How to use masks to target and fix your biggest skin issues.
When I was in my twenties, my idea of a “skincare routine” consisted of remembering to wash my makeup off before bed, and even then I wasn’t consistent. The older I get, the more important I realize it is to put extra effort into skincare. Nowadays, I wear sunscreen daily, use serum, oil, and lotion twice a day, see an esthetician monthly for facials, and use a mask a few times a week. Since washing off my makeup at night is still a challenge, I’ve created a routine around it: Before going to bed I wash my face, and if needed, I put on a mask. Depending on what my skin is like that week (which often depends on what the weather is like, where I’m at in my cycle, and the amount I’m working out/sweating), I’ll select a different mask to target any issues. Here are the seven face masks I keep in my regular rotation:
Chantecaille Jasmine and Lily Healing Mask: Whenever my skin is feeling/looking angry or irritated, this is the mask I use. It’s incredibly hydrating and uses lily bulb to brighten my complexion (for this reason, it’s also great for sunburns!). I also love that it smells amazing and doesn’t harden, so it’s comfortable enough to leave on longer than the recommended 10 to 15 minutes (often masks are so uncomfortable, I find myself counting down to taking them off).
Caudalíe Instant Detox Mask: I use this mask more often than any other. It dries quickly (pictured below), reduces the size of my pores, and tightens without drying out my skin. I always get compliments on my skin after I’ve used it.
Tata Harper Purifying Face Mask: I’m a huge fan of Tata Harper’s all-natural beauty products (I also regularly use her face wash), and buy her face mask whenever I can find it—it’s often sold out! It’s just a really good, basic deep-cleansing mask that uses probiotics (the same you’ll find in yogurt) and is especially useful if you live in a high-pollution city like Los Angeles or New York. To use it, I apply it to my skin for 20 minutes, then remove with warm water.
Shiseido Benefiance WrinkleResist24 Pure Retinol Express Smoothing Eye Mask: I’m always amazed at how many makeup artists swear by these—nearly every time I go to an early morning shoot, they put these on me to reduce under-eye swelling. They’re insanely effective (I also use them after a sodium-rich day of eating) and make me look awake and well-rested in as little as 15 minutes.
Ole Henriksen Power Peel: I’ve only recently started using this mask, but it effectively minimizes fine lines and wrinkles, and is a great alternative to expensive treatments like microdermabrasion.
Philosophy Purity Pore Extractor: Philosophy was one of the first brands I started to buy from when I became aware of the importance of a strong skincare game, so this mask holds a certain amount of nostalgia with it. But the fact is, it’s just a really good, pore-and blackhead-minimizing mask, especially considering the price (it’s $35 while similar products can be as much as $65 or $80). Since it’s clay-based, you may want to avoid this if you have overly dry skin.
Lancome Hydra Zen Night Masque : This is another great sheet mask that fixes a whole host of problems. My skin always feels noticeably softer and smoother after using it. Each mask contains half a bottle’s worth of their “Advanced Génifique” product, and promises the results you’d normally see in seven days in just 20 minutes. I have to say, I believe them!
