The Face Mask Edit

Ah face masks, my favourite end of the day treat. I think at this point it would be fair to say I’m something of a face mask addict, I reach for them before bed, on an early morning, when I get home from work, on planes, on long car rides – basically, I’m all about the face masks.

In fact, my face mask collection is starting to get unruly. I may love face masks a little too much, they were starting to take over my bathroom. SO last weekend I sat down, sorted through them all, and whittled down my collection (I’m aware there’s still loads) to just my favourites, and today I’m rounding them up for you.

THE TRAVEL GO TO – Kiehl’s Cilantro and Orange Extract Pollutant Defending Masque.

This mask comes everywhere with me, it’s my go to for when my skin starts to feel a bit stressed, and it’s the perfect antidote to spending hours on a plane, travelling or too long in the city. This helps my skin feel clearer after a long day, and helps keep any travel-related congestion away from my skin.

Preferred Application: Apply a thin layer to the face during travel to act as a barrier, or leave to soak in overnight.

Skin Type: Most, but would steer clear if you’re very oily.

How much do you get? 100ml, but you don’t need much, this will last you forever.

Price? £29 at Selfridges.

THE BREAKOUT BUSTER – Origins Clear Improvement Charcoal Mask.

I love having a good charcoal mask on hand, there’s nothing better for drawing out impurities in the skin and making you feel good again. I always come back to this one from Origins, because it’s not too stripping on the skin and it’s fast acting.

Preferred Application: Apply a thin layer to the face after a shower, remove with a hot cloth after around 15 minutes.

Skin Type: Any.

How much do you get? 100ml, but again a tube will last a long time.

Price?  £25 from John Lewis.

THE SKIN TREAT – First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Instant Oatmeal Mask.

My skin just adores this stuff! I reach for it anytime my skin just wants a little pamper, it’s softening, nourishing and gentle, leaves my skin feeling smooth and happy.

Preferred Application: Massage generously into the skin, allow to sit for 10-15 minutes and then remove with a hot cloth.

Skin Type: Any, but steer clear if you’re super oily.

How much do you get? 56g, I think I got around 15 uses from it.

Price?  £19 from Look Fantastic.

THE DRY SKIN ANTIDOTE – Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask.

This one of my winter skin must haves, whether my skin is just feeling the effects of the cold weather or too much air con, this stuff is like an instant skin fix. It’s gentle and it smells like oranges which can only be a good thing.

Preferred Application: Apply thickly overnight to wake up with juicy skin, or a thin layer washed off after 10 minutes for a quick hydration burst.

Skin Type: Dry skinned gals, this is for you.

How much do you get? 100ml, but this sucker will last you forever.

Price?  £25 from John Lewis.

THE CALMING ONE – Glossier Mega Greens Galaxy Pack.

I’ll be honest and say that this mask didn’t do what I expected – I was kind of expecting something like the Origins Clear Improvement mask – but I do really like it. It’s clarifying for sure, but it’s definitely on the more subtle side. I use the Origins when my skin is in need of extreme help, and the Glossier when I just want things to feel a little clearer. It’s nice and gentle on the skin, and despite being clay based it doesn’t get too tight on the skin, which I appreciate. It doesn’t really dry and set either so if you’ve got drier skin this is a good clarifying option.

Preferred Application: Apply enough that the mask is opaque on the skin, wash off after 15-20 minutes.

Skin Type: I would avoid if you’ve got super oily skin, or are looking for something to help with a big breakout.

How much do you get? 3floz/90ml. You need quite a bit though, I can’t see this lasting more than 10 applications.

Price?  £18 direct from Glossier. Use this link to get 10% off!

THE OVERNIGHT FAVOURITE – Glossier Moisturizing Moon Mask.

I feel a little bad including this as a mask because really, I just use it as a night cream. It’s a lightweight, jelly textured moisturiser that absorbs pretty fast. It’s not quite as intense as my Origins Drink Up Intensive, so it wouldn’t be my go to for really dry skin days, but I adore it as my nightly skin treat of choice. It is worth noting that I’d avoid it if your skin is broken, I tried to use this on a chapped post-cold nose this week and it stung so bad I had to wash it off immediately!

Preferred Application: Generously applied before bed as my evening moisturiser.

Skin Type: Normal/dry skin types will love.

How much do you get? 3floz/90ml. You don’t need much of this either, I’ve been using it nightly for the last two months and still have over half left.

Price?  £18 direct from Glossier. Use this link to get 10% off!

THE INSTANT GLOW GIVER – Ren Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask.

This one was a bit of a slow burn for me, I picked it up because everyone and their cat seemed to love it, but never really got the attraction. Turns out I wasn’t using it enough, because now when I use it, I see an instant difference in my skin. This stuff gets rid of any dead skin and really brightens things up, I use it when my skin is feeling a little lacklustre.

Preferred Application: Generous application applied ten minutes before hopping in the shower.

Skin Type: Steer clear if you have especially sensitive or super dry skin.

How much do you get? 50ml, and never seems to run out.

Price?  £34 from Net-a-Porter.

THE SKIN PERKER-UPPER – Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask.

The most recent addition to my mask collection, and possibly one of my favourites. I use this once or twice a week and it does so much for my skin. I apply before bed and wake up to plumper, juicier and brighter skin. Hydration, plumping and exfoliation in one? Yes please.

Preferred Application: Generously applied before bed as an overnight mask.

Skin Type: All skin types.

How much do you get? 80ml but you need the tiniest amount!

Price?  £30ish via Sephora. £40 on Cult Beauty.

THE SKIN SOOTHER – Lush Bunny Moon Jelly Face Mask.

Despite the weird texture, I really love this mask. It’s calming and antiseptic so when my skins freaking out I like to use it as a follow up to something like the Origins Clear Improvement mask. It’s really calming on the skin, being packed with camomile, and it helps get rid of any redness.

Preferred Application: As a follow up to a clarifying mask, applied to the skin for twenty minutes.

Skin Type: Any.

How much do you get? Around 60ml.

Price?  £6.95 from Lush.

THE TIRED SKIN SAVIOUR – Kiehl’s Tumeric and Cranberry Seed Energizing Radiance Masque.

Now, I should preface this by saying that this is a hella messy mask, and it kinda puts me off using it though. That being said, it’s a great brightening mask, and I tend to use this in the mornings if my skin is looking a little on the tired side. It’s exfoliating and brightening, and after using this my skin looks much more awake!

Preferred Application: Scrub a generous amount into the skin and then let it sit for around 15 minutes.

Skin Type: Any.

How much do you get? 100ml.

Price? £29 from Selfridges.

THE LIP TREAT – Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask.

I’m not sure if this counts in the ‘face’ mask category, but I had to include it! This Korean skincare treat is amazing, I pop this on in place of a usual lip balm before bed and I can still feel it on my lips when I wake up. It’s really thick and hydrating, and it does the job. Also, it’s berry scented.

Preferred Application: Slathered on before bed.

Skin Type: Any.

How much do you get? 20g.

Price? £14 from Sephora.

Okay, I know that’s an excessive amount, but can you believe that it’s about half of what I used to have! That’s growth people!

Any other face masks I should be raving about? Have I missed out your favourite? Let me know what your favourite skin treats are!