The Beauty Insider: Face Masks Unmasked
I love a facemask. I like to believe that they solve all my problems. If I’m tired, I chuck on a facemask. The same goes for when I’m hungover/jetlagged/emotional and, I’m not gonna lie, there’s been times where I’ve covered myself in some sort of clay mud when I’m hungry, to distract me from ordering Deliveroo. True story.
I’m also that girl who will not travel without a sheet mask. I swear by them for hydrating my skin during flights. Whether it be a 45min flyby to Amsterdam, or a long haul to LA, I’ve scared many an airhostess with my ‘mask face’.
Whatever your skin dilemma, there’s a mask out there for you. Now, they’re not going to instantly solve your issues, but they’ll defiantly give your skin a boost and a bit of TLC. So, stick them into your Sunday skincare routine.
Below are my top picks and the reasons why I love them...
Seoulista Beauty Super Hydration Mask
- Type - Sheet mask
- Time - 20 mins
- Good for - all skin types but particularly good for dehydrated, tired skin.
I’ve been using these babies for ages. They are great for a few reasons. Firstly, they are made from natural ingredients. Secondly, they are infused with hyaluronic acid and vitamins to add intense hydration to your skin. I pack them in my hand luggage every time I fly.
Marie Reynolds Restore Mask
- Type - Powder mask. Mix a small amount with water to create a paste
- Time - 10-15mins
- Good for - all skin types. But particularly good for anyone with acne, blemishes and dehydrated, irritated skin.
I was introduced to this incredible facemask when I had a bad cold sore. I coated the mask over my lips as recommended by Marie herself, and after 48hrs the inflammation and redness had reduced dramatically. This mask is one that I now invest in time and time again. Although, I must say, the pot lasts for ages. Each application of the mask provides the skin with over 5 billion live bacteria cultures. These along with other awesome ingredients such as hemp protein, acai, green tea and a ton more, help to rebalance and rejuvenate the skin.
Fresh Rose Face Mask
- Type - Gel formula
- Time - 5-10 mins
- Good for - all skin types. Particularly good for firming the skin
I discovered Fresh years ago in America, so was thrilled when they came to the UK. I love all their masks and find them all super effective. But this one is my fave. It’s infused with actual rose petals and rose water, as well as aloe vera, cucumber and green tea. All known for soothing and toning the skin. It’s super cooling when applied making it particularly great for holidays when your skin can feel a touch tender after being out in the sun.
Garnier Moisture Bomb Mask
- Type - Tissue mask
- Time - 15 mins
- Good for - boosting hydration
This mask is a bargain, and it actually works. It’s meant to hold as much hydration as a week’s worth of moisturiser, which is pretty impressive. It defiantly gives your skin a glow. I love to use this one before a night out as I find it doesn’t leave too much residue meaning that I can apply makeup onto my skin, 10-15minutes after use.
Sarah Chapman 3D Moisture Infusion Mask
- Type - bio-cellulose sheet mask (this is a sheet mask that gives superior absorption to the skin)
- Time - 15 mins
- Good for - a lot of things! But particularly great for redness, dehydrated, dull skin
Like Marie Reynolds, Sarah Chapman is a genius skin expert. I love her entire skincare line and these masks are no exception. They 3 key ingredients are Pentavitin, low molecular-weight hyaluronic acid and rosewater. All of these create exceptional hydration, as well as soothing and firming the skin. They also include multi minerals, zinc, copper and magnesium. These help to optimise cell renewal and help to relieve the appearance of redness.
The Body Shop Japanese Matcha Tea Pollution Clearing Mask
- Type - Cream mask
- Time - 5-10 mins
- Good for - purifying and gently exfoliating
We’ve all heard that matcha green tea is the holy grail of tea. The benefits are incredible, although, I’m not going to lie, I think the tea tastes disgusting! However, the Body shop has managed to put all the benefits into a gorgeous face mask. This mask is great if you live in a city as it deeply purifies and gently exfoliates which helps to remove the build-up of city pollutants and impurities. With the amount of dirt on the Underground, I wouldn’t mind a giant tub of this to cover my entire body!
Dr. Jart Rubber Mask in Bright Lover
- Type - Rubber mask
- Time - 20-30mins
- Good for - brightening and correcting uneven skin tone
The first thing that you need to know about this mask is that you will look crazy with it on. The second thing that you need to know is that that doesn’t matter, because your skin will love you. This mask comes in two parts. The first part is a highly concentrated serum that you smother all over you face. The second part is the slightly scary looking rubber mask. You place this over the skin once the serum is applied, and it wraps the skin preventing the active ingredients from evaporating, allowing the product to work harder. This brightening version which contains vitamins A, B, C and E gives your skin a mega glow for days.
So, these are my favourites. It’s been such a chore testing these out for you guys over the past few months. I know, I know, you feel terrible for me! Ha! Seriously though, if your skin is looking tired and dull, or if you just need a bit of me-time, chuck on a facemask, they really do work wonders.
Love & Lipstick,
Lisa xx
Lisa Potter-Dixon is a presenter, make-up artist and Head Make-Up Artist for Benefit Cosmetics. Follow her @Lisapotterdixon, tag her in your beauty pics with #LearnwithLisa and @Sheerluxe on Instagram.
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