I got hooked on face masks again. I don’t know if it was because I no longer indulge in facials as much as I used to or my skin needs a bit more after traveling, busy work weeks and the harsh New England weather. I’ve always had a few face masks in my skincare arsenal, but over time got lazy on adding them into my beauty routine.
Recently, I saw that my skin was craving something “extra” that would help with hydration, clarity and keep skin calm. Cold, windy days and then a warm day here and there left my skin in a bad cycle. I would have redness on my cheeks and some tiny breakouts on my forehead, plus my skin would also be dull and dry.
I used to love getting facials, but I no longer have the time or the patience for them, and with my tricky skin it is sometimes best to not try anything new on my face. Adding a face mask to my nighttime routine has felt a little more indulgent while also yielding great results. Since my skin has turned more sensitive, I look for specific masks that have gentle formulas with ingredients that boost hydration and clarity without adding any irritation.
The ones below are currently my favorite masks that work for a variety of skin types, but are great for sensitive skin and for those that use retinol and AHAs in their skincare routine a few times a week.
Charlotte Tilbury Goddess Skin Clay Mask
I’ve used many clay masks in the past, but sometimes they are too drying. I was looking for one that would help with congestion, but also brighten and smooth. This mask by Charlotte Tilbury contains Spanish clay with sweet almond oil so it’s not drying like other clay masks. I put it on nights when my skin needs a moisture boost, but may also have a few breakouts so I want it to work on both issues. I love how it makes my skin feel, never tight or irritated and always smooth in just 10 minutes.
Like I mentioned above, my skin as of late can one day look great and then one day turn red, blotchy and sensitive—it’s something I’ve been battling the past few months. I had to learn that when my skin is like that it’s best to use minimal, soothing products geared towards sensitive skin. I’ve used this brand before so I know it’s a good one and thought I would invest in its soothing moisture mask to try on days when I needed extra hydration, but also help with calming the skin. The mask is rich and creamy with no fragrance and contains nourishing safflower oil with its signature thermal spring water. I put it on after I cleanse my skin and leave on for 15 minutes and lightly tissue it off. It always calms my skin and makes it feel really soft.
Everyone battles dry skin at some point, even if they sometimes have breakouts. This mask by Farmacy contains special honey from the company’s farm in upstate New York that is high in anti-oxidants so it hydrates and protects skin instantly and also has microbial properties to heal the skin. I love how it warms up on the skin and turns into a creamy light mask. It’s great on days when your skin is super-dry and dull or in need of a moisture boost after traveling.
I love this gel mask for a few reasons. One, it has a great airy gel consistency, and two, it adds instant moisture at a great price. I can see myself using this one in the spring and summer months on a hot day outside or after a big night out to help calm and hydrate the skin. It contains Nordic birch sap and arctic spring water to help balance and hydrate and it’s great for all skin types.
Some days I love sheet masks and some days I don’t want to go near them. I think everyone has tried one of these in the past few years as they are popular and super convenient. The thing I like about sheet masks is that they are super-concentrated and after they are on for 15 to 20 minutes you rub in the excess serum and your skin soaks it all up. I like these because the ingredients are spot on and they help target a variety of issues—fine lines, dullness, moisture loss—while also calming the skin. Immediately, after I use them my skin is glowy and nourished like I just left a spa.
Do you guys have any favorite face masks? I am always up for hearing about new ones.
Share this story
