I’m a recent convert to face masks. In the past I didn’t really see the point as my skin is quite dry and I’d always thought of masks as best for oily or congested skins - the kind that make your face crack or you peel off like a piece of plastic (that type always appealed I must admit!). Face masks have become very sophisticated, very now and available for every skin type. They don’t just extract impurities and unclog pores; in fact they often put in as much as they take out.
Here are four of my favourites, which I’ve been using regularly in recent months.
GlamGlow
There’s been a lot of talk about this one and I totally understand why. A favourite of celebs, this exfoliating mud mask contains ancient Volcanic Pumice Rock, French Sea Clay and pieces of Green Tea Leaf - yes, actual bits that stick to your face. This is a face-cracker… I had to hide from my kids squeals when they saw me with it on as I literally couldn’t even speak never mind laugh! Afterwards my skin genuinely felt in-freaking-credible. So soft, fresh and utterly amazing. It’s not cheap at almost £50, but Beauty Bay has it on offer for £31.17 so I may have to treat myself to a full sized pot!
Dr Lewinn’s Ultra R4 Recovery Masque
I’d wanted to try Dr Lewinn’s skincare for a long time… I was so impressed by the nail strengthener, I had to find out for myself if the skincare was on a par. Happily, it’s equally fabulous! I totally get why Dr Lewinn described this as a detox for the skin… a purifying clay mask, it deeply cleanses, resurfaces and moisturises, boosting collagen and elastin. A perfect example of a mask that puts in more than it takes out, it includes a cocktail of sophisticated active ingredients, ranging from peptides to mushroom extract! It left my skin really glowing and didn’t dry it out at all - the texture looked more refined, particularly in areas where I usually suffer from enlarged pores. A brilliant all rounder. £41 for 100g here.
Vichy Normaderm 3 in 1
I was worried that this 3 in 1 cleanser, scrub and mask might dry my skin out as it’s targeted at more oily skins, but was absolutely fine when I used it once a week or stuck to my T-zone, which is prone to enlarged pores. I imagine normal to oily or combination skins could use it several times a week. It can be left on for 5 mins as a mask, then gently massaged in to exfoliate before rinsing off, or just used as a regular exfoliating cleanser…. how clever! My overwhelming experience of this product was how incredibly refreshing and gentle it seemed (it’s suitable for sensitive skins). A great product at a reasonable price. Get it for £9.35 at Escentual (current offer).
La Roche Posay Soothing Rehydrating Mask
Described as a ‘thermal bath for sensitive skin’, I can’t think of a better way to sum up this mask. I’m sure I’m not alone in feeling the need for extra hydration while slipping between the recent cold weather and central heating. This mask has been an absolute godsend… it’s so gentle and feels super calming on parched, tender skin. Hyaluronic Acid deeply hydrates while La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water acts as a natural antioxidant, soothing the skin. You’re supposed to apply a thick layer, leave it on for 10mins & remove, but I quite often just apply a thin layer before bed and leave it on all night, waking up to plumped up, soft skin. Currently reduced to £13.60 at Escentual.
So that’s it: purifying, rejuvenating, exfoliating and hydrating… all the things my skin has been loving from these masks. On an ongoing basis I’d use either the Glamglow or Dr Lewinn’s to deep cleanse and refine, plus La Roche Posay to hydrate.
Do you ever use a face mask?
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