There was a time when the term “face mask” didn’t immediately make me think of the piece of cloth I now wear on my face whenever I leave home. Instead I used to think of a little pampering, pore-cleansing self care session, and as a big fan of the old-fashioned face mask, I thought I would round up a few of my favourites.
Fresh Umbrian Clay Purifying Mask
Starting off strong with this one, the first face mask I ever purchased when I got into skincare at the tender age of 21. I had been dealing with some occasional acne and pore congestion, and wanted something to purify my skin. I really picked well with this one, and in the years since I’ve tried many a clay mask but truly none can compare. I even use this just a spot treatment to help dry out any persistent pimples. It’s a great mask to invest in and not only does it really work, it also lasts me for months and months. It’s a miracle worker and the one I’m wearing in these photos.
Pai Curtain Call Rosehip & Strawberry Leaf Brightening Mask
If you know me, you’ll know I’ve long been obsessed with rosehip oil and use it to cure a multitude of skin issues. Pai is a leading clean skincare company and is really known for their rosehip oil-based products, so when I restocked on my cleanser from them a few weeks ago, I thought I would try their brightening mask with rosehip oil as well. I’ve used it a couple of times now, and it gives my skin an instant boost of radiance. Perfect for when my skin is feeling dry and dull, and it’s also meant to reduce redness and sooth sensitivity. A match made in heaven for my eczema-prone skin.
Aesop Parsley Seed Cleansing Masque
This is another mask I’ve been using for a couple of years now and have repurchased multiple times. It’s a clay-based mask, but it also contains soothing ingredients such as aloe, evening primrose and rosehip seed oil. I love using this when my skin feels a bit congested, but too sensitive to use a heavy-duty clay mask like the Fresh one. It’s just that little bit gentler and less drying, but it still makes me skin feel clean and purified.
Farmacy Honey Potion Mask
This is probably the most satisfying mask on the list. It’s thick like honey, and once you massage it into your skin, it turns white and gives a warm and tingly sensation. Farmacy’s honey blend works so well for me, and their products always leave my skin feeling hydrated and happy. This mask is one of the few skincare products I’ve found where I’ll wake up the morning after using it and actually notice a difference from just the one use: smooth, fresh, glowy skin.
Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask
My go-to face mask during the winter when my skin feels extra dry and dull. It’s full of antioxidants and vitamins and helps my skin feel a little bit more alive. I also love that it’s a bit of a multi-use product, and can also be used as a moisturizer. I like to use it on extra-dry spots like my hands as well.
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Masque
Salicylic acid is a godsend for breakout-prone skin, and I love using the ingredient in face mask form for super targeted application. This mask is another one that I turn to when I feel a pimple or two coming on, or have overall congested skin. It helps to nip any inbound zits in the bud before they come up to the surface, and also help things heal up faster. I’ll use it all over my face when needed, but I especially love using this on targeted spots and leaving it on for an hour or so. It’s definitely a potent product so proceed with caution if you have super sensitive skin, but it always helps me keep breakouts at bay.
