niacinamide, which is well known for its pore-shrinking abilities so when combined with zinc, biotin and caffeine you have a real go-getter when it comes to clearing congested, reactive skin.
Dermalogica Medibac Sebum Clearing Masque, £44.50
Best for: skin that needs a boost
A great way to incorporate this mask into your regime is weekly as a deep-clean, because it counters all the stresses and strains that a busy lifestyle can have on our skin. Camphor and almond are at the heart of this mask and a clever way to use it, if you’re prone to waking up puffy, is to apply it in the morning to rid the fluid retention that can make faces look bloated.
Eve Lom Rescue Mask, £35
Best for: eyes that need a little TLC
If you spend hours in front of a computer or staring at a handheld device then this is the kind of beauty treat that should become a regular part of your regime. The perfectly shaped pads are packed full of aloe vera to soothe, calm and also nourish the under eyes. The cocktail of gentle ingredients are designed to rid signs of stress and tiredness.
Estee Lauder Stress Relief Eye Mask, £29
Best for: a sun-kissed glow
Sometimes it’s when skin looks dull that we reach for a mask to ‘lift’ the look of skin. This mask takes things a step further; there’s a whole host of hydrating and nourishing ingredients but there’s also a hint of DHA so that as well as skin that’s softer and supple to the touch you’ll also have a touch of golden glow.
Vita Liberata Self Tanning Night Moisture Mask, £30
Best for: a boost in radiance
Another one that you apply and forget about until morning, as it hydrates, brightens and plumps and while you snooze. If your skin looks dull this contains black willow extract and salicylic acid to gently exfoliate and brighten the complexion. If an uneven skintone bothers you, this features Sand Lily to help soften dark spots and promote a more even complexion.
Omorovicza Midnight Radiance Mask, £90
Best for: a skin refresh
A potent but gentle blend of AHAs and prebiotics to brighten and nourish the skin deep down. Ever wondered if you’re using beauty products properly? This one tells you – the mask is pink on contact with skin, but turns white when you’ve massaged it in, letting you know you’ve done your part and the mask is about to do its bit…
Oskia Renaissance Mask, £49.50
Best for: a boost in moisture
This overnight mask uses ‘NASA inspired memory texture’, which you’ll feel as a cushiony-soft mask that contains a cocktail of plant and fruit extracts to help skin hold-in moisture, boost its natural elastin and collagen and strengthen the skin’s barrier function.
Erno Laszlo Hydratherapy Memory Sleep Mask, £78
Best for: resurfacing the skin
This pot gives you a gentle way to resurface skin and promote a brighter complexion. Glycolic acid and hibiscus flower acids exfoliate while grapefruit extract provides a healthy dose of Vitamin C to promote skin’s natural formation of collagen and skin brightness.
Chantecaille Hibiscus Smoothing Mask, £75
Best for: reviving a tired complexion
This one might not feel like a mask to begin with because it’s more of a film that sets on skin. That doesn’t mean it’s not effective as the light layer actually delivers a potent cocktail of active ingredients, including white ginseng complex, to moisturise, protect and revive a tired complexion.
Erborian Spray-to-Mask, £34 (launching September)
Best for: blemish-prone skin
There’s nothing quite like clay for drawing out impurities and debris from the skin, but this is a mineral-rich clay so that as well as providing a deep-cleanse it also purifies and balances while chamomile and lavender ensure skin is left soothed and calm.
Fresh Umbrian Clay Mask, £52
