Easy Two-Step Method to Selecting the Perfect Face Mask (& My Personal Faves)
The perfect face mask can change your skin…it can change your whole life. Lol, okay I’m being dramatic, but I do love me a good face mask.
There are tons of face masks, but the truth is, you don’t need to try all of them. Finding ones that work for you can be tricky and quite overwhelming, but there is an easy method that can narrow down your search.
Step 1: Take your skin type into consideration when selecting face masks
Most masks are geared towards specific skin types (oily, dry, sensitive, acne-prone, etc.) If you pick up a mattifying mask when your skin is already dry, you’ll most likely be disappointed in the results. If you have relatively clear skin, and you try out a mask meant for clearing acne, you likely won’t see a difference and may find it to be harsh on your skin. This doesn’t mean these masks aren’t good; it just means that these masks aren’t good for YOUR skin. Avoid picking up masks just because you’ve heard good things. Always make sure you’re taking your skin type into consideration first.
Step 2: Determine your skin care goals
What are you trying to achieve by using these face masks? Do you have dull skin that you’d like brightened? Do you have dry skin that you’d like to be moisturized? Do you have acne that you’d like to get rid of? The face mask selection process becomes easier once you’ve figured out exactly what you’d like to achieve when it comes to your skin.
Once you’ve determined your skin type and skin care goals, do some research on masks that may be a good match and try them out! I always like to get mini/travel sizes if possible just to ensure that they 100% work before I fully commit.
My Favorite Face Masks
I have sensitive, combination skin. My skin is oily around the perimeter (forehead, chin, outer cheeks), and dry in the center of my face (under my eyes, between my brows, and my nose area). My main skin care goals right now are:
Getting rid of my hyperpigmentation/dark spots
Ensuring my skin stays well moisturized/hydrated (I’m not a huge fan of my dry patches)
Keeping my skin clear and texture-free
To achieve these goals I like to get masks that fall into one of these three buckets:
Exfoliating
Moisturizing/Hydrating
Clarifying
Here are some of my faves:
Exfoliating Masks
An exfoliating mask works to get rid of dry, flaky skin to reveal softer, smoother, and brighter skin. I use the Origins Retexturizing Mask to reduce dry skin flakes. It has a grittiness to it that helps scrub away those flakes and make the skin super soft.
Exfoliating masks can also be great for hyperpigmentation/dark spots, especially if you use a chemical exfoliator such as The Ordinary’s 10-Minute Exfoliating Facial. This mask works wonders! It quickly turns over skin cells which in turn reduces the appearance of dark spots/hyperpigmentation quicker than your standard exfoliating mask would.
Hydrating/Moisturizing Masks
Now, let’s talk about my absolute favorite type of masks, hydrating/moisturizing masks. My skin is always in need of a pick-me-up. Dehydration commences from too much wind, too much sun, traveling, and after an intense workout. My gets really…thirsty (lol) but thank God for hydrating masks! They quickly hydrate my skin and bring it back to being soft, supple, and glowy.
I’m not super picky when it comes to hydrating masks. I have tons of $2 sheet masks that do a great job, but I do have a few stand out masks that I love. Farmacy’s Honey Potion, GLAMGLOW’s Thirsty Mud, and Dr. Jart+’s Dermask are my faves. All of these masks leave my skin feeling soft and smooth like butter.
Clarifying Masks
Contrary to popular belief, I do have acne prone skin. My skin is NOT naturally clear. I have to keep my routine in check for my skin to be free of breakouts. Clarifying masks are an essential part of my skincare routine as they clear out all the gunk stuck in my pores. They clear active breakouts and prevent future breakouts from occurring.
I use the Sunday Riley, GLAMGLOW, and Origins masks mostly for active acne. They do a great job of drying and shrinking pimples. The Dr. Jart+ sheet mask is used mostly for preventative measures. I like to use it when I haven’t been treating my skin right and I want to avoid a breakout (I.E. fell asleep with my makeup on, didn’t wash my face immediately after a workout, went a while without washing my makeup brushes, etc.) This is a quick mask I use to make sure my skin stays in check.